Isuppose it was/is inevitable that spending on Defence is going up but in general it seems to be going in the right places, although I am hesitant about nuclear submarines. What is much more sensible is a proposal to limit education trust executive to a max of £174000 – this is still high, but I doubt if any will be resigning or going on strike! Similar provisions could and should be made for all public servants especially Councils where executive salaries are way to high, universities and the NHS Trusts. If they are good enough they can take industrial jobs and boost the economy in that way. This educational initiative comes after a report stated that schools were failing white working class children, and that many children were spending too much time in isolation. Education was a kinder place when I started teaching in 1975. Local authorities provided essential services a head teacher was provided for each school rather than spending time between several? With academies I see no improvements, other than services being privatised – diners at Churchill Academy have certainly plummeted, kids cannot even sit to enjoy their food and friendships – no wonder so many are fucked up!
Many newspaper had a large picture of Serena Williams losing at Wimbledon – front page news for a 40 year old rather famous and good, but still a has been! I guess giving Starmer shit is pointless and someone might raise the question of where Conservatives spent the money? Or even pointing out that the USA makes a huge amount of money via its companies in Europe – so their NATO spending is not at all altruistic – just plain looking after their interests (and if there was a conflict they would charge us, just like they did in WW2 -I think it took 50 years to repay the debt! Trump forgets that the USA operates a mafiaso like protection racket – and then he gets pissy when he likes Putin more than his NATO allies. I would place a curse on him, but JDVance could be worse (just as evil, but not senile!)
The World Cup continues to fascinate – it really is a World Cup! With countries of all colours, shapes and sizes from all over. 2 top European sides (Germany and Netherlands) are returning home, England, if they survive tonight, will have to visit Mexico City and Mexico in the last 16 – France, Spain and Brazil (occasionally) look good. Haarland, Messi, Mbappe are in a race for the golden boot and will Kane join them? In many ways it would be lovely to see DRCongo give some hope to that part of the world – but I also hope England win properly, with a Jude Bellingham wonder goal assisted by Saka!