I must admit that I was very sceptical about socialism. I guess I owe all the leftists here an apology. Socialism is clearly superior to the free market and capitalism.

Remember. No matter how bad things are, they can always get worse.

Arise, Sir Greg!

Key point from Al Carns in the Daily Mail. It’s not just about how much you spend on defence but also ensuring the money is spent effectively.

Not sure there’s much difference between Nigel and Rupert on policy. But they hate each other’s guts. So I suspect Rupert would be pleased if Andy Burnham beats the plumber - as it would be bad news for Nigel.

At the next General Election the electorate will have a choice. If you want a warm dry towel, when you get out of the bath, vote Conservative. For a cold damp towel, vote Labour.

£4.5 billion for cycling and walking! Thank goodness there is so much money to splash around. gov.uk/government/news/cycli…

An opera about Margaret Thatcher? It’s “baffling” that nobody has done it before. Historian and podcaster @dcsandbrook has collaborated with composer Joseph Phibbs to create ‘Mrs T’, an opera based on the premiership of one of Britain’s most polarising prime ministers.

.@NigelBiggar via @PoliteiaUK: "The Bank of England’s outsourcing responsibility for decision-making to polls and focus-groups, has been to hand the enemies of the West yet another victory. In the Culture Wars, there is no neutral territory."

Opposite where I went to school in Pimlico.

BREAKING: 130 cross-party MPs and Peers co-sign letter led by CFI Honorary President Lord Polak CBE and Lord Mendelsohn, urging the UK Government to fast-track legislation to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). They welcome confirmation that the Home Office is preparing legislation to proscribe hostile state agencies, including the IRGC. No timeline has been set, however, and the parliamentarians state: "With the situation in Iran deteriorating rapidly and the IRGC’s hostile activities continuing abroad, it is vital that this legislation be prioritised and brought forward urgently." "The European Union has taken decisive steps to proscribe the IRGC. Any delay of action from the United Kingdom risks leaving us out of step with our closest partners."

So Zach Polanski earns £66,390 a year from the London Assembly to pitch up to the odd meeting - while his Green Party staff are overworked and underpaid. Exploiter!

Have you noticed how the American initials DEI have started to be used? Proud British yeomen insist on attending EDI training.

Given this statement from the National Police Chiefs Council it is silly to dispute that we have two tier policing. The debate is whether we should or not.

Senior figures at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, under the command of Andy Burnham, have cautioned firefighters who support Reform UK over their political views. In a further chilling assault on free speech, staff have also effectively been urged in an email to report colleagues who support Reform. Fire brigade bosses have also said they are seeking legal advice on what to do about firefighters who decide to stand as Reform UK candidates. This is despite the fact that, unlike police officers, there is no legal bar preventing firefighters from participating in national or local politics. In their email, fire brigade bosses Mr Petch and Ms Ahmed said: ’We are aware that some staff members have chosen to represent Reform UK in their local areas. We know this may cause concern within our network and wider. ’The individuals involved have been spoken to, to make it clear that as members of GMFRS (Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service) our core values and professional behaviours must be displayed at all times. ’The service is currently seeking formal legal guidance… to ensure we are protected from all perspectives and that our inclusive culture remains safe. ‘Our priority is and always will be ensuring that every member of this network feels supported, respected and safe at work.’ They also confirmed that they would be consulting the Fire Brigades Union on the matter. In his role as Mayor of Greater Manchester, @AndyBurnhamGM — who is also tipped by some to be a future Prime Minister if he wins the Makerfield by-election — is also Greater Manchester’s Fire Commissioner, responsible for overseeing the service. General Secretary of the Free Speech Union, Lord Young of Acton, has now written to Mr Burnham to raise concerns about the chilling effect this has on free speech. Lord Young said that the ‘clear implication’ of the email from the fire brigade bosses was that ‘representing Reform UK constitutes an inherent threat to the institution’s culture and values and is to be treated as morally suspect’. He also highlighted that no action appears to have been taken against firefighters who support other political parties. The letter also states: ‘Staff are further invited to report colleagues who support any groups that go against the service’s values, which effectively amounts to an instruction to inform on colleagues for their political beliefs. ’The email will create a chilling effect on the free speech of GMFRS employees who support Reform. ’The practical effect is that a public fire and rescue service governed by you is treating the lawful political activity of your electoral opponents as a reputational risk to their employer. ‘Regardless of whether this reflects your instruction, it reflects your governance; and a public office-holder who permits his institution to demonise or chill the speech and political activity of those who support his principal electoral rival cannot claim to be discharging that office with the impartiality it demands.’ Read more below 👇