I do find it extraordinary that current events in AI don’t make the top ~30 stories on the BBC News homepage

The thing that is so bewildering is that in Munich in February Keir Starmer gave one of his best speech as PM where he appeared to define his premiership on rebuilding UK defence credibility and taking a leadership role in Europe. Time and time again Starmer has said security is the point of his premiership. Insecurity is his main argument against changing leader. Rather than find a few extra billion to meet that rhetoric he has taken a political decision not to, siding not only with the Treasury but also inexplicably with the Labour welfare rebels who sunk his premiership. It means he is left with Ed Miliband in his cabinet, who has agitated for his downfall, and no John Healey. How has he managed that?

*ahem* had their days flipped upside down

Good thread on industry reaction to Healey

Rachel Reeves was said to have consistently argued that the SDR had been costed and therefore "refused to give a penny more” despite world events "War in the Middle East, Trump drawing back from Nato, Ukraine not getting easier... She completely ignores what's changed" - source

Doesn't feel like any former soldier (to wit, Al Carns) would stomach imposing DiP as def sec... at least with credibility in tact

Treasury trying to blame Healey and say they're avoiding cots. Other (No 10)sources saying No 10 is hard nosed and making cuts elsewhere to fund defence

My letter to the Prime Minister

Andy Burnham seeks to clarify his stance on WASPI compensation, after backing "recompense" yesterday. A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester mayor says he won't back "financial compensation" nationally and the issue is settled - but backs regional schemes to support women affected. Full statement: “Andy has always recognised the unfair way in which state pension equalisation was introduced. "As Mayor of Greater Manchester, he supported WASPI women in the city-region with early access to concessionary travel, providing some recompense to them within affordability limits. "He accepts the final decision has been made in relation to financial compensation but has indicated an openness to considering similar schemes on the Greater Manchester model.”

I have genuine sympathy for the BBC with this. If they’d gone out and spent the same amount of money ITV have on a studio like that, they’d get ripped apart for wasting Licence Fee money, so they stay in a UK studio and get laughed at for it. It’s impossible for them to win.

Small state advocate tells Greggs to put in bigger bins or face losing their licence 🥟

put THAT on your weird unlabelled axis graph, economists

Strong work from the justice secretary here

The Rutland Sea Dragon belongs here in Rutland. This once-in-a-generation find is part of our local story, and should be accessible for future generations to learn from and enjoy. Please sign the Friends of Rutland Museum and Oakham Castle and I’s petition today to help show that Rutlanders want this extraordinary piece of our heritage returned to where it was found. ✍🏻 You can add your name here: aliciakearns.com/rutland-sea… Together, let’s bring the Sea Dragon Home.

Company boss tried to torch Parliament courtnewsuk.co.uk/company-bo…

Here I was thinking American Football songs are actually miserable middle aged men with jazzy drum beats

Does any story truly exist until it has been slagged off by Tom?