Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 05/02/2025Lovely walk from Howick …through Craster and on to Dunstanburgh Castle. It’s not often we see sheep looking in rock pools. Delicate smokey smell as we passed through the village but sadly I’m not a fan of kippers….now my dad …he loved them! ❤️ 180
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 05/02/2025"There’s nothing he likes more than a bit of Tory-bashing. Even if these days that’s a bit like taking candy from a baby." Ed Miliband emerges from his bunker to bask in Labour backbench love | John Crace www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comEd Miliband emerges from his bunker to bask in Labour backbench love | John CraceDeprived of Rachel Reeves’s affections, the energy secretary revelled in playing climate crisis hero to her villain 041
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 27/01/2025"Dehumanisation rarely leads to genocide, but all genocides begin with dehumanisation." The Guardian view on commemorating Auschwitz’s liberation: the urgency of Holocaust remembrance | Editorial www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comThe Guardian view on commemorating Auschwitz’s liberation: the urgency of Holocaust remembrance | EditorialEditorial: Eighty years after the Nazi death camp was freed, the testimony of survivors is as crucial as ever 050
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 26/01/2025“He’s liberal, which is a bit different from me, but I think he’s a very good person and I think he’s done a very good job thus far,” Starmer doing a ‘very good job’ says Trump ahead of planned call between the two leaders www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...theguardian.comStarmer doing a ‘very good job’ says Trump ahead of planned call between the two leadersThe newly inaugurated US president told reporters on board Air Force One that he and Starmer ‘get along well’ despite their divergent political views 100
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 25/01/2025",,,revoke Delap’s recall, find a suitable tag for her to wear, and launch an inquiry into the systemic failures that led to this situation..." Just Stop Oil protester, 78, has jail term extended after no suitable tag found www.theguardian.com/society/2025...theguardian.comJust Stop Oil protester, 78, has jail term extended after no suitable tag foundExclusive: Gaie Delap told she will have to serve 20 more days that correspond to period of time at home after recall 142
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 24/01/2025"KemiKaze can take comfort from one thing. The Tories did such an exceptional job of knackering the UK economy - it’s proving trickier than Labour expected to put it right." KemiKaze shows she doesn’t do sorry in first broadcast as Tory leader | John Crace www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comKemiKaze shows she doesn’t do sorry in first broadcast as Tory leader | John CraceShe longs to distance herself from Boris, Liz and Rishi – but it’s as if she has given up already 140
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 24/01/2025"The previous Conservative government repeatedly agreed to its use against the advice of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Expert Committee on Pesticides." Government overturns Tory measure and bans emergency use of bee-killing pesticide www.theguardian.com/environment/...theguardian.comGovernment overturns Tory measure and bans emergency use of bee-killing pesticideEmergency use of Cruiser SB, a neonicotinoid pesticide highly toxic to bees, to be outlawed in UK in line with EU 000
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 23/01/2025“Today the lies are laid bare. Today, the cover-ups are exposed. And today proves that no one stands above the law. The time for accountability has arrived,” Prince Harry says Sun publisher made ‘historic admission’ as he settles case www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...theguardian.comPrince Harry says Sun publisher made ‘historic admission’ as he settles caseNews Group Newspapers offered Harry ‘full and unequivocal apology’ for ‘serious intrusion’ by the paper 030
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 23/01/2025"The latest ConservativeHome poll of party members shows Kemi tumbling down the popularity rankings." KemiKaze’s best PMQs so far leaves Starmer entirely unruffled | John Crace www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comKemiKaze’s best PMQs so far leaves Starmer entirely unruffled | John CraceThe Tory leader managed to devote all six questions to one subject, even if it was one she didn’t know much about 020
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 21/01/2025The Castle and gardens are popular attractions….I lived in Stratford upon Avon and so I’m used to tourists…. The surrounding area has so much to offer…😊 010
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 21/01/2025Good guess….is it 50 years since that embarrassing performance against Liverpool? 😮 …. The clue is in the slogan on the cup…. It’s Barter Books in Alnwick and they do a great bacon sandwich…😋 200
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 21/01/2025It’s red squirrel appreciation day today…..so here’s one I saw in Garrigill just over a year ago… 000
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 19/01/2025"Reeves has ahead of her one of the hardest jobs of any chancellor in recent decades." The Observer view: Rachel Reeves has an unenviable task, but she must stick to her plan for growth www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comThe Observer view: Rachel Reeves has an unenviable task, but she must stick to her plan for growthWhile some criticisms of the chancellor are justified, there’s no escaping there are no quick fixes to the bad hand she was dealt 010
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 19/01/2025“the most shocking waste of taxpayers’ money I have ever seen” Revealed: Conservatives spent £134m on never-used IT systems for failed Rwanda scheme www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j...theguardian.comRevealed: Conservatives spent £134m on never-used IT systems for failed Rwanda schemeHome Office official says data protection laws caused the cost of its forced removal programme to increase 010
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 17/01/2025"No one does pointlessness quite like KemiKaze. She is the queen of futility." KemiKaze’s ‘relaunch’ speech reveals a Tory leader already out of ideas | John Crace www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comKemiKaze’s ‘relaunch’ speech reveals a Tory leader already out of ideas | John CraceKemi Badenoch says she’s sorry not sorry for the mess left by 14 years of the Tories, but offers no clue of how to dig us out of it 032
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 16/01/2025Walked up through the gardens and on to Brizlee Tower in Hulne Park…. Great views of Hulne Abbey and all the way to the sea. Lots of pheasants about…what beautiful birds they are… Surprised to see there are still sheets of ice on areas not catching the sun…😊 030
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 16/01/2025"KemiKaze is just the latest in a long line of disappointments. She’s not the Messiah.... Their cheers for her are just a muted, half-arsed Pavlovian response." Labour could hardly have written KemiKaze a better script – and she blew it | John Crace www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comLabour could hardly have written KemiKaze a better script – and she blew it | John CraceTory cheers were just a muted, half-arsed Pavlovian response as their leader failed to land a single punch on the PM 000
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 15/01/2025Surprise fall in UK inflation to 2.5% eases pressure on Rachel Reeves www.theguardian.com/business/202...theguardian.comSurprise fall in UK inflation to 2.5% eases pressure on Rachel ReevesAfter week of turbulence in markets, ONS data shows prices rose at slower rate last month than in November 120
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 15/01/2025"In a generally underwhelming shadow cabinet – there’s no one in there who you would trust to feed your dog..." Stride’s Hamlet gag saves Reeves from slings and arrows of economic fortune | John Crace www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comStride’s Hamlet gag saves Reeves from slings and arrows of economic fortune | John CraceInstead of evaluating chancellor’s performance, her shadow apes rightwing press and calls for her sacking 030
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 12/01/2025“The Conservative party is definitely taking a huge risk that it will be accused of being a bunch of hypocrites,” Tories back Badenoch’s ‘risky’ call for grooming gangs inquiry www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comTories back Badenoch’s ‘risky’ call for grooming gangs inquiryKeir Starmer accuses opposition leader of spending ‘a lot of time on social media over Christmas’ 050
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 11/01/2025Unpacking boxes…found a couple of items I haven’t seen in years…. How do I know they’re authentic? Well…when my daddy heard his pit was closing 50 years ago…Like Johnny Cash…. 🎶 He took them one piece at a time…🎶 Hidden in his little bait tin…he rebuilt them at home 🤭 010
Reposted by Alan H Julie Street @juliest101.bsky.social · 10/01/2025Lisa Nandy doing an excellent job of defending Rachel Reeves and the budget on #r4today She's doing an excellent job as the minister for Culture and Sport but ffs what's she doing about Media? ... especially the BBC with it's sinister agenda to undermine our government. 98916
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 11/01/2025"Meanwhile, some analysts believe it is the “‘flation” part of the stagflation scare that is overblown, with inflation expected to tumble, opening the way for lower interest rates." Rachel Reeves faces another anxious week of second-guessing the City www.theguardian.com/business/202...theguardian.comRachel Reeves faces another anxious week of second-guessing the CityMarkets appear to be fretting over sustainability of tax and spending plans and whether UK is heading for ‘stagflation’ 000
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 11/01/2025"Kemi Badenoch is bottling it and trying to cancel local elections because she’s terrified of more Lib Dem gains and a Conservative collapse that would threaten her leadership." Tory party accused of ‘bottling’ May elections as county councils seek delay www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comTory party accused of ‘bottling’ May elections as county councils seek delayApplications to devolution programme by 13 Conservative-led councils in England will allow year’s delay if successful 131
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 10/01/2025"Intoxicated by the thrill of conspiracy-think, Tories have forgotten that most voters still expect basic decency from politicians" I didn’t think it was possible, but this week has been a new low for the Tories | Polly Toynbee www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comI didn’t think it was possible, but this week has been a new low for the Tories | Polly ToynbeeThe language and style of British Conservatism is now taken directly from the fact-free world of online conspiracy, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee 090
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 09/01/2025"No party leader interested in governing on behalf of every British citizen could endorse the view expressed by Robert Jenrick. Badenoch appears to share that view." Kemi Badenoch was supposed to make the Tories serious again. She has failed | Rafael Behr www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comKemi Badenoch was supposed to make the Tories serious again. She has failed | Rafael BehrBy jumping on Elon Musk’s passing bandwagon and echoing the far right, the Conservative leader has shown she doesn’t understand her responsibilities, says Guardian columnist Rafael Behr 010
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 09/01/2025"The last Conservative government set a low bar for looking competent and credible, yet still Ms Badenoch cannot clear it." The Guardian view on Kemi Badenoch: lacking substance, courage and judgment | Editorial www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comThe Guardian view on Kemi Badenoch: lacking substance, courage and judgment | EditorialThe Conservative leader is failing at the most essential task of opposition – looking fit to one day govern 042
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 09/01/2025"Kemi is not the messiah. She’s just a liability." Tories’ Pavlovian response to Elon Musk’s tweets leads to shameless PMQs | John Crace www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comTories’ Pavlovian response to Elon Musk’s tweets leads to shameless PMQs | John CraceKemi Badenoch wanted an inquiry because she wanted an inquiry. Why was that difficult to understand? 133
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 09/01/2025"Conservatives are in a “bad place” and “plenty of Conservative MPs are looking pretty embarrassed at what was being said by their party leader”, Kemi Badenoch." Labour sees off Tory ‘bandwagon’ call for new inquiry into sexual abuse gangs www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comLabour sees off Tory ‘bandwagon’ call for new inquiry into sexual abuse gangsMinisters condemn Conservative attempt to block child wellbeing and schools bill with ‘shameful’ amendment 072
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 08/01/2025"Starmer accused Badenoch of being more interested in “tweeting and talking” than taking action on behalf of victims." Starmer attacks Badenoch over call for new inquiry into sexual abuse gangs www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comStarmer attacks Badenoch over call for new inquiry into sexual abuse gangsPM accuses Tory leader of ‘bandwagon jumping’ and condemns plan to oppose children’s wellbeing bill 041
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 08/01/2025Blackbird sat on the fence in the early morning darkness waiting for me to feed him… “Early bird catches the meal worms”…. Still enough left for this fella’ 😊 010
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 07/01/2025"If this week has proven anything it is that friendships are fickle in the Maga world." Bromance on the rocks: where does Musk’s brush-off leave Nigel Farage? www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comBromance on the rocks: where does Musk’s brush-off leave Nigel Farage?The Reform leader’s dalliance with the US billionaire looks in trouble after an abrupt about-turn from the X boss 030
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 07/01/2025"What I won’t tolerate is politicians jumping on the bandwagon simply to get attention..." Starmer condemns ‘lies and misinformation’ as he hits back at Musk www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comStarmer condemns ‘lies and misinformation’ as he hits back at MuskPM also criticises politicians ‘jumping on the bandwagon’ amid row over action on child sexual exploitation 000
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 06/01/2025Still emptying boxes after our move… My son was given this model possibly 25 years ago at an organised event and I recall one of the mothers saying how impossible it was to do… Wasn’t really his thing and it appeared in my Christmas stocking …fun afternoon! #recycledpresents😊 000
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 03/01/2025"In a more equal society, why wouldn’t the living standards of a barista move closer to those of a barrister? " The death of the middle-class professional spells danger for Labour | Gaby Hinsliff www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comThe death of the middle-class professional spells danger for Labour | Gaby HinsliffGraduate pay is falling – and an aggrieved generation could join white-collar workers in supporting Reform UK, says Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff 000
Reposted by Alan H Aikiman @aikiman.bsky.social · 03/01/2025This should be the response from every journalist to every conservative mp and everyone who backed Brexit in every interview.m.youtube.com‘You created the mess!’: Caller debates with Suella BravermanYouTube video by LBC 163
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 01/01/2025When my dear MiL made this ‘knitivity’ for us all those years ago …I wonder if she knew that it would still be the centre of our celebrations…? The burning question is… What has Mary just said…? How about, “Well of course it’s a girl…!!!” The giggling sheep seem to know…🤭 010
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 01/01/2025And then vote Reform in the hope that everything will get better...🙄 120
Alan H @chattyman.bsky.social · 30/12/2024👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 The media need to take more responsibility for Britain's good welfare... 040
Reposted by Alan H Sarah Murphy @13sarahmurphy.bsky.social · 30/12/2024The Farage-athon in our media has to stop.All he represents is the weaponisation of prejudice to keep people angry and uninformed. But headlines about him go on and on, building up a myth instead of exposing him for the nasty little con artist he is. Years of this shit. Please can 2025 be different. 581307365