Surely the first question is why would you fund the WH ballroom

“If we do all that, and everybody’s prospering and they’re all a part of it, and there’s upside for everybody, that’s going to naturally be a bulwark against future conflicts there. Because everybody’s thriving.” Hasn’t Putin tried this BS before

I’ll defer as I don’t know the detail but I understood these were loans from the Commission to EU countries to buy military hardware. Under the deal more of the loans could be used to buy British kit. I can understand not buying US kit to reduce dependency but the U.K. is a major EUR ally

Pathetic by the EU in a time of crisis and a desperate need for unity and rearmament. More short term ism, point scoring and political posturing

Didn’t like focus/dismissive attitude of past promises as I’m sure in previous episodes it has been acknowledged the world has changed and the Gov should be prepared to be bolder. Would have preferred focus to be how does this encourage growth and what is the overall msg. @newsagents.bsky.social

Use the additional tax receipts to invest in UK long term growth. Education. Housing. Infrastructure. Health. Supporting strategic growth industries. Nationalise key strategic/failing industries. Stop sale of U.K. assets/companies to overseas entities who transfer the value elsewhere

Simplify income tax: remove marginal rate oddities + up level of top rate. Reform council tax to use up to date/live valuations. Bring in wealth tax. Tax more companies that are removing wealth from U.K. and/or not contributing to growth. Lower CapGains to apply to small U.K. entrepreneurs only.

Is there any logic to this other than to appear to be bashing foreigners

Also clear US sees EUR as a potential competitor both as a power but also as an alternative form of government. Actions are intended to weaken EUR at every turn

Didn’t realise this was a Government initiative. If you’re falling back on flags you’re in trouble. Leaning too hard into pageantry shows a lack of confidence in the country and what your doing to make things better

Think RUS plan relies upon return of EUR inertia and timidness. If it could instead be confronted by a well organised and armed EU taking its place on the global stage as a federalised superpower the whole thing backfires. Sadly think he’s probably right and EUR would fall back into its old rhythms

Whilst I agree this is a stitch up, conceding war ravaged set of provinces to stop war and rebuild might make sense but only if EUR take it seriously. Build up non US reliant force along the RUS border as a deterrent force. Rebuild UKR and fast track EU membership could = collapse RUS federation

Delighted to say that months after sending several emails to my local MP, I have had a response. Basically telling me that he’s not intending to reply but instead here’s a newsletter setting out what I think you should be concerned about. So thats good.