Former senior police officer, lecturer and business consultant. Bracknell CLP Chair. School gov. Criminologist. Anti racist. Carer. Views are mine alone.
Brexit is a disaster, says Stephanie Flanders on
#Newsnight
just now. It would take business with 4 Americas to compensate for the loss of the single market. This whole populist misadventure has been catastrophic.
Yes, yes, yes, we have a new Labour councillor for Old Bracknell. Well done, Paul Bidwell, who smashed this by election, with a huge swing to Labour. I could not be happier!!!
Delighted to hear that former Bracknell Tory Borough Councillor, Dr Peter Hill, has joined
@UKLabour
He is beyond disgusted by the budget and has had enough of this wretched government. We give him the warmest of welcomes and hope he is the first of many. Well done, Peter.
We’re truly shocked & appalled that Bracknell Conservatives have selected a far right candidate for the local elections on 4th May. Please read our statement below
@UKLabour
@BBCNews
@LBC
A prominent local Tory in Bracknell has just sent me this - ‘The Tory party has been kidnapped by the ultra right but is content to follow orders. It deserves to be obliterated.’ He is now beyond disillusioned!
Really pleased to hear
@mrjamesob
tearing into Johnson’s treasonous relationship with Baron Evgeny Lebedev and his dad Alexander, a former KGB agent. There must be a full criminal investigation into this sordid affair.
We’re truly shocked & appalled that Bracknell Conservatives have selected a far right candidate for the local elections on 4th May. Please read our statement below
@UKLabour
@BBCNews
@LBC
Really disappointed to hear Ken Clarke denying the need for a public enquiry into Johnson’s handling of the pandemic, saying that hindsight is a wonderful thing. I thought Clarke was better than that
#BH
Driving down the A30 last night on South West Cornwall, I was struck by the large EU sign at the start of the roadworks highlighting their contribution to the funding. And to think the Cornish voted to leave. Huge mistake-
Almost in despair watching older people offering their views on asylum seekers on
#C4News
Why is it their knowledge & understanding is pitifully populist and damagingly negative? We absolutely must all do our utmost to ensure objective facts are accessible to all.
@LordAshcroft
@SuellaBraverman
The ‘whining of her critics’?! Her inflammatory, insensitive and racist comments bring only shame and disgrace to our country. That you encourage her in the use of such language is shocking.
The Ukrainian MP is incredibly impressive. Her eloquence, authority and focus is a sight to behold. And she’s flying home tomorrow to fight the Russians. Such courage and determination 👏👏👏
#bbcqt
This is beyond outrageous. You’d expect this in Putin’s Russia but not in the UK - Boris Johnson changes ministerial code to remove need to resign over breaches
@PippaCrerar
@BBCNews
I am beyond appalled by the BBC’s action. The malign influence of the Tory Party on the BBC is there for all to see. Breathtaking hypocrisy!
Thank you
@Femi_Sorry
for speaking so passionately to our members in Bracknell tonight about Brexit and voting reform. Lots of effusive feedback. You have a bright future in politics. Good luck!
@adamboultonSKY
@malcpowers
I used to think that Katie Hopkins exaggerated her stance in order to appeal more to the reactionary right but now realise she really is that nasty, intolerant person.
@grantshapps
@GaryLineker
Grant, you are totally misrepresenting what Gary said. You, of all people, must know and understand how fascism starts. Your bill provides the oxygen and encouragement for hatred and division to spread. Please put an end to it and negotiate a processing centre in France.
Robert Jenrick’s views are terrifyingly simplistic and awful. That fact he has a complete lack of understanding about policing and social challenges is disgraceful. His pejorative use of ‘Woke’ sums up his government’s abject failure
#bbcqt
As the evidence about Brexit is now indisputable, we need to know how we got here. It’s more than a combination of rampant populism, gullibility and a supine media keen to please its sponsors. The political dimension is the most worrying. We need an enquiry to get to the truth.
Why on Earth is the
#BBC
entertaining Rees-Mogg?! His pomposity, vacuity and ideology add nothing to the solution for the Tory made crisis our country faces.
@RobDotHutton
Interesting to witness those Tory MPs nodding their heads in agreement with Starmer as he condemns the government’s shameful response to the crisis.
Brexit has been an unmitigated disaster & the damage it’s causing is incalculable. What’s worse is that it was based on lies, sponsored by Putin and breached electoral law. It must be reversed.
@Peston
@RishiSunak
@itvnews
It didn’t work out too well for Allegra Stratton, Robert. Given the enormity of the challenge and the damage it will inflict on her reputation and integrity, I’d suggest this is not a wise career move!
@abigailthaw
Brilliant actor and so good in Morse. As a former Oxford detective, I loved his portrayal of policing. Could your dad do crosswords like Morse?!
@BritainElects
This is a truly stupendous result for Bracknell Labour. Main credit must go to our brilliant agent, Cllr Mary Temperton. Paul Bidwell will be an outstanding councillor.
Heartbreaking listening to Neil
Kinnock on
#Newscast
talking about the care needed for dementia sufferers and their carers. He took time out to message me about my wife’s Alzheimer’s.
For the first time in 23 years, Bracknell Town Council is now a Tory free zone! All 28 newly elected councillors are Labour. What a tremendous achievement this is. 👏👏👏
Brilliant and thoughtful analysis from
@policecommander
on
#Newsnight
just now. The hidden pandemic of domestic violence against women is a profound societal issue that laws alone will never address. Well done, John!
Very disappointing comments from Matthew Saed about Lee Anderson on
#bbcqt
Yes, we need diversity in journalism and politics but that doesn’t mean populist bigotry should be accorded the same weight as objective evidence against the death penalty.
@DanielaNadj
@marjgold
There is almost a conspiratorial silence about Brexit, despite the mounting evidence of its lasting impact on the UK. The one conspiracy that’s staring at us combines Putin, his oligarchs, the ERG and Tufton Street. We need an inquiry now.
@Edwina_Currie
Whose government has been in charge for the last 13 years, Edwina? The responsibility for the current strike rests solely with your government.
I see Nick Ferrari is bashing the Archbishop of Canterbury for entering the political arena. Surely, attacking/highlighting poverty, injustice, inequality and racism should be front and centre of all religious leaders’ concerns. Religion must no longer be the opium of the people.
Judging from the audience reaction, the Red Wall city of Stoke has fallen out of love with the Tories. Chris Philp and Olivia Utley, who were both vacuous, must have been taken aback by the disdain shown to them. Not surprising, given how out of touch they were
#bbcqt
Sickening listening to the pious tones of Tory Peter Bone defending what Prince Charles describes as the appalling Rwanda policy. It makes me feel utterly ashamed to be British
#R4Today
The unmitigated disaster that is Brexit now being discussed on
#R4Today
in gruesome detail. According to one of the spokesmen, Europe is avoiding Dover because of the bureaucratic nightmare is presents. Beyond grim & all utterly predictable.
Ed Milliband seriously impressive on
#Newsnight
just now. Passionate and authoritative, he highlighted the implications of Johnson’s Coronavirus statement on the poor and vulnerable. Great to have him back on the front bench.
Tory MP Karen Bradley, a former Culture Secretary, just told
#C4News
that it was a mistake for the government to sell of Channel 4. I wonder if
@NadineDorries
heard her?!
Tory lies repeated again by George Eustace on
#BBCQT
His claims about increased employment since pre pandemic and our recovery being the strongest in the G7 have been roundly destroyed by Tim Hartford on
#moreorless
Just wish Fiona Bruce had corrected him.
@Pibasedlifeform
@SteveBakerHW
I hope the good citizens of High Wycombe will know what to do at the next general election. Alt right nationalist populism has had its day, as has Steve Baker.
Delighted as I am about Labour’s stunning victory in Bracknell Forest, I would like to acknowledge the feeling of loss now being felt by the outgoing Tory leader, Paul Bettison. We have different politics and priorities but his motivation was always sincere.
I always knew Ian Wright was a top bloke and his tweet of solidarity with Gary Lineker absolutely confirms that. Same goes for Alan Shearer, who has just done the same
#GettheToriesoutofourBBC
Delighted to have made a small donation to
@RNLI
in gratitude for all that they do. Their courage and commitment in saving all lives is an object lesson for us all.
There has never before been a UK government so lacking in competence, principle, direction, authority, integrity and public confidence. It has trashed our international reputation and increased poverty. Only a general election can save our country now.
Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney on
#BBCNews
making strong case for police to withdraw from social issues unrelated to crime. Tory austerity has decimated policing and other agencies. There is no one left to respond to these issues. The government bears sole responsibility.
@AngelaRayner
But on this, Angela, the vast majority of Labour members across the political spectrum want our Labour front bench to be saying what Ian Blackford is saying!
@sophielouisecc
So, what are you doing, Sophie, to help the plight of refugees fleeing war and persecution? Have you ever been able to offer anything remotely constructive to this debate? No, I thought not. Just nasty, populist fear mongering that stokes division and hatred.
Well done
@CarolineLucas
on
#Newsnight
for calling out Johnson for his deliberate smear on Starmer, which led to the ugly scenes outside Parliament tonight. Shame on Peter Lilley for defending the PM.
@TiceRichard
@GaryLineker
Unlike yours, Richard, his is the voice of reason, decency and compassion. We’ve had enough of racism, bigotry and populism and I’m delighted Gary is calling it out.
@campbellclaret
And so, they do. Every time. This present lot are by far the worst. They have well and truly broken Britain and destroyed both our credibility and reputation.
#GeneralElectionN0W
@NileGardiner
But it was an advisory referendum, laden with lies and false promises, promoted by far right nationalist populists, sponsored by Putin and enabled by a compliant media largely owned by non-doms. It was an unmitigated disaster, which the whole world can see.
@policecommander
The vast majority of homicides are ‘domestic’. The damage caused by domestic violence is incalculable. Like alcoholism, it is not limited by social class or income.
The young white privileged man trying to tell George that Britain is the most tolerant country in the World demonstrates powerfully the challenge we face. He needs to get out more
#bbcqt
Good to hear the young Asian man in Leicester tell
#C4News
that while Rishi Sunak was the best of the current bunch, he would still be voting Labour at the next general election 👏👏👏
Another amazing Labour Group meeting tonight, this time for Bracknell Town Council, where we have won all 28 seats. Almost surreal. Lots of work, though, as it’s the largest Parish council on the country
#LabourParty
@AngelaRayner
SureStart is not a gimmick. It actually works. Neither is it just about child care. Longitudinal studies show that it supports better parenting, raises educational achievement, increases job prospects and reduces crime. What’s not to like?
@JMPSimor
The head of a local 6th form told me that so many of his bright students received lower grades because of the flawed and arbitrary algorithm. University places have been lost and there is heartbreak for so many young people. The government must change course now.
Labour gain in Old Bracknell. Great victory by
@GuyGillbe
Huge swing to Labour. Brilliant & determined campaign led by Guy and
@MaryTemperton
Well done all team members and a big thank you to the good citizens of Old Bracknell
#Labourgain
Fantastic talk from
@timburners_lee
at the 2019
#Dimblebylecture
and also fascinating to see a question from the head of British Intelligence and also one from an official at the Russian embassy. Sir Tim alluded to interference in both Trump and EU referendum. Please watch.
Great to be part of my daughter’s campaign to win Reading West and mid Berkshire in Theale this afternoon. This was just one of many groups out today. Lots and lots of positive contacts, many of whom will support
@livbailey
and
@UKLabour
I honestly believe my police career helped me to realise that an authoritarian, punitive approach to crime was always doomed to failure. Dealing with the wider social and economic causes of crime makes more sense. I joined the Labour Party in 1996 to help promote that approach….
To those who demand an end to
#Partygate
because there are more serious challenges for the country, I say there is nothing more serious than a vacuum of honesty, integrity, decency and probity at the heart of the British government. The Johnson govt demeans us all.
We had our first Labour Group meeting tonight since taking control of Bracknell Forest Council. It was great to have Jason Brock, Leader of Reading Borough Council, speak to us. His mentorship will be invaluable as we move forward. Our new councillors were very impressed.
As Poland opens it hearts and its homes to a million plus Ukrainian refugees, our government prevaricates and drags its feet. Utterly, despicably shameful. The sooner Johnson and his complicit ministers stand down, the better
#Newsnight
Well done
@JMoncktonSmith
for speaking so powerfully just now on
#C4News
about domestic violence and the shocking number of women losing their lives to violent and controlling partners.
Heartbreaking listening to stories about our collapsing NHS on
#Newsnight
It is now way beyond a crisis and the government must be held to account. And yet all they promise is punitive criminal action against those who strike.