“It is not simply that such ideas are unethical or demeaning – they are unworkable. Relying on the DWP to sort paperwork for a new wheelchair would be like relying on your flaky friend to book the group holiday. Sorry but no one is going anywhere.”

My col theguardian.com/commentisfree/…

As someone with a PTSD diagnosis, I know how debilitating mental health conditions can be.

The DWP Secretary says the benefits system shouldn't be paying people to deal with the “ordinary difficulties of life”.

If he thinks that's not trivialising mental illness, what is it?

Disabled people having vouchers instead of cash benefits buys into the idea we are scroungers who can’t be trusted not to spend the cash on fags and booze.

When the Tories get their arse handed to them at the election, I’m spending my PIP on fucking champagne.

So enjoyed this. After some indifferent reviews I almost didn't go. Just go along the music alone makes it worth it. Brightened up a wet Sunday.

Salman Rushdie talking about freedom of speech.

Do not miss this. Punch starting soon.

📹 'There is no privatisation that's been successful that I can see in terms of our key infrastructure services.'
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch on why we need a coherent railway that's run as part of an integrated transport policy, and why privatisation is a failure.

After my experience simply trying to get to Manchester and back I was releaved to read this.
labourlist.org/2024/04/labour…

A fitting tribute to David Marquand would be if everyone who mourns him engaged with his understanding of England:

Bluebell Wood, 2016, by English painter Emma Haworth known for her parks and semi urban landscapes with a hint of magic #WomensArt

Perhaps Rishie Sunak would benefit from reading this. I know I did. We might then have a bit less evidence free claims about sick note Britain.

Finished reading this book last week and would strongly recommend it. I joined the Labour Party in 1978 and have been full of hope and ambivalence ever since. I have left and then come back for more. The carefully written book gave me some fresh insight as to why.

Me in the Guardian on Sure Start and ‘news’ it changed poor kids’ lives. The chance w/early years for pre-power Labour to show VISION, kill gap between what they say they want (reducing poverty/expanding opportunity), and what we know, so far, they’ll do…
theguardian.com/commentisfree/…

Keen to read some of the other books I this series. Reading CLR James: Minty Alley and it's excellent. penguin.co.uk/series/bbwb/bl…

More is currently spent on private luxeries by the super rich than social care and children's services.
labourlist.org/2024/01/genera…

I recognised a good deal of what is written here. Good article

Great article...

I wonder what they will say at the election?

This is funny. I was confused by the picture however. Surely there should have been a pile of rubble?

Before privatisation, Royal Mail had been successfully delivering letters up and down the UK since 1635!!

Tell Ofcom Royal Mail must deliver 6 days a week, and bring it back into PUBLIC OWNERSHIP 📮✊

Deadline to respond to consultation: 5pm TODAY weownit.org.uk/blog/tell-ofco…