Hannah Spencer - plumb lucky?

Jealous eyes are cast on the new MP for Gorton and Denton. The Daily Mail digs away at how this relatively young (34) plumber has come to co-own property “worth over £1m.” Apparently her mother helped her buy her first house ten years ago so that got her on the ladder early by today’s standards; and it also helped to have a (now ex-) partner who must earn well as a professional biochemist.

But Hannah’s acceptance speech touching on the poor rewards of hard work was not hypocritical. Many of those who voted for her will be putting in long hours in their small businesses and wondering when they will break through to the good times.

Part of her success may be down to “working as a specialist in heat pumps” where the profit margin is big. Google’s AI says an installed heat pump costs “an average of around £12,500 for a standard 3-bedroom home” ChatPT says an air source inverter costs US$1,200-2,500 to manufacture - say under UK£2,000 at the top end.

If supplying and fitting costs a further £3,000 (would it be as much as that?) the Government’s £7,500 subsidy would appear to be “pure gravy” as PG Wodehouse would say. Plenty there to share with a skilled employee, assuming Spencer was not running her own show and taking the lot. This is another case of the State being happy to burn taxpayers’ money to ride a hobby horse.

But fair play to Hannah for having the wit to exploit it. She was less likely to become a demi-millionaire just from unblocking toilets.

Vote for War

A repost from 2021:

Outside St Mary’s Church in Totnes stands a rough stone war memorial. At the foot of the cross are named over 100 men killed in the Great War, including three men from one family and two from another, in a town of fewer than 6,000 souls.

Who voted for the slaughter to begin? Nobody. The electorate comprised 5.2 million men (some 60% of all adult males, and no women at all), but they were not consulted. Instead, the order was given by King George V at a Privy Council meeting in Buckingham Palace attended by only two court officials and Lord Beauchamp. As historian AJP Taylor explained https://global.oup.com/academic/product/english-history-1914-1945-9780192801401?cc=gb&lang=en& , this reflected ‘a general view that war was an act of state, if not of prerogative, with which ordinary citizens had little to do.’

By 1918, after nearly a million British servicemen had died (with another c. two million permanently disabled) https://historicengland.org.uk/research/inclusive-heritage/disability-history/1914-1945/war/ , it was thought that the people might be entitled to more of a voice.

The Home Secretary introduced the Representation of the People Act https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Representation_of_the_People_Act_1918#Background saying that the war

‘has made it, I think, impossible that ever again, at all events in the lifetime of the present generation, there should be a revival of the old class feeling which was responsible for so much, and, among other things, for the exclusion for a period, of so many of our population from the class of electors.’

Nevertheless, while the Act extended the vote to all men only some women qualified - about 40% of them. The rest had to wait until 1928 to be included. Universal adult suffrage in Britain has yet to celebrate its centenary.

Even modernised democracy didn’t stop the repeat use of the royal war-making prerogative in 1939; and it remains to this day the constitutional position for the United Kingdom https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UK_parliamentary_approval_for_military_action .

While we complain about minor infringements of our personal freedom, the government reserves the right to kill us (and the people of other nations) wholesale, so long as some pretext can be found that circumvents Nuremberg principles. ‘Gandalf’ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9569815/You-looked-like-Gandalf-Tony-Blair-admits-lockdown-mullet-mistake.html bounced us into war with Iraq, and ‘Dodgy Dave’ https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/politics/on-this-day-dennis-skinner-thrown-out-of-the-commons-after-calling-cameron-dodgy-dave-263883/ only desisted from bombing Syria because he chose to ‘respect’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-23892783 a Commons majority opposing it.

The US Constitution attempted to restrain the Executive with a specification that it should be Congress that declares a war. Despite the country being almost continuously involved in armed foreign conflicts since its foundation, that declaration has been made only eleven times, the last in 1942 https://history.house.gov/Institution/Origins-Development/War-Powers/ . The use of the notion of ‘authorisation’ has allowed this power, like so many others, to drift towards the Chief Executive, and in any case the next Big One may happen so suddenly that there will be no need for a call-up before a general incineration begins.

The US President’s nuclear football is ever at hand; Britain is now stocking up with more atomic weapons https://www.economist.com/britain/2021/03/18/britain-is-adding-nukes-for-the-first-time-since-the-cold-war ; the winds blow around the old granite cross. And we have the vote.

FRIDAY MUSIC: Bosko Baker, by JD

“Street Swing. Bozo Blues. Often times with my fiddle playin’ pal Birdie & our band the Do Makers. You can also catch me in New Orleans with the Hobo Gadget Junk Band at certain spectacular moments of the year.”

“Bosko Baker is a roots musician blending American music — country blues, ragtime, folk, swing — into what he calls “street swing” or “bozo blues.” Drawing inspiration from legends like Doc Watson, Merle Travis, Big Bill Broonzy, Blind Blake, Jimmie Rodgers, and Mississippi John Hurt, his music combines raw energy with timeless tradition.

“With a spontaneous stage presence honed from years of busking, Bosko’s shows are where his music truly comes to life — an infectious mix of blues, swing, and folk that speaks to the heart of American roots music. From festival stages to intimate venues, his dynamic blend of storytelling, finger-picking guitar, and a deep respect for tradition makes every show a unique & foot stomping experience that has gained him a loyal following.”

https://www.boskobaker.com/

Bosko Baker - Be Here Now (With Me)

With Friends Like These (Live)

Bosko Baker // Business for the Business Man (Live in New Orleans)

Lookin’ For Trouble - Bosko Baker’s Do Makers

Dinah

Bosko Baker’s Do Makers // Puddle of Joy // NPR Tiny Desk Contest 2026

Fresh Garbage: PMQs / Chagos 25th February 2026

The PM gave us the usual stuff today.

Edward Argar (Con): Would Starmer scrap impending business rate changes?

PM [effectively]: …

Mrs Badenoch, LOTO (repeatedly): Would he cut interest rates on student loans?

PM [effectively]: …

Fleur Anderson (Lab): Would Starmer remain committed to the Equality Act?

PM: Natch. And [irrelevantly again] would Nigel Farage apologise for what one of his Party said (“she should be shot”) about Bolsover’s Natalie Fleet (Lab)? [The Speaker has recently told off Sir Keir for asking the Opposition a question, but hey, who cares?]

Farage: What about the right of Chagossians to live on their land?

PM: “So the hon. Gentleman has neither the decency nor the backbone to condemn a death threat against a Member of this House.” Reform’s Gorton and Denton candidate denies non-whites can be English and “has been endorsed by Tommy Robinson.” Vote Labour tomorrow. [As for Chagos, his reply was: …]

I have just bought a copy of “Punch & Judy Politics: An Insider’s Guide to Prime Minister’s Questions.” Sir Keir regularly turns the baby of a serious question into sausages and his nasal twang is already halfway to being a swazzle. How we long for the day when we can have politics for grown-ups.

More interesting was the next session, Farage’s “Urgent Question” about Diego Garcia / Chagos.

The relevant Minister should have been the Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper but she was returning from the USA; in her stead was Hamish Falconer, PUSS for foreign affairs and more specifically the Middle East. In rugby terms he had been given a “hospital pass,” (says my wife.) James Cartlidge (Con) noted Falconer’s deflections and said ”Surely we should have a Minister in front of us who can answer our fundamental legal questions on the treaty.”

Falconer betrayed the pressure he felt under by twice addressing Farage directly (“you”) which of course should be the (Madam Deputy in this case) Speaker, who picked him up on it.

For pressure there was. Four different MPs asked him about Article 298 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which says in part:

a State may… declare in writing that it does not accept any one or more of the procedures… with respect to one or more of the following categories of disputes: […]

(b) disputes concerning military activities, including military activities by government vessels and aircraft engaged in non-commercial service…

Father of the House Sir Edward Leigh noted the “apparent” discrepancy between answers given on 22 May 2025, when it was said that without a quick resolution on Diego Garcia HMG would run into problems with international law, and written answers given on 4 and 12 February 2026 that acknowledged this opt-out. He gave notice that he would table an Urgent Question on this discrepancy for Monday.

The earlier role of Jonathan Powell was also an issue - he may have been given confidential information on the “deal” before his appointment as special envoy to the British Indian Ocean Territories. Ben Obese-Jecty (Con) had previously asked about it re Chagos and a reply was due 12 February but not received as of even date. “One can assume that a response will be forthcoming very quickly,” said a stern Madam Deputy Speaker.

Nor was it just the Conservatives who turned up the heat. Labour’s Graham Stringer quoted the Labour manifesto on protecting the British Overseas Territories and “defending their sovereignty and right to self-determination” - but noted that the Chagossians had not been consulted. The Lib Dem spokesperson Dr Al Pinkerton also supported Chagossian rights.

There was a further complication, said Farage, in that the Maldives might be about to launch a counterclaim on Chagos via the ICJ .

However much Falconer harped on eleven previous rounds of discussion on Diego Garcia and Farage’s stunt trip to the Chagos Islands, it was clear that the matter remains far from settled.

Thank goodness Parliament is still capable of holding Government to account. What was the point of capturing the Crown in 1689 if all it achieved was to allow the Prime Minister carte blanche? We need another John Dunning, he who said in 1780 “The influence of the Crown has increased, is increasing, and ought to be diminished”; but this time to address the shogunate that has taken over from the monarch.

FRIDAY MUSIC: Renaissance, by JD

Renaissance are an English progressive rock band, best known for their 1978 UK top 10 hit “Northern Lights” and progressive rock classics like “Carpet of the Sun”, “Mother Russia”, and “Ashes Are Burning”.

They developed a unique sound, combining a female lead vocal with a fusion of classical, folk, rock, and jazz influences. Characteristic elements of the Renaissance sound are Annie Haslam’s wide vocal range, prominent piano accompaniment, orchestral arrangements, vocal harmonies, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, synthesiser, and versatile drum work.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance_(band)
https://repertoirerecords.com/artists/renaissance/

Renaissance - Northern Lights [totp2]

Ocean Gypsy

Renaissance - Forever Changing

Renaissance - Carpet of the Sun

RENAISSANCE - Can You Understand? [LIVE IN STUDIO] 1974 RARE

FRIDAY MUSIC: Alan Price and Georgie Fame

This week features the collaboration between Alan Price and Georgie Fame. There are not many videos on youtube with both of them together. There is a comment beneath one of the videos asking why they are never featured on the many ‘golden oldie’ shows on radio or TV. Another simply says ‘from the old days when pop stardom needed real musical talent.’

The final video here is one of their TV shows - 29 minutes long. I hope that is not excessive but fans may feel it is just right!

Alan Price and Georgie Fame starred in their own BBC2 television series titled
“The Price of Fame” (sometimes referred to as Fame at any Price) in 1969. The series was produced by Stanley Dorfman for BBC2, starting with a special in late 1969 and featuring episodes into 1970.

The show featured musical performances and sketches written by Michael Palin and Terry Jones of Monty Python fame. Guests included Delaney & Bonnie (with Eric Clapton and Dave Mason), Thelma Houston, Doris Troy, Billy Preston, and Zoot Money.

The partnership between Alan Price and Georgie Fame began on a November night in 1970 at the London Revolution Club. There was a positive atmosphere among the Georgie Fame fans attending one of his rare concerts. Few of them however, were prepared for the musical fireworks which were about to come.

As Georgie Fame began to strike up the old Animals classic “Bring It on Home”, it was all over for the former Animals organist Alan Price. When Georgie - who recognized Alan Price in the audience- invited him to come onstage, he readily took up his offer. Both delivered a rock show to a stunning crowd, one that people seldom experience.

Songs such as “Rave On,” “Great Balls of Fire,” and “Oh Boy “ were full of energy and the entire club was electrified with excitement. Continuing this partnership was a logical consequence. Whoever limits this collaboration to their smash hit “Rosetta” is making a big mistake. “Together” proves that this duo has so much more to offer.

https://propermusic.com/products/georgiefamealanprice-together

1971 Alan Price & Georgie Fame - Rosetta

Alan Price & Georgie Fame - Good Day Sunshine

Alan Price and Georgie Fame - “We Was Rockin”

Alan Price & Georgie Fame - Boney Maroni

Alan Price & Georgie Fame on Sez Les - 6 September 1971

The Price of Fame - Alan Price & Georgie Fame

“An episode of BBC television’s The Price of Fame from 1969. Alan Price and Georgie Fame sing solo and together. Songs include Great Balls of Fire, Good Day Sunshine, Searching for Love, Here, There and Everywhere, Walk On By, and Bring it on Home to Me.

“Special guest Thelma Houston. Also features some crazy dancing and hairstyles. Plus Georgie Fame performing a song in a bathrobe….”

Rubbish: PMQs 11th February 2025

As the Prime Minister rose both sides of the House cheered. “I did not think that the Prime Minister was so popular on the Opposition Benches,” remarked the Speaker. Cheering and jeering have similar sounds but different meanings. Tory hands flapped at him while David Lammy and Rachel Reeves smirked.

As Quentin Letts describes, the mood became sombre as Kemi Badenoch laid into Sir Keir on the key people the PM has been “throwing under the bus” including Matthew (now Baron) Doyle (another of Blair’s old team) who had campaigned for a sex-offender Scottish Labour councillor yet was still given a peerage. Lib Dem leader Ed Davey finally triggered Starmer into a rant (says Letts) by referring to the same matter.

How embarrrassing for Labour, whose activists “have been branded “paedo lovers” on the doorsteps.” Government backbenchers must be seething inside, knowing that they had to hang together or would hang separately in the snap General Election that Starmer threatened in order to force his Cabinet back into line behind him.

Yet the Puritans may console themselves with the prospect of another three years of keeping the Tories out and only another three months before a local elections debacle that will likely trigger a leadership challenge. One more push! …. and then, as with Mohammed’s prophecy of his legacy, a battle of seventy-two sects will begin, each convinced it is the only correct one.

This is why, as Blair and his horrid crew understood, you cannot unite the Left, you have to dominate it. Zealous Muslim convert Jody McIntyre tells us:

“When Morgan McSweeney first joined Labour in 2001, he was assigned to Peter Mandelson’s Excalibur database, used to monitor “internal political rivals”. Mandelson would show Labour MPs their “Excalibur printouts” and threaten them with action if they stepped out of line.”

According to McIntyre, who in 2024 very nearly ousted Jess Phillips from her traditionally rock-solid Labour seat, “an MP who served on Labour’s frontbench has passed [JMc] details of an unknown and unelected group who “rule with a rod of iron” and are fighting to retain control of the party.”

McIntyre names Baron Doyle as one of McSweeney’s “inner circle” and goes on to allege “Starmer’s Labour is now infested with sexual predators + child rapists.” The pro-Palestinian activist is clearly hoping to widen the gap between Labour and the Islamic political faction that is developing as the Left Balkanises.

Did we miss an opportunity to stabilise the electorate when rejecting the Alternative Vote in the 2011 referendum? “Her party is dying,” said Sir Keir to Kemi; that makes two, at least.

In connection with the Mandelson affair Ed Davey’s second question urged the adoption of the “Hillsborough law” imposing “a duty of candour for anyone and everyone in public office.”

A British glasnost would be welcome, especially since the tendency appears to be in the opposite direction, what with the Goverment’s cancelling its agreement with Courtsdesk and so making searches of criminal proceedings (and e.g. collation of migrant crime data) more difficult. Debating this on Tuesday the Minister, Sarah Sackman, dressed it up as a procedural matter based on data protection.

The SNP’s Stephen Flynn made transparency a personal matter for Starmer, asking him in relation to Baron Doyle to release the House of Lords Appointments Commission’s confidential advice given to the PM “on the propriety of the proposed nominees.” Sir Keir replied “I have made my position clear. The right hon. Gentleman knows how the system works” (convention of confidentiality, another procedural escape hatch) and typically for him launched a distracting counterattack against the SNP. PMQs as Blind Man’s Buff.

Isn’t procedure wonderful? It can give you a monstrously unrepresentative majority in Parliament based on the technicalities of a flawed electoral system.

Independent Ayoub Khan lightened the mood when his question on the Birmingham bin strike began “Rubbish is building up right beneath my very nose.” There was general laughter.

Yet there is so much else building up under our noses that is not being cleared up.