Ian McKenzie

The grid, or at least the 1994-2004 grid when I was involved, was not comms driving policy but exactly the opposite. Having a seat in the vehicle does not require being in the driver’s seat. The grid is merely the sat nav. The driver has to want to get somewhere and knowwhere

The same government thought it sensible to promote a version of FOI that imposed transparency standards on elected governments while placing none on the rivals to elected governments (i.e., anyone engaged in lobbying, owning media companies etc).

About 15-20 years ago, the Labour government started pandering to the argument that encouraging the use of petitions would help to improve public trust in democracy.

An eye-wateringly cretinous argument, I hope you’ll agree?

Things I’m tired of explaining to people on Twitter:

• Yes, scientists know more than you do.

• No, your own “research” is not better than peer-reviewed data.

• Your vs. You’re

• No, Hitler did not have a point.

• A constitutional republic is a form of democracy.

What Steve said. 👇🏻

No thanks necessary. Thank you for engaging, in fact. And, though not quite accurate about JP, you are still one of the best in the business in my view.

Working on it. Inside @UKLabour, now the entryist Trotskyist, Novichok Stalinists and assorted ingenue have either left or grown up, there’s a chance. There are way too many Marshmallows left for my liking but we’ll get there. At least most of those in charge are the grown ups again.

I was his Special Adviser from 2001-2004 despite being a Blairite. The Old/New dichotomy doesn’t work here. He led the rational left in behind Blair and forged an unbeatable political force. He was utterly loyal and as much a part of new Labour Project as TB and GB.

Annual morbidity in the 20th century, before and after vaccines:

Measles:
Before: 530,000, After: 47

Mumps:
Before: 160,000, After: 429

Rubella:
Before: 50,000, After: 3

Diphtheria:
Before: 20,000, After: 2

Smallpox:
Before: 30,000, After: 0

Polio:
Before: 16,000, After: 0

BREAKING: Mitch McConnell says “there will be no recess appointments” for Trump’s cabinet

Matt Gaetz and Tulsi Gabbard's nominations are in real trouble

This is frighteningly accuarate.

Biden’s stepped up at last and I’ve seen somewhere that the UK and France are going to follow suit. Over two years too late but better late than never. #slavaUkraini

Sound advice as I’m finding out. He’s a sensible lad, is @lewisgoodall.bsky.social

Thank you!

Morning.

Well now, this is exciting. Here’s hoping it remains a civilised place.

Thank god. I just got here and you and @rentouljohn.bsky.social popped up straightaway. I feel much better now!