John Ruddy

Maybe he's just restating what the last government committed to...

This would be quite funny

Wait until she finds out who won the election

It is very difficult to read the Darzi review and be anything other than extremely angry at the utterly irresponsible way the Conservative Governments have allowed the NHS to collapse. And yes, the prime responsibility is political and so it's impossible not to be political on this.

Compared to other benefits (PIP, ESA), it isn't "ridiculously awkward" though. Can be done on the phone. Most questions are simple "No" and someone can ring on your behalf as long as claimant is there. Think the "It's really difficult" narrative from the media isn't helping with encouraging take up.

The idea that pensioners have suffered over the last 14 years is risible. Every year their pensions have benefitted from the triple lock, rising in years when other benefits or public sector wages did not.

I watched a focus group of undecideds in his constituency during the campaign and "we like Grant Shapps" wasn't a big theme tbh.

Time for me to dig out my inevitable quote, from Jim Callaghan: 'They tell me you really care about Europe. That's okay, as long as you remember I really care about the Labour party.'

Murphy: "Government finances aren't like a household budget! This is bad"
Also Murphy: "Rachel Reeves isn't treating Government finances like a household budget, this is bad!"

I know there are actually relatively few restrictions. The SNP can adjust income tax, it can create new taxes. Plus, the effect of the additional spending (eg on NHS pay) means extra money is coming to Scotland - the grant hasn't been cut.

Will be easier to change them in the next parliament. Because at the next election he wont be constantly asked about rejoining.

They were not.

I only managed 8. And 2 of them were by Richard Osman!

He has to say it to justify his main policy position. Whether it is true, or if he believes it doesnt matter.

Maybe thats the solution. Make it taxable so it effectively reduces in value as your income rises?

We have lived in a "village" just south of Reading for 25 years. In the last 10 years a few thousand houses have built in our area. We now have way more access to green space than before as we now have lots of SANGs that we can go to. Before they were private and most wheat fields. It's fantastic.

Absolutely the first stage. The EU also needs to be convinced that the Tories wont just reverse everything the minute they win an election.

Yes, that was my understanding as well.

No, I would imagine that would be a breach of data protection rules too.

Now I thought casework couldnt be handed over due to data protection issues?

Especially after spending an election saying the Tory plan to cut/remove NI means cuts to the NHS and pensions.

But if the bonuses are capped, they pay less tax. Thats the point.

Its perfectly defensible. People who earn more pay more taxes. We should want them to pay more taxes, to pay for things for people who DONT earn that much - or dont earn anything at all.

Its not hard to understand that if someone gets paid more, they pay more tax. Sure, they get more money for themselves, but so does the Treasury. Its why the cap on bonuses was self-defeating.

Yeah, I meant Boxing at the Olympics has different eligibility rules to Athletics at the Olympics. Will be interesting if Seb Coe gets the IOC job.

And of course, the differing standards in different sports. What is allowed in Boxing, isnt allowed in Athletics, for example.

Oh thats good - hopefully means I'll see lot less abuse from far left and nats.

Strangely enough, I seem to have got more abuse here in 24 hours than I got in the last month on twitter.