davelevy.info
type: channel
description: my site; opinion, notes and record
date: 2026-08-07T16:41:39Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
generator agent: https://wordpress.org/
items: Labour’s Membership 2025
items: A local income tax
items: Simplicity is power
items: Rejoin and the need for speed
items: A new 5 point plan on Europe
items: Prime Ministers and their fates ’26
items: On the Euro
items: Working rights
items: Burnham’s speech on Manchesterism
items: Changing up
items: Happy Birthday USA
items: The Cruel Sea
items: There’s no useful half way house
items: After Makerfield, what next?
items: On “Stop killing video” games
items: On Labour’s rules on the election of a Leader
items: Could the UK pass the Copenhagen criteria?
items: AI’s black hole
items: Is Labour about to ‘press reset’ again
items: On defence sovereignty

Labour’s Membership 2025
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-08-07T16:41:36Z
subject: Politics
subject: labour
subject: labour money
subject: politics
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ashkan-forouzani-rosegarden-unsplash-w750-cropped-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="a red rose" decoding="async" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ashkan-forouzani-rosegarden-unsplash-w750-cropped-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ashkan-forouzani-rosegarden-unsplash-w750-cropped-50x50.png 50w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />The Labour Party’s accounts and this membership facts are available on the Electoral Commission site. On membership, they say, “As at 31 December 2025 the total individual membership of the Party was 264,754 (2024: 333,235).” That’s a 21% decline on
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ashkan-forouzani-rosegarden-unsplash-w750-cropped-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="a red rose" decoding="async" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ashkan-forouzani-rosegarden-unsplash-w750-cropped-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ashkan-forouzani-rosegarden-unsplash-w750-cropped-50x50.png 50w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> The Labour Party’s accounts and this membership facts are available on the Electoral Commission site. On membership, they say, “As at 31 December 2025 the total individual membership of the Party was 264,754 (2024: 333,235).” That’s a 21% decline on the year and over 50% from when Starmer took over. <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="414" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/LP-Membership-2025-1024x414.png" alt="" class="wp-image-13941" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/LP-Membership-2025-1024x414.png 1024w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/LP-Membership-2025-300x121.png 300w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/LP-Membership-2025-768x310.png 768w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/LP-Membership-2025.png 1269w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Labour’s membership 1989 – 2025 For more, see the Data file, in .xls.

A local income tax
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-07-31T09:13:03Z
subject: Politics
subject: andyburnham
subject: local government finance
subject: politics
subject: tax
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/burnham-no10n-cc-2026-BY-NC-ND-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Burnham's first cabinet meeting at No 10 North" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/burnham-no10n-cc-2026-BY-NC-ND-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/burnham-no10n-cc-2026-BY-NC-ND-230x230.png 230w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />So it seems that Burnham is going ahead with his plans to introduce a local income tax. This is a major step forward beyond the Brown Commission’s recommendations. Without detail this may be hard to comment on, but when I
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/burnham-no10n-cc-2026-BY-NC-ND-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Burnham's first cabinet meeting at No 10 North" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/burnham-no10n-cc-2026-BY-NC-ND-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/burnham-no10n-cc-2026-BY-NC-ND-230x230.png 230w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> So it seems that Burnham is going ahead with his plans to introduce a local income tax. This is a major step forward beyond the Brown Commission’s recommendations. Without detail this may be hard to comment on, but when I read the Brown Commission report I noted that the proposals do not involve any transfers from poor to richer places. Those places with a low tax base, which often require enhanced services will not find their problem solved by these proposals. I also note that Labour is still stuck with its fixation on Commissars otherwise known that directly elected mayors. I am of the view that these are not democratic improvements, that committees are more democratic than commissars and wonder whether or when labour will drop this. My more detached mind knows this is unlikely. For the big cities, a hotel tax might be simpler and great greater room for movement.

Simplicity is power
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-07-24T08:18:37Z
subject: thoughts
subject: politics
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/sparking-robot-deepai_org-w750h350-CCPD-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="a robot giving off sparks, in bue tones (AI)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/sparking-robot-deepai_org-w750h350-CCPD-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/sparking-robot-deepai_org-w750h350-CCPD-270x270.png 270w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/sparking-robot-deepai_org-w750h350-CCPD-230x230.png 230w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />The events that made me write Rejoin the need for speed reminded me of Robocop II, where Robocop’s three directives were augmented to over 300. In that case, they were deliberately designed to reduce Robocop’s effectiveness. In the world of
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/sparking-robot-deepai_org-w750h350-CCPD-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="a robot giving off sparks, in bue tones (AI)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/sparking-robot-deepai_org-w750h350-CCPD-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/sparking-robot-deepai_org-w750h350-CCPD-270x270.png 270w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/sparking-robot-deepai_org-w750h350-CCPD-230x230.png 230w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> The events that made me write Rejoin the need for speed reminded me of Robocop II, where Robocop’s three directives were augmented to over 300. In that case, they were deliberately designed to reduce Robocop’s effectiveness. In the world of resolutionary politics, too often, the special interest demands of part of a majority voting bloc are accepted weakening the powerful simplicity of the motion’s original design. Work out what you want and keep it simple. (It also makes it harder for opponents to nit pick).

Rejoin and the need for speed
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-07-24T07:55:43Z
subject: Politics
subject: andyburnham
subject: labour
subject: politics
subject: rejoineu
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/staircase-lancasterhouse-viaOGL-w750-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="the staircase at Lancaster House" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/staircase-lancasterhouse-viaOGL-w750-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/staircase-lancasterhouse-viaOGL-w750-270x270.png 270w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/staircase-lancasterhouse-viaOGL-w750-230x230.png 230w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/staircase-lancasterhouse-viaOGL-w750-50x50.png 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />In an article, on Best for Britain’s sub stack, Joshua Edwicker reviews the personnel responsible for EU relations in Burnham’s new cabinet. On first glance it would appear that this team is more likely to support closer relationships with the
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/staircase-lancasterhouse-viaOGL-w750-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="the staircase at Lancaster House" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/staircase-lancasterhouse-viaOGL-w750-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/staircase-lancasterhouse-viaOGL-w750-270x270.png 270w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/staircase-lancasterhouse-viaOGL-w750-230x230.png 230w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/staircase-lancasterhouse-viaOGL-w750-50x50.png 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> In an article, on Best for Britain’s sub stack, Joshua Edwicker reviews the personnel responsible for EU relations in Burnham’s new cabinet. On first glance it would appear that this team is more likely to support closer relationships with the EU without putting roadblocks in the way and will at least have more ambition, although he doesn’t talk about Shabana Mahmood staying at the Home Office. My fear is that relationships with the EU we’ll take a back seat in the priorities of the Burnham administration. New policy needs to start from the fact that the “Reset” has failed, yet most of the PLP don’t realise it. Not a single initiative announced in May 25 has been closed. It would be too easy for this team to continue to try for incremental changes to the trading rules with the EU. The EU will survive without the UK and it is changing up, most significantly for the UK via its Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA). People, mainly convinced Brexiters, have been saying the EU has changed too much, it hasn’t yet, but it will, The IAA is likely to increase the UK’s barriers to entry EU markets, harm the UK economy, and thus the living standards of the UK people. We must put more on the table and act with speed. I believe that membership of the EEA, is a mini…

A new 5 point plan on Europe
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-07-23T15:27:05Z
subject: Politics
subject: thoughts
subject: european movement
subject: europeanunion
subject: politics
subject: rejoineu
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/passports-dfl-cc0-2022-w650-crpd-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/passports-dfl-cc0-2022-w650-crpd-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/passports-dfl-cc0-2022-w650-crpd-50x50.png 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />The European Movement write to Andy Burnham on his arrival at Downing St.. They call for the Government and Labour Party to, They now have a petition to support their demands, I have signed it, it would be great if
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/passports-dfl-cc0-2022-w650-crpd-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/passports-dfl-cc0-2022-w650-crpd-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/passports-dfl-cc0-2022-w650-crpd-50x50.png 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> The European Movement write to Andy Burnham on his arrival at Downing St.. They call for the Government and Labour Party to, Drop the red lines on Europe, By the end of 2026, publish a strategy for cementing the UK’s place in Europe Make the UK Europe’s closest security partner Launch a national conversation on the UK’s European future Put a route to EU membership in Labour’s next manifesto They now have a petition to support their demands, I have signed it, it would be great if you did too. Image Credit: By me! CC 2022 BY-SA 2.0 or via flickr.

Prime Ministers and their fates ’26
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-07-20T12:07:05Z
subject: Politics
subject: history
subject: politics
subject: prime ministers
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/burnham-swearingin-cc-hcommons-2026-by-nc-nd-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Andy Burnham in the House of Commons being sworn in" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/burnham-swearingin-cc-hcommons-2026-by-nc-nd-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/burnham-swearingin-cc-hcommons-2026-by-nc-nd-230x230.png 230w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />We have a new Prime Minister and so I have updated my infographic. Featured Image Credit: CC House of Commons 2026 BY-NC-ND
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/burnham-swearingin-cc-hcommons-2026-by-nc-nd-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Andy Burnham in the House of Commons being sworn in" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/burnham-swearingin-cc-hcommons-2026-by-nc-nd-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/burnham-swearingin-cc-hcommons-2026-by-nc-nd-230x230.png 230w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> We have a new Prime Minister and so I have updated my infographic. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="629" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Prime-Ministers-and-their-fates-2026-1024x629.png" alt="" class="wp-image-13912" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Prime-Ministers-and-their-fates-2026-1024x629.png 1024w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Prime-Ministers-and-their-fates-2026-300x184.png 300w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Prime-Ministers-and-their-fates-2026-768x472.png 768w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Prime-Ministers-and-their-fates-2026.png 1110w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Featured Image Credit: CC House of Commons 2026 BY-NC-ND

On the Euro
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-07-15T14:48:21Z
subject: Politics
subject: euro
subject: europeanunion
subject: politics
subject: rejoineu
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ecb-frankfurt-cc-dfl1955-2011-BY-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="the ECB building in Frankfurt" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ecb-frankfurt-cc-dfl1955-2011-BY-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ecb-frankfurt-cc-dfl1955-2011-BY-270x270.png 270w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ecb-frankfurt-cc-dfl1955-2011-BY-230x230.png 230w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />Niall Ó Conghaille and Mike Galsworthy discuss the Euro and its role in the rejoin process. This is what I think. While I agree, that for the UK to rejoin the European Union it is necessary for them to agree,
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ecb-frankfurt-cc-dfl1955-2011-BY-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="the ECB building in Frankfurt" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ecb-frankfurt-cc-dfl1955-2011-BY-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ecb-frankfurt-cc-dfl1955-2011-BY-270x270.png 270w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ecb-frankfurt-cc-dfl1955-2011-BY-230x230.png 230w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> Niall Ó Conghaille and Mike Galsworthy discuss the Euro and its role in the rejoin process. This is what I think. While I agree, that for the UK to rejoin the European Union it is necessary for them to agree, in good faith, to join the euro. … Your arguments in favour of the EU insisting that the UK agree to join the Euro do not address the embedded macroeconomic theory within the stability and growth pact. The ECB has a mandate to pursue price stability before growth or employment. That is a choice, and one that should be taken democratically, not embedded in an almost impossible to change treaty. The financial tests of the Euro are deflationary and currently many of the large countries inc. Euro members fail to meet the criteria because they, i..e the criteria are bonkers or to use a more professional term, the democratically elected governments, with time-limited terms have decided that it is not in the interests of, nor supported by their voters. It would be useful if advocates of the Euro spoke of these disadvantages; you ask us to support the Euro, in fact suggest that negotiations will fail unless we agree to join, but austerity economics is high price to pay. It would help if those who agree said so and held out a prospect for change.

Working rights
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-07-09T11:57:50Z
subject: Politics
subject: eire
subject: employeeprotection
subject: european commission
subject: politics
subject: RTE
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/euflag-markusspiske-wIUxLHndcLw-unsplash-w750-cropped-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="the eu flag in front of a sand tone coloured building" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/euflag-markusspiske-wIUxLHndcLw-unsplash-w750-cropped-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/euflag-markusspiske-wIUxLHndcLw-unsplash-w750-cropped-230x230.png 230w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />RTE report that the EU Commission, has issued a warning to Ireland, and seven other countries, for failing to fully adopt an EU directive on transparent and predictable working conditions. The Commission statement states they have “… adopted two new
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/euflag-markusspiske-wIUxLHndcLw-unsplash-w750-cropped-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="the eu flag in front of a sand tone coloured building" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/euflag-markusspiske-wIUxLHndcLw-unsplash-w750-cropped-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/euflag-markusspiske-wIUxLHndcLw-unsplash-w750-cropped-230x230.png 230w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> RTE report that the EU Commission, has issued a warning to Ireland, and seven other countries, for failing to fully adopt an EU directive on transparent and predictable working conditions. The Commission statement states they have “… adopted two new reports on the Employers Sanctions Directive and the Seasonal Workers Directive , assessing efforts to ensure fair working conditions for third-country nationals, prevent migrant exploitation and tackle illegal employment. RTE continues, “The European Commission said it has decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to Ireland, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands, Portugal and Finland. I wonder if the Commission has considered writing to HMG to see of the UK is infringing on the “level playing field” clauses of the TCA. The UK’s employee protection rights remain amongst the weakest in the OECD. I expect the Commission is currently too busy to pursue the UK on this issue.

Burnham’s speech on Manchesterism
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-07-08T08:05:45Z
subject: Politics
subject: politics
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/burnham-cc-2018-eu-by-nc-sa-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="andy burnham" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/burnham-cc-2018-eu-by-nc-sa-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/burnham-cc-2018-eu-by-nc-sa-270x270.jpg 270w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/burnham-cc-2018-eu-by-nc-sa-230x230.jpg 230w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />Andy Burnham, the likely next leader of the Labour Party made a speech on Monday 29th June, from the People’s History Museum in Salford. I have linked to the Sky News video of the speech. I have captured the transcript
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/burnham-cc-2018-eu-by-nc-sa-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="andy burnham" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/burnham-cc-2018-eu-by-nc-sa-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/burnham-cc-2018-eu-by-nc-sa-270x270.jpg 270w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/burnham-cc-2018-eu-by-nc-sa-230x230.jpg 230w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> Andy Burnham, the likely next leader of the Labour Party made a speech on Monday 29th June, from the People’s History Museum in Salford. I have linked to the Sky News video of the speech. I have captured the transcript and posted it on my wiki. See below, overleaf for my comments. Is that it? Moving part of No 10 to Manchester. What is he moving and how will that change things? We should note that this has already been tried once, when Sunak, then PM, moved part of the Treasury to Darlington. Devolution needs more than relocating civil servants from London. The proposal is an oblique criticism of Starmer’s failure to act on the Brown Commission report which proposed both a limited devolution in England and a legal entrenchment of local government rights. In my article, “New Britain, New Britcon”, (or on Medium), I argued that such plans would fail unless funded and funded in such a way that the axiom that poor areas need more services, and generate lower tax revenues is addressed. Devolution for a progressive government needs both money and a means of equitable sharing. Many will ask “why Manchester?” It is the second economic centre in Britain but is it the best place to locate a flagship to devolution. Having said that, he namechecks other parts of the UK, including even London but it just leaves me asking the question, “Does location of the Civil Service really make a difference?”, surely it needs …

Changing up
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-07-06T08:35:43Z
subject: Politics
subject: brexit
subject: politics
subject: rejoineu
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/berlaymont-dfl-2023-cropped-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/berlaymont-dfl-2023-cropped-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/berlaymont-dfl-2023-cropped-270x270.png 270w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/berlaymont-dfl-2023-cropped-230x230.png 230w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/berlaymont-dfl-2023-cropped-50x50.png 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />A nasty little piece by Mujtaba Rahman which contains the unstated assumption that the UK’s political direction and relations with the EU, are fixed and desirable. The other side of the coin is that the EU is about to change
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/berlaymont-dfl-2023-cropped-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/berlaymont-dfl-2023-cropped-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/berlaymont-dfl-2023-cropped-270x270.png 270w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/berlaymont-dfl-2023-cropped-230x230.png 230w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/berlaymont-dfl-2023-cropped-50x50.png 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> A nasty little piece by Mujtaba Rahman which contains the unstated assumption that the UK’s political direction and relations with the EU, are fixed and desirable. The other side of the coin is that the EU is about to change up; missing the boat would leave the UK isolated and poorer. The UK shouldn’t apply to rejoin until its ready to be a good citizen and sees the EU as more than a trade club. Rahman says, The EU of 2026 is an organisation built increasingly on common borrowing, an assertive joint industrial policy and a growing role in security and defence I ask who wouldn’t want that. The changing nature of the world’s international relations means we need reliable friends. Let’s see what changes Burnham makes to the Labour Party, or what space he gives to its eu-phile majority.

Happy Birthday USA
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-07-05T09:44:01Z
subject: Politics
subject: history
subject: politics
subject: US Consitution
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/starsstripes-karlcallwood-i8tfXAiwM1Q-unsplash-w750-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="the stars and strips" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/starsstripes-karlcallwood-i8tfXAiwM1Q-unsplash-w750-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/starsstripes-karlcallwood-i8tfXAiwM1Q-unsplash-w750-270x270.jpg 270w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/starsstripes-karlcallwood-i8tfXAiwM1Q-unsplash-w750-230x230.jpg 230w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />Congratulations USA, on your 250th birthday except, the constitution of the republic was ratified 4th March 1789 making it the 237th birthday; it entrenched slavery and excluded native Americans and women, blacks couldn’t vote until 1870 and women until 1920,
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/starsstripes-karlcallwood-i8tfXAiwM1Q-unsplash-w750-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="the stars and strips" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/starsstripes-karlcallwood-i8tfXAiwM1Q-unsplash-w750-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/starsstripes-karlcallwood-i8tfXAiwM1Q-unsplash-w750-270x270.jpg 270w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/starsstripes-karlcallwood-i8tfXAiwM1Q-unsplash-w750-230x230.jpg 230w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> Congratulations USA, on your 250th birthday except, the constitution of the republic was ratified 4th March 1789 making it the 237th birthday; it entrenched slavery and excluded native Americans and women, blacks couldn’t vote until 1870 and women until 1920, although this was before the UK permitted women to vote. They adopted what they saw as the results of the English Civil War albeit with an explicit separation of powers, and guaranteed local democratic powers invested in the constituent states and the people by the 10th Amendment. The growth of political parties, and the designed unaccountability of the Senate and Supreme Court can be seen today as critical weaknesses which one hopes are not copied by Europe’s constitutional reformers and that democrats in the US are able to fix.

The Cruel Sea
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-07-02T13:15:38Z
subject: culture
subject: thoughts
subject: fiction
subject: history
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cruel-sea-1-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="a warship in a rough sea" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cruel-sea-1-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cruel-sea-1-230x230.png 230w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cruel-sea-1-50x50.png 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />I went to watch the cruel sea on HMS Belfast on 13th June; the show consisted of the film followed by two selections from the Imperial War museums film archive. There was a question and answer session, chaired by James
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cruel-sea-1-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="a warship in a rough sea" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cruel-sea-1-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cruel-sea-1-230x230.png 230w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cruel-sea-1-50x50.png 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> I went to watch the cruel sea on HMS Belfast on 13th June; the show consisted of the film followed by two selections from the Imperial War museums film archive. There was a question and answer session, chaired by James Taylor and Charlotte Ross of the IWM. During the Q&A, I made a contribution, and have transcribed my notes as a comment on the original article. The featured image is cropped from a graphic on this page, advertising the book as an audiofile. I have cropped it and justify my use as “fair use”.

There’s no useful half way house
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-06-30T10:13:47Z
subject: Politics
subject: thoughts
subject: brexit
subject: michelbarnier
subject: politics
subject: rejoineu
description: Earlier this month, Michel Barnier made a speech in which he suggested that the European Union would welcome the United Kingdom rejoining the EU even with some of the opt-outs previously negotiated. Barnier is very clear that he is only
encoded: Earlier this month, Michel Barnier made a speech in which he suggested that the European Union would welcome the United Kingdom rejoining the EU even with some of the opt-outs previously negotiated. Barnier is very clear that he is only talking about Schengen and the Euro. The huge problem with the speech and the suggestion that opt-outs remain on the table is this will be interpreted by lukewarm supporters and political weathercocks as permission to haggle on the terms of re-entry. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="299" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Barnier-flickr-EP-CC-2019-BY-w750-letterbox.png" alt="" class="wp-image-13880" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Barnier-flickr-EP-CC-2019-BY-w750-letterbox.png 750w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Barnier-flickr-EP-CC-2019-BY-w750-letterbox-300x120.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /> Michel Barnier – European Parliament cc 2019 BY The unacceptability of UK opt-outs within the EU, specifically, staying out of Schengen and the Euro, is illustrated in a recent You Gov poll. Unfortunately, for rejoiners, the French and Germans will only accept a UK application if it includes Schengen and the Euro, while support in the UK falls if we do not rejoin on the terms we had. It would be interesting to note what people believe those terms to be, as apart from Schengen and the Euro, they include a partial opt-out from the justice pillar, together with the famous rebate. I am concerned that while a number of campaigners have been trying to prove their cleverness by suggesting there’s ways to rejoin without agreeing to the Copenhagen Criteria, others have been encouraged to consider EU membership as an a-la-carte process. It is not. On the question of opt-outs, we, i.e. rejoiners need to show some leadership. Schengen comes with the right to freedom of movement. This is a popular and positive benefit of full membership of the…

After Makerfield, what next?
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-06-25T09:16:23Z
subject: Politics
subject: andyburnham
subject: keir starmer
subject: labour
subject: labour leadership
subject: politics
description: Is winning in Makerfield a new dawn for Labour, or just that this time, voters chose Labour as the “Not Farage” candidate. Since they won in Runcorn & Helsby, Reform have failed in Caerphilly, Gorton and Denton, and now Makerfield,
encoded: Is winning in Makerfield a new dawn for Labour, or just that this time, voters chose Labour as the “Not Farage” candidate. Since they won in Runcorn & Helsby, Reform have failed in Caerphilly, Gorton and Denton, and now Makerfield, losing to Plaid Cymru, the Greens and now to Labour. It was a great victory for Burnham and Labour, but the question has to be asked together with has Labour learnt the lesson that to fight Reform, you need to fight it. (I think not!) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/55326778434_91f26b41af_b.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13873" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/55326778434_91f26b41af_b.jpg 1024w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/55326778434_91f26b41af_b-300x200.jpg 300w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/55326778434_91f26b41af_b-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Source: No10@flickr 10th June 2026 CC 2026 BY-ND-NC Having returned to the House of Commons, Burnham has forced Keir Starmer to resign and a time table for a Party leadership election has been declared. Much has been written about why he had to go; I have been calling for it since February when the likely defeats in Scotland and Wales became obvious. On the day, Labour also lost three more London Councils. Starmer’s resignation speech starts in the same way as his election campaign to be leader of the Labour Party, with lies. When Starmer inherited the Labour Party, it was in the strongest financial position it had been for decades and anyone who has closely read the Forde report and the EHRC report knows there is still work to do to eliminate racism from the Labour Party. The focus on macroeconomic statistics repeats the mistakes that Biden made. While I do not subscribe to the meme that “perception is reality”, perhaps it is truer in politics than in engineering. Claiming the credit for growth doesn’t work if i…

On “Stop killing video” games
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-06-22T11:18:13Z
subject: Politics
subject: thoughts
subject: computer games
subject: democracy
subject: european union
subject: petitions
subject: politics
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/ep-windowcleaner-w200-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/ep-windowcleaner-w200-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/ep-windowcleaner-w200.jpg 200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />The ECI “Stop killing video games” was accepted as having reached its one million signature threshold earlier this year. The initiative seeks to prevent the remote disabling of videogames by their publishers. They also say, this prohibition can be met
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/ep-windowcleaner-w200-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/ep-windowcleaner-w200-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/ep-windowcleaner-w200.jpg 200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> The ECI “Stop killing video games” was accepted as having reached its one million signature threshold earlier this year. The initiative seeks to prevent the remote disabling of videogames by their publishers. They also say, this prohibition can be met by providing means for the game to continue functioning independent of publisher. This article looks at the Commission response, the campaign’s next steps and questions the Commission’s strategy in responding to ECIs. The Commission and Parliament’s engagement with the campaign is reported on their web site. EU law requires that the Commission react to successfully ECIs. This Commission have decided that the goals of the ECI cannot be legislated for but propose to develop a code of conduct in conjunction with the industry. They also seem to think that current consumer rights are helpful; personally I don’t see it. How has this response been received, in the words of Captain Rum, “Opinion be divided”. This seems disappointing for those for whom the central claim for justice is that people think they have bought the game just to find that it can be taken away. Some in the campaign argue that this response is better than might have been expected. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="576" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PjUS4Biv.jpg" alt="a box of CD/DVD's with a target on them, made by AI" class="wp-image-13867" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PjUS4Biv.jpg 768w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PjUS4Biv-30…

On Labour’s rules on the election of a Leader
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-05-24T09:02:13Z
subject: thoughts
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/lab19-votes-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Labour Conference 2019 from the balcony" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/lab19-votes-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/lab19-votes-50x50.png 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />A short note on how Labour’s Leadership election rules work. Rule Ch1.Vii establishes the roles, and delegates the election process to Ch4.II. This from C1.VII, is quite amusing given the history of the last few years, underling is mine. The
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/lab19-votes-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Labour Conference 2019 from the balcony" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/lab19-votes-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/lab19-votes-50x50.png 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> A short note on how Labour’s Leadership election rules work. Rule Ch1.Vii establishes the roles, and delegates the election process to Ch4.II. This from C1.VII, is quite amusing given the history of the last few years, underling is mine. The Leader shall, as a member of the NEC, uphold and enforce the constitution, rules and standing orders of the Party and ensure the maintenance and development of an effective political Labour Party in parliament and in the country. Chapter 4.II defines the nomination and election process. The first clause is the now sadly common rule that claims to establish a principle but actually allows the NEC to vary the process and either bend or break the rules. Any such variation would need to be conformant with Wedensbury reasonableness rules, but this is unlikely to be ever tested in a court. The rules specify process to be followed in the case of a vacancy, or where no vacancy exists. To be a valid nominee, a candidate requires nomination from the PLP, CLPs and affiliates. In the case of a vacancy, the rules are silent as to the order these are to be sought. In the case of a challenge, someone would have needed to have collected the 20% of the PLP supporters, and then others would need to be given the opportunity to do so too. The timing of the making of supporting nominations by CLPs and affiliates is also silent. The rules state that nominations shall be made by all three classes of nominators. The election consists of a one member one vote and is designed to include union political lev…

Could the UK pass the Copenhagen criteria?
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-04-28T10:23:58Z
subject: Politics
subject: democracy
subject: europeanunion
subject: politics
subject: rejoineu
subject: singlemarket
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/EP-flags-cc-2019-BY-cropped-rszd-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="A UK flag at an EP meeting" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/EP-flags-cc-2019-BY-cropped-rszd-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/EP-flags-cc-2019-BY-cropped-rszd-50x50.png 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />As Labour turns a corner and begins to address if it should seek to lead the country into a closer relationship with the European Union, I found a thread on bluesky which questions if the UK is sufficiently democratic, and
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/EP-flags-cc-2019-BY-cropped-rszd-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="A UK flag at an EP meeting" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/EP-flags-cc-2019-BY-cropped-rszd-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/EP-flags-cc-2019-BY-cropped-rszd-50x50.png 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> As Labour turns a corner and begins to address if it should seek to lead the country into a closer relationship with the European Union, I found a thread on bluesky which questions if the UK is sufficiently democratic, and ready to adopt the complete acquis. I thought I’d reply, and this is what I say! On Democracy Is the UK sufficiently democratic to join the EU. The two key organisations that measure ‘democraciness’ both argue that the UK is a democracy. Its score in the EIU Index in 2024, is 8.34/10.00, its 11th out of 20 in Western Europe, and above France, Italy, Spain and three other countries. France and Italy it considers “Flawed democracies”. I have some difficulty with the EIU methodology, as while its open and accessible, I find it hard to replicate and comng from the Economist scores defences of liberal economics highly vs the pursuit of social rights. I looked at this in 2018, where I categorised the Economist’s weaknesses in the UK’s democracy. Amnesty International says that the UK’s treatment of refugees and asylum seekers is inadequate and that it fails to comply with its international obligations, including to ensure the rights to food, housing and adequate social security. One issue raised in the thread is that the UK does not honour its devolution agreements. This will not impact the Copenhagen criteria; the EU treaties are an agreement between member states, and subsidiarity is an agreement between the EU and the member states. Subsidiarity ensures…

AI’s black hole
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-04-27T08:42:03Z
subject: Politics
subject: technology
subject: AI
subject: artificial intelligence
subject: copyright
subject: politics
subject: science
description: People are interested in what they’re interested in and it seems that I can’t put copyright down. I was at in conference on artificial intelligence over the weekend, organised by global justice now (GJN). The question I want to ask
encoded: People are interested in what they’re interested in and it seems that I can’t put copyright down. I was at in conference on artificial intelligence over the weekend, organised by global justice now (GJN). <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="422" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/nasa-hubble-space-telescope-TZIorZKAXYo-unsplash.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13840" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/nasa-hubble-space-telescope-TZIorZKAXYo-unsplash.jpg 750w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/nasa-hubble-space-telescope-TZIorZKAXYo-unsplash-300x169.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /> by NASA via unsplash The question I want to ask though is, that if AI, is meant to be so clever, how does it acquire all the science, social science and humanities white papers currently held behind copyright enforced paywalls or on DNS blocked repos. It seems they don’t, unless they have “Partnership agreements” with the copyright holders for which they pay. I’m concerned about this hole in human knowledge that is unavailable to the LLMs. Are we really betting all this money on only part of what we know? The general intellect it is not!

Is Labour about to ‘press reset’ again
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-04-24T14:46:16Z
subject: Politics
subject: europeanunion
subject: politics
subject: rejoineu
subject: reset
description: I reviewed “Pressing Reset” , the recent Fabian pamphlet on the state of play within the mainstream of the Parliamentary Labour Party on relations with the EU. This was published on the Chartist Magazine’s website. I conclude that the Parliamentary
encoded: I reviewed “Pressing Reset” , the recent Fabian pamphlet on the state of play within the mainstream of the Parliamentary Labour Party on relations with the EU. This was published on the Chartist Magazine’s website. I conclude that the Parliamentary Labour Party is still not ready to abandon cherry-picking, and abandon Starmer’s red lines. In my review, I highlight Stella Creasy’s contribution where she makes a cogent argument for a Swiss style deal, made easier by the EU having recently updated the Swiss agreement. She recognises that to make progress, the UK is going to have to give something on freedom of movement. Liam Byrne makes an argument for an Economic Security Union, which he claims is definitely not just the single market renamed. It is in fact more comprehensive than the single market . In the review, I say, “Byrne argues that a broader agenda will make agreement easier and that the UK must stop asking for favours and offer a true partnership.”. This is a contribution from a heavy weight to be welcomed. The final two chapters look at what’s happening in the EU. Jannike Wachowiak of UKICE writes about what the EU wants. He starts by saying that, “Brits spend an inordinate amount of time discussing what they want from the EU. They spend far less, however, pondering what the EU and its member states might want from them.” In the review, I say, “Wachowiak argues that the consensus within the EU is that the TCA works well for them. He also argues that the EU still maintains an opposition to cherry-picking, and while there is some evidence that this is not as strong as it once was, it is clear that the EU will not agree to a better deal for an ex-member than that offered to other members and members of the EEA. Again, he argues the UK needs to put more on the table, and it needs to be what the EU and its member states want.” As part of my conclusion, I say, From reading the pamphlet, I have heard that some argue that we can’t rejoin, because the EU has changed…

On defence sovereignty
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-04-23T11:12:28Z
subject: Politics
subject: defence
subject: nato
subject: politics
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/seamissile-deepai_org-ccpd-w750-cropped-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="a missile being launched from underwater by AI" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/seamissile-deepai_org-ccpd-w750-cropped-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/seamissile-deepai_org-ccpd-w750-cropped-270x270.png 270w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/seamissile-deepai_org-ccpd-w750-cropped-230x230.png 230w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />James Schneider is in the ‘Statesman writing on Defence. This article is published with a tag line of, “Military insiders are trying to bully the government into dependency on an erratic United States”. I comment on the his arguments, and
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/seamissile-deepai_org-ccpd-w750-cropped-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="a missile being launched from underwater by AI" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/seamissile-deepai_org-ccpd-w750-cropped-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/seamissile-deepai_org-ccpd-w750-cropped-270x270.png 270w, https://davelevy.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/seamissile-deepai_org-ccpd-w750-cropped-230x230.png 230w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> James Schneider is in the ‘Statesman writing on Defence. This article is published with a tag line of, “Military insiders are trying to bully the government into dependency on an erratic United States”. I comment on the his arguments, and look at views expressed by other military commentators as to the sense of the UK’s US centric procurement policies and look at Kaldor and Cooper’s paper arguing that social resilience is a defence policy too. Schneider argues correctly, but not with originality, that expenditure targets are not a strategy. A strategy must consider purpose, weapons and their source. He points out that George Robertson, a recent critic of the financial targets, is connected to and a long time supporter of the US Military Industrial complex. While Defence Secretary, he established the now bi-partisan position that the UK would develop an expeditionary capability designed to work in the context of “allies” i.e. a US led NATO. Robertson then went on to serve as NATO’s General Secretary. His criticisms of the Labour Government’s defence policies and appetite to fund them is repeated in an article in the Spectator written by John Foreman, who was formerly Britain’s defence attaché in Moscow and before that, Britain’s defence attaché in Kyiv. The problem is that under Trump, the US is clearly an unreliable ally…