Chris Whiteside's Blog

I can never decide whether I prefer Vivaldi's original concerto for four violins or Bach's transcription for four harpsichords. I usually end up posting both.  Note that the two recordings I am posting today - both the previous Vivaldi original and this Bach version - are directed by the same conductor, Giovanni Antonini

There have been very few Labour MPs who I could truthfully say that I greatly admired. I could count them on the fingers of one hand. Frank Field, who has just died at the age of 81, was one of them. He will be missed especially by his family and friends but also by people on all sides of the political spectrum. Rest in Peace.

The pledge: committing to spend 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence by 2030 The last few years have seen two unprecedented international events: a global pandemic and a war in Ukraine. Despite the impact of rising inflation and our generous cost of living package on the public finances, we have still been able to increase defence spending to a record £50 billion a year – including an uplift of £24 billion, which is the largest single investment in defence since the end of the Cold War. However, the security environment is deteriorating, with threats to the UK and its interests increasing. An axis of authoritarian states with different values to ours like Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China are increasingly assertive, acting together and making common cause in an attempt to reshape the world order. We need to deter threats now because, while the cost of doing so is significant, the cost of inaction would be higher still – both in terms of our security and our prosperity. That is why the Con

"Today is a landmark moment in the defence of the United Kingdom. We’ll spend an extra £75 billion in defence over the next six years.      ▪️ Protecting our security and prosperity      ▪️ Backing Ukraine for the long-term      ▪️ Leading the way in European security" Rishi Sunak , UK Prime Minister

Today the   Prime Minister announced the largest-ever military aid package for Ukraine   on a visit to Poland, as we stick to our plan to work with global partners to defend freedom and democracy in Europe, and deliver long-term security for the British people.   If Putin is allowed to succeed in this war of aggression, he will not stop at the Polish border. That is why the Prime Minister went to Warsaw today to deepen ties with our Polish partners and commit £500 million of additional funding for Ukraine.  This will deliver much-needed ammunition, air defence, drones, and engineering support, taking our total military aid for Ukraine to £3 billion this financial year. We will also send our largest-ever single package of equipment from the UK, including strike and air defence missiles, to help push back the Russian invasion.  This record package of military aid will give President Zelenskyy and Ukraine the support they need to win this war. We will continue to do all we can to work wit

 

"We welcome the Met Police's apology, and recognise the complexities of policing fast-moving public protests, but simply being Jewish, or of any other race or religion, should never be seen as provocative. Anyone of any religion should be free to go about their lives and feel safe doing so." Home office spokesman , responding to the recent issues with the policing of pro-Palestinian marches in London.

 

I am pleased to learn that Sir Mark Rowley has indeed agreed to meet the Board of Deputies of British Jews in the coming week. Good. I hope he takes strong action to address their legitimate concerns. Here is their statement explaining why they asked for a meeting:

"I am grateful to the United States House of Representatives, both parties, and personally Speaker Mike Johnson for the decision that keeps history on the right track. Democracy and freedom will always have global significance and will never fail as long as America helps to protect it. The vital U.S. aid bill passed today by the House will keep the war from expanding, save thousands and thousands of lives, and help both of our nations to become stronger. Just peace and security can only be attained through strength.  We hope that bills will be supported in the Senate and sent to President Biden’s desk. Thank you, America!" President Zelenskyy on the US House of Representatives vote yesterday to finally approve the bill for aid to Ukraine.

 

The Metropolitan police have an unenviable job in dealing with the mass protests and demonstrations from various sides over the tragic conflict in the Middle East. But, and I greatly regret having to write this this, the way they are discharging their responsibilities gives rise to serious concern. The CEO of the Campaign Against Anti-semitism, Gideon Falter, has released film of the way he was treated by police officers a week ago for trying to use the public highway in the vicinity of a pro-Palestinian march. A sergeant in the Met told him, “You are quite openly Jewish, this is a pro-Palestinian march, I’m not accusing you of anything but I’m worried about the reaction to your presence.”    Mr Falter has emphasised that he had been walking in the capital after attending synagogue and was not there to counter-protest. In the clip another officer said to him: “There’s a unit of people here now. “You will be escorted out of this area so you can go about your business, go where you want

The US House of Representatives has approved sending $60.8bn (£49bn) in foreign aid to Ukraine. Democrats and Republicans joined together after months of deadlock over renewed American support to help Ukraine fend off Russia's invasion. Representatives could be seen waving small Ukrainian flags as it became clear the package was going to pass. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted to say he was "grateful" for the decision, which he said "keeps history on the right track". He said: "Democracy and freedom will always have global significance and will never fail as long as America helps to protect it. "The vital US aid bill passed today by the House will keep the war from expanding, save thousands and thousands of lives, and help both of our nations to become stronger." Representatives also approved bills to send foreign aid to Israel and provide humanitarian relief to Palestinians in Gaza, and give security assistance to Taiwan. UK Foreign

We've just returned home to Moor Row after spending the afternoon in Yorkshire. Following a serious accident today (20th April 2024) the police closed the A66 in both directions between the Keswick and Rheged roundabouts. Eastbound traffic was not being allowed onto the A66 at the Crossthwaite roundabout near Keswick,  and Westbound traffic was not being allowed onto the A66 at the Rheged centre roundabout at Redhills, an traffic joining the road in between was being stopped or diverted onto side roads. There are massive delays in consequence. It is currently expected that the road will re-open between 9.15pm and 9.30pm, but for those wishing to avoid the closed area, the National Highways diversion routes advice earlier this afternoon was as follows Eastbound: Road users are advised to follow the "Hollow Diamond" diversion symbol on road signs At the Crosthwaite Roundabout with the A591 take the exit for the A591 towards Bothel. At the junction with the A595 turn right t

Out first thing this morning campaigning in Bigrigg for Mike Johnson, Conservative candidate for Police, Crime and Fire Commissioner (PCFC) for Cumbria. Here is something nice to relax to after a campaign session.  

 

Today the Prime Minister announced plans to overhaul the benefits system to ensure people that are fit to work are not left behind on benefits, sticking to the plan to get more people into work and grow the economy. Before the pandemic, we had the second lowest inactivity rate in the G7, but since then, a significant number of working aged people have become inactive due to long term sickness which has in large part been driven by mental health conditions.  That is why the Prime Minister is unveiling a package of welfare reform measures to tackle the unprecedented rise in economic inactivity and ensure our benefits system is better targeted at those who need it most. Our eight point plan for welfare includes reforming the fit note system, reviewing the disability benefit system, and investing £6 billion to get people into work.

Following this week's meeting of the council, Egremont Town Council has today published the following statement on Facebook here : "Egremont Town Council is saddened to report that recently, one of our Town Councillors was at the receiving end of malicious remarks on social media where a Town Council employee was also named.  Town Council employees act on the direction of the Town Council and it is not acceptable to drag them into disputes or issues that people may have with individual Town Councillors or Egremont Town Council as a whole. Any kind of abuse towards Councillors and/or employees whether it is face to face or hidden behind the screen of social media is NOT acceptable and the Town Council will utilise their right and report such issues to the police. Unfortunately, there is evidence that abuse is so high that well respected Councillors are leaving their post and it is deterring future potential Councillors from standing, thankfully it is only a minority of people w

  "It takes considerable knowledge just to realise the extent of your own ignorance." Thomas Sowell , American Economist Similar comments have, of course, been made by many people over the centuries, one of the first being Socrates.

Today official data confirmed   inflation has fallen again to 3.2 per cent , showing that the Conservatives' economic plan is working and that we have achieved one of the Prime Minister's top five priorities, which he took office last year.  Inflation is falling faster than expected, down from over 11.1 per cent to 3.2 per cent, the lowest level in nearly two and a half years, helping people’s money go further.  This welcome news comes on top of our cuts to national insurance, which save the average worker £900 a year, so people should start to feel the difference as well as see it in their pay cheques.

"They used their people like sandbags." Elizabeth Whiteside My late mother's comment on how the former Soviet Union treated their own soldiers as expendable during World War II.  Today's news of at least 50,000 confirmed deaths among Russian service people - and the actual total is probably a lot higher during the current illegal and uinprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine shows that Putin is still doing the same thing. 

 

There are not many issues in politics on which I have changed my mind. Nor am I a big fan of banning activities which many people enjoy. But where there is enough evidence I can be persuaded to change my mind. And the issue of smoking is an example. Until very recently I would have said that smoking should be discouraged but not banned. I still think that attempting to completely ban the practice from tomorrow would not work and would end up like prohibition in the USA. However, there is just too much evidence of the damage that cigarettes do, not just to the people who smoke, but also to those around them through passive smoking and to the NHS as probably the largest cause of easily preventable death, to ignore. It has been suggested that smoking eventually kills two thirds of those who smoke - causing 80,000 deaths per year in Britain. There is now a proposal on the table in parliament to phase out this activity by making illegal for anyone born after 2009 to ever buy a tobacco. Afte

 

President Zelesnkyy's take on the Iranian attack on Israel: "Ukraine condemns Iran’s attack on Israel using “Shahed” drones and missiles. We in Ukraine know very well the horror of similar attacks by Russia, which uses the same “Shahed” drones and Russian missiles, the same tactics of mass air strikes. Every effort must be made to prevent a further escalation in the Middle East. Iran's actions threaten the entire region and the world, just as Russia's actions threaten a larger conflict, and the obvious collaboration between the two regimes in spreading terror must face a resolute and united response from the world.  The sound of "Shahed" drones, a tool of terror, is the same in the skies over the Middle East and Europe. This sound must serve as a wake-up call to the free world, demonstrating that only our unity and resoluteness can save lives and prevent the spread of terror worldwide. The world cannot wait for discussions to go on. Words do not stop drones a

"Last night the UK intercepted and destroyed multiple one-way attack drones - launched by Iran and its proxies - that posed a threat to civilian lives in the Middle East.  Additional Royal Air Force  aircraft were deployed this weekend to bolster our presence. I thank our armed forces personnel for responding so quickly and effectively to such a serious threat. Their professionalism is second to none. All aircraft returned safely to base."

 

"I have a horrible feeling that very soon the lessons all states are going to learn from this world wide crisis is that if you have nuclear weapons, you are protected. If you don’t, you are made to suffer. And that means nuclear weapons will be developed wherever possible." ( Phillips O'Brien today on X, formerly Twitter,  here ).

 

The government has   announced Operation Prosper that will provide funding to support veterans into high-skilled jobs , championing the brave men and women who have risked their lives to protect our country and sticking to the plan to ensure a brighter future for all.  We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our veterans and they deserve our full support to continue contributing their incredible skills to the prosperity of our country. Whilst veterans' employment is at an all-time high at 89 per cent, there is more we can do.  That is why the government is  launching a dedicated employment support service, backed by £2.1 million, where they can hone the skills they developed in the military in key sectors like cyber and energy, guiding them into high-skilled high-paid jobs and helping to grow the economy.  The Conservatives are committed to making the UK the best place in the world to be both a veteran and a citizen, as we stick to our plan to grow the economy to ensure a brighter futur

Out this morning in various parts of the former South Copeland area campaigning for Mike Johnson, the Conservative candidate to be Cumbria's next Police, Fire & Crime commissioner.  Mike himself was in Millom, I was out on his behalf in Ravenglass and Gosforth.)  A glorious piece of music by Rossini to relax to afterwards.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show that the UK economy is returning to growth and has has grown for the second month in a row, as we work to deliver on our priority to grow the economy. These are of course provisional figure and may be revised - but UK economic statistics are at the same time some of the most accurate and most cautious (e.g. pessimistic) in the world, and they tend to be revised upwards . These figures are a welcome sign that the economy is turning a corner, and we can build on this progress if we stick to our plan. Last week our cuts to National Insurance for 29 million working people came into effect across Britain, as part of our plan to reward work and grow the economy.

After a very difficult period, there are signs that thanks to the hard work of NHS staff, waiting lists are starting to turn the corner. Overall NHS waiting lists have decreased by almost 200,000 since September. This is the biggest 5-month fall in over 10 years outside the pandemic Made possible by the hard work of NHS staff, who are helping us make access to care faster, simpler and fairer for patients.

“It is the greatest scandal that I have ever seen in the criminal justice process. “We’ve had many miscarriages of justice but nowhere as many as these we need to re-evaluate how we approach criminal cases of this kind.  “Something went very very wrong.” Sir Anthony Hooper , the retired High Court judge who had been brought in by the Post office  as chairman of a working group, which reviewed cases of sub-postmasters who believed they had been wrongfully blamed for shortfalls, giving evidence this week to the Inquiry into the Horizon scandal. He added that he had repeatedly told the then head of the Post Office, Paula Vennels, that he was concerned that there had been miscarriages of Justice and the Post Office case didn't add up. Addressing the inquiry, he said: “As I say in my witness statement, I tried to make it clear to Paula Vennells and to the chair [of the board] that the Post Office’s case didn’t make sense and I felt that throughout and no doubt Second Sight [forensic a

 

 

Britain and France signed the "Entente Cordiale" a hundred and twenty years ago today. Before that Britain and France had often been opposed in the past, but for the last 120 years we have been friends. Long may this continue. To mark this anniversary, Britiah and French soldiers took part in ceremonies in each others' capitals. British soldiers have taken part in the traditional ‘changing of the guard ceremony' in front of the Elysée Palace in Paris for the first time, to celebrate 120 years of the Entente Cordiale between France and the UK. While in France today, 16 members of the UK Embassy's Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards - wearing their traditional ‘bearskin’ headdresses with black fur - took part in the ceremony, ‘replacing’ their French counterparts from two sections of the French 1st Infantry Regiment. The French Army Choir then sang the two national anthems, God Save the King and La Marseillaise, all in the presence of President Emmanuel Macron and th

Today, the basic state pension will increase by £900 as part of the Triple Lock guarantee. The Conservatives will always back British pensioners.

Today is sometimes nicknamed "Low Sunday" which is the Sunday after Easter, where the attendance at church is usually contrasted with the peak attendance the previous week. To be honest, this morning it didn't feel like that. There were not quite as many people at St James' Church Whitehaven this morning as there had been on Easter Sunday - which had been the best attendance I remember seeing since the start of the pandemic but it was still a respectable turnout by the standards of the last few years - higher, I would say, than the post-pandemic average. Christianity is embedded deeply into the culture and society of Britain, to such an extent that Britain's leading atheist, Professor Richard Dawkins described himself recently as a "cultural Christian." Needless to say he took quite a bit of flak over those comments but I'm not going to add to it - it is perfectly possible to be influenced by a religion and find some of its' values and cultural p

 

News from the Foreign Office today A Royal Navy ship will help get life-saving UK aid into Gaza as part of an international effort to set up a humanitarian maritime corridor in early May. Britain is also pledging £9.7 million for aid, equipment and expertise to help set up the maritime corridor from Cyprus to Gaza.

 

  I am reminded of a cartoon issued during the Falklands war, after Argentine soldiers on the Falklands accidentally shot down a fighter jet from their own air force.  The caption, which seems equally appropriate to this story of the Russians shooting down one of their own planes, was something like, "Nice shooting comrade - now try hitting one of theirs!"

Out this morning campaigning with Andrew Johnson, Conservative candidate for Whitehaven and Workington, in support of Andrew's campaign and that of Mike Johnson, currently Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria and standing to be the PCFC in May's local elections. It was very windy with the afterblow from Storm Kathleen, but we got the job done.  And here is a cheerful madrigal to which to relax after campaigning ...

 

  Also: The UK Government continues to support Ukraine with the delivery of lifesaving medical equipment.  £2 million worth of surplus medical equipment, including ventilators, pumps and monitors has been donated to support vital medical care needs.

 

  "In 1949, in the hope of avoiding another devastating war, the UK joined together with a handful of allies to sign the North Atlantic Treaty and pledge that we would always come to one another’s defence. 75 years later, NATO has become the most successful alliance the world has ever known – and it continues to grow in size and strength. The 12 founding members have now been joined by 20 others, including Finland and Sweden, bringing together 3.5 million uniformed personnel in our collective defence. The UK has been at the heart of NATO since the start. Today, faced with new threats in Europe, we continue to lead – through our incredible Armed Forces, our growing investment in defence, and our utter determination to stand by Ukraine – which has strengthened allied unity like never before. I say it once again: Ukraine’s rightful place is in NATO.  This anniversary is the moment to renew our historic pledge to this Alliance and to say that no matter who tests us, we will not waiver

The music theorist and educator Ebenzer Prout wrote various unofficial lyrics to several Bach fugues. In response other people wrote a number of equally unofficial lyrics taking the mickey out of Ebenezer Prout for doing this. Having heard of one of these, I can never hear Bach's "The great" fugue click on the above to hear it without the lyrics of one of these repeating in my head: "O Ebenezer Prout, you are a clever man, for you make Bach fugues as easy as you can." 

 

 

As part of the process of moving to British Summer Time yesterday, the stones at Stonehenge were all moved around by fifteen degrees. The process was slightly more expensive than usual as it required staff to work on some of the Bank Holidays over the Easter weekend. The Chief Executive of English Heritage, Dr Nick Merriman commented, "It is important that we remember and celebrate the contribution of the anonymous individuals who built Stonehenge thousands of years ago, and take care not to damage the stones as we go through the modern ritual of moving them fifteen degrees twice a year as the time band changes."  In the image below, one of the English Heritage staff involved is pictured on Saturday, preparing one of the stones to be moved. They will be returned to their original position when the country reverts to GMT in six month's time.

 

Here is a picture of the candle I lit this morning after the Easter Sunday service at St James' church, alongside those lit by others. I prayed for peace and happiness for Christians celebrating Easter here and around the world. I particularly prayed for a just and lasting peace to bring and end to the wars and conflict in the world, particularly in Ukraine and in the Middle East.

"As families come together this Easter, I want to pay tribute to the amazing work churches and Christian communities do in parishes across the country.  Your values of compassion, service and family are at the heart of our national life.   I wish everyone a very Happy Easter." Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Easter message 2024 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

  "Alleluia, Christ is risen!  Throughout the world, these words will resonate in many languages, from churches to homes to makeshift shelters and refugee camps.  ‘Christ is risen’ proclaims that whatever the circumstances of our world today, God is ever transforming it, reshaping it, and that the shape of things to come will be infinitely more glorious than anything we know right now.  On this Easter Day, we are filled with joy at what God brings, yet we remember all those for whom joy is hard won, and overshadowed by the realities of war, conflict and death.  We remember that to proclaim the Christ who died and rose again is to proclaim a radically different reality that challenges all the powers of this world, and all the forces that work for death instead of life.  And so today, in solidarity with all for whom this day is difficult, we proclaim:  Christ is risen!  “ ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while h

"Know it’s annoying to some people on here. But Labour politicians like Angela Rayner are going to get scrutinised just the same as the Tories. Sorry." (Journalist and former Labour and Union staffer Dan Hodges today on X, formerly Twitter)

 

I have always supported free speech within the law, and believed that the law should allow the maximum practical degree of free speech.  I was against the "No platform" policy when I was at University - attempts by the left to suppress free speech on campus are not new - and indeed worked with the then MP for Manchester Wythenshawe, Fred Sylvester, who proposed a bill to protect free speech in Universities and institutions of Higher and Further education not dissimilar to the rules the present government is putting in place. I supported the successful " Feel Free to insult me " campaign to remove from Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986, words which made it illegal to insult anybody. I'm not an absolutist on this - words have consequences, so it is right that we have laws concerning libel and slander, and it that incitement to commit crimes, particularly acts of violence or hatred, are and should be illegal. And obviously, although I will often allow comments

 

David Cameron, UK Foreign Secretary, has written as follows: "Hostages brutally taken by Hamas on October 7 have been in captivity for over 170 days. We’re talking to our regional partners to keep the pressure on and keep the profile of hostages high.  We want to see the safe release of all hostages unconditionally."

 

"A very blessed Good Friday to Christians here in the UK and around the world."    Rishi Sunak, UK Prime Minister. He later added: "On this Good Friday, as we remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, let us reflect on the values of compassion, charity and selflessness he embodied.  These values are at the heart of British values, inspiring us to build a society based on respect, tolerance and dignity for all."

 From the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rt Rev Justin Welby, this morning: "Good Friday feels like the opposite of good. Good Friday invites us into a place of utter desolation. It reminds us of everything that is not good in the world: gross injustice, abuses of power, scapegoating of the vulnerable and those who are different, betrayal, abandonment, and the horrendous violence that human beings always seem willing to inflict upon one another.  All that is ugly, shameful and sinful about humanity is brought into focus on Good Friday, as Jesus is nailed upon a cross.  And yet, it is Good. Not because of what takes place, but because within the worst of circumstances, Jesus demonstrates what it is to inhabit the broken world with profound and ultimate goodness. Jesus demonstrates the cost of goodness in the world – and does not shrink from it, despite the tears and fears of Gethsemane.  “From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clo

 

 A MoD statement today said: On Monday, the Royal Air Force airdropped over 10 tonnes of life-saving food supplies to Gaza, including water, rice and baby formula.  In recent weeks, the UK has delivered enough food to feed 275,000 people and a full field hospital by land. For more details click on this link .

 

 

"The UK 🇬🇧 has done the right thing by extending our tariff-free, quota-free imports from Ukraine 🇺🇦 for most goods for another 5 years. The UK calls on Europe to follow suit to defend freedom & democracy against the invasion of sovereign Ukraine by dictatorial Putin." Rt Hon Grant Shapps , UK Defence secretary