Thursday, September 17, 2026
Donald Trump and MAGA Are Out of Excuses | Steve Schmidt
King ‘Sounded Elated’ When Diana Died, Earl Spencer Claims
THE TELEGRAPH: Latest extract from memoir will increase tensions with Buckingham Palace which has accused late Princess’s brother of ‘clouded reasoning’
Screenshot taken from this Telegraph article. | Earl Spencer suggests in his new memoir that the then Prince Charles might have been pleased he was ‘free’ to marry Camilla Parker Bowles after the death of his former wife Credit: Fiona Hanson/PA
Earl Spencer has alleged that the King sounded “giddily elated – like a lottery winner” on the morning Diana, Princess of Wales died.
In his new book, the Earl claims that some people inside Buckingham Palace were “relieved – indeed, pleased” his older sister had been killed in a Paris car crash.
He suggests the then Prince Charles might have been pleased he was now “free” to marry Camilla Parker Bowles.
It comes after the Palace accused the Earl of “clouded reasoning” following his claims that the King made disparaging comments about Diana in the days after her death. » | Victoria Ward Deputy Royal Editor. Hannah Furness Royal Editor. Tom McArdle | Thursday, September 17, 2026
Earl Spencer has alleged that the King sounded “giddily elated – like a lottery winner” on the morning Diana, Princess of Wales died.
In his new book, the Earl claims that some people inside Buckingham Palace were “relieved – indeed, pleased” his older sister had been killed in a Paris car crash.
He suggests the then Prince Charles might have been pleased he was now “free” to marry Camilla Parker Bowles.
It comes after the Palace accused the Earl of “clouded reasoning” following his claims that the King made disparaging comments about Diana in the days after her death. » | Victoria Ward Deputy Royal Editor. Hannah Furness Royal Editor. Tom McArdle | Thursday, September 17, 2026
"Fast Food Nation," Mystery Meat & Trump's Dismantling of U.S. Food Safety System: Eric Schlosser
Sep 17, 2026 | Amid growing concerns over food safety in the United States, President Donald Trump last month authorized the duty-free importation of 660 million pounds of cheap beef trimmings that will get mixed in with other cuts to make ground beef. Imported beef and pork were once labelled with their country of origin, but Congress voted in 2015 to end that requirement, so customers at the grocery store will have no way to identify this "mystery meat," which is coming mostly from Brazil.
President Trump's proclamation in August came just a day after he met in the White House with Joesley Batista, whose family controls the Brazilian company JBS, the largest beef producer in the world. JBS is notorious for food safety violations and admitted in 2017 to bribing thousands of Brazilian officials for favourable treatment.
"It smells like a pretty corrupt deal," says investigative journalist Eric Schlosser. He says Trump's move is "basically screwing over American ranchers," and the imported beef is "some of the meat most likely to be contaminated."
Schlosser is author of the landmark book Fast Food Nation, first published in 2001. He says that in the 25 years since then, the United States has developed "two food systems." While affluent and well-educated people increasingly favor sustainable, organic foods and care deeply about how food is grown and consumed, working people and the poor are relegated to the "fast-food industrial system" of cheap, mass-produced food of dubious safety.
Democracy Now! can be supported here »
President Trump's proclamation in August came just a day after he met in the White House with Joesley Batista, whose family controls the Brazilian company JBS, the largest beef producer in the world. JBS is notorious for food safety violations and admitted in 2017 to bribing thousands of Brazilian officials for favourable treatment.
"It smells like a pretty corrupt deal," says investigative journalist Eric Schlosser. He says Trump's move is "basically screwing over American ranchers," and the imported beef is "some of the meat most likely to be contaminated."
Schlosser is author of the landmark book Fast Food Nation, first published in 2001. He says that in the 25 years since then, the United States has developed "two food systems." While affluent and well-educated people increasingly favor sustainable, organic foods and care deeply about how food is grown and consumed, working people and the poor are relegated to the "fast-food industrial system" of cheap, mass-produced food of dubious safety.
Democracy Now! can be supported here »
The Amateur Archbishop's Betrayal of the Victims of Terror'. Dame Mullally, Bin Laden & Imam Ashrifi
Sep 17, 2026 | Hubert Walter was the Catholic Arhcbishop of Canterbury from 1193 to 1205 and accompanied Richard the Lionheart on the third Crusade during which he negotiated with salad in the diplomatic work behind the scenes and the fighting.
He understood the reality of Islam and the need to defend Christians from its military expansionism and accompanying brutalities.
The Anglican Church has created an award in his name for religious reconciliation and Bridge building and has just given it to one of Bin Laden's primary Pakistani supporters, who has been promoting terrorism, suicide bombing and Islamic blasphemy laws directed against Christians.
Sarah Mullally chose to Bristow this award on the 25th anniversary of bin Laden's 9/11 murders.
Archbishop gave award on 9/11 anniversary to cleric who praised Bin Laden: Dame Sarah Mullally presented reconciliation honour to Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi, whose council called the al-Qaeda leader ‘sword of God’ »
He understood the reality of Islam and the need to defend Christians from its military expansionism and accompanying brutalities.
The Anglican Church has created an award in his name for religious reconciliation and Bridge building and has just given it to one of Bin Laden's primary Pakistani supporters, who has been promoting terrorism, suicide bombing and Islamic blasphemy laws directed against Christians.
Sarah Mullally chose to Bristow this award on the 25th anniversary of bin Laden's 9/11 murders.
Archbishop gave award on 9/11 anniversary to cleric who praised Bin Laden: Dame Sarah Mullally presented reconciliation honour to Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi, whose council called the al-Qaeda leader ‘sword of God’ »
British Millionaire Killed in Swiss Alps Plane Crash
THE TELEGRAPH: Light aircraft crashed into mountainside near resort town on Wednesday afternoon
A millionaire British businessman has been named as one of three people killed in a plane crash in the Swiss Alps.
Owain Davies, 55, from west Wales, was on board the Cirrus SR22T with two friends when it crashed in the southern canton of Valais near the town of Leukerbad on Wednesday morning.
Formal identification of the other two victims is under way, including another Briton who is yet to be named.
Paying tribute to Mr Davies, his engineering firm Amcanu said the father-of-two was an “unstoppable force” and a “very good friend”.
The firm was founded by his father, Spencer Davies OBE, in Burry Port in 1975 and he took over the business in 2000. » | Abbir Dib. Samuel Montgomery News Reporter | Thursday, September 17, 2026
A millionaire British businessman has been named as one of three people killed in a plane crash in the Swiss Alps.
Owain Davies, 55, from west Wales, was on board the Cirrus SR22T with two friends when it crashed in the southern canton of Valais near the town of Leukerbad on Wednesday morning.
Formal identification of the other two victims is under way, including another Briton who is yet to be named.
Paying tribute to Mr Davies, his engineering firm Amcanu said the father-of-two was an “unstoppable force” and a “very good friend”.
The firm was founded by his father, Spencer Davies OBE, in Burry Port in 1975 and he took over the business in 2000. » | Abbir Dib. Samuel Montgomery News Reporter | Thursday, September 17, 2026
« Nous l’oublierons bien assez tôt » : ces mots terribles qu’aurait prononcés le prince Charles à la mort de Diana, et qui forcent Buckingham à réagir
MADAME FIGARO : Dans les premiers extraits de son livre consacré à la vie de Lady Diana, sa sœur aînée, Charles Spencer fait des révélations choquantes sur la réaction de Charles III après sa disparition tragique, en août 1997.
L’ouvrage Swan Song : Diana, My Sister n’est pas encore sorti mais fait déjà trembler la couronne britannique. Une semaine avant sa parution, prévue le 22 septembre, des extraits du livre de Charles Spencer, le frère cadet de Lady Diana, ont été dévoilés dans les pages du Daily Mail . L’un d’entre eux vise directement le roi Charles III. Après la disparition de la princesse de Galles dans un tragique accident de voiture à Paris, le 31 août 1997, le fils d’Elizabeth II se serait emporté pendant une conversation téléphonique avec son ex-beau-frère au sujet de l’organisation des obsèques. » | Par Solene Delinger | jeudi 17 septembre 2026
L’ouvrage Swan Song : Diana, My Sister n’est pas encore sorti mais fait déjà trembler la couronne britannique. Une semaine avant sa parution, prévue le 22 septembre, des extraits du livre de Charles Spencer, le frère cadet de Lady Diana, ont été dévoilés dans les pages du Daily Mail . L’un d’entre eux vise directement le roi Charles III. Après la disparition de la princesse de Galles dans un tragique accident de voiture à Paris, le 31 août 1997, le fils d’Elizabeth II se serait emporté pendant une conversation téléphonique avec son ex-beau-frère au sujet de l’organisation des obsèques. » | Par Solene Delinger | jeudi 17 septembre 2026
Royal Expert on Palace's Response to Earl Spencer Claims in New Diana Book
Sep 17, 2026 | And Earl Spencer, the brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, claims King Charles said 'we'll forget her soon enough' days after she was killed in that car crash.
A Buckingham Palace Spokesperson said: "While we do not comment on books as a matter of principle, His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss."
A Buckingham Palace Spokesperson said: "While we do not comment on books as a matter of principle, His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss."
Earl Spencer Makes Disparaging Claims about the King’s Parenting of Harry & William | Kate Mansey
Sep 17, 2026 | “It really is quite damaging to the monarchy. It’s a fresh crisis for them.”
Earl Spencer not only criticised the King for his treatment of Princess Diana after her death, but also his parenting methods, forcing Harry and William to walk behind the coffin of their late mother, reports Times royal editor Kate Mansey.
Earl Spencer not only criticised the King for his treatment of Princess Diana after her death, but also his parenting methods, forcing Harry and William to walk behind the coffin of their late mother, reports Times royal editor Kate Mansey.
The Spencer Family Sees the Royals as ‘Vulgar Mudbloods’ & Themselves as ‘Pure-Bloods’ | Lord Gove
Sep 17, 2026 | “They believe that the Royals are upstarts — vulgar mudbloods.”
Earl Spencer’s claims about the King in his new book reflect the Spencers’ belief that they are “the great Whig family”. Diana’s father would have regarded his daughter as “marrying down”, says former Conservative Cabinet minister Michael Gove.
Earl Spencer’s claims about the King in his new book reflect the Spencers’ belief that they are “the great Whig family”. Diana’s father would have regarded his daughter as “marrying down”, says former Conservative Cabinet minister Michael Gove.
Earl Spencer’s Diana Claims Have ‘Torn’ the Royal Family Apart | Jennie Bond
Sep 17, 2026 | “Now we have another war between Diana's brother and the King, and I do not know what purpose it serves.”
Earl Spencer’s extraordinary claims about King Charles have opened up another family “war” that “can only go to hurt” Prince William and Prince Harry, says former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond.
Earl Spencer’s extraordinary claims about King Charles have opened up another family “war” that “can only go to hurt” Prince William and Prince Harry, says former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond.
Turkey's LGBTQ+ Crackdown – "Everything Can Go Darker and Darker" | DW News
« Personne ne dictera au Canada avec qui il peut signer des accords » : Mark Carney, favorable au rapprochement avec l’UE, répond à Donald Trump
LE FIGARO : Sur fond de désamour avec les États-Unis, la présidente de la Commission européenne a proposé mercredi que le Canada puisse devenir le premier pays « membre associé » de l’UE, en s’adressant à Mark Carney.
Le premier ministre canadien Mark Carney a salué jeudi l’idée que son pays devienne le premier membre associé de l’Union européenne, jugeant que le Canada et l’UE étaient « plus forts ensemble ». « Le Canada accueille favorablement cette ambition, et je peux vous dire que les sondages montrent qu’une écrasante majorité de Canadiens soutient des liens beaucoup plus étroits avec l’Europe », a-t-il déclaré devant le Parlement européen à Strasbourg, où il a été longuement applaudi. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | jeudi 17 September 2026
Le premier ministre canadien Mark Carney a salué jeudi l’idée que son pays devienne le premier membre associé de l’Union européenne, jugeant que le Canada et l’UE étaient « plus forts ensemble ». « Le Canada accueille favorablement cette ambition, et je peux vous dire que les sondages montrent qu’une écrasante majorité de Canadiens soutient des liens beaucoup plus étroits avec l’Europe », a-t-il déclaré devant le Parlement européen à Strasbourg, où il a été longuement applaudi. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | jeudi 17 September 2026
Trump Climate Policies Will Kill Millions as EPA Plans to Repeal Power Plant Emissions Rules
ANTHONY DAVIS can be supported on Patreon here »
The geriatric that leads America is a brake on progress. The sooner the free world is rid of his so-called leadership, the better. — © Mark Alexander
Could Australia Join the European Union?
Sep 17, 2026 | When Donald Trump announced his so-called Liberation Day tariffs in April last year, one question seemed to dominate: which country would suffer the most economic pain?
But since then, one country after the next seems to have awoken to a starkly hopeful realisation: the United States accounts for only 15 per cent of total global imports and trade. So, could these countries join a newly powerful trading bloc?
Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on recent moves by Canada to possibly join the European Union, and if Australia could follow suit.
But since then, one country after the next seems to have awoken to a starkly hopeful realisation: the United States accounts for only 15 per cent of total global imports and trade. So, could these countries join a newly powerful trading bloc?
Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on recent moves by Canada to possibly join the European Union, and if Australia could follow suit.
Canadians React to E.U.’s ‘Associate Member’ Offer
THE NEW YORK TIMES: While some Canadians welcomed the European Union’s offer to make their country an “associate member” of the bloc, others were skeptical about its practical significance. | By Julie Yoon | Thursday, September 17, 2026
Click here to listen to the reactions.
Sweden’s Centre-Left Wins Election
THE TELEGRAPH: Magdalena Andersson set to return as prime minister after her bloc secures razor-thin lead
Screenshot taken from this Telegraph article. | Magdalena Andersson’s Swedish Social Democratic Party leads by about 26,000 ballots Credit: Denis Balibouse/Reuters
Sweden’s centre-Left opposition bloc defeated the ruling Right-wing coalition in a razor-thin general election, Sweden’s SVT public broadcaster announced on Wednesday.
With 99 per cent of the votes counted, Magdalena Andersson, the former prime minister, was on track to win 175 seats in the Riksdag, the 349-seat parliament, putting it on course to form the next government. » | Lilia Sebouai Global Health Security Reporter | Wednesday, September 2026
Sweden’s centre-Left opposition bloc defeated the ruling Right-wing coalition in a razor-thin general election, Sweden’s SVT public broadcaster announced on Wednesday.
With 99 per cent of the votes counted, Magdalena Andersson, the former prime minister, was on track to win 175 seats in the Riksdag, the 349-seat parliament, putting it on course to form the next government. » | Lilia Sebouai Global Health Security Reporter | Wednesday, September 2026
Kanada und die EU | 🌍 tagesschau24 Top-Thema, 16.9.2026
Von der Leyen Pitches 'Associate Member' Status for Canada: What Does It Mean for EU-US Ties?
Carney's Canada Draws Closer to European Union • FRANCE 24 English
Sep 16, 2026 | With a US president who talks of making Canada the 51st state…Its leader in Europe where it’s not quite the EU's 28th state on offer but something the president of the European Commission is calling ‘associate membership’. We’ll ask what that means, how it differs from the close status afforded to the likes of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK which Carney’s also visiting ahead of his own Strasbourg speech Thursday before the European Parliament.
What are Canada’s options? What are Europe’s options as both the US and Russia covet the Arctic? How closer can they really get when already ten EU nations - including France and Italy - have yet to ratify the CETA free trade agreement that’s provisionally in effect with Ottawa?
The French - who have their own challenges with the far-right favourite to win next May’s presidential elections - will conclude this Canadian cycle when Emmanuel Macron hosts Carney in the tiny North Atlantic overseas territory of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Ahead of UN week in New York, a simple question: do Europeans take on the United States head on like Canada or massage relations with the world's biggest superpower
What are Canada’s options? What are Europe’s options as both the US and Russia covet the Arctic? How closer can they really get when already ten EU nations - including France and Italy - have yet to ratify the CETA free trade agreement that’s provisionally in effect with Ottawa?
The French - who have their own challenges with the far-right favourite to win next May’s presidential elections - will conclude this Canadian cycle when Emmanuel Macron hosts Carney in the tiny North Atlantic overseas territory of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Ahead of UN week in New York, a simple question: do Europeans take on the United States head on like Canada or massage relations with the world's biggest superpower
Canada Associate EU Membership Offer ’Not A Surprise’ | Peter Conradi
Sep 16, 2026 | “My feeling is it’s fundamentally a symbolic thing.”
The associated membership to the EU offered to Canada had been “trailed in advance” but it’s “not entirely clear what it would mean”, says Europe editor for The Times Peter Conradi.
The associated membership to the EU offered to Canada had been “trailed in advance” but it’s “not entirely clear what it would mean”, says Europe editor for The Times Peter Conradi.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Ex-DUP Leader Mocks Wales, NI & Scotland Independence Pact!
Sep 16, 2026 | Arlene Foster just called the break-up of the UK “nonsense” and “performance art.” The former DUP leader dismissed Welsh independence, Scottish independence, and a united Ireland in one clip — and the contempt is the story.
Was it a distraction… or did Brexit already crack the union she claims to defend?
This week the first ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland met in Cardiff to talk self-determination, just as Donald Trump backed a united Ireland.
Foster went on The Jeremy Kyle Breakfast Show and said none of them have a majority, the pact is a “destruction charter,” and it “isn’t going to happen.”
Was it a distraction… or did Brexit already crack the union she claims to defend?
This week the first ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland met in Cardiff to talk self-determination, just as Donald Trump backed a united Ireland.
Foster went on The Jeremy Kyle Breakfast Show and said none of them have a majority, the pact is a “destruction charter,” and it “isn’t going to happen.”
LGBTQ 'a Threat to Erdogan's Ideal of a Strong, Masculine State', Expert Says • FRANCE 24 English
Trump Suffers 'Significant' Blow over Mail-in Voting | Anne Applebaum
Sep 15, 2026 | “There’s early voting in many states, and it was set to cause real havoc.”
It is a “great relief” that the Supreme Court has blocked Donald Trump’s move to make postal voting much more difficult, says staff writer at the Atlantic Anne Applebaum.
It is a “great relief” that the Supreme Court has blocked Donald Trump’s move to make postal voting much more difficult, says staff writer at the Atlantic Anne Applebaum.
The UK Is a ‘Biblical Embarrassment’, Claims Pete Hegseth’s Pastor
Sep 16, 2026 | “I’ve got a number of friends there in the UK and I’m supportive of them, but it’s a steep uphill climb.”
The UK has digested from their “biblical moorings”, says senior pastor of Christ Church and defense secretary Pete Hegseth’s pastor Doug Wilson.
I fear that the USA under Trump and his chumps has passed the point of no return. Trump's regime is a dystopia. And a dangerous one at that! — © Mark Alexander
The UK has digested from their “biblical moorings”, says senior pastor of Christ Church and defense secretary Pete Hegseth’s pastor Doug Wilson.
I fear that the USA under Trump and his chumps has passed the point of no return. Trump's regime is a dystopia. And a dangerous one at that! — © Mark Alexander
« Porter notre relation au plus haut niveau possible » : l’Union européenne propose au Canada un statut de « membre associé »
LE FIGARO : DÉCRYPTAGE - Le pays pourrait également faire partie d’un futur « conseil de sécurité européen », avec le Royaume-Uni, la Norvège et l’Ukraine, selon des annonces d’Ursula von der Leyen.
Quand Donald Trump a parlé de faire du Canada le 51e État des États-Unis, l’idée a germé que le pays pourrait devenir, plutôt, le 28e membre de l’Union européenne. Contre toute attente, elle a fait son chemin. « Nous partageons les mêmes valeurs, nous avons les mêmes priorités et nos atouts se complètent parfaitement », argumentait ce week-end son premier ministre, Mark Carney, avant une visite en Europe. Cette possibilité est même soutenue par 58 % des Canadiens, selon un sondage réalisé en mars. A priori saugrenue, la piste a été sérieusement étudiée par des juristes bruxellois, avant de conclure qu’en raison de critères géographiques immuables, le Canada ne saurait faire partie de l’Union européenne. » | Par Florentin Collomp, envoyé spécial à Strasbourg | mercredi 16 septembre 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Charles Told Earl Spencer 'Rest Assured, We'll Forget Diana Soon Enough' in Incendiary Phone Call Days after Her Death, Claims Devastating Memoir
DAILY MAIL: A furious Prince Charles told Earl Spencer days after Princess Diana’s death, ‘rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough’, according to a devastating memoir.
In allegations that will send shockwaves through the Royal Family, Charles Spencer’s bombshell book – to be exclusively serialised in the Daily Mail from tomorrow – lifts the lid on an incendiary row with the now King over funeral arrangements.
The argument followed the decision, opposed by Diana's brother the Earl, that Prince William and Prince Harry, then aged 15 and 12, would walk in their mother’s funeral procession.
The Earl says he insisted to the then Prince of Wales that Diana would not have wanted her young sons to endure such a public ordeal. It is claimed Charles then questioned the Spencer family’s sense of duty before saying his ex-wife, whose death sparked a global outpouring of grief, would soon be forgotten.
Earl Spencer says the comments ‘unleashed’ by the King almost 30 years ago reflected ‘his pent-up contempt for Diana, and his horror that the world was so bowled over by her death’.
The astonishing account of the King’s alleged outburst is included in Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, which Earl Spencer, 62, says he has written to correct ‘untruths’ told about his older sister. » | Mark Hookham | Assistant Editor (Investigations) | Wednesday, September 16, 2026
In allegations that will send shockwaves through the Royal Family, Charles Spencer’s bombshell book – to be exclusively serialised in the Daily Mail from tomorrow – lifts the lid on an incendiary row with the now King over funeral arrangements.
The argument followed the decision, opposed by Diana's brother the Earl, that Prince William and Prince Harry, then aged 15 and 12, would walk in their mother’s funeral procession.
The Earl says he insisted to the then Prince of Wales that Diana would not have wanted her young sons to endure such a public ordeal. It is claimed Charles then questioned the Spencer family’s sense of duty before saying his ex-wife, whose death sparked a global outpouring of grief, would soon be forgotten.
Earl Spencer says the comments ‘unleashed’ by the King almost 30 years ago reflected ‘his pent-up contempt for Diana, and his horror that the world was so bowled over by her death’.
The astonishing account of the King’s alleged outburst is included in Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, which Earl Spencer, 62, says he has written to correct ‘untruths’ told about his older sister. » | Mark Hookham | Assistant Editor (Investigations) | Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Ina Garten's MUST-TRY Fall Recipes 🍂 Barefoot Contessa | Food Network
Osborne Claims Britain Has ‘Fallen Off a Cliff’ Since Leaving Europe
THE TELEGRAPH: Former Tory chancellor urges Andy Burnham to re-enter EU customs union after Brexit’s ‘devastating impact’ on trade
George Osborne has said Britain should rejoin the EU customs union, claiming that the country has “gone off a cliff” since Brexit.
The former Tory chancellor, who resigned hours after Lord Cameron following the referendum, said rejoining the trading bloc would be a “straightforward decision” for Andy Burnham.
He told The Independent: “Britain has basically gone off a cliff. It has had a huge impact on the British economy. It is clearly poorer than it would otherwise be.”
His suggested solution was to rejoin the customs union. “It’s a quite simple thing to do. That was never part of the Brexit debate.
“No one knew we were leaving it and it has had a devastating impact on trade,” he said.
He added that Brexiteers had backed leaving the customs union because of “these great trade deals we were going to strike with America”, which he said “looks pretty fanciful now”.\
The former chancellor said: “If I was Andy Burnham, I don’t see why you wouldn’t rejoin the customs union. » | Genevieve Holl-Allen Political Correspondent | Wednesday, September 13, 2026
I see that the ‘great and the good’ are all coming around to my way of thinking now! The UK’s place is, and always has been, inside the European Union. We Britons are Europeans, and the European Union is our home. It is a wonderful, supranational union which has evolved and grown since World War II in order to ensure that there will not be another horrendous war in Europe and to bring about peace, harmony, good relations, and security within Europe, and to foster human rights for ALL. And, very importantly, to bring about prosperity to all in Europe. We Europeans are a family with similar values, similar hopes, and similar dreams and aspirations. — © Mark Alexander
George Osborne has said Britain should rejoin the EU customs union, claiming that the country has “gone off a cliff” since Brexit.
The former Tory chancellor, who resigned hours after Lord Cameron following the referendum, said rejoining the trading bloc would be a “straightforward decision” for Andy Burnham.
He told The Independent: “Britain has basically gone off a cliff. It has had a huge impact on the British economy. It is clearly poorer than it would otherwise be.”
His suggested solution was to rejoin the customs union. “It’s a quite simple thing to do. That was never part of the Brexit debate.
“No one knew we were leaving it and it has had a devastating impact on trade,” he said.
He added that Brexiteers had backed leaving the customs union because of “these great trade deals we were going to strike with America”, which he said “looks pretty fanciful now”.\
The former chancellor said: “If I was Andy Burnham, I don’t see why you wouldn’t rejoin the customs union. » | Genevieve Holl-Allen Political Correspondent | Wednesday, September 13, 2026
I see that the ‘great and the good’ are all coming around to my way of thinking now! The UK’s place is, and always has been, inside the European Union. We Britons are Europeans, and the European Union is our home. It is a wonderful, supranational union which has evolved and grown since World War II in order to ensure that there will not be another horrendous war in Europe and to bring about peace, harmony, good relations, and security within Europe, and to foster human rights for ALL. And, very importantly, to bring about prosperity to all in Europe. We Europeans are a family with similar values, similar hopes, and similar dreams and aspirations. — © Mark Alexander
Will the Houthis Tank the Global Economy? | BBC News
Sep 16, 2026 | Over the last week, the Houthis - an Iran-backed militant group in Yemen - have captured two strategic islands along the Red Sea coast, consolidating its control of a key international shipping route known as the Bab al-Mandab strait.
Saudi Arabia has relied on access to the strait for exporting its oil to customers in Asia. With the Strait of Hormuz already closed due to the Iran war, the Houthis’ control of this vital waterway threatens to deepen the global oil supply crisis.
Tristan Redman is joined by the BBC’s Security Correspondent Frank Gardner to unpack who the Houthis are, what they want, and how they have come to hold so much influence on the world’s economy.
Saudi Arabia has relied on access to the strait for exporting its oil to customers in Asia. With the Strait of Hormuz already closed due to the Iran war, the Houthis’ control of this vital waterway threatens to deepen the global oil supply crisis.
Tristan Redman is joined by the BBC’s Security Correspondent Frank Gardner to unpack who the Houthis are, what they want, and how they have come to hold so much influence on the world’s economy.
Turkey's LGBTQ+ Crackdown – "Everything Can Go Darker and Darker" | DW News
Ursula von der Leyen Invites Canada to Be EU's First 'Associate Member' | DW News
EU Chief Says Canada Should Become First "Associate Member’
Related article and my comment here »
The Billionaire Who Manufactured JD Vance
The OAP Triple Lock Isn’t a Problem. The Cost of Pension Tax Relief Is
Sep 16, 2026 | The old age pension triple lock is under attack again. The Financial Times wants it scrapped. The Resolution Foundation wants it ended. The Tony Blair Institute says it is unaffordable. But they are all looking at the wrong pension subsidy to criticise.
The UK spends around £154 billion a year on state pensions. The accumulated additional cost attributed to the triple lock is estimated at around £16 billion. That money has helped protect pensioners' incomes, including those of the many people who depend almost entirely on the state pension.
There is, however, another pension subsidy that receives far less attention: tax relief on private pensions. The total cost of private pension tax reliefs is around £83.9 billion a year, with 71% of that tax relief going to higher and additional-rate taxpayers. Most strikingly, the cost of higher-rate pension tax relief, over and above the basic rate everyone can enjoy, is around £15 billion a year, which is remarkably close to the £16 billion cost attributed to the pension triple lock. So why is the political debate focused on restraining the incomes of pensioners rather than on reducing tax subsidies for people already able to accumulate substantial private wealth?
This isn’t fundamentally an affordability question. It is about inequality, political priorities and whose interests government chooses to protect.
I think the triple lock should stay, and higher-rate pension tax relief should go. You may, of course, disagree.
The UK spends around £154 billion a year on state pensions. The accumulated additional cost attributed to the triple lock is estimated at around £16 billion. That money has helped protect pensioners' incomes, including those of the many people who depend almost entirely on the state pension.
There is, however, another pension subsidy that receives far less attention: tax relief on private pensions. The total cost of private pension tax reliefs is around £83.9 billion a year, with 71% of that tax relief going to higher and additional-rate taxpayers. Most strikingly, the cost of higher-rate pension tax relief, over and above the basic rate everyone can enjoy, is around £15 billion a year, which is remarkably close to the £16 billion cost attributed to the pension triple lock. So why is the political debate focused on restraining the incomes of pensioners rather than on reducing tax subsidies for people already able to accumulate substantial private wealth?
This isn’t fundamentally an affordability question. It is about inequality, political priorities and whose interests government chooses to protect.
I think the triple lock should stay, and higher-rate pension tax relief should go. You may, of course, disagree.
No Right to Clean Drinking Water? How Trump's EPA Rollbacks Are Poisoning American Towns & Cities
Sep 16, 2026 | Is access to clean drinking water a fundamental human right? In a landmark decision, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the U.S. Constitution does not guarantee a right to lead-free water or truthful public health information.
In this video, we break down the ongoing Jackson, Mississippi water crisis, the Trump administration’s sweeping rollbacks to the Clean Water Act, and how federal deregulation leaves lower-income communities to bear the physical and financial toll of toxic exposure.
ANTHONY DAVIS can be supported on Patreon here »
In this video, we break down the ongoing Jackson, Mississippi water crisis, the Trump administration’s sweeping rollbacks to the Clean Water Act, and how federal deregulation leaves lower-income communities to bear the physical and financial toll of toxic exposure.
ANTHONY DAVIS can be supported on Patreon here »
Canada Could Become the E.U.’s First ‘Associate Member’
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the bloc’s executive arm, has invited Ottawa closer as both sides look to navigate complicated geopolitical challenges.
Screenshot taken from this NYT article. | Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, and Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Wednesday. Credit: Yves Herman/Reuters
The European Union has invited Canada to work toward becoming the bloc’s first “associate member,” a title meant to underscore Canada’s growing closeness to the 27-nation union in a world of rising geopolitical risk.
Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Union’s executive arm, announced the plan on Wednesday during a speech in Strasbourg, France. Mark Carney, the prime minister of Canada, was at the event and seated directly to Ms. von der Leyen’s left as she made her address.
During the speech, Ms. von der Leyen said, “We must urgently reimagine our partnerships.” Directing her next line to Mr. Carney himself, she added, “I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the European Union.”
The declaration was met with a standing ovation from lawmakers, and Mr. Carney and Ms. von der Leyen shook hands warmly as she made the announcement.
Ms. von der Leyen said the proposal was “not a partnership against anyone else, but for our common strength.” » | Jeanna Smialek and Matina Stevis-Gridneff | Reporting from Strasbourg, France | Wednesday, September 16, 2026
This is wonderful news! Canada is a wonderful country, and the European Union is a wonderful supranational union. This is the best political and economic news I have heard in a very long time. The only pity—and shame—is that my own country, the UK, stupidly voted to leave the European Union. It is to be hoped that this folly will be reversed as soon as possible.
Footnote: This development shows just how stupid and ridiculous all of Trump’s policies have been. That goes for his ‘war’ on the friendly and honourable Canadians and his ridiculous tariff obsession. Trump is a failure, and the longer it goes on, the more his failures will become evident! That goes for his disruption of international trade with tariffs, his ‘war’ on, and alienation of his closest neighbour, Canada, and his unwinnable, illegal war on Iran.
Americans would do themselves a great favour to be more careful when choosing their leaders. — © Mark Alexander
À LIRE AUSSI : Ursula von der Leyen propose de faire du Canada le « premier membre associé » de l’UE : La présidente de la Commission européenne a proposé, dans son discours au Parlement européen ce mercredi, de renforcer les liens entre l’Union européenne et le Canada en lui accordant un statut inédit. »
LESEN SIE AUCH:
Von der Leyen präsentiert EU-Pläne: Kanada soll „assoziiertes Mitglied“ werden – Nato-ähnlicher Verteidigungsmechanismus für Europa: Die EU-Kommissionspräsidentin betont außerdem, dass das EU-Handelsdefizit mit China wieder ins Gleichgewicht gebracht werden müsse, und schlägt ein Social-Media-Verbot für Kinder unter 13 Jahren vor. »
The European Union has invited Canada to work toward becoming the bloc’s first “associate member,” a title meant to underscore Canada’s growing closeness to the 27-nation union in a world of rising geopolitical risk.
Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Union’s executive arm, announced the plan on Wednesday during a speech in Strasbourg, France. Mark Carney, the prime minister of Canada, was at the event and seated directly to Ms. von der Leyen’s left as she made her address.
During the speech, Ms. von der Leyen said, “We must urgently reimagine our partnerships.” Directing her next line to Mr. Carney himself, she added, “I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the European Union.”
The declaration was met with a standing ovation from lawmakers, and Mr. Carney and Ms. von der Leyen shook hands warmly as she made the announcement.
Ms. von der Leyen said the proposal was “not a partnership against anyone else, but for our common strength.” » | Jeanna Smialek and Matina Stevis-Gridneff | Reporting from Strasbourg, France | Wednesday, September 16, 2026
This is wonderful news! Canada is a wonderful country, and the European Union is a wonderful supranational union. This is the best political and economic news I have heard in a very long time. The only pity—and shame—is that my own country, the UK, stupidly voted to leave the European Union. It is to be hoped that this folly will be reversed as soon as possible.
Footnote: This development shows just how stupid and ridiculous all of Trump’s policies have been. That goes for his ‘war’ on the friendly and honourable Canadians and his ridiculous tariff obsession. Trump is a failure, and the longer it goes on, the more his failures will become evident! That goes for his disruption of international trade with tariffs, his ‘war’ on, and alienation of his closest neighbour, Canada, and his unwinnable, illegal war on Iran.
Americans would do themselves a great favour to be more careful when choosing their leaders. — © Mark Alexander
À LIRE AUSSI : Ursula von der Leyen propose de faire du Canada le « premier membre associé » de l’UE : La présidente de la Commission européenne a proposé, dans son discours au Parlement européen ce mercredi, de renforcer les liens entre l’Union européenne et le Canada en lui accordant un statut inédit. »
LESEN SIE AUCH:
Von der Leyen präsentiert EU-Pläne: Kanada soll „assoziiertes Mitglied“ werden – Nato-ähnlicher Verteidigungsmechanismus für Europa: Die EU-Kommissionspräsidentin betont außerdem, dass das EU-Handelsdefizit mit China wieder ins Gleichgewicht gebracht werden müsse, und schlägt ein Social-Media-Verbot für Kinder unter 13 Jahren vor. »
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Donald Trump and His Family Are Looting America | Steve Schmidt
Sep 15, 2026 | Don Jr.'s wedding was paid for by a Russian oligarch close to Vladimir Putin.
With 49 days until the midterms, Steve Schmidt explains the epic corruption of Donald Trump's regime and why a Democratic Congress must hold it accountable.
Trump and his chumps are full of hot air and sh**! — © Mark Alexnader
With 49 days until the midterms, Steve Schmidt explains the epic corruption of Donald Trump's regime and why a Democratic Congress must hold it accountable.
Trump and his chumps are full of hot air and sh**! — © Mark Alexnader
Reform’s Leader in Wales Resigns after Arrest for Assault
THE TELEGRAPH: Dan Thomas said he was standing down for ‘personal reasons’
Reform UK’s leader in Wales has stepped down after being arrested by police on suspicion of assault at the weekend.
Dan Thomas was named Welsh leader in February and led Reform to become the second-largest party in the Senedd at an election in May.
In a statement, he said: “It has been the honour of my life to have been the leader of Reform Wales and see this party go from zero to 34 elected members and become the largest opposition group in Welsh history.
“With deep regret, I am now standing down from this position due to personal reasons. Over the weekend, I was reported to the police and was released without charge. » | Telegraph Reporters | Tuesday, September 16, 2026
Reform UK’s leader in Wales has stepped down after being arrested by police on suspicion of assault at the weekend.
Dan Thomas was named Welsh leader in February and led Reform to become the second-largest party in the Senedd at an election in May.
In a statement, he said: “It has been the honour of my life to have been the leader of Reform Wales and see this party go from zero to 34 elected members and become the largest opposition group in Welsh history.
“With deep regret, I am now standing down from this position due to personal reasons. Over the weekend, I was reported to the police and was released without charge. » | Telegraph Reporters | Tuesday, September 16, 2026
Turkey’s LGBTQ+ Crackdown
Sep 15, 2026 | Turkish authorities have detained at least 150 people at a protest after police targeted gay bars and the homes of the LGBTQ+ community.
Demonstrators were confronted by police as they gathered outside a court in Istanbul. Dozens were arrested over the weekend in the police crackdown.
The government says it is part of a push to protect traditional family values.
Related video here »
Demonstrators were confronted by police as they gathered outside a court in Istanbul. Dozens were arrested over the weekend in the police crackdown.
The government says it is part of a push to protect traditional family values.
Related video here »
Holocaust-Überlebende Charlotte Knobloch erlebt ein Déja-vu
Can Nigel Farage Make Britain Christian Again?
Sep 15, 2026 | “Do not ask me to love everyone as I love those I’m close to – my actual neighbours.”
Reform UK has a vision for Britain built on family, community, and country, seeking to restore Britain to its Christian values. But what are those values? And can Christian nationalism work in the UK?
This is an original documentary for Times Radio produced by Hannah Drayton, Seth Maile, and Ben Wormald.
God Almighty! This agenda is redolent of Hitler’s agenda! Fascism is truly alive and kicking!
These people are dangerous. Keep them well away from the levers of power! Family, community, and country indeed! They’ll be coming with Ein Volk, ein Reich, und ein Führer next! Then people will know for sure that the country is in deep doo-doo!
If the shortage of babies is what they are concerned about—and they should be concerned about that—there is only one way to solve that problem and it is for women to have more babies. Reform UK won’t solve that problem with their policies.
And women will only be able to have more babies if they stay out of the workplace and procreate. This dearth of babies has been caused by feminism. The shortage started when women decided that motherhood was beneath them, so they chose equality with men instead. Fat lot of good that has done society!
When women are out working, they have little time to give birth, and still less time to raise babies. So, if society needs more babies—and it certainly does—it must be made possible for women to be able to afford to return to the home, return to traditional motherhood. Only then will western countries be able to facilitate enough babies being born.
It must be remembered, too, that children don’t bring themselves up. Good mothers do. The old model of the father being the breadwinner and the mother caring for the home and raising the children, with manners and good behaviour, was a model which we would do well to emulate today. All we need do is look around us and see what has happened to standards of behaviour by abandoning that model.
I know full well that my message will not be well received by many. The truth often hurts. Nevertheless, it needs to be stated.
Many think we can have it all: careers, children, solid family lives, etc. Unfortunately, we often cannot; so we must choose and prioritise. — © Mark Alexander
Reform UK has a vision for Britain built on family, community, and country, seeking to restore Britain to its Christian values. But what are those values? And can Christian nationalism work in the UK?
This is an original documentary for Times Radio produced by Hannah Drayton, Seth Maile, and Ben Wormald.
God Almighty! This agenda is redolent of Hitler’s agenda! Fascism is truly alive and kicking!
These people are dangerous. Keep them well away from the levers of power! Family, community, and country indeed! They’ll be coming with Ein Volk, ein Reich, und ein Führer next! Then people will know for sure that the country is in deep doo-doo!
If the shortage of babies is what they are concerned about—and they should be concerned about that—there is only one way to solve that problem and it is for women to have more babies. Reform UK won’t solve that problem with their policies.
And women will only be able to have more babies if they stay out of the workplace and procreate. This dearth of babies has been caused by feminism. The shortage started when women decided that motherhood was beneath them, so they chose equality with men instead. Fat lot of good that has done society!
When women are out working, they have little time to give birth, and still less time to raise babies. So, if society needs more babies—and it certainly does—it must be made possible for women to be able to afford to return to the home, return to traditional motherhood. Only then will western countries be able to facilitate enough babies being born.
It must be remembered, too, that children don’t bring themselves up. Good mothers do. The old model of the father being the breadwinner and the mother caring for the home and raising the children, with manners and good behaviour, was a model which we would do well to emulate today. All we need do is look around us and see what has happened to standards of behaviour by abandoning that model.
I know full well that my message will not be well received by many. The truth often hurts. Nevertheless, it needs to be stated.
Many think we can have it all: careers, children, solid family lives, etc. Unfortunately, we often cannot; so we must choose and prioritise. — © Mark Alexander
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