Deputy comment editor at the Independent (Voices), previously features editor at the Daily Telegraph, deputy features at the Mail on Sunday. Views model's own
London, England
Joined January 2009
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The government's decision to approve Angela Rayner's idea to house more than 1,200 male migrants next to Piddington (pop: 358) will have consequences – not least costing nearby Aylesbury MP @laurakyrkesmith her seat at the next election
teapaw.org/Steven_Swinford/status…
BREAKING
Angela Rayner has approved plans to house up to 1,256 single male migrants at MOD Bicester in Oxfordshire - next to the village of Piddington - despite the overwhelming opposition of the local community
The decision comes after Andy Burnham said that people in more affluent areas of the UK must 'play their part' in housing asylum seekers
Piddington was so incensed that it even held a symbolic referendum on leaving the UK as a protest against the plans. The government has decided to override their concerns
This is the letter sent to Greg Smith, the local Tory MP: 'Application by the Home Office for full planning permission for the temporary change of use of the former defence storage & distribution centre site in connection with the phased provision of non-detained asylum accommodation at MOD Bicester (A-site), Bicester Garrison, Launton Road, OX25 1AE.
'I am writing to inform you that today the Secretary of State has granted planning permission, subject to conditions, for the Home Office’s application described above'
Doesn't sound like a decision has been made yet on RAF Barnham or RAF Linton-on-Ouse
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Paul Clements retweeted
Before the shouting starts - a bit of the Milburn Review that is barely mentioned in the headlines and attacks
“Those [young people] with the most profound disabilities who are not capable of working would be given a new benefit, paid at a higher rate”
The greatest, most cheering and life-affirming op-ed you will read today is by Martin Lewis
theguardian.com/commentisfre…
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In ecumenical news, Cliff Richard – whom I adore – has done a cover of George Harrison’s My Sweet Lord – which I also adore – and has replaced the glorious Hare Krishna bit with, well, you listen
open.spotify.com/track/7LGQd…
Alright, I’ve caved earlier than i hoped have and finally put the heating on – but only because you can’t dry clothes in a house that’s 14C, can you?
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This is an ingenious and stupidly simple way to work out how and when to use your Avios points – thanks @SimonCalder!
telegraph.co.uk/travel/advic…
Found myself on the newly pedestrianised (and completely packed) Oxford Street today and, I have to say, it was glorious
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The only thing that thrived in the garden this year wasn’t even planted by me, but by the squirrels burying their nuts. I’ve had peanut bushes sprout everywhere. Bring on the frosts!
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Good to see my idea for a festive fruit platter – “charfruiterie”, if you will, hem hem – has finally arrived. Thank you, Marks & Spencer
The finest thing I ever did commission independent.co.uk/voices/cha…
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Paul Clements retweeted
Number plates for cyclists? On yer bike! independent.co.uk/voices/lim…
When even the @Independent takes against draft legislation that would criminalise parents who ask questions about a teenager with gender dysphoria, maybe the law needs a rethink, @bphillipsonMP?
independent.co.uk/voices/con…
Paul Clements retweeted
Nigel Farage made a fool of himself predicting his friend Donald Trump would win independent.co.uk/voices/tru…
Paul Clements retweeted
Appalled to see that a town near Dresden has decided to ban "stumbling stone" memorials to victims of the Nazis. If you don't know what they are, just google 'Stolperstein'. They can be found all over Europe, and there's even one in London.
bbc.com/news/articles/cqm2mm…
Paul Clements retweeted
For decades, Dr Az Hakeem treated people with gender dysphoria, but gave up when a teenage patient accused him of practising conversion therapy. Now, he fears misguided legislation would leave professionals like him facing years in prison
Read more: independent.co.uk/voices/con…
Great use of one of my favourite words, "enshittification"
