Protests in France, Germany and Albania are still continuing, after some months now. These protests started off in France with students complaining about the lack of teachers, the large classes of over 32 students, lack of heating and general disrepair of school buildings. Teachers and parents soon joined in, in unison and solidarity. The protests started off small, in a village, I believe. It rang true for others and spread like wild fire. The main stay of the protest soon became central Paris and it has been violent for some time. Cars, street furniture and large garbage containers are burnt, random things are used as missiles and thrown. Police vehicles attacked. Countless of people, young and old, have been arrested. The toll on the infrastructure must be huge. Non-protestors that want to go about their business on a daily basis must feel like they're in a kind of hell. Tourists have been denied many important venues, like the Louvre, due to the disruption. To add to wh...
Andy Burnham gave his first speech at the Labour conference yesterday (Tuesday 29th September 2026), and at one point it got very emotional. The speech started off promisingly, with energy and gusto. Then surprisingly, it got better. Even when he said he will be getting rid of the 'pension triple lock', the reaction at the Liverpool venue seemed positive. He spoke unhesitatingly, confidently even, but when Andy talked about reforming social care and about his father, who'd passed away only two weeks ago, it got very personal. There was a hush in the large hall, everyone was all ears, tears welled up in Andy's eyes as he spoke. As he did so, people were visibly moved and also brought to tears. Women and men cried openly, unashamedly. Even Ed Milliband's eyes were not dry - and I thought nothing could move him. For a first speech it was a nine out of ten. Not overly emotional, just the right amount of emotion I'd say. Don't get me wrong: I am not a big fan. I ...