"As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Benjamin Britten, it is fitting that Glyndebourne has mounted a stunning revival of his theatrical and musical masterpiece" 🎶 Baroness Andrews reviews 'Billy Budd’ | #glyndebourne bit.ly/4xs1fv7

'A stunning revival': Baroness Andrews reviews 'Billy Budd' at Glyndebourne

Powerfully sung and beautifully performed, Glyndebourne has mounted a moving production of Britten’s theatrical and musical masterpiece, Billy Budd

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"Fearless, honest and articulate, Ann Widdecombe was a generous friend. A conviction politician whose principles were underpinned by her faith and patriotism, she was always true to her herself" 🕊️ Tributes to Ann Widdecombe – by Lord Alton, Baroness Hoey & Baroness Browning https://bit.ly/3Ua9Wvq

“She dared to be a Daniel, she dared to stand alone”: Tributes to Ann Widdecombe

Fearless, honest and articulate, Ann Widdecombe was a warm and generous friend. A conviction politician whose principles were underpinned by her fa...

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"George’s politics and mine were, and remain, poles apart in many ways but I have had a fierce regard for the fact that this man knew what he believed in and stood by that belief and fought for it until the day that he died" 🕊️ Tribute to George Howarth – by Conservative MP, Roger Gale bit.ly/3Tq1R5B

'A straight-talking man of principle': Tribute to George Howarth – by Roger Gale

A Labour MP for nearly 40 years, George Howarth was firm, fair with a self-deprecating Merseyside wit. A veteran of his party’s battles with Milita...

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‘Everywhere there were pitifully injured people’: how a newly unearthed memoir captures the devastation of Hiroshima

‘Everywhere there were pitifully injured people’: how a newly unearthed memoir captures the devastation of Hiroshima

In an exclusive extract from his memoir, Kiyoshi Tanimoto describes the terrifying trip across the city to locate his wife and child

theguardian.com

"Former lord advocate, law lord, and lord chancellor for almost a decade, James Mackay had a remarkable career by any standards. A wise man of deep integrity, his was a life nobly lived" 🕊️ Tribute to Lord Mackay of Clashfern – by @lordspeaker.parliament.uk, Lord Forsyth bit.ly/4gUY2z3

'A gentle giant of exceptional intellect': Tribute to Lord Mackay of Clashfern – by the Lord Speaker

Former lord advocate, law lord, and lord chancellor for almost a decade, James Mackay had a remarkable career by any standards. A wise man of deep ...

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"Second World War veteran, formidable trade union negotiator and later a Labour peer, Tony Christopher was a loyal friend and mentor. An inspiration to many, he lived a truly remarkable life of service" 🕊️ Tribute to Lord Christopher – by Lord Evans of Watford bit.ly/4wVIRKM

'A truly remarkable life of service': Tribute to Lord Christopher

Second World War veteran, formidable trade union negotiator and later a Labour peer, Tony Christopher was a loyal friend to me – and an inspiration...

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"Former social worker Herbert Laming was respected for his independence and integrity. One of the most influential figures in the history of UK child protection, his work has safeguarded the well-being of countless children" 🕊️Tribute to Lord Laming – by Baroness Pitkeathley bit.ly/4w7WO8k

'The man who changed child protection forever': tribute to Lord Laming

Crossbench peer and former social worker, Herbert Laming was respected for his independence and integrity. One of the most influential figures in t...

politicshome.com

Thank you Politics Home for asking me to review London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe - which I know is on lots of people’s summer reading list.

'Compelling': Joe Powell reviews 'London Falling'

Patrick Radden Keefe’s powerful investigation into the death of a teenage boy is also a thoughtful examination of organised crime, dirty money and ...

politicshome.com

"Patrick Radden Keefe’s powerful investigation into the death of a teenage boy is also a thoughtful examination of organised crime, dirty money and tax avoidance in contemporary London" 📚 @joepowell.bsky.social reviews @praddenkeefe.bsky.social's 'London Falling' bit.ly/4bx4Cbt

'Compelling': Joe Powell reviews 'London Falling'

Patrick Radden Keefe’s powerful investigation into the death of a teenage boy is also a thoughtful examination of organised crime, dirty money and ...

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Really appreciate this review of Peace Makers from Lord (Guy) Black. If you are looking for a holiday read, it might help you decide!

Sally Dawson@sallydawson.bsky.social · 3w ago

"The unsung story of the courageous diplomats who helped Britain to victory during the Second World War, Lord Rickett's dazzling book is a perfectly judged blend of pace and detail" 📚 Lord Black reviews @lordrickettsp.bsky.social's 'Peace Makers' | @quartobooksuk.bsky.social bit.ly/4pjan25

The family of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be executed in Britain, has received a measure of justice from this government. The move by David Lammy to pardon her is welcome and overdue However, while domestic violence law has come a long way since 1955, there's more to do, writes Labour MP Pam Cox

The pardon for Ruth Ellis is welcome but domestic violence law needs further reform

The family of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be executed in Britain, has received a measure of justice from this government.

politicshome.com

"The unsung story of the courageous diplomats who helped Britain to victory during the Second World War, Lord Rickett's dazzling book is a perfectly judged blend of pace and detail" 📚 Lord Black reviews @lordrickettsp.bsky.social's 'Peace Makers' | @quartobooksuk.bsky.social bit.ly/4pjan25

'Pack this book for your holiday reading – you won’t put it down': Lord Black reviews 'Peace Makers'

The unsung story of the courageous diplomats who helped Britain to victory during the Second World War, Lord Rickett's dazzling book is a perfectly...

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"Aaron Sorkin's empathetic stage adaptation of Harper Lee's timeless story is a must-see for all admirers of the work of these two great American writers" 🎭 @alexsobel.co.uk reviews 'To Kill a Mockingbird' at Wyndham’s Theatre, London | #mockingbirdplayuk bit.ly/4vXKY0p

'Superb': Alex Sobel reviews 'To Kill a Mockingbird'

Aaron Sorkin's empathetic stage adaptation of Harper Lee's timeless story is a must-see for all admirers of the work of these two great American wr...

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One of the most fascinating chapters of 'We Are Not Machines' describes how Swedish trade unions and companies negotiated to find a win-win solution from automation thanks to the union representatives having seats on the company board. (1/3)

"Sarah O’Connor’s examination of technological change is an engrossing discourse on power, politics and humanity" 📚 @yuanfenyang.bsky.social reviews @sarahoconnorft.ft.com's 'We Are Not Machines: The Fight for the Future of Work' bit.ly/4y346vw

'Reframing the debate from a binary discussion of winners and losers': Yuan Yang reviews 'We Are Not Machines'

Sarah O’Connor’s examination of technological change is an engrossing discourse on power, politics and humanity

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"Enlightening, fascinating and a little triggering, this collection of first-hand accounts of the Brexit campaign brings welcome clarity" 🎥 Mark Garnier MP reviews 'Brexit: A Very British Civil War' I BBC iPlayer bit.ly/4bmrfiF

'Brings welcome clarity': Mark Garnier reviews 'Brexit: A Very British Civil War'

Enlightening, fascinating and a little triggering, this collection of first-hand accounts of the Brexit campaign sheds light on a few myths

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A curious tale from yours truly & @bengartside.bsky.social Tens of thousands have joined pro-Restore Britain FB groups being run by people who appear to be based in Pakistan & Bangladesh Some of these groups are later turned into vessels for selling firesticks, download codes & tech support

Thousands Join Pro-Restore Britain Facebook Groups Run From Pakistan And Bangladesh

Tens of thousands have joined pro-Restore Britain Facebook groups being run by people who appear to be based in Pakistan and Bangladesh, an investi...

politicshome.com

The professor will see you now: Philip Cowley on what Rivals gets wrong about minsters ✍️ @philipjcowley.bsky.social

"A vivid account of the events that divided Cyprus, this skilfully researched book is well worth your time" 📚 @bambosmp.bsky.social reviews Andrew Southam's 'Cyprus 1974' | @penandswordbooks.bsky.social bit.ly/3RdpBsX

A 'vivid' account of the events that left a country divided: Bambos Charalambous reviews 'Cyprus 1974'

Andrew Southam's skilfully researched and very readable book is well worth your time

bit.ly

'Disclosure Day' review: Are you ready to know everything? Well, @maxwilkinson.bsky.social isn’t going to tell you 🎬 #DisclosureDay bit.ly/4eDXjAV

'Disclosure Day': Are you ready to know everything? Well, Max Wilkinson isn’t going to tell you

A neatly woven tale of empathy, theology and politics unfolding to the backdrop of the outbreak of war, Spielberg’s latest film is worth a watch – ...

bit.ly

Whereabouts of nearly 300 people with Ebola unknown in DR Congo

Whereabouts of nearly 300 people with Ebola unknown in DR Congo

Fears over ‘huge community transmission’ as modelling predicts thousands of deaths in DRC by September

theguardian.com

Exc: First Government department quits Twitter over racism and violence concerns Richard Hermer sent a directive to staff last week saying the Attorney General's Office would be coming off the platform observer.co.uk/news/politic...

First government department quits X over racism and viole...

Concern about the spread of misinformation from right-wing figures prompts Richard Hermer to pull Attorney General’s Office off platform

observer.co.uk

"At a time of turmoil, political leaders could do no worse than seek inspiration from this illuminating and enjoyable retrospective of the paintings of Winston Churchill" 🎨 Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay reviews 'Winston Churchill: The Painter' | The Wallace Collection bit.ly/4uHvQDa

'Illuminating' insights into a political giant: Lord Parkinson reviews 'Winston Churchill: The Painter'

At a time of turmoil, political leaders could do no worse than seek inspiration from this revealing and enjoyable retrospective of the paintings of...

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Brutal, brilliant watching. Perfectly timed to the way things are heading if people across the bulk of society, me and other MPs included, don’t step up our fight further the corrosive headwinds battering our communities I enjoyed it, even if it was another uncomfortable look at us all from RTD+co

Sally Dawson@sallydawson.bsky.social · 2mo ago

"Brilliantly scripted, with standout performances, this dark new drama from the pen of Russell T Davies is a wake-up call to the erosion of LGBT+ rights and the corrosive impact of social media" 📺 @kevinmckenna.co.uk reviews 'Tip Toe' | #TipToe #Channel4Drama bit.ly/4vQ2Rhl

"Brilliantly scripted, with standout performances, this dark new drama from the pen of Russell T Davies is a wake-up call to the erosion of LGBT+ rights and the corrosive impact of social media" 📺 @kevinmckenna.co.uk reviews 'Tip Toe' | #TipToe #Channel4Drama bit.ly/4vQ2Rhl

'A man who knows how to land a dramatic punch': Kevin McKenna reviews Russell T Davies' 'Tip Toe'

Brilliantly scripted, with standout performances, this dark new drama from the pen of Russell T Davies is a wake-up call to the erosion of LGBT+ ri...

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"Reading this book should be mandatory for every civil servant in Defra and any politician tasked with making decisions on behalf of the farming industry" 📚 @terryjermymp.bsky.social reviews Minette Batters’ 'Harvest: A farmer’s story of heritage, home and hope' bit.ly/4eIutiD

'Capturing the essence of a deeply proud and dedicated industry': Terry Jermy reviews Minette Batters' 'Harvest'

Baroness Batters’ enjoyable memoir is an insightful account of her time as head of the NFU and the challenges facing British farmers

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Kharkiv art museum is burning as the enemy tries to destroy culture at any cost. This is Kharkiv mayor helping to evacuate the art pieces

Complaining about nightlife when you *checks notes* choose to live in Soho is like living in South Kensington and complaining about the museums. Or moving to Hackney and grumbling about creatives. Living in Richmond and hating green space. It's all getting a bit silly, isn't it?

"Meticulously researched, this study of the 1926 General Strike is both erudite and engaging" 📚 Baroness Andrews reviews David Torrance’s 'The Edge of Revolution: The General Strike that Shook Britain' | @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social @bloomscontinuum.bsky.social bit.ly/49D3ylv

'Packed with glorious detail': Baroness Andrews reviews 'The Edge of Revolution'

Meticulously researched, David Torrance’s study of the 1926 General Strike is both erudite and engaging

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"Meta Ramsay soon moved to work as adviser to Labour leader John Smith. One disobliging colleague said to John, ‘Be careful, she was a spy,’ to which John retorted, ‘I know, that’s why I’m appointing her!’" 🕊️ Tribute to Baroness Ramsay – by @georgefo.bsky.social bit.ly/4fu5oJj

'A powerful woman in a man's world': tribute to Baroness Ramsay

Former spy and later a government minister and whip, Meta Ramsay was an exceptional person in so many ways. Loyal to her country, her party and her...

bit.ly