The Speccie’s Isabel Hardman was in Nice at the time of the attacks last night, her report can be read here:
Am in Nice. But safe and in flat with a family. No idea what is going on but lots of sirens and people running.
— Isabel Hardman (@IsabelHardman) July 14, 2016
The Mirror meanwhile reports that Labour MP John Woodcock, also in Nice, gave shelter to a Parisian family in his flat:
Tragedy in Nice is devastating. I happen to be in the city at the moment. On Promenade with celebrating crowd last night, now safe indoors.
— John Woodcock (@JWoodcockMP) July 15, 2016
Stay safe.
This morning in Portcullis House researchers from the University of Southampton are presenting findings from a project funded by the Economic and Social Research Council on the rise of anti-politics, Tristram Hunt and Isabel Hardman are going to stick their tuppence in during an audience discussion. The conclusion is that those of us who want to see our lives de-politicised, and the politics-free space in our culture and society increased, are winning…
Since 1945 and the expansion of the welfare state, the popular general dissatisfaction with government has risen 50%. Bigger government increases dissatisfaction…
Politicians are seen as more out for themselves than they were in the past. Whereas during the Second World War over a third of MPs were seen as doing the best for their country, now only 1 in ten are seen as doing so, and nearly half are seen as merely out for themselves.
The academics see the rise of anti-politics as a problem. The inherent premise being that more politics will be good for us. Therefore the low popular opinion of politicians makes political action more difficult. Guido thinks this is a good thing, that the low esteem in which politicians are held is reasonable, people have made a more realistic appraisal of the nature of those who seek to rule over us. Politicians complain that they feel beset by the media and hostile voters because 72% of people see them as self-serving. Good. People should not be afraid of politicians, politicians should be afraid of the people…
Debate swirls in Westminster about Tory MP Col Bob Stewart’s use of the word “totty” to describe the Speccie’s Isabel Hardman…
Isabel Oakeshott says: “Strong women don’t need to whine about sexists calling us ‘totty’”
Isabel Hardman says: “that is NOT on and lobby women shouldn’t have to put up with it. So I have passed the MP’s name on to a whip.”
Cathy Newman says: “I’m with Isabel on this… Isabel Hardman.”
Julia Hartley-Brewer says: “Many years ago I was at a dinner at a Conservative Party conference with a couple of MPs. One of those MPs kept putting his hand on my knee. The third time I removed his hand and said it is very simple, either you don’t put my hand on my knee again or I am going to punch you in the face.”
Who are you backing? Take Guido’s poll…
The awkward moment when you turn up for an interview on the telly wearing the same outfit as your fellow guest…
