Another Attack On Farmers?

A farmer's daughter who was almost trampled to death by a herd of cows has warned that many people remain oblivious to the dangers posed by the normally docile animals.

Libby James was airlifted to hospital after being attacked by a group of the animals while walking with her husband Ger and their dog Arti in 2014. Since then Ms James has dedicated her time to raising awareness of attacks by 'killer cows', with shocking figures showing that in the past eight years at least 38 people have died in encounters with the herbivores.

A job that once went to sadly departed blogger Mark Wadsworth, but I suppose someone's got to pick up the baton... 

Speaking to the Mail, Ms James said she was not a novice when it came to being around the animals, but that still didn't prevent them attacking her.

'My father taught me to walk through a field of cows,' she said. 'I strolled confidently through the field and when the herd approached I raised my hands and bellowed "Go back".'

That's the wisdom imparted by dear old dad? 

Ms James has set up campaign group Cows On Walkers Safety (COWS), which runs the website 'Killer Cows' and has received more than 900 reports of cattle incidents since 2017. According to the latest available figures from the Health and Safety Executive, 62 people were killed by cows in the past ten years.

Sadly, our agriculture and livestock farming, not to mention our food production, relies on livestock, so we can't ban them like the XL Bully. Maybe scientists should be DNA-tinkering to produce more docile cows, and not ones that fart less? 

Ms James is calling for footpaths to be fenced off and cattle to be separated from public rights of way if fencing is not possible.

Has she any idea how much that would cost? 

'The footpaths were there before the farmers came on board. So the farms were established over the footpath network,' she said. 'The footpath network is wonderful, it keeps us in touch with nature and keeps people fit, and being able to access the countryside without the need to for an expensive gym or anything like that.

'So we need the footpaths, but we need them to be safe. People have a right to walk on those footpaths. It is indelibly laid down in law. 'But actually, if you put cows in a field and you are no longer safe to walk through that field. You are blocking that footpath, and that is illegal.

'And that is something that people don't realise yet.'

If it's illegal, how come no-one's been arrested for it? I'm sure the police would oblige, since Starmer The Farmer Harmer has decided they are Public Enemy No 1...

But Kier, That’s Not The Threat You're Facing…

...that comes from those telling the truth! And if you cannot see that, you are doomed. Actually, I think you're doomed anyway, if this is the level of competence in your communication team. 

Former home secretary James Cleverly warned that the PM’s comments risked inflaming public anger over the issue.

Perhaps he thinks it can't get any more inflamed. He's as wrong on that as everything else.

Because People Remain People, Yvonne…

...even at Christmas.

Every Christmas, domestic abuse rates soar as women find themselves on the receiving end of batterings, abuse and controlling behaviour from a partner, son or former spouse demonstrating anything but festive peace and goodwill. It’s a year-round problem with a seasonal peak.

Though rarer, pretty sure there'll be a few men dreading Christmas with a violent female wife of partner too, Yvonne. Doesn't that concern you?

Keir Starmer is committed to halving violence against women and girls (VAWG) in a decade. Several initiatives have been announced. They include embedding domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms; new domestic abuse protection orders that mean perpetrators could face tougher sanctions; and powers given to six police forces to charge a domestic abuse suspect without first going to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Kier Starmer said a hell of a lot before getting into No 10 Yvonne. I don't think anyone will be surprised if this is yet another of his broken promises...

These are early days but so far, like random jigsaw pieces that have ended up in the same box, the initiatives don’t cohere. What’s more, it might have been better to establish what already works well: to implement existing legislation, for instance, on stalking and coercive control; and to introduce an oversight mechanism that monitors whether police, probation, health, housing and all the services are collaborating to address a constant (and repetitive) stream of recommendations from domestic homicide reviews, inquiries and inquests that could save the lives of women and children. But that’s not happening.

Of course not! This is politics, and 'We're making the public sector do their jobs properly now!' doesn't get the same headlines as 'We're introducing new legislation!'. Does it?

Even China Isn't That Heartless...

On point as ever, Matt! 

Why Have You Told Us For Years That It Is, Then?

And more to the point, why are you telling us something different now?

The list of problems inherited from the Conservatives by Keir Starmer is long, but near the top is how to respond to record levels of net migration.

Is it because Starmer is now getting it in the neck? Well, that's one of the drawbacks of no longer being in opposition - the buck stops where now, Larry? 

Starmer has pledged to reduce the economy’s dependency on foreign workers, yet he will need them if he is to have any hope of hitting the government’s target of building 1.5m new homes in England in the current parliament. The construction industry says an additional 251,000 skilled workers will be required in the next five years and there simply aren’t enough UK-born plumbers, bricklayers and electricians to meet the expected demand. The same applies to the target that 92% of patients in England should be waiting no longer than 18 weeks for elective treatment. There is not the time to train more domestic doctors and nurses, so without the NHS being able to recruit from overseas, waiting lists will not come down as planned.

And are we to believe the government doesn't know this? So, they are lying, Larry. Aren't they?

It is because migration is so complex and contentious that those who highlight the possible downsides of migration need to have their voices heard.

Then why have you shouted them down with cries of 'racist!' for the last few years? And why have you changed your tune now? 

...the list of those concerned starts at the top with the prime minister, who said that the latest figures were “off the scale”. Starmer is right about that. If the OBR is correct, by the end of this parliament migration will have boosted the UK’s population by 4 million in just eight years. The idea that this can happen without economic effects, without political ramifications and without the public noticing is for the birds.

It's because Starmer's in trouble, isn't it? 

Arse Man And The Waspi Women...

No, not the next Marvel flop, this is once again a Starmer broken election promise:

Labour was accused of hypocrisy last night after abandoning a vow to compensate women hit by increases in the state pension age. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said government would not pay a penny to the 3.8million ‘Waspi women’ who were told they would have to work five years longer to receive their pension.Senior Labour figures, including Sir Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Ms Kendall, all backed the women’s campaign in opposition.

Well, of course they did. They wanted their votes. Now they've got them. 

In 2022, Sir Keir signed a pledge calling for the women affected to receive ‘fair and fast’ compensation. Last year, he said they had faced a huge injustice’. But on Monday, the Prime Minister said the Government could not afford the estimated £10.5billion cost – which would have seen a payout of up to £3,000 to each of the more than 3million affected.

Just like the pensioners who have lost their winter fuel payment, these women will hopefully never vote Labour again.  

Cheer Up, Starmer, Al Assad’s Having an Even Worse Time…

 

We Have A Liar And A Coward For A Prime Minister…

Yesterday evening, on my way home from work, the news started to leak out…

The suspect in the Southport murders was today charged with making the deadly poison ricin. 

Axel Rudakubana, 18, has also been charged with having a study of a terrorist manual after one was found at his home, police said.

If there was any justice in this country, the lying bastard at No 10 would be thrown out of office and all those fast-tracked to prison on his say-so would be released immediately. Apart, of courge, for those for whom the truth has come far, far too late…

I have despised a few PMs in my time (Blair, Brown), I have had contempt for a few (May, Sunak) but I’ve never hated any - until now.

And how do the culprits in this disastrous government face up to the news? Simple. Keep denying reality.

No 10 says any suggestion of them withholding information is 'not correct', adding that their thoughts remain with the victims of the attack.

The police are no better: 

Yesterday, they said the events had still not been declared a terrorist incident because no motive had been established.

And Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy today insisted it was 'certainly not the case' that police were deciding to keep information from the public.

And even blogs are capitulating:

 This country is doomed. 

“Don’t Do Your Jobs, Just Do As We Tell You!”

Labour MPs have been warned they must not put down any amendments on government bills and must resolve disagreements privately with ministers, in a crackdown on dissent in parliament. In a private message, seen by the Guardian, Labour whips told MPs they could no longer act as if they were in opposition and said amendments suggested a lack of trust in the government.

The message said MPs should be speaking with “one voice” in public.

MPs are elected to represent their constituencies, not kow-tow meekly to the whips of their party. Aren't they? 

There are a number of bills where there is pressure for the government to go further, such as the GB Energy bill and the employment rights bill. But the whip warned it was “not very helpful” for MPs to be putting amendments against their own government, adding: “We are not in opposition any more.”

They said ministers would be happy to have discussions and “reassure them that their concerns are taken into account”, but amendments “make it look like we don’t trust our own government to deliver”.

Well, at last the MPs do represent their communities, because we don't trust you buggers as far as we can throw you either!  

Labour MPs are in a frenzied jostle for places on select committees, elections for which will be held next week between Monday to Wednesday. New MPs and those who missed out on ministerial appointments have been told there is fierce competition for places on the most prestigious committees, such as those for the Treasury, foreign affairs, home affairs and health.

Ah, seats on the gravy train for all!  

Such A Rich Seam Of Comedy...

Another great one from Matt....

It Might Be The Only Reason We'd Watch...

...because nothing the Tories do could possibly top Labour, and I doubt Matt willl get much more material from them.

Let's Give The 'Daily Mail' A Break...

They've never done anything quite as ridiculous as this:

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer mistakenly calls for the 'return of the sausages' instead of the hostages in Gaza during the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool.

Follow live politics updates | https://t.co/xItZsH7tea pic.twitter.com/7An3jB38Ys

— Sky News (@SkyNews) September 24, 2024

*Chef's Kiss*

 

Just pefect, Matt, as always. And that's the way to rattle this thin-skinned moocher, utter ridicule wherever he goes.

Of Course You Will, Because You’re Responsible…

 

In the end, the vote to cut the winter fuel allowance passed easily. Hundreds of loyalist Labour MPs tramped through the lobbies to back the government’s controversial plan. No 10 will hope the heat has gone out of the issue.

Well, it's approaching panto season, so just let me say 'Oh no, it won't!'

Scores of MPs abstained in silent protest, fearful that they could be condemning vulnerable pensioners to a cold, hard winter.

Government sources argued that only a dozen of the 52 Labour MPs who were absent for the vote had not been authorised in advance. The others had legitimate reasons including medical appointments and official travel. But what they did not acknowledge was that many of those who had permission to abstain were bitterly opposed to the cut.

Then they should have done the decent thing and voted against it. Instead, they took the coward's way out.  

In the days running up to the vote, whips had been encouraging them to find urgent constituency business so they could legitimately be absent.

I'm no longer shocked at the perfidy of politicians... 

Almost all Labour MPs, however, also blamed the Tories for the difficult decisions that they left the chancellor to take. “None of us wanted to do this,” said one. “But we wouldn’t have to if they hadn’t left us with such a mess.” A number of them do not regard the fight as over – and are planning to push ministers to look at extra help for the most vulnerable as the months get colder, perhaps by expanding the warm homes discount or bringing in a cheaper social tariff for some pensioners.

How quickly they forget 'There's no money left'... 

"It was not suddenly bred. It will not swiftly abate. "

"Through the chilled years ahead, When Time shall count from the date That the Saxon began to hate." 

Better begin counting....

Aldershot has a Labour MP @Ms_Alex_Baker. In Rushmoor 340+ flats has been bought by the council, using taxpayer's cash for migrants. No Brits allowed.

She also voted to end winter fuel payments to pensioners.

Down the pub she is told she is not welcome, get out & is a traitor.… pic.twitter.com/iEqBKUS0uh

— David Atherton (@DaveAtherton20) September 15, 2024

Just like her boss getting booed by the crowd at Doncaster racecourse. People are finally having enough. Long may it continue!  

H/T: David Atherton via Twitter

Labour's Prison Release Scheme, Skewered!

Always knocking it out of the park, that Matt...

Achievement Unlocked!

You sure have knocked that one out of the park, TwoTier! 

Sir Keir’s personal ratings have already suffered a drop since he took office, with the decision to axe winter fuel payments, repeated warnings about the state of the economy, and pressure on government spending ahead of the budget at the end of October.

D'Ream need to revise their hit, 'The Only Way Is Down' would be most appropriate, 

Past Labour MPs Had Something Positive To Celebrate

 

Sir Keir Starmer could perhaps have timed it better. On the day that Oasis, the band that symbolised the mood of sunny optimism that swept Tony Blair to power in 1997, announced their reunion, the prime minister’s message to the nation was that things would get worse before they got better.

And he immediately set about making them worse, personally.  

Politically, it is quite a gamble. There haven’t been all that many Labour governments in the past 125 years, but they have tended to arrive in power accentuating the positive. That was true of Blair in 1997 and true of Harold Wilson in 1964. It was certainly true of Clement Attlee in 1945, who insisted – despite the country being skint at the end of the second world war – that there would be no going back to the Great Depression of the 1930s.

I think what's coming under Sir Kier Stalin will make the Great Depression look like a regretted week in Bognor... 

His argument is not just that Britain is in a mess after 14 years of Conservative government, but that the mess is even worse than Labour imagined when it was in opposition. The prime minister says the prisons are full to bursting and a harsh budget will be needed to repair the public finances, while the recent riots are evidence of a “societal black hole”.

Not for nothing are you dubbed 'Larry Idiot'. Don't look at what he says, look at what he does. 

If the prisons are full, why is he filling them with people whose crimes wouldn't normally rate a spell in the cells? If the public finances are so bad, why is he giving away money overseas? If there's a problem in society, why is he tinkering with inconsequentialities rather than trying to repair society?