"As I have said before I see as the only way forward a new Social Democrate Party lead by someone like Alan Johnson.
Jan 15, 2020 at 10:29 AM Ross Lea"

The Conservatives are quite happy for Labour to keep fighting amongst themselves for as long as possible.
After snatching disaster out of the jaws of a possible resurgence, the Liberals remain mystified about the disappearance of the off-Centre ground.

The problem for any new political party is funding. The BBC gave disproportionate publicity to those breakaway MPs that were against BREXIT. They lost in the election, and may need to restart their careers outside of the political arena.

For Labour, the weight of support can still be measured in terms of funding from the biggest Trades Unions. If the bigger Unions are not happy with the next Labour Leader, further splits could occur between the Left and more extreme Left.

Spot the similarities and the differences:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Democratic_Party_(UK)
"The SDP was founded on 26 March 1981 by four senior Labour Party moderates, dubbed the 'Gang of Four':[7] Roy Jenkins, David Owen, Bill Rodgers and Shirley Williams, who issued the Limehouse Declaration.[8] Owen and Rodgers were sitting Labour Members of Parliament (MPs); Jenkins had left Parliament in 1977 to serve as President of the European Commission, while Williams had lost her seat in the 1979 general election. The four left the Labour Party as a result of the January 1981 Wembley conference which committed the party to unilateral nuclear disarmament and withdrawal from the European Economic Community. They also believed that Labour had become too left-wing, and had been infiltrated at constituency party level by Militant tendency whose views and behaviour they considered to be at odds with the Parliamentary Labour Party and Labour voters."

Climate change to drive massive investment shift. In other news, ADNOC raises $19bn, not long after ARAMCO raises $29.4bn.

The BBC lives on a different planet.

I share what seems to be the consensus about the quality of potential Labour leader and it is sad as we need a strong opposition for our system to function properly. I fear the Labour Party has been hijacked by the unelectable left who have completely lost contact with their traditional centre base. As I have said before I see as the only way forward a new Social Democrate Party lead by someone like Alan Johnson.

M Courtney, I regret I don't share your views regarding the quality of Labour candidates for the leadership election. It looks like a donkey derby to me.
Jan 15, 2020 at 8:45 AM Mark Hodgson

Manufacturing jobs in China are safe with any of them.

"But who defines what makes someone an expert?
Jan 15, 2020 at 7:59 AM M Courtney"

The BBC/Guardian award such honour to anyone, provided their views are in accordance with predetermined restrictions.

Why aren't XR up in arms about this?

Jan 15, 2020 at 8:48 AM Mark Hodgson

Because their Fat Cat Financial Controllers can see profits in HS2.
After all the furure of "Swampy" and the Newbury bypass etc, HS2 will get a free pass by the Green Blob.
This is a clear indicator that the whole scheme is wrong.

"COP26: Climate summit may cost 'several hundred million pounds'"

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-51112821

"The cost of a UN climate change conference in Glasgow could be "several hundred million pounds", police say.

Up to 90,000 people - delegates, observers, heads of state and media - are expected to attend COP26, over 12 days in November.

A Scottish Police Authority report says it will be the largest mobilisation of police officers in the UK.

Scottish ministers say they expect the UK government to cover the "core costs" including emergency services funding.

But a spokesperson added there was a "lack of clarity" from Westminster over the issue.

The UK government has been approached for a comment.

...The COP26 will be the largest summit the UK has held, with up to 200 world leaders expected for the final weekend of talks.

It will be held at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) but other venues across the city will also host functions and meetings for heads of state and other dignitaries.

...It adds that COP26 attendees will peak at 15,000 on the busiest day, but the overall figure could rise to 90,000 over the period of the conference, which runs from 9-20 November....".

How very "green" - not!

"Climate change to drive 'massive' investment shift"

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51111727

"Concerns about climate change will drive a "fundamental reshaping of finance", one of the world's biggest money managers has said.

Larry Fink, who runs BlackRock, said the shift will happen "sooner than most anticipate".

His company has announced "sustainable" versions of its traditional investment options to meet demand from clients.

It has also said it would push firms to disclose more about a range of issues, including climate commitments.

While markets have been slow to reflect the worries about climate change, Mr Fink said the corporate world is now catching up."

"Cumbria's Eden Valley to see reintroduction of beavers"

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-51111811

My wife's comment - "That'll mean more flooding, then."

"HS2 could threaten irreplaceable natural habitats, report warns"

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51115637

"HS2 risks dividing and destroying "huge swathes" of "irreplaceable" natural habitats, including 108 ancient woodlands, a report has warned.

The Wildlife Trust said the high-speed rail line linking London and northern England could wipe out rare species.

...The Wildlife Trust said its report - which uses data from 14 local trusts affected by the plans - is the "most comprehensive" assessment of the environmental damage the high-speed rail line could cause.

It claims HS2 could have a significant impact on hundreds of nature reserves, sites of Special Scientific Interest and ancient woodlands."

This is one of the main reasons why I oppose HS2 - along with the monumental waste of money and out-of-control budget involved, which is out of all proportion to the postulated benefits it is supposed to bring.

Why aren't XR up in arms about this?

M Courtney, I regret I don't share your views regarding the quality of Labour candidates for the leadership election. It looks like a donkey derby to me. That isn't specifically a dig at Labour - I see a dearth of talent in all parties in Westminster just now. I agree with you about Jess Phillips, though.