New Scientific Test

Apparently, scientists have developed a new test for intelligence.

It's called a General Election.

That said, yesterday's PMQs were a welcome return to normal, political jostling, rather than the circus of lies and misinformation that Johnson presided over. That's not to say Truss didn't make any mistakes, as she did, but I think they were genuine mistakes, rather than purposeful lies - she is prone to mistakes, after all. I'm sure Starmer set a few traps for her in PMQs, which will be used later.

Truss' argument against a windfall tax are spurious in the extreme. Firstly, energy production companies investment schedules will not be changed one iota by a windfall tax, as highlighted by BP's CEO a few weeks ago in an interview. 

Secondly, a windfall tax in an incentive to get rid of excess profits in the future by investment, preferably in renewables. 

Borrowing to allow energy producers to retain their extraordinary profits - profits that came from consumers - will result in a tax to pay for that government borrowing, regardless of where it's levied, so her aversion to a tax increase is also spurious - she's trying to hide a tax increase by spreading it over 20 years. It seems Truss is yet another victim of ideology. 

We are suffering for our support to Ukraine, whereas the energy producers are profiteering - that's not right. If Truss wants our continued support for Ukraine, then she needs to focus on reducing the pain resulting from that, else patience will wear thin. Eliminate the pain by taxing profiteering and she would reduce inflation, whereas inflicting a 20 year tax to pay for the borrowing will extend inflation.

The Tory Party faithful are making much of the diversity within the upper echelons of the government; however, Johnson culled much of the talent within the Parliamentary Party and Truss has continued with that by culling Sunak supporters, leaving a rump of loyal sycophants. There's not much left to choose from when looking for competence. 

Yes, there may be one or two competent ministers, but they're very much in the minority. Race, as the Cabinet has shown, very obviously plays no part in becoming far right; wealth, however, increases the chances of becoming far right, regardless of race. On this basis, the Tory Party should perhaps be doing as much as possible to raise the aspirations of the BAME community, as it seems to be a fertile recruiting ground. 

By the way, can anyone list any of Nadine Dorries' achievements in Parliament? All I can ascertain is that her entire parliamentary career has comprised apologising, withdrawing Bills that lacked support, smirking, simpering and shouting wildly about Woke. Hardly a qualification for being raised to the peerage.