Europe herriott101 • 1y ago • 66%

‘The Eurocentric fallacy’: the myths that underpin European identity

The long read: The EU likes to celebrate itself as a place where borders are soft and ‘regionalism’ creates diversity and openness. But just as much as any powerful nation, Europe defines itself against the rest of the world An interesting, if long, article about European identity. I don't agree with all of it, or in fact a lot of it, but I found it an interesting read and it's always useful to read thought provoking points of view you disagree with from time to time. Also, I'm interested in hearing your views on the article!

RetroGaming herriott101 • 1y ago • 100%

‘It’s fun to cook up the stupidest idea’: the people competing to make the worst computer games possible

The annual Crap Games Competition has been bringing Spectrum fans together for more than 25 years. It all began with an April fool’s joke in a magazine called Your Sinclair …

The Witcher: Old World just turned up in the post from Kickstarter. I can't wait to play this beast, it's going to be epic!

UK Politics herriott101 • 1y ago • 100%

Parliamentary Votes This Week - Clear The Lobby

Not sure if you guys are familiar with this or not, but there is a great mailing list that lays out what votes are happening in Parliament every week. It's a great resource so check it out. **Credit to Sebastian Salek** [https://clearthelobby.co.uk/](https://clearthelobby.co.uk/) **Clear the Lobby** *by Sebastian Salek* Hey team. **MPs focus on Estimates Day debates.** This is where the Commons scrutinises spending by government departments. Topics include spending on prisons, energy infrastructure, and further education. **Meanwhile, the Illegal Migration Bill is in the Lords.** Peers have already defeated the government on it four times, and could likely add to that number this week. **Elsewhere, the government cracks down on boycotts against Israel.** The new bill will stop public bodies - including councils - from boycotting any foreign country because they disagree with their politics. Until next week. In the meantime, feel free to tweet me. Sebastian (@sebastiansalek) **MONDAY 3 JULY** *Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill* - 2nd reading Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland Prevents public bodies from boycotting foreign countries. Those who don't comply face fines. Specifically it's intended to stop councils and other bodies from boycotting Israel. **TUESDAY 4 JULY** *Republic of Somaliland (Recognition) Bill* Requires the government to recognise formally the Republic of Somaliland and take steps to form diplomatic relations with the country. Ten minute rule motion presented by Gavin Williamson. *Estimates Day* Focus is MOJ spending on the Prison and Probation Service. **WEDNESDAY 5 JULY** *Safety Cameras Bill* Gives the public a say in where new speed cameras are installed, among other things. Ten minute rule motion presented by Mark Eastwood. *Estimates Day* Focus is Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spending on energy infrastructure and Department for Education spending on adult education, post-16 education, further education, and colleges. **THURSDAY 6 JULY** *Supply and Appropriation (Main Estimates) (No. 2) Bill* - all stages Wraps up the week's Estimates Day debates. **FRIDAY 7 JULY** No votes scheduled **LAST WEEK'S VOTES** **Passed** *Financial Services and Markets Bill* - becomes law *National Security Bill* - goes back to Lords *Global Climate and Development Finance Bill* - goes to second reading *Holocaust Memorial Bill* - goes to committee **Not passed** *Schools (Gender and Parental Rights) Bill* - went to a vote and lost by 34 to 40