Rhondda Records is with you every day bringing the news ------- that gives a view of world events different to the mainstream media or social media!
Except Sundays - our day of rest.
Image: we're back!
Journalist:To end war ------
prosecute UK, US officials
who wage(d) it illegally
October 22nd, 10:12pm (PressTV)
The world must finally put an end to the impunity of war
criminals, by holding US and UK officials responsible
for launching the illegal war on Iraq, done without
the approval of the UN Security Council, and
prosecuting them --- under the Nuremberg
principles, US journalist Don DeBar said.
DeBar made the remarks in an interview with Press TV while
commenting on a report which has revealed that the British
military inquiries into abuse against Iraqi nationals... have
been closed without a single prosecution being brought,
even though the credibility of many "shocking and
shameful incidents" during the war in the Middle
Eastern country, have been confirmed.
British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said in a statement
this week that the Service Police Legacy Investigations,
which was looking at claims of abuse in Iraq, had now
"officially closed its doors."
In March 2003, the US and Britain invaded Iraq in blatant
violation of international law and under the pretext of
finding WMDs; but no such weapons were ever
discovered in Iraq.
More than one million Iraqis were killed - as the result of
the US-led invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq
--- according to the California-based investigative
organization, Project Censored.
The US war in Iraq cost US taxpayers $1.7 trillion with
an additional $490 billion in benefits owed to war veterans, expenses that could grow to more than $6 trillion over the next four decades counting interest, according to a study called Costs of War Project --- by the Watson Institute for
International Studies at Brown University.
DeBar told Press TV that the Iraq war
was illegal from the very beginning.
"It is illegal for a nation to make war on another nation if it
does not have the approval of the UN Security Council, if
any of those nations are signatories to the original UN
Charter. And it’s been adopted - that happened with
the US, as a charter member of the UN -- and it was
approved by the US Senate in the 1940s.
Consequently, the US involvement in Iraq from the beginning, and the UK involvement in Iraq from the beginning, was illegal,” he said.
“And under the Nuremberg standards, which would then
apply, each and every death consequent – intentional
or not - to either US or UK military action there, or
condoning of the US action there, by the media
or public officials, or any act facilitating that,
is an individual war crime. And, by the way,
there’s a death penalty for that,” the
journalist noted.
“No one will prosecute these people. That’s why I started
with the word impunity. And we might bookend with that
because that’s the problem. And until the world puts an
end to that impunity, until the world sees the major
contradiction in all international relations, is US,
UK, and EU imperialism, then it’s going to
continue until this eats our species,”
he stated.
A damning White House memo had revealed details of the
so-called “deal in blood” forged by former British Prime
Minister Tony Blair and US President George W. Bush
over the Iraq war.
The document, titled “Secret... Memorandum for the
President”, was sent by then-US Secretary of State
Colin Powell to President Bush on March 28th, 2002, a week before Bush’s summit with Blair at his Crawford ranch in Texas.
The sensational memo, revealed that Blair had agreed to
support the war a year before the invasion even started
while publicly, the British prime minister was working to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
The document also disclosed that Blair agreed to act as a
spin doctor for Bush and convince a skeptical public that
Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein had Weapons of Mass
Destruction, which actually did not exist.
In response, Bush would flatter Blair and give the
impression that London was not Washington’s
poodle but an equal partner in the
“special relationship.”
Powell told Bush that Blair “will be with us” on the
Iraq war, and assured the president that “"the UK
will follow our lead in the Middle East."
Blair has always denied the claim that he and Bush
signed a deal “in blood”, at Crawford, to launch a
war against Iraq that began on March 20th, 2003,
that has killed hundreds of thousands of people.
The Powell memo, however, showed how Blair and
Bush secretly prepared the Iraq war plot behind
closed doors at Crawford.
Powell told Bush: “He will present to you the strategic,
tactical and public affairs lines, that he believes will
strengthen global support for our common cause.”
Image: People hold up a banner as they protest against Israel at the entrance of the International Criminal Court.
People hold up a banner as they protest
against Israel at the entrance of the
International Criminal Court.
000000000000000000000000000000000
Gaza mourning A Palestinian girl mourns relatives martyred in Israeli attacks on Gaza, at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on November 20, 2025 (image by AP).
Al Hadath: Hamas has informed the US
of its readiness to resume hostilities
in Gaza
November 22nd, 9:12pm
(RT.ru)
Representatives of the Palestinian Hamas movement
have informed the US of their readiness to resume
hostilities in the Gaza Strip.
This information was provided by the Al Hadath TV channel,
citing sources who said that Hamas had emphasized the
importance of mutual compliance with the ceasefire.
"Hamas has informed US Special Representative Steve
Whitkoff that the agreement has expired and that the
movement is ready to fight," the publication says.
Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir issued an unusually stark internal
warning, cautioning ---- that unchecked settler violence could
destabilize the fronts of Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. “If we
do not stop the extremist settlers - it could reshape the
strategic balance across these arenas,” he expressed
---- during an internal discussion.
According to the Israeli Channel 2 -- the Israeli security
establishment is expressing unprecedented concern.
While the occupation army is operating at “full
capacity” in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, Zamir
is drawing a red line not on those fronts but
on the escalating settler violence in the
occupied West Bank, describing it as a serious strategic threat.
West Bank Violence Alarms “Israel’s” Military Leadership
Amid rapidly intensifying attacks by far-right activists, Zamir is
increasingly worried — not about Gaza or Lebanon, but about
the West Bank, where extremist settlers have been carrying
out assaults ---- with growing impunity.
In another internal meeting, he reiterated the same warning:
“If we do not stop the extremist settlers, this could disrupt
the stability we rely on in the main fronts ---- Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria.”
Zamir raised the possibility that a single violent incident
could ignite the entire region. “These agitators can
trigger a flare-up in an instant, forcing the army
to divert forces immediately from Gaza and
Lebanon to the West Bank, without any
security justification for doing so at
this moment,” he said.
He added that the Israeli entity is navigating a highly sensitive
period and that shifting attention away from its primary fronts
could inflict serious damage on its overall posture. “If this
issue is not addressed -- it could derail everything. We
are in a critical phase, and the focus must remain
on Gaza and Lebanon.”
New Incident Highlights Growing Crisis
On Thursday, extremist settlers stormed a Palestinian area
in Khirbet Al-Markaz near Hebron, assaulting residents.
According to reports, two Palestinians were injured -
one critically and the other moderately. Although
Israeli occupation forces arrived at the scene,
...no suspects were arrested. The army
acknowledged the incident - and
the police announced... that
an investigation had
been opened.
The new head of the Shin Bet, David Zini, also addressed the
escalating settler rampages during a meeting convened by
the prime minister with senior security officials.
“This phenomenon must be confronted decisively,
through full cooperation among all the relevant
bodies,” he said.
Source: Al-Ahed News Website
(Edited and translated by
Al-Manar English Website)
_____________________________________
Al-Dali: Hamas delegation expected
in Cairo in a few hours - Exclusive
November 22nd, 4:01pm
(Al Mayadeen English)
A Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya heads to Cairo for talks
on Palestinian unity --- and a response to the UN Gaza resolution.
A high-level delegation from Hamas, headed by senior official Khalil
al-Hayya, is expected to arrive in Cairo imminently for critical talks,
Hani al-Dali, the expert on Palestinian Resistance affairs, revealed.
Speaking to Al Mayadeen, al-Dali stated, that the visit by the group's
top leadership is aimed at "coordinating stances with Arab nations
and fortifying the Palestinian national position against the Israeli
schemes." He described the trip as "highly significant",
indicating that Hamas attributes special importance
to the meetings..... due to the "sensitivity of the
current stage."
The analyst further noted that various Palestinian factions are set
to participate in these "important national meetings," noting that
there is ongoing "communication with the leadership of the
Fatah movement --- and the Palestinian Authority" and
highlighting a "sense of unity on the ground and
a keenness for coordination."
Al-Dali expressed hope --- that the Palestinian Authority and
Fatah's leadership would prioritize the supreme interests
of the Palestinian people, stating that the "entirety of
Palestine is the target."
US proposal - aims to liquidate the Palestinian cause: Al-Dali
The talks come... in the wake of a recently approved UN Security
Council resolution, drafted by the United States, which supports
a plan for Gaza that includes deploying an international force
and disarming Palestinian Resistance groups. The resolution
passed with 13 votes in favour, while Russia and
China ...abstained.
Al-Dali strongly criticized the resolution, asserting that its goal,
along with the broader American proposal, is to "liquidate
the Palestinian cause ---- and the national project."
He argued that what is needed instead - is a "national strategy to
confront these schemes, and provide relief for our people in the
West Bank and Gaza," emphasizing that the Israeli occupation
is "incapable of eliminating the Palestinian Resistance."
Echoing this sentiment, Hamas has publicly rejected the UN
resolution, stating that it "falls short of the political and
humanitarian rights of the Palestinian people,
particularly in Gaza."
The group condemned the measure -- as an attempt to "impose
an international trusteeship over the sector", and achieve the
occupation's objectives through a different means, following
what it describes as two years of "failed genocidal war."
Hamas reaffirmed --- the Palestinian people's unified rejection of the proposal.
UNSC adopts US proposal for Gaza
On November 17, 2025, the United Nations Security Council adopted
Resolution 2803, drafted by the United States, which authorizes the
deployment of an international stabilization force and a transitional
governing body in the Gaza Strip.
The resolution builds on the ceasefire deal reached on October 10,
2025, and incorporates the so-called “20-point plan” led by the US.
It outlines a multi-phase roadmap for Gaza, beginning with a full
ceasefire and the deployment of an international stabilisation
force to oversee security.
The plan calls for the complete demilitarization of Gaza, the
disarmament of all Palestinian Resistance groups, and the
dismantling of military infrastructure. It also mandates
the establishment of a ''technocratic'' administrative
body, referred to as the “Board of Peace,” tasked
with managing humanitarian aid, coordinating
reconstruction, and preparing... for eventual
elections under international supervision.
The draft was first circulated on November 3, 2025, then revised
on November 10 and November 13, 2025, before the final vote.
Delegations from Arab states sought stronger language on
Palestinian self-determination during the negotiations.
Reactions were divided: the resolution passed with 13 votes in
favour, while Russia and China abstained. Hamas condemned
the plan as an effort to impose an “international trusteeship”
over Gaza and bypass the Palestinian Resistance through
diplomatic means, while describing the resolution - as a
continuation of the occupation’s objectives - following
what it called two years of a “failed genocidal war.”
Source: Al Mayadeen
_____________________________________________
Hamas Accuses ‘Israel’ of Advancing Beyond
‘Yellow Line’ -------- as Gaza Attacks Proceed
November 22nd, 1:53pm
(al Manar)
Hamas Palestinian Resistance group ----- accused the Israeli
occupation of advancing beyond the so-called ‘Yellow Line,
as the occupation went ahead with attacks across the
Gaza Strip on Saturday, leaving casuatlies, despite
the ceasefire agreement.
At least four Palestinians were martyred, and many others
have been injured in Israeli airstrike on a vehicle in
Al-Abbas junction, west of Gaza City.
Earlier... on Saturday, local sources reported air strikes and
tank fire east of Rafah, as well as air and artillery attacks
near Khan Younis, with artillery fire also hitting the
eastern part of Deir Al-Balah and Gaza City’s
Tuffah area, according to Al Jazeera.
Meanwhile, Anadolu news agency quoted medics as saying
that three Palestinians were injured by Israeli fire in the
central area of Bureij and Jabalia in the northern
Gaza Strip.
The casualties came as the Israeli army blew up residential
buildings and facilities - by carrying out airstrikes and
detonating booby-trapped vehicles in the eastern
parts of Rafah and Khan Younis.... which fall
under the Israeli-controlled yellow zone,
in the southern Gaza Strip.
Similar airstrikes and explosions were reported in Gaza City’s
eastern Al-Tuffah and Shujaiya neighbourhoods, as well as
artillery shelling and occasional gunfire from Israeli
military vehicles positioned on the edge of the
yellow zone, witnesses said.
Death Toll Rises
The Palestinian Health Ministry announced that the death toll
in Gaza since the October 10 ceasefire began has risen to
318 after seven more bodies were brought to hospitals
across the enclave.... in the past 48 hours.
It said 30 people were also wounded in the last two days,
bringing the total number of injured since the ceasefire
to 788.
Numerous victims remain trapped under rubble and in streets
where ambulance and Civil Defense teams.... cannot reach
them, the ministry said.
Meanwhile, efforts to locate the bodies of many missing Gaza
residents are set to begin in Maghazi camp in the centre of
the enclave, involving support from the Red Cross, the
Egyptian Committee and the local police force,
according to the Palestinian Civil Defense.
Hamas: ‘Israel’ Advances beyond the ‘Yellow Line’
On the other hand, Hamas has accused the Israeli occupation of
removing the ‘yellow line’ and advancing westward in Gaza, in
breach of the ceasefire agreement last month.
It called on -- international mediators and the US to intervene
to make the occupation regime comply with the agreement,
adding that it “rejects a fait accompli that contradicts
what was agreed upon”.
The Israeli occupation continues to occupy more than 50% of the
Gaza Strip under the ceasefire agreement, with the ‘yellow line’
--------- separating areas under army deployment from those
inhabited by Palestinians.
Source: Agencies (translated
and edited by Al-Manar
English Website)
_____________________________________
Lebanon’s Independence Incomplete
.....as Long as Israeli Occupation
Endures: Hezbollah Minister
November 22nd, 12:15pm
(al Manar)
Lebanese Labour Minister, Mohammad Haidar --- stressed
on Saturday that Lebanon’s independence is incomplete
as long as the Israeli occupation continues.
In his remarks during a tour to the southern cities of Sidon and
Jezzine, on the 82nd anniversary of Lebanon’s independence
from the French Mandate, Minister Haidar congratulated the
Lebanese on their Independence Day.
“The Independence is incomplete as long as the Israeli occupation
endures. However, thanks to the martyrs and the sacrifices by
the Lebanese Army, the Lebanese will achieve their desired
independence,” the minister who represents Hezbollah at
the Lebanese cabinet told reporters in the southern city
of Sidon, referring to the continuous Israeli attacks on
Lebanon in violation of the November 2024 ceasefire.
Minister Haidar also paid tribute to the martyrs who fell earlier
this week during an Israeli strike on the Palestinian refugee
camp of Ain Al-Hilwe, in Sidon.
“This aggression ----- is a clear message from the enemy -----
to sow discord and terror in the region,but internal unity
will remain an impenetrable barrier ---- that will thwart the enemy’s scheme,” the minister added.
During the tour in Sidon... Minister Haidar visited the grave of
former head of Hezbollah’s Media Relations Mohammad Afif,
who was martyred during Last year’s Israeli war on
Lebanon, at Lady Zahra Complex.
The minister also met the city’s Jaafari Mufti, Sheikh Mohammad
Osseiran, the Mufti of Sidon and nearby districts, Sheikh Salim Sousan ---- the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Sidon and
Marjeyoun, Elias Kfoury, and the Head of the Maronite
Catholic Eparchy of Sidon, Bishop Maroun Ammar.
Lebanon’s Independence Day is celebrated annually on November
22nd to commemorate the nation’s full independence from the
French Mandate in 1943. This day marks the end of French
control and is a national holiday, marked by military
parades, official ceremonies, and celebrations
across the country.
Source: Al-Manar English Website
_______________________________________
Two Martyrsin Drone Attacks- as Israeli
Enemy Launches Series of Strikes on
Bekaa and Southern Lebanon
November 22nd, 9:14am
(al Manar)
The Israeli enemy launched a series of air strikes in
southern Lebanon and Bekaa on Saturday, hours
after a drone strike ---- left two martyrs..... in
southern Lebanon.
Al-Manar correspondents reported a series of air strikes
by Israeli warplanes in Shmestar barrens in Bekaa, as
well as Al-Jabbour heights, Sujod & Al-Mahmoudiyeh
in southern Lebanon.
Earlier on Saturday, Al-Manar correspondent in southern
Lebanon reported an Israeli drone strike on a Rapid
vehicle in the town of Zawatar Al-Sharqiya.
The Lebanese Health Ministry said the strike left a martyr.
Local media identified the martyr as Kamel Qaranbash,
adding that he was targeted near his house, in his
hometown, Zawtar Al-Sharqiya.
In a photo' circulated on social media, the martyr’s mother
and father were standing in shock as the vehicle burst
into deadly flames.
Earlier on Friday night, another drone strike targeted a car
in the southern town of Froun, leaving one martyr.... our
correspondent in southern Lebanon reported.
Five people were also injured shortly after midnight on Friday,
as an Israeli drone struck the area where they were staying
up near a construction workshop.... in the southern town
of Shaqra.
The Israeli enemy --- continues to bomb Lebanon, mainly the
country’s south, almost daily, and maintains its occupation
over five posts along the southern border, in violation of a
ceasefire deal reached following a brutal 66-day Israeli
war between September and November 2024.
333 people have been martyred, and 950 others have been
wounded, since the ceasefire took effect on November 27,
2024, according to a toll by Al-Manar, based on the latest
figures obtained by the Lebanese Health Ministry.
The UNIFIL announced on Thursday - that the number of
Israeli violations of the ceasefire had surpassed 10,000.
According to the mission, since the ceasefire took effect,
it has recorded “over 7,500 air violations, almost 2,500
ground violations north of the Blue Line,” inside
Lebanese territory.
Source: Al-Manar English Website
_________________________________________
UNIFIL on Lebanon Independence Day:
We Remain Committed to Supporting
the Lebanese Army
November 22nd, 8:14am
(al Manar)
Marking Lebanon’s 82nd independence day, UNIFIL’s Head
of Mission and Force Commander Major General Diodato
Abagnara said the international force is committed to supporting the Lebanese Army.
In a post on X, Abagnara said: “On Lebanon’s 82nd Independence
Day, UNIFIL remains committed to supporting the Lebanon Army
— our close partner in strengthening stability in the south.”
“The full redeployment of the Lebanese army ,in the south of the
country is a crucial step. Full respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty,
unity and territorial integrity --- is a central part of implementing
Resolution 1701 and a condition for long-term stability,” the
UNIFIL chief wrote.
Earlier on Thursday, the UNIFIL announced that the number of
Israeli violations of the ceasefire which ended the Israeli war
on Lebanon in late 2024, has surpassed 10,000.
According to the mission ---- since the ceasefire took effect on
November 27, 2024, it has recorded “over 7,500 air violations,
almost 2,500 ground violations north of the Blue Line,”
inside Lebanese territory.
UNIFIL also reported locating “over 360 abandoned weapons
caches”, which were handed over to the Lebanese Army.
Source: Al-Manar English Website
Image: Harry Pollitt's Birth Day
Today, November the 22nd, in 1890,
Harry Pollitt,
communist,
is born.
He founded and served as the General Secretary of the Communist
Party of Great Britain (CPGB) from July 1929 to September 1939
and again, from 1941, until his death in 1960.
Pollitt spent most of his life advocating communism.
Pollitt's actions included opposition to the Allied intervention in
the Russian Civil War and Polish–Soviet War, support for the
Spanish Republicans during the Spanish Civil War, and
support for the war against Nazi Germany,
In 1934 Pollitt and Tom Mann, then the treasurer of the National
Unemployed Workers' Movement (NUWM) ---- were summonsed
on charges of sedition -- in relation to speeches they gave in
Trealaw and Ferndale in Wales. Pollitt and Mann were both
acquitted of all charges by Swansea assizes. The arrests
took place on the evening of a meeting in Bermondsey
which Mann and Pollitt were due to attend, that was
to be the culmination of the 1934 Hunger March.
During the 1936–39 Spanish Civil War Pollitt visited the country five
times --- each time giving speeches to the British Battalion that
was part of one of the International Brigades supporting the
Republican side. Pollitt also played a role in approving or
vetoing - applications from British volunteers, to join
the International Brigades. One such veto -- was
against George Orwell.. whom Pollitt believed
to be politically unreliable. Pollitt, was also
tasked with writing letters of condolence
to the families of British communists
killed in Spain.
CPGB members -- including Harry Pollitt -- were the subject of continual monitoring efforts by the British security services
throughout the 1930s, '40s, and '50s. These included -- the
planting of a listening device in their King Street offices
in 1942. MI5, also had an unidentified source --- who
regularly reported Pollitt's activities to them,
while both MI5 and Special Branch even
had sources at Harry Pollitt's 60th
birthday celebrations.
In 1951, the CPGB adopted The British Road To Socialism
as their party programme, replacing For a Soviet Britain.
The programme --- which was championed by Pollitt ---
committed the CPGB to independence from Moscow,
and a constitutional or parliamentary path to power.
It also stated ---- that the CPGB was committed to
decision-making, via internal party democracy.
He stood as the CPGB candidate for election in Rhondda East, in South Wales - three times. In the 1945 general election he came within a thousand votes.. of winning the seat from the Labour candidate with 15,761 votes (45.5% of the vote) compared to Labour's candidate ...who had just 16,733 votes (48.4% of the vote).
Pollitt, suffering from worsening health in his final years,
resigned as General Secretary in May 1956, with John
Gollan succeeding him, and was appointed as the
CP Chairman.
After years of worsening health, Pollitt died at age 69, of a cerebral
haemorrhage while returning on the SS Orion from a speaking tour
of Australia on 27 June 1960. The liner had left Adelaide en route
to Fremantle, when, at 2 a.m., Pollitt suffered a stroke.
He was cremated at Golders Green, on 9 July, and was
survived by his wife and two children, Brian and Jean.
Harry Pollitt,the second of six children of Samuel Pollitt, a
blacksmith - was born in Droylsden, near Manchester, on
22nd November, in 1890. His family had been active in
radical politics in Lancashire, since the early part
of the 19th century. His great grandfather, was a Chartist.
His mother, Mary Pollitt had worked in a cotton mill, since she was
12. According to her son she rose at 4.30 a.m. to get ready for the
6 a.m. start. She rushed back to give the children's breakfast at
8 a.m. but she had to be back to work at 8.30. Dinner time,
12.30 to 1.25, brought another scramble home, so that
she could provide the children's dinner. Her working
day did not end until 5.30pm. In the evenings she
attended evening classes - in economics and
industrial history - and meetings held by the Independent Labour party.
Mary Pollitt told her son, Harry --- that:
"She found in socialism - the hope of a
new - and better future for mankind."
‘Worst gift ever’----- Global calls mount
to boycott Reebok over sponsorship
tied to Israeli settlements
November 11th, 12:06pm
by Maryam Qarehgozlou
When a global sportswear name appears on the kit of a regime
waging a genocidal war, the sneakers in shop windows stop
being just shoes — they become symbols.
Reebok, a US footwear and clothing brand, is finding itself at the
centre of a growing international storm, over its sponsorship
of the Israel Football Association (IFA).
For Palestinian athletes and human-rights campaigners, the deal
crosses a line: a multinational brand is lending prestige — and
heaps of money — to an association embedded in an
occupation that kills and displaces Palestinians
daily in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
The result has been a coordinated global call for a boycott
and a “Day of Action” on November 22,urging consumers
to turn their purchases ---- into political pressure.
Anti-Israel protesters holding a banner in Dublin, Ireland, calling on UEFA and FIFA to ‘show Israel the red card’.
Irish football body votes ---
to seek Israel’s ban: from
European competition
November 8th, 7:26pm
(PressTV)
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) ....has overwhelmingly
passed a resolution calling on the Union of European Football
Associations (UEFA) ---------- to suspend Israel from all
international competitions.
The resolution, proposed by Dublin club Bohemians, says that
the Israel Football Association (IFA) failed to enforce an
effective anti-racism policy and continues to organize
clubs in Israeli settlements in the occupied West
Bank without the consent of the Palestinian
Football Association.
The motion passed Saturday with 74 votes in favour, seven
against, and two abstentions, according to the FAI. The
association confirmed that it plans to submit a formal
motion to UEFA’s executive committee requesting
--------- Israel’s immediate suspension from
its competitions.
The Irish resolution --- follows similar calls from the Turkish
and Norwegian football associations, which urged Israel’s
suspension from international competitions.
These requests came after United Nations experts - appealed to
FIFA and UEFA to act, citing a UN Commission of Inquiry report
that concluded Israel ------ was actively committing genocide
against Palestinians.
In a letter to the UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, the experts
described banning Israel as “imperative” and urged the football
governing body and its members to “fulfil their legal and moral
obligations to uphold international law --- and move forward
with an immediate and complete ban of Israeli football.”
The letter highlighted the devastating impact of Israel’s actions
on football in Gaza as at least 421 Palestinian footballers have
been killed since the regime launched its war on the
Palestinian territory in October 2023.
__________________________________________
Microsoft - forced to block Israel’s use of its
cloud, AI...in mass spying on Palestinians
September 27th, 10:20am
(PressTV)
US tech giant Microsoft has been forced to terminate the Israeli
military’s access to some of its services ------ which the illegal
regime uses for espionage activities and data surveillance
against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza and the
occupied West Bank.
Microsoft’s vice chair and president, Brad Smith, confirmed in a
blog post that the company had “ceased and disabled a set of
services” to a unit within the Israeli ministry of military affairs
------- in response to an August 6 joint investigation by The
Guardian, +972 Magazine, and the Hebrew-language
outlet Local Call.
The investigation revealed that following a 2021 meeting between
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Israel’s Unit 8200 leader Yossi
Sariel, an agreement was reached -- to collaborate on moving
large volumes of ''sensitive'' intelligence material into the
company’s Azure platform.
The probe revealed that Unit 8200, the Israeli military’s notorious
spy outfit in charge of carrying out clandestine operations and
collecting signal intelligence, used Microsoft’s Azure cloud
computing platform to store phone call data obtained
through mass surveillance in war-torn Gaza and
the occupied West Bank.
The joint investigation said the spying unit, equipped with Azure’s
near-limitless storage capacity and computing power - had built
an indiscriminate new system allowing its intelligence officers
to collect, play back, and analyze the content of cellular calls
.....of the entire Palestinian population.
According to several sources, the enormous repository of
intercepted calls – which amounted to as much as 8,000
terabytes of data – was held in a Microsoft data centre
--- in the Netherlands.
Sources familiar with the matter, said Microsoft told Israeli officials
late last week that Unit 8200 had violated the company’s terms of
service by storing the vast trove of surveillance data in its Azure
cloud platform.
The decision brings to an abrupt end a three-year period
in which the spy agency operated its surveillance
program using Microsoft’s technology.
Although the initial focus of the spying system was the occupied
West Bank, where an estimated three million Palestinians live
under Israeli military occupation - intelligence sources were
reported to say the cloud-based storage platform had been
used in the Gaza war......... to facilitate the preparation of
deadly airstrikes.
The revelations highlighted how Israel, in cahoots with major US
technology companies, used their services and infrastructure
----- to bomb Gaza, killing tens of thousands of Palestinians,
mostly civilians, and creating a humanitarian crisis.
US technology giant Microsoft plays a significant role and is
complicit in the Israeli regime’s genocidal war on the Gaza
Strip by providing the occupying entity with advanced
artificial intelligence (AI) tools, finances, and
workforce, says a recent report.
Last month, Quds News Network said in a report - that Microsoft is
among the most prominent global technology companies that has
established a strong and influential presence, in the Israeli war
on Gaza.
Microsoft was reported to have employed over 1,000 former Israeli
soldiers and officers in its offices within the occupied territories,
with many also working in its global branches.
Investigations based on leaked employee records reveal
that more than 300 former Israeli spies currently work
at Microsoft, according to the report.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has been committing genocide
in the Gaza Strip by killing, starving, and displacing
Palestinians, ignoring international calls and
orders from the International Court of
Justice - to halt it.
The genocide has left 65,549 dead and 167,518 injured, most of
them children and women. Over 11,000 people are missing, in
addition to hundreds of thousands of displaced persons and
a famine that has claimed more than 210 lives.
_______________________________________________
UN blacklist updated:68 more companies
linked to illegal activities - in Israel
September 26th, 6pm
(africanews)
The United Nations has significantly expanded -------- its blacklist of
companies accused of contributing to human rights violations
against Palestinians ---- through their activities in Israeli settlements.
The UN added 68 new companies from 11 countries
to its database, bringing the total to 158 firms.
The list, first established just under a decade ago,
predominantly features Israeli companies - but
also includes major Western companies from the US, Germany, Spain, and many others.
The update - primarily targets firms in construction,
real estate, mining, and quarrying - ruling their
operations supportive... of settlements that
are illegal ------ under international law.
Notable additions, include Germany's Heidelberg
Materials and Spain's Ineco, while travel giants
like Expedia and Airbnb - remain listed.
This update arrives at a politically sensitive time, as
some European nations have recently recognized a
Palestinian state in protest of Israel's military
actions in Gaza.
It also follows Israeli threats of the annexation
of the West Bank and its approval of more
new ''settlements''.
The UN human rights office stated it urges businesses to
conduct due diligence ---- to avoid human rights abuses.
However, the list is a symbolic tool from the UN Human
Rights Council, says africanews ---- lacking power to
enforce compliance.
Rhondda Records adds: unless others find
the UN list -- and boycott those firms on it.
_________________________________________
Edinburgh --- to become first Scottish city
to boycott Israeli regime over genocide
September 26th, 3:35pm
(PressTV)
Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, has aimed to become the first
Scottish city to boycott the Israeli regime over its ongoing
genocidal war against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
City Councillors voted on Thursday in favour of a motion.. which
moves the capital closer to implementing Boycott, Divestment
and Sanctions (BDS) against the Zionist regime: in opposition
to the Gaza genocide.
Green Councillor Ben Parker said the Council.. took a step towards
ensuring that no public money is being used to support the regime.
“The people of Edinburgh have repeatedly voiced their solidarity
with the people of Palestine, and Green Councillors have long
been trying to find ways to turn that solidarity into practical
actions against the Israeli regime," Parker said.
“BDS is one way of doing this, but local councils have previously
been blocked from taking this action against Israel ...due to an
outdated piece of legislation," he added.
“As we approach two years of continued bombardment, torture and
mass starvation of Palestinians, it seems bizarre to be debating
motions about regulations and process," Parker said.
“But we’re hoping that the move by the Scottish Government will
allow Edinburgh to follow suit and take real, practical steps
towards a free Palestine --- so, we need clarity on exactly
what it means for local government procurement rules."
Meanwhile, former co-leader of the Scottish Greens, Patrick Harvie,
said, "We fully support our Green Councillors motion, and we hope
that Edinburgh will lead the way in taking action to boycott Israel."
“There is a role for every level of government in taking action and
showing true solidarity with the Palestinian people who are
subjected to horrific killing and dehumanisation by
Israeli military forces," he said.
“Scotland must divest from any Israeli-linked companies and arms
dealers who profit from the state-sanctioned genocide in Gaza,"
he stated.
“The Scottish Government has already voted in favour of our
proposals, and now they must explain how they will carry
them out, and how they will work with local councils
to enable them to do the same.”
The Greens hope to use the international sanctions and boycotts to
pressure the Israeli regime into ending the genocidal war against
Gaza ---- and uphold its responsibilities to international law.
Scottish Conservatives, who are opposed to the move,
labelled the motion as “warped” and “anti-Semitic”.
Jackson Carlaw, a former leader of the Scottish Conservatives,
claimed Edinburgh residents expect the city Councillors to be
focused on menial jobs -- like emptying their bins and filling
potholes, instead of putting forward legislation aimed at
ending the suffering and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Since the Israeli regime launched its genocidal war on Gaza in
October 2023, at least 65,502 Palestinians, mostly women
and children, have been killed.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former war
minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against
humanity in Gaza.
The Israeli regime also faces a genocide case at
the International Court of Justice (ICC) for its
crimes in the besieged Palestinian land.
__________________________________________
Eurovision body to vote
- on Israel's expulsion
by Steven McIntosh
Entertainment reporter
September 26th, 12:54pm
(by the state owned BBC)
Share
The organisation behind the Eurovision Song Contest has
confirmed it will hold a vote on whether or not Israel
should be allowed to participate next year.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed it will
invite 68 member countries to give their view at a
general assembly meeting in early November.
A decision will be taken by a simple majority, meaning that
if more than 50% of members vote to exclude Israel,
the country will not take part in 2026.
Israel's continued participation in Eurovision has been
controversial due to the ongoing ''war'' in Gaza, and
several countries have already called for
their exclusion.
The EBU confirmed all 68 member countries will be
invited to vote, including broadcasters who don't
take part in Eurovision, such as Tunisia, Egypt,
Turkey, Algeria, Jordan and Lebanon.
Recently, countries including Ireland, the Netherlands,
Slovenia, Iceland and Spain, have all said they will
drop out of Eurovision ...if Israel is not banned.
The Irish broadcaster, RTÉ, said that Ireland's participation
in the event "would be unconscionable given the ongoing
and appalling loss of lives in Gaza".
The Dutch public broadcaster, Avrotros, said it too could
no longer justify Israel's inclusion "given the ongoing
and severe human suffering in Gaza".
However, Israel's public broadcaster Kan said it should be
allowed to take part, adding it was "one of the contest's
longstanding, popular and successful participants".
In the UK, Eurovision is broadcast by the BBC. Last week,
the corporation's director-general Tim Davie said he was
"aware of the concerns" ....around Israel taking part.
Rhondda Records adds:
It's amazing that a violent colonizing apartheid state
The Council of Ministers of the Government of Spain today
approved implementing the arms embargo on Israel, a
measure that is added to others, in rejection of the
genocide in Gaza.
It was the Minister of Economy, Commerce and Business, Carlos
Body, who was in charge of commenting on the announcement
to the media regarding the Royal Decree Law, which
coincidentally was accompanied in parallel by a
minute of silence for the victims of Gaza in
the Congress of Deputies..
“(...) urgent measures are adopted against the genocide in Gaza
and to support the Palestinian population (...) We consolidate
the total arms embargo on Israel’, the Corps highlighted.
In this way, the total arms embargo on Israel is legally established
and prohibits the trade of products from the occupied Palestinian
territories, which establishes that exceptions can be applied to
safeguard the general national interest, he added.
Likewise, he stressed - that the Royal Decree-Law is ‘a forceful and
pioneering step’ and another example of the political commitment
of the Government and Spain's leadership to be able to achieve a
just peace and lasting in the area, and that ‘the genocide stops”.
Going deeper into the issue, the Corps explained that the
consolidation of the total arms embargo on Israel, the
ban on exports to Israel and imports originating in
Israel of all defense material and dual-use
products or technology - are essential.
In addition --- the denial of the transit request for aircraft fuels
with possible military use in Israel, which were not included
until now in the Foreign Trade Control Regulation, they are
today... included.
Another aspect is the prohibition of importing products originating
from illegal Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory
and finally the prohibition of advertising for the marketing of
goods originating from these settlements..... of services
provided in them.
The head of the Economy pointed out that the Government is
committed to reporting to Congress every quarter, of which
he trusts that he will give his support to this package of
sanctions within a deadline of 30 days.
On the other hand, Spain firmly maintained this Tuesday its will to
preserve the security and protection of the humanitarian flotilla
that brings humanitarian aid to Gaza ------- while rejecting
Israel's threats.
In a statement released by the Spanish Foreign Ministry and
endorsed from New York by the Minister of Foreign Affairs,
José Manuel Albares, the Iberian nation confirmed that
it will provide all diplomatic and consular protection
to the Sumud Global Flotilla.
The diplomat recalled the peaceful and humanitarian nature
of this civil society initiative and assured that “we will
react to any act that violates their freedom of
movement, their freedom of expression
and international law”.
_______________________________________
Over 1,300 Artists Pledge Boycott
of Israeli Film Institutions ----
as Gaza War Escalates
September 9th, 5:58am
(teleSUR)
More than 1,300 artists, among them Mark Ruffalo, Riz
Ahmed, and Tilda Swinton, have pledged to cut ties
with Israeli film institutions accused of complicity
in violations against Palestinians.
More than 1,300 artists, including high-profile Hollywood actors
and filmmakers, have pledged to withdraw from Israeli film
institutions accused of supporting violations against
Palestinians, as Israel’s war on Gaza enters its
23rd month.
The initiative, announced Monday, brings together figures such
as Olivia Colman, Ayo Edebiri, Mark Ruffalo, Riz Ahmed, Tilda
Swinton, and Javier Bardem. Their statement condemned
what they called the “unrelenting horror” in Gaza, where
Israeli attacks have killed over 64,000 Palestinians and
devastated most of the enclave.
“Inspired by Filmmakers United Against Apartheid who refused
to screen their films in apartheid South Africa, we pledge not
to screen films, appear at or otherwise work with Israeli film
institutions – including festivals, cinemas, broadcasters and
production companies – that are implicated in genocide and
apartheid against the Palestinian people,” the
declaration read.
The signatories defined complicity as “whitewashing or justifying
genocide and apartheid, and/or partnering with the government
committing them.” The pledge also cited International Court
of Justice findings that the genocide case against Israel is
legally plausible -------- and reaffirmed the illegality of the
occupation of Palestinian territory.
Human rights groups, academics, and UN experts have repeatedly
accused Israel of committing genocide, one of the gravest war
crimes defined by the United Nations as acts carried out “with
intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical,
racial or religious group.”
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Mike Lerner described the initiative
as a “non-violent tool” to challenge impunity. “It is the
responsibility of every independently minded artist
to use whatever powers of expression they
possess to support the global resistance
to overcome this horror,” he said.
The boycott reflects a shift within an industry long known for
pro-Israel narratives. Hollywood.. once produced films such
as the 1960 feature Exodus that glorified Israel’s founding,
and has frequently embedded positive references to the
country in mainstream productions. Yet recent years
have seen actors and directors, openly criticize
Israeli policies, often at a professional cost.
In 2023, Susan Sarandon, who signed the current pledge, was
dropped by her talent agency after attending a Palestine
solidarity rally. Actress Melissa Barrera, another
signatory, lost her role in the Scream franchise
following social media posts critical of Israel.
At the same time, Palestinian stories are gaining visibility. In
March, the Israeli-Palestinian co-production No Other Land,
documenting the destruction of Masafer Yatta in the
occupied West Bank, won the Academy Award for
best documentary feature. In September, The
Voice of Hind Rajab — recounting the final
calls of a five-year-old Palestinian girl..
before she and her family were killed
by Israeli forces — received a 23-
minute standing ovation at the
Venice Film Festival.
The artists’ statement concluded: “As filmmakers, actors, film
industry workers, and institutions, we recognise the power
of cinema to shape perceptions. In this urgent moment of
crisis, where many of our governments are enabling the
carnage in Gaza, we must do everything we can, to
address complicity in that unrelenting horror.”
The collective action -- adds cultural weight to mounting calls for
accountability, as artists mobilize their influence to challenge
Israel’s conduct in Gaza and spotlight Palestinian voices on
the global stage.
Image: No thanks to Israeli goods App
The world and her daughter are calling for a boycott of the genocidal colonial apartheid state of Israel.
Place yourself on the right side of joy and sorrow by joining the world's boycott - say ''no'' to evil!
Keir Hardie - Britain's first Labour MP - opposedWorld War One.
His namesake is stammering his way in the opposite direction.
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
ROGER WATERS TO MUSICIANS:- "BOYCOTT ISRAEL"
Roger Waters formerly of Pink Floyd, in an open letter, calls on his fellow musicians --- to boycott the Zionist Israeli regime and follow the example of the cultural boycott against the ex S. African Apartheid regime.
“Given the inability or unwillingness of our governments [to act] …. I write to you now, my brothers and sisters … to ask you to join with me, & thousands of other artists around the world, to declare a cultural boycott on Israel,” Roger Waters says in his letter.
Waters says the Zionist regime has been found guilty of major breaches of human rights and international law by international organizations, UN officials and the International Court of Justice.
He touches on two such cases, saying the regime has been identified as perpetrating the “crime of Apartheid”, including in a statement on March 9th, 2012 by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and the “crime of ethnic cleansing” including in East Jerusalem (al-Quds).
Waters adds that he has been a member of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against the Israeli regime’s occupation of the Palestinian lands and Tel Aviv’s violations of Palestinian human rights for 7 years, and now wants other musicians to also join the anti-Israeli front.
“Please join me and all our brothers and sisters in global civil society in proclaiming our rejection of Apartheid in Israel & occupied Palestine, by pledging not to perform or exhibit in Israel or accept any award or funding from any institution linked to the government of Israel, until such time as Israel complies with international law and universal principles of human rights.”
The former Pink Floyd Musician also says he has recently faced a boycott by the US media after his November 29th, 2012 address at the UN on behalf of the Russell Tribunal.
In the address, he sought accountability for the Zionist regime’s violations of the international law and the lack of United Nations resolve that prevents the Palestinian people from achieving their inalienable rights, especially the right of self-determination.
____________________
AT THE FACTORY
Tickets from
www.wegottickets.com/thefactory
www.ticketweb.co.uk
browse venues in Wales
www.ticketlineuk.com
02920 230130
Cash tickets from:
The Factory, Porth Instrumental Music, Penygraig Spillers Records, Cardiff
Indulge in a delicious cake and a cup of tea while enjoying music and sing-along songs from fantastic Welsh musicians.
Ticket information:
The Cultural Services Booking & Information Line:
08000 147 111 or book online at
www.rct-arts.co.ukÂÂ
*************************************************
Mid Rhondda Modelling Club...
7pm - 9pm
Tonyrefail Comprehensive School Mid Rhondda Modelling Club
has been running for over 30 years.
We meet on a regular basis
& enjoy making models for display.
We encourage both Gentlemen
and Ladies to attend, and also young people aged 12+.
However, Young people under 16, must be accompanied by an adult.
Ticket information
£1 contribution every week. Under 16's free
Telephone Mr. Davies on 01443 686658
************************************************
Comedy In The Laughter Lounge
The Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy.
COMEDY IN THE LAUGHTER LOUNGE
Join us once a month in the intimate setting of the Laughter Lounge for some top notch comedy with some of the biggest and brightest rising comedians on the circuit.
Laugh? You'll snort like a pig!
Hilarious - TimeOut.
www.rct-arts.co.uk
Rhondda Records exists to express the Rhondda's vision --- when it was confident, powerful, caring, and socialist.
A Rhondda very aware of the media's poisonous tricks -- how they con working class people into attacking each other, or racial groups, or, often, even their best allies and friends... instead of seeing their real enemies:--- an elite who hate the very idea that working people can think, create, or achieve a fairer society.
Thatcher said her proudest achievement was Blair and New Labour - who parachuted in careerists and expenses fiddlers - to stop local Labour members having a say, and who made genuine socialist MPs leave the Labour party in disgust and many members and voters to despair... and the young to stop voting.
Jeremy Corbyn was always attacked because he was trying to reverse all that New Labour corruption --- that's why membership was flooding in all over the UK.
______________________________________
Get Involved!
– If you feel you’ve been ‘purged’, take this online survey:
– Request all your own data that the Labour Party holds on you:
http://www.labour.org.uk/pages/privacy
_______________________________________
IF - YOU THINK you HAVE BEEN UNFAIRLY BARRED:
“Any member who is suspended & intends to appeal the decision should throw in a ‘Subject Access Request in accordance with the Data Protection Act’ --- for ALL data that the Labour Party hold on them.
The Labour Party are Data Controllers and therefore have to, by law, provide you with all material/information they hold on you.”
If anyone is in contact with anyone who was barred from voting --- please can you pass this info on:
The Labour leadership election was under the jurisdiction of the electoral reform services.
If you were unfairly deprived of your vote you can call them on 0208 365 8909 and lodge your complaint, and inform them of your Data Protection request.
https://www.electoralreform.co.uk
The notification letters barring new members did not give a clear reason, or information on how to appeal, so Vox Political suggests that anyone in this situation, could also contact Liz Davies here: http://www.whycantivote.com
She is a barrister --- who can advise members on what to do.
**************************************
PONCY LABOUR MPS PROBLEM?
A huge drop in working-class Labour MPs, caused a massive drop in support among voters with similar backgrounds, reveals research seeking to explain why support has dwindled in the party’s heartlands.
The study says past leaders like Kinnock and Blair made a concerted effort to pick “more and more middle-class candidates to run for office, during the 80s and 90s, as part of an effort to rebrand” -- which had initial successes at the ballot box.
But this “conscious electoral strategy” stored up problems, as working-class voters who initially, just didn’t vote in response, now seek an alternative.
The solution?Trust each constituency to put forward its own candidates, and don't impose ‘party-approved’ choices who can't do the job.
Now, unfortunately, there are "entryist" MPs who, for decades, have been groomed by CIA cold war relic organisations -- like the Atlantic Council -- and are now trying to misdirect the Labour Party towards cuts, a militarised police, and a US war agenda... - and their anti-Corbyn slant is hobbling Labour.
‘How Can I Deselect My Labour MP?’ A Short Guide to Reselection and Democratic Accountability by Eric Sim, excellent free advice here:
http://novaramedia.com/2016/07/13/how-can-i- deselect-my-labour-mp-a-short-guide-to- reselection-and-democratic-accountability/ CHRIS BRYANT - SUPPORT THE MEMBERS' LEADERSHIP CHOICE & POLICIES - OR GO!
Chris Bryant, the Rhondda's dodgy MP, was on TV -- as soon as the PLP coup started -- telling us that Jeremy MUST go, because it was the ONLY way to act in the Labour Party's interest...
Chris Bryant's voting record: from TheyWorkForYou.com
On Tuition Fees:
On 27 Jan 2004: Chris Bryant voted in favour of university tuition fees increasing from £1,125 per year, to up to £3,000 per year.
On 31 Mar 2004: Chris Bryant voted to allow university tuition fees to increase from £1,125 per year, to up to £3,000 per year.
On 31 Mar 2004: Chris Bryant voted for the introduction of variable university tuition fees (top-up fees) of up to £3,000 per year in place of the previous fixed fee of £1,250 per year.
On 31 Mar 2004: Chris Bryant voted to allow university tuition fees to increase from £1,125 per year to up to £3,000 per year, and to make other changes to higher education funding and regulation arrangements.
On 14 Sep 2004: Chris Bryant voted against: the immediate abolition of all tuition fees, the re-introduction of maintenance grants of up to £2,000 for students from low-income homes, and changes to the country's higher education system.
On 14 Sep 2004: Chris Bryant voted to reject the Liberal Democrat policy of abolition of tuition fees.
On 25 May 2016: Chris Bryant was absent for a vote on Queen's Speech - Forcing Schools to Become Academies - Further Rises in University Tuition Fees
On Human Rights:
Consistently voted for introducing ID cards
Almost always voted for requiring the mass retention of information about communications
Generally voted for mass surveillance of people’s communications and activities
On the Environment:
Generally voted against greater regulation of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to extract shale gas
On Special Interests:
Almost always voted against limits on success fees paid to lawyers in no-win no fee cases
Generally voted against a statutory register of lobbyists
On War or Peace:
Generally voted for use of UK military forces in combat operations overseas
Consistently voted for the Iraq war
Consistently voted against an investigation into the Iraq war
Generally voted for replacing Trident with a new nuclear weapons system
On 2 Dec 2015: Voted to support UK airstrikes in Syria [without UN authorisation]
On 2 Dec 2015: Voted to support UK airstrikes in Syria [without UN authorisation]
On Independence:
Generally voted for more EU integration
____________________________
Chris Bryant Labour MP From Wikipedia
(aka 1962-1986: Mr Christopher John Bryant 1986-1991: The Reverend Christopher John Bryant, 1991-2001: Mr Christopher John Bryant, 2001-: Mr Christopher John Bryant MP.)
Born in Cardiff, to a Scottish mother & a Welsh father, Bryant grew up in Cardiff, Wales (where his father worked for 5 years), and Cheltenham.
He was educated at Cheltenham College, an independent school for boys in the spa town of Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, where he was captain of the school swimming team, and Mansfield College at the University of Oxford, where he graduated in 1983, with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English. This was later promoted to a Master of Arts degree (MA (Oxon)), as per tradition.
After completing his first degree, Bryant began training to be a priest in the Church of England at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, in Oxfordshire. There, he obtained a degree in theology.
Although a member of the Conservative Party, and an elected office-holder in the Oxford University Conservative Association, he joined the Labour Party in 1986, after leaving Oxford.
He was ordained deacon in 1986 and priest in 1987. He served as a Curate at the Church of All Saints, High Wycombe, from 1986 to 1989; then as a Youth Chaplain in Peterborough, as well as travelling in Latin America.
In 1991 Bryant left the ordained ministry, after deciding that being gay and being a priest, were incompatible. Statements made by Richard Harries, then Bishop of Oxford, also influenced his decision.
After leaving the priesthood in 1991, Bryant worked as the election agent to the Holborn and St Pancras Constituency Labour Party, where he helped Frank Dobson hold his seat in the 1992 general election.
From 1993, he was Local Government officer for the Labour Party; he lived in Hackney and was elected to Hackney Borough Council in 1993, serving until 1998. He became Chair of the Christian Socialist Movement.
He is both a member of the Labour Friends of Israel and Labour Friends of Palestine & the Middle East. From 1994 to 1996 he was London manager of the leader-grooming "charity", Common Purpose.
He was Labour candidate for Wycombe, in the 1997 general election (he lost by 2,370 votes), and Head of European Affairs for the BBC, from 1998.
His selection for the very safe Labour seat of Rhondda, South Wales in 2000, shocked many people given Bryant's background – gay, an ex- Anglican vicar, and someone who was a Tory, while studying at Oxford, and a member now, of the Henry Jackson Society 'think tank' --- described by The Guardian newspaper as 'neoconservative'. It is pro-US, pro-NATO and pro-military intervention, as well as being fundamentally anti-socialist.
Fifty-two people applied for the candidature and a local councillor was hot favourite to win, before Bryant was parachuted in.
In 2004, a photograph of Mr Bryant in his underpants, which he had posted to a gay dating website, was published in 'papers.
When an interviewer suggested he was a 'disgrace to the Rhondda', he replied: "They can't get rid of me."
His pay, allowances and some expenses:
The basic annual salary for an MP, from April 1st, 2016 is £74,962. MPs also get expenses: to cover the costs of running an office, employing staff, having some- where to live in London, plus, in their constituency and travelling between Parliament and their constituency.
His MP's expenses story:
Chris Bryant changed second home twice to claim £20,000: the deputy leader of the House of Commons, "flipped" his second home twice, in 2 years, allowing him to claim almost £20,000 for renovations and fees.
Chris Bryant, MP for the Rhondda, split over £92,000 of expenses between 3 properties in Wales and London --- within five years.
In 2004, he attempted to claim £58,000 to overhaul his second home in Wales, after allegedly complaining that properties in his constituency were "terrace or mine owners' houses".
Mr Bryant, a former Church of England clergyman, wanted the money for a new bathroom & kitchen, and to demolish his conservatory. He'd bought the detached house for £97,500, under a year earlier.
He submitted a claim to the Commons fees office for £58,493.26 --- almost 3 times the annual maximum. He noted that the claim exceeded his allowance.
His alleged justification was disclosed... in correspondence between Commons officials. By email, an official wrote: "He had problems finding a suitable property because in the Rhondda there is a choice mainly of terraced property or mine owners' houses." When approached by the Daily Telegraph, Mr Bryant said: "I have never said or thought anything of the sort".
In all, he successfully claimed over £13,000 for renovations, repairs & appliances, in 2004. Along with other bills, his annual claim was £20,902.
In April 2005, he flipped his expenses to his flat in west London, which he bought for £400,000 in April 2002. He also claimed £630 a month for mortgage interest, along with other bills. After claiming over £3,600 over 3 months, he sold the flat in July 2005 for £477,000.
Mr Bryant used his profits to buy a more expensive flat in west London, which was valued at £670,000. He immediately flipped his second home expenses there, claiming almost £6,400 in stamp duty, legal fees and mortgage fees, incurred in the purchase.
He then began claiming interest of £1,000 a month on the mortgage. He also claimed a further £6,000 a year for the flat's service charge and ground rent.
In all, he claimed £92, 415 in second home expenses, from 2004 to 2009.
Mr Bryant said at the time: "I moved flat in London, so as to be closer to Parliament."
Research by Channel 4 News in 2015 found that at least 46 MPs had this kind of system in place – a move one Labour backbencher described as “a new fiddle”. Channel 4 reported then:
“Our investigation found that many of the MPs bought their London properties with the help of the taxpayer, when a previous expenses system allowed them to claim back mortgage payments. But when those claims were banned, following the expenses scandal, they switched to letting out their properties, in some cases for up to £3,000 a month. They then started claiming expenses for rent and hotels in the capital.”
Among those identified was Chris Bryant, shadow leader of the House of Commons. He had already bought a penthouse in London back in 2005 and claimed around £1,000 a month in mortgage claims under the old system.
But after the expenses scandal, he started renting the property out. It’s since been advertised by estate agents as having a private lift and a porter, with rent at about £3,000 a month. Meanwhile, Bryant moved into a new flat;- claiming his own rent on expenses.
Image: Russian scientists and Scottish ones
Russian/Scottish scientists hail long-range secure quantum communication system.
A group of scientists from ITMO University in Saint Petersburg, Russia, has developed a new approach to constructing quantum communication systems for secure data exchange.
The experimental device based on the results of the research is capable of transmitting single-photon quantum signals across distances of 250 klmtrs or more, which is on par with its cutting edge analogues, the ITMO press-service says.
"Now researchers are on a mission -- to create a fully-fledged quantum cryptographic system, that will generate & distribute quantum keys and transmit useful data simultaneously", ITMO says.
Information security is becoming more and more of a critical issue not only for large companies, banks and defense enterprises but even for small businesses and individual users.
But the data encryption algorithms we currently use for protecting our data are imperfect - in the long-term, their logic can be cracked. Regardless of how complex and intricate the algorithm is, getting around it, is just a matter of time.
Unlike algorithm-based encryption, systems that protect information, by making use of fundamental laws of quantum physics, can make data transmission totally immune to hacker attacks, in the future.
Information in a quantum channel is carried by single photons that change irreversibly if an eavesdropper tries to intercept them. The legitimate users will instantly know about any kind of intervention.
Researchers at the Quantum Information Centre of the International Institute of Photonics and Optical Information Technology at ITMO Uni., Russia, along with their colleagues from the Heriot-Watt University, in Edinburgh, have devised a new way to generate and distribute, quantum bits.
This makes it possible to share quantum signals --- via optical fibres --- 250 kilometres in distance.
"To transmit quantum signals, we use the so- called side frequencies," says Artur Gleim, head of the Quantum Information Centre, at ITMO University,
"This unique approach gives us a number of advantages -- such as a considerable simplification of the device architecture and the large pass-through capacity of the quantum channel. In terms of bit rate and operating distances, our system is comparable to absolute champions in the field of quantum communications."
According to Robert Collins, research associate at the Institute of Photonics & Quantum Sciences at Heriot-Watt University, and one of the authors of the study, this may become a pivotal point for the whole field of quantum communication and cryptography:
"Down the track, this new approach can enable smooth coexistence of numerous data streams with different wavelengths in one single optical cable. On top of it, these quantum streams can be fed into the already existing fibre optic lines --- along with conventional communications."
The research paper is published in the Optics Express journal.
Scottish universities are to be congratulated for their strong & growing links with Chinese and Russian universities....
What a shame, that Wales is lying low --- with academics too scared to break from US military research.
Image: BRICS
Image: March 26 London anti cuts demo
KILLING THE ELDERLY BY CLOSING CARE HOMES
Did you know that each time a local authority
closes a care home for the elderly, within 8
months, around half the residents are dead?
Campaigners liken the cuts and their effect to euthanasia of the UK's elderly. What to do?
We can start by urging our MPs to sign EDM 2251:
EDM 2251: The contents
This House notes with deep concern the worsening crisis for elderly care as growing numbers of local authority and private care homes face closure
Acknowledges concerns that the loss of elderly people's care homes causes fear, anxiety and, in many cases, a higher mortality rate, when vulnerable, elderly people are forced to leave their homes
Further notes that the Southern Cross crisis will increase needs for local authority care
And therefore calls on the government to hold a public inquiry into the deaths after closures, of local authority care homes, and impose a moratorium on the closure of local authority care homes, until that inquiry publishes its results, to ensure that vulnerable, elderly people's lives are not put at further risk.
************************************************
MAKING THE CONNECTION IN WALES
Households across three more English areas will be able to access superfast broadband in the latest phase of a Government scheme to connect rural homes and businesses.
The £50 million funding package for Devon and Somerset (£30 million), Norfolk (£15 million) and Wiltshire (£4 million) will aid the roll- out of superfast broadband services unable to be reached by the market alone.
Areas will also receive financial support from their local authorities and private investors, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport says.
So it's Broadband Heaven for England...
and crapola for Wales' broadband - the
slowest, worst Broadband in the UK !!!
Lib Dems in Scotland might have received a pummeling for Clegg and his betrayals, yet, in Scotland, their campaign centred on it becoming the "most connected country in Europe," to massively boost their economy.
In Wales, which political party is now willing to put into practice scientists' recommendations: that Wales' hilly topography requires establishing
free 'wireless' broadband?
It could connect the people of Rhondda and the world, boosting Wales' economic regeneration, like no other move.Wireless technology is now supplying free broadband to an entire island off New Zealand's coast.
Come on; if New Zealand can do it - so can we !!!
Image: China's rapeseed blossoms this Spring.
Western China has embraced "green-mode development" - with painful changes from which, Wales could well learn.
Eastern China has seen fast growth and urban mess. The West, a mining and agricultural area, has not.
Xi'an Chan-ba Ecological District, is a model for reclaiming old mining areas.
It took six hard years, but now Xi'an is showing the world how best to change, by turning a badly polluted rubbish landfill site, into an all new environment-friendly development.
As China's economic focus moves from east to west, it's using the lessons learned during 30 or more years of rapid industrial development.
The green way for China's west, is to combine green industrialization & green urbanization.
The western region's strategy is to adopt effective energy-saving and environmental protection technologies... AND to extend its industry through science and products unique to China's West, together with strong vertical growth in agriculture and all its ancilliary economic & professional spin-offs.
In undertaking this industrial revolution, the western region will keep a sharp eye out - to avoid all polluting non-sustainable industries.
*********************************************
A BIG DROP OF HONEY !!!
Spring is beekeeping and honey-processing season in Yunnan province, in China.
Waves of bees flit across vast fields of flowers.
Local beekeepers and many from other places, such as Sichuan and Fujian provinces - set up their base in tents among the rapeseed farms.
The 430,000 hectares of rapeseed blooms in Luoping attract myriads of bees, which produce 15 - 20 million tons of honey a year.
Local people now look to brand their county as a honey production base & increase sales to outside markets.
Luoping Tianyuanmiyu Bee Industry Co Chair, Zhu Hongkun, founded his enterprise in 2009.
It mainly produces honey, propolis and propolis powder.
His company works with 270 plus beekeepers, who each earn 80,000 yuan a year on average.
Some earn 200,000 yuan annually, Zhu says.
Who says beauty endowed by nature isn't worth a fortune?
The whole of the uplands of south Wales could be as beautiful & productive, if used wisely!
Image: retirement China style
CHINA's PREMIER POINTS WAY FORWARD
As the Tories threaten a "bonfire of the Quangos", perhaps Wales should take note. Now extracting all our mineral wealth has been stopped (apart from sand and rock) we find ourselves "in" the 1st World of the UK, but with a 3rd World economy, only just kept going by quangos which promise much... but deliver little... and rely on weak public support.
We could WAKE UP & understand that we either do something, or stay as begging bowl cases.
China's premier points the way forward for Wales:
"Industrial restructuring is the key... only by developing energy-efficient, indigenous innovative and high value added products can our companies and economy, achieve sustainable development."
*************************************************
WHILE FRANCE, GREECE, IRELAND, ETC, STRUGGLE TO STOP THE PENSION AGE RISING HIGHER AND HIGHER...
An online survey on qq.com, a popular Chinese news portal, finds that 91% of its over 800,000 respondents, are against raising the current official Chinese retirement age.
745,123 of those surveyed say they oppose raising retirement ages -- 72,456 support it.
China's scholars & the public have been debating whether to raise the retirement age, for the past few years, but the issue rose to prominence after remarks by an official.
Wang Xiaochu, the official vice minister of the Ministry of Human Resources & Social Security, said at a press conference that the government was "studying the matter"...
The retirement age in China is generally set at 60 for men and 50-55 for women.
Wow! Bet you didn't know that !!!
Image: unemployment in Wales
FARMING AND SCIENCE COULD REGENERATE WALES
A new UN General Assembly report warns "vast areas" of cultivated land are lost each year, and that this could lead to unrest.
The report says up to 30 million hectares, an area the size of Italy, is lost each year to environmental degradation, industry & urbanization - the growth of cities - and all because of speculative building and greed.
The UN special rapporteur Olivier De Schutter, gives the example of eastern Africa, where the amount of cultivated land has declined by half --- in just one generation! "
As rural populations grow and competition with large industrial units increases, plots cultivated by smallholders are shrinking year after year," says De Schutter.
"Farmers are often relegated to soils that are arid, hilly or without irrigation."
The UN officer also mentions India as another example, where the average landholding fell from 2.6 hectares in 1960 to 1.4 hectares in 2000. A cut of nearly half in 40 years!
He says 500 million small farmers suffer from hunger, partly because their right to land is being violated. The expert warns of the devastating consequences, as foreign investors compete for larger and larger areas of the world's land for "their" agriculture.
Rhondda Records says Wales could rebuild its new economy by basing it on a fresh approach to high-value added products, using science and agriculture... such as the Altzeim project in Gwent.
