(Text-only) Rhondda Records Home Page

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.

Newsflash !

The USGS estimated the possible number of
victims of the earthquake in Venezuela....
at 10,000 to 100,000.

June 25th, 2:10am

(RT.ru)

The death toll from the earthquake in Venezuela is estimated

to be between 10,000 and 100,000, with a 44% probability.

This is reported by the US Geological Survey (USGS).

According to calculations by US seismologists, the

most likely range of victims is between 10,000

and 100,000 people.

At the same time, there is a 30% chance that

the number of deaths will exceed 100,000.

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake was recorded in

Venezuela, after which the US weather

service issued a tsunami warning.

In the San Bernardino area of Caracas, a

residential building collapsed, bodies

and wounded were removed from

the rubble.

Later, it was reported about the

collapse of a second building

in Caracas.

A state of emergency has

just been declared.

US army is minimizing injuries from Iran

retaliation: Wounded forces, families

June 24th, 10:53pm

(PressTV)

Wounded US forces and their families say the US army

is minimizing the severity of injuries sustained during

Iran's retaliation against the latest bout of

unprovoked US-Israeli aggression

against the Islamic Republic.

CBC News issued the report on Wednesday, which showed

that the troops and their families --- have challenged so-

called official military classifications that designated

some of the wounded as "not seriously injured."

The contestation came, months after US Secretary of War

Peter Hegseth said "almost 90%" of, what he referred to

as, 400 injured US forces .....had suffered only minor

injuries and had since returned to duty.

However, several wounded forces told CBS News that

their injuries were far more severe than the military's

self-described official assessments suggested.

Several survivors and family members told CBS News

they did not understand why wounded forces were

not being treated as combat casualties.

In some cases, injured personnel said they had been

categorized as having returned to duty even while

recovering in specialized force recovery units.

A US Department of War spokesperson - told

CBS News that forces assigned to recovery

units are not counted as having returned

to duty.

In a statement to CBS News, the Army disputed

suggestions that it had sought to downplay

the injuries.

The US and the Israeli regime began their latest

bout of unwarranted aggression targeting the

Islamic Republic on February 28.

US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire

on April 7 after the aggression was faced with at

least 100 waves of decisive and retaliatory

Iranian strikes against sensitive and

strategic US and Israeli targets

throughout the region.

_________________________________

Yemen: Israeli activities
in Somaliland threaten
regional stability

June 24th, 8:36pm

(Al Mayadeen English)

Yemen's Deputy Foreign Minister has warned that: "Israeli

activities" in Somaliland threaten Somalia's unity and the

stability of the Horn of Africa, accusing the leadership
of transforming cities and ports --- into platforms for

Israeli interests.

Yemen's Deputy Foreign Minister, Abdulwahid Abu Ras, has

warned that "Israeli activities" in Somaliland pose a threat

to Somalia's unity and the stability of the Horn of Africa,

accusing the leadership of Somaliland of seeking to

transform cities and ports into platforms serving

Israeli interests --------- at the expense of the

Somali people.

In a statement to Yemen's Saba news agency, Abu Ras said that

Yemen's authorities are closely monitoring "Zionist activities"

linked to the president of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed

Abdullahi (Irro), accusing him of seeking to turn Hargeisa,

Berbera and other areas, into platforms serving Israeli

interests - at the expense of the Somali people.

He added that the greatest harm from these moves ---- is to the

Somali people, and that "Israel's" objectives are to undermine

Somalia's unity and sovereignty and transform its territory

into an arena for regional and international competition

and conflict ---- with negative consequences for the

security and stability of the entire Horn of Africa.

Yemen warns against regional destabilization

The Yemeni official emphasized the need to prevent what

he described as "conspiracies," arguing that the sole

beneficiary is "Israel," which seeks to entrench

its presence in the Horn of Africa.

He considered that any Israeli presence in the region

threatens not only Somalia but also extends to

regional national security... warning of the

possibility of the region.... sliding into

wider conflicts.

Abu Ras called on Somali parties to remain vigilant and not be

drawn into what he called "misleading promises," and urged

regional countries to read the dimensions of Israeli moves

and their potential implications for security and stability.

Yemen's position on Horn of Africa developments

The Yemeni official affirmed that his country is closely

following developments in the Horn of Africa --- and

reiterated Yemen's readiness to cooperate with

regional countries, in a manner that serves

regional stability and security.

The warning comes... amid reports of growing Israeli

involvement in the Horn of Africa, including reports

of Israeli military and intelligence activities ----

in Somaliland.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia, in 1991

but has not been recognized internationally. The region's

strategic location on the Gulf of Aden ---- makes it of

significant geopolitical interest.

Source: News Websites

______________________________________________

Italians outraged - as NATO chief

reveals Italy's secret role: in

'crazy' US war on Iran

June 24th, 7:41pm

(PressTV)

NATO chief Mark Rutte has sparked a political firestorm in Italy

by revealing that the Italian government secretly allowed the

US to use its military bases during the joint US-Israeli

terrorist war against Iran, contradicting public

statements made by Italian officials.

Speaking to Fox News... ahead of a meeting with US President

Donald Trump, in Washington on Wednesday, Rutte said Rome

allowed 500 US military aircraft - to take off from US bases in

Italy ...during the 40-day war that began in late February.

“Country after country, ally after ally, have made their bases

available,” Rutte said. “That means between 4,000 and

5,000 planes taking off from EU bases -- to support

Epic Fury.”

“If you look - at Italy, 500 US planes took off from US bases

in Italy to support Epic Fury,” he added. “This is massive.”

The United States maintains a network of military

facilities across Europe, including naval ports,

air bases and troop garrisons.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government had

previously claimed that only logistical and technical

flights --- permitted under bilateral agreements

governing US military bases in Italy would

be allowed to operate... in support of

activities related to West Asia.

The disclosure has triggered widespread outrage across

Italy's political spectrum, with opposition parties

demanding immediate clarification from

the government.

Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement

and former Prime Minister, accused the

government of deception.

"The government and its trumpeters' fairy tales are

...crumbling. Rutte's words confirm what we've

always maintained. 500 planes ---- departed

from Italy for an illegitimate war in Iran,"

he said.

Peppe De Cristofaro, leader of the Green and Left Alliance,

called the situation "very serious" and demanded that

Meloni, along with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani

and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, respond

immediately to parliament.

Giuseppe Provenzano of the centre-left Democratic Party

stated: "According to Rutte, the bases in Italy played a

massive role - in supporting Trump and Netanyahu's

illegal war against Iran. Giorgia Meloni had given

assurances that Italy would not be involved."

Defense Minister Crosetto pushed back against Rutte's

claims -------- insisting that Italy had authorized only

"technical and logistical, non-kinetic activities"

in full compliance with the Constitution and

international treaties.

The ministry accused Rutte of conveying a "totally

misleading message" by confusing authorized

support flights with combat operations.

"Whenever.... a request outside this scope was made,

as is well known, Italy did not grant authorization,"

he said in a statement.

Crosetto claimed in March that Rome had denied

permission for US warplanes bound for Iran to

refuel at the Sigonella air base in Sicily,

citing long-standing protocols

governing the facility.

A few weeks later, Meloni told lawmakers that Italy

had “neither supported nor participated in” the

military campaign against Iran.

Angelo Bonelli, leader of the Green and Left Alliance,

described Rutte’s comments as “extremely serious”

and said ---- they exposed “Meloni’s lies.”

“The Italian government lied to parliament at the time,

keeping 500 American flights hidden,” Bonelli said.

“The fact is that Italy participated in the war against

Iran, in a crazy war. The severity of this matter - is

without precedent.”

___________________________________________________

Ghalibaf ----- calls for new Islamic

regional system after Baku visit

June 24th, 6:30pm

(Al Mayadeen English)

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf met regional leaders

in Baku and called for a new Islamic regional framework

based on shared capabilities.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf

said on Wednesday that Islamic countries must build a

new regional system based on their own capabilities,

resources, and populations, during a visit to Baku

for the 20th session of the Parliamentary Union

of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

According to Iranian state television, Ghalibaf returned to

Tehran after completing an intensive working visit to the

Azerbaijani capital, where he participated in the PUIC

meeting and held a series of bilateral discussions

with regional officials.

Ghalibaf also said his visit to Baku provided an important

opportunity for Iran to present its positions at the PUIC

gathering & to engage with parliamentary delegations

on recent regional developments ---- including the

“Ramadan War” and its consequences.

He concluded by noting that Iran and Azerbaijan share

bilateral relations that are being further strengthened

through ongoing diplomatic engagements in the visit.

Meetings with regional leaders in Baku

During his visit, Ghalibaf met with Azerbaijani President,

Ilham Aliyev and held separate talks with the speakers

of the Turkish and Azerbaijani parliaments, focusing

on regional developments and parliamentary

cooperation.

On the sidelines of the conference, Ghalibaf also met Turkish
Parliament Speaker Numan KurtulmuÅŸ, where he said that

“the root of all misfortunes is the Zionist entity,” adding

that “American hegemony and false power were

shattered in the imposed war.” He further

argued that West Asian and Islamic

countries should work towards

establishing a new regional

order ......based on their

capabilities, wealth,

and populations.

For his part, the Turkish parliamentary speaker said that the

war against Iran lacked any legal or international legitimacy,

stressing - Türkiye’s support for Iran’s government & people.

In a separate meeting with the speaker of the Azerbaijani

parliament, Ghalibaf was told that Azerbaijan would

never allow its territory to be used against

neighbouring countries, particularly..

the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The PUIC meeting comes amid broader efforts to strengthen

parliamentary cooperation among member states of the

Organization of Islamic Cooperation and coordinate

positions on regional and international issues.

Islamabad MoU marks 'declaration
of defeat' ------- for Washington

Ghalibaf said earlier ....that the Islamabad Memorandum of

Understanding represents a setback for the United States,

stressing that regional security should be ensured by

countries within the region ----- rather than by

external powers.

Speaking en route to Azerbaijan to attend the conference

of the Parliamentary Union of the Member States of the

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (PUIC), Ghalibaf

described the memorandum as “a declaration of

America’s defeat.”

He said the agreement was not the result of pressure, or

coercion, but “the fruit of resistance - and the authority

of the brave Iranian people,” adding that it proved how

negotiations can succeed when the opposing side...

abandons imposed demands and recognizes the

rights of others.

Ghalibaf also argued that diplomacy becomes effective and

sustainable only when it is based on respect, equality,

and domestic backing.

Regional security framework

On broader regional issues, the Iranian speaker emphasized

that security in West Asia, must be guaranteed by regional

states themselves. He said that “powers and nations that

come from thousands of miles away... cannot achieve

regional security,” arguing instead ------- that such

external actors often contribute to instability.

Referring to the US-Israeli war against Iran lasting around

40 days, Ghalibaf called it a “criminal act,” saying it was

part of a broader attempt to alter the regional balance

of power and impose an external will --- on an

independent nation.

He added that Iran, through the resilience of its armed forces

and public support, was able to inflict significant losses on

both the United States and “the Israeli entity.”

Source: Agencies

_________________________________________

Israel will not pull forces out of

southern Lebanon, even if

requested by US:

War minister

June 24th, 2:05pm

(PressTV)

Minister of military affairs, Israel Katz, says Israeli forces

have devastated the infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

Israeli minister of military affairs Israel Katz says the Tel

Aviv regime "will not withdraw from southern Lebanon,"

even in the event of a request made by US President

Donald Trump.

His defiance comes - despite Article 1 of the US-Iran

memorandum of understanding - signed on June 17

- which explicitly requires the "immediate and

permanent termination of military operations

on all fronts, including in Lebanon" and

commits all parties to ensuring

Lebanon's territorial integrity

and sovereignty.

Since the MOU took effect on June 18, Israel has not only

maintained its occupation but has continued relentless

airstrikes in southern Lebanon.

Katz stated on Wednesday that "200,000 residents will not

be permitted to return" to the areas near the border with

the Israeli-occupied territories, effectively annexing a

10-kilometre-deep security zone.

The minister sought to manufacture a pretext for his

regime's intransigence, cynically invoking Israel's

previous experiences to dress up occupation as

a security necessity.

"Historically...... security zones that included civilian

populations have turned into targets for bombings

and assaults on our soldiers. We will not permit

that to occur again," he claimed.

Regarding Israel's demolition activities in southern Lebanon,

Katz said, "The infrastructure has been devastated, and the

houses are compromised - unsafe. We are not withdrawing."

Israeli officials have been explicit and belligerent in their

rejection of the agreement, leaving no doubt that Israel

is doing everything in its power to wreck the MOU.

So-called security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared that

"Trump's agreement does not bind us. Israel is not

subject to the United States."

Terrorist finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, whose party

holds the balance of power in Netanyahu's coalition,

flatly stated that "Israel is not part of the US-Iran

negotiations ---- and will continue operations in

Lebanon, until Hezbollah is fully dismantled."

The statements come as Israeli forces stationed in southern

Lebanon are experiencing.... "frustration, stagnation, and

operational paralysis" as they find themselves "hostage

to extensive diplomatic maneuvers," according to a

report by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz on

Wednesday, which referenced

military commanders.

In light of the ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran,

which also include Israel's offensive against Lebanon,

military leaders contend that the Israeli army has

become entangled in the diplomatic progress.

The Haaretz report noted that "the army has almost

completely refrained in recent days from carrying

out proactive field operations, contrary to public

pledges by the political leadership."

Washington's response to Israel's defiance has been one of

paralysis. While Vice President JD Vance criticized Israeli
attacks on Beirut that disrupted the peace talks, the

administration has taken no concrete action

to enforce the MOU's Lebanon clause.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Katz persist

in issuing strong declarations regarding the necessity of

maintaining "absolute freedom of action" in Lebanon.

"However, the actual situation on the ground, as disclosed in

discussions with various senior officers, indicates a starkly

different reality," the newspaper noted.

"Field commanders and officers within the army's Northern

Command express a profound sense of frustration,

experiencing a condition of stagnation and

operational paralysis due to the

uncertainty stemming from

actions.... taken by the

political leadership,"

the 'paper reports.

Iran has already demonstrated its resolve, striking Israel

when it crossed Tehran's red lines by bombing Beirut

and continuing its airstrikes despite the ceasefire.

On June 20, just two days after the MOU took effect, Iran

reclosed the Strait of Hormuz, citing "the US's clear

violation of the principle of good faith and breach

of promises, including non-compliance with

Article 1 of the peace MOU, and to the

Israeli regime's persistent violations

of agreements .......and its failure to

withdraw from southern Lebanon."

As of March 2, 2026, Israel has been conducting an

invasion against Lebanon, resulting in the deaths

of 4,192 individuals, injuries to 12,171, and the

displacement of over 1 million people, based

on figures from Lebanon.

Today, June the 25th, is

Independence day
in Mozambique

Born into the early slavery of the Western Europeans,

the Bantu natives had seen their lands renamed and

plundered for hundreds of years, yet anti-colonial

attitudes took that long to gain an ideological

focus... and a final resolution.

By the early 20th century, the Portuguese had shifted the

administration of much of Mozambique to large private

companies..... like the Mozambique Company, the

Zambezia Company and the Niassa Company,

controlled and financed mostly, by ''British''

financiers, such as Solomon Joel, which

established railroad lines to their

neighbouring colonies in South

Africa and ''Rhodesia''.

Although slavery had been legally abolished in Mozambique, at

the end of the 19th century the chartered companies enacted

a forced labour policy and supplied cheap - often forced -

African labour ---- to the mines and plantations of the

nearby British colonies and to boer South Africa.

The Zambezia Company, the most profitable chartered company,

took over several smaller prazeiro holdings and established

military outposts to protect ''its'' property. The chartered

companies built roads and ports to bring their goods

to market including a railroad linking present-day

Zimbabwe with the Mozambican port of Beira.

No other infrastructure was developed,

except that which benefited the

colonist population, who hid

In 1951, the Portuguese overseas colonies in Africa ---

were rebranded as Overseas Provinces of Portugal,

making it clear to the restless Bantu, that they

were now owned by another country which

couldn't care less for them .....or their

loved ones. The recent victory by

the Soviet Union... and the birth

of Eastern European socialist

states, encouraged revolt.

So -- the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO)

initiated a guerrilla campaign against Portuguese rule, in

September 1964. This conflict --- along with two others

already initiated.. in the other Portuguese colonies of

Angola and Portuguese Guinea, became part of the

so-called Portuguese Colonial War (1961–1974).

From a military standpoint, the Portuguese regular army

maintained control of the population centres, while the

guerrilla forces sought to undermine their influence in

rural and tribal areas in the north and west.

FRELIMO took control of the territory after ten years of

sporadic warfare, aided by Cuban forces --- as well as

Portugal's own return to democracy, after the fall

of the neo-fascist Estado Novo regime --- in the

Carnation Revolution of April 1974 and the

attempted coup of 25 November 1975.

Within a year, most of the 250,000 Portuguese in Mozambique

had left — some expelled by the government of the nearly

independent territory, some left the country to avoid

possible reprisals from the unstable government —

and Mozambique ---- became independent from

Portugal, on the 25th day of June, in 1975.

A law had been passed on the initiative of the relatively

unknown Armando Guebuza of the FRELIMO party,

ordering the Portuguese to leave the country in

24 hours with only 20 kilograms (44 pounds)

of luggage. Unable to salvage any of their

assets, most of them returned to

Portugal --------- as poor as the

natives they had fleeced.

''Let’s celebrate Freedom! Happy Independence Day.

Can you imagine a day, without a right to be free?

It is integral to our existence. So let’s celebrate

our Independence Day! Freedom doesn’t see

colours, or shapes.''

Iran --- hails Ireland’s move

to ban --- imports from the

illegal Israeli settlements

May 27th 11:34am

(PressTV)

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs

Kazem Gharibabadi hails Ireland’s decision to ban imports from

illegal Israeli settlements, describing the move as a practical

step toward holding the Israeli regime accountable for its

violations of international law.

“Ireland’s decision to ban imports from the illegal settlements

of the Israeli regime is a commendable step toward turning

international law from rhetoric into action,” Gharibabadi

wrote in a post published on social media platform X

on Wednesday.

He pointed to a 2004 advisory opinion by the International Court

of Justice (ICJ), which stated that the settlements had been

“established in breach of international law” and said the

ruling obliges states not to recognize the illegal status

created by the settlements or support their

continuation in any form.

“Therefore, buying and selling settlement products is not normal

trade, but economic complicity in sustaining occupation and

whitewashing an unlawful situation," he further wrote.

He added that Western governments that present themselves

as defenders of international law must now match words

with action instead of backing down under pressure

from the Israeli regime, certain US lawmakers,

and powerful business lobbies.

The remarks came as several European countries are moving

toward tougher measures against Israeli settlements built

on occupied Palestinian land.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Arnoldus Adrianus Jetten said

on Friday that Amsterdam would suspend all economic

transactions linked to settlements in the occupied

West Bank and the Golan Heights.

The measure is intended to “prevent Dutch society from

contributing, through our economic activities, to illegal

occupation & the maintenance of illegal settlements,”

Jetten explained.

Meanwhile, a report by Palestine’s Colonization and Wall

Resistance Commission (CWRC) --- has described 2025

as a “year of bloodshed” in the occupied West Bank,

documenting over 23,800 attacks by Israeli forces

and settlers ---- against Palestinians.

In early 2026, Israel's so-called internal security service, Shin

Bet downgraded the classification of settler violence against

Palestinians in the occupied West Bank from “terror attacks”

to “serious incidents,” narrowing the definition of terrorism

to cases involving explicit intent to kill and reducing the

priority of investigations.

Since October 7th, 2023, when the Israeli regime launched its
genocidal assault on Gaza --- Israeli forces and settlers have

killed at least 1,155 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank

--- wounded nearly 11,750 others, and abducted around

22,000 people, according to official figures.

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 - opposed World 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.

____________________

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

For more details visit

www.factoryporth.com
www.facebook.com/TheFactoryVenue
Twitter @TheFactoryPorth
01443 687080

***********************************************

Daytime Delights...

Starts at 1pm

The Parc & Dare, Treorchy

Lunchtime Concerts in the Lounge Bar.

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.ukÃ‚Â

*************************************************

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:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/857YMDK

or this one:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0du5YuhPZ8ahI
oxC_b6pvBprmGA4XFdG-0r2dOVYyc4UNFg/viewform?c=0&w=1

– 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.

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.

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 !!!

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!

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 !!!

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.

What have we got to lose?