BORIS BACKS OUT OF MAYORS FOR PEACE

Until this morning, I wasn't aware that Boris Johnson had disassociated himself from the Mayors For Peace Initiative.But I don't suppose I am surprised. However, given that it costs nothing and is just a global message of goodwill and support for a nuclear-free world, it seems both petty and wrong-headed.
Last year our Town Council signed up to the initiative so I'm pleased to have just signed a statement in support of Cities Appeal backing the Hiroshima-Nagasaki protocol, which is aiming for a nuclear-free world by 2020.
Here's the quote I gave to the local press: ” As a council, we are supporters of the Mayors For Peace initiative and the Hiroshima-Nagasaki protocol is an important part of that process. Its goal of achieving a nuclear-free world by 2020 is one I wholeheartedly support and I’m pleased to offer our support for this global campaign. Relying on weapons of mass destruction to keep the world a peaceful one is madness. If we wish to safeguard future generations, we need to take serious steps to rid the world of the appalling prospect of nuclear war.”

BORIS BACKS THE LIVING WAGE

Surefootedness is all in politics and Boris Johnson has scored a populist coup by announcing he will pay the Living Wage - £7.40 an hour - to all staff employed by the Greater London Authority and related bodies, including Transport for London.
A cynic might well argue this is a populist ploy and typical of the way the Tories are now positioning themselves as the party of social justice. Such a stance may once have attracted hoots of derision and, as we know, the truth is rather different but sadly at the moment they are stealing march after march from Labour.
I was glad to note Gordon Brown making it clear on his stance on Mugabe at the G8 summit but some closer attention to domestic matters including the plight of the low-paid - and a real increase in the Minimum Wage -would be seriously helpful to Labour's chances of recovery. He should also stop the tough talking to the unions and accept their demands at the Warwick 2 meeting in a few weeks' time. Several large slices of humble pie are required from the Prime Minister if he is to win back our supporters.
Talking of which I'm sorry Gordon but I really could not face another lunch of cabbage soup . After three days of stoical munching through a concoction of dried beans, onions and a Savoy mulched up in the liquidiser, it has ended up in the bin. The good news is I just found some half-price broccoli and celery at the co-op so will get going again at the chopping-board.