herriott101

The long read: The EU likes to celebrate itself as a place where borders are soft and ‘regionalism’ creates diversity and openness. But just as much as any powerful nation, Europe defines itself against the rest of the world

An interesting, if long, article about European identity. I don't agree with all of it, or in fact a lot of it, but I found it an interesting read and it's always useful to read thought provoking points of view you disagree with from time to time. Also, I'm interested in hearing your views on the article!

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

Not sure if you guys are familiar with this or not, but there is a great mailing list that lays out what votes are happening in Parliament every week. It's a great resource so check it out.
Credit to Sebastian Salek

https://clearthelobby.co.uk/

Clear the Lobby
by Sebastian Salek

Hey team.

MPs focus on Estimates Day debates.

This is where the Commons scrutinises spending by government departments.

Topics include spending on prisons, energy infrastructure, and further education.

Meanwhile, the Illegal Migration Bill is in the Lords.

Peers have already defeated the government on it four times, and could likely add to that number this week.

Elsewhere, the government cracks down on boycotts against Israel.

The new bill will stop public bodies - including councils - from boycotting any foreign country because they disagree with their politics.

Until next week. In the meantime, feel free to tweet me.

Sebastian (@sebastiansalek)

MONDAY 3 JULY
Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill - 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Prevents public bodies from boycotting foreign countries. Those who don't comply face fines. Specifically it's intended to stop councils and other bodies from boycotting Israel.

TUESDAY 4 JULY
Republic of Somaliland (Recognition) Bill
Requires the government to recognise formally the Republic of Somaliland and take steps to form diplomatic relations with the country. Ten minute rule motion presented by Gavin Williamson.

Estimates Day
Focus is MOJ spending on the Prison and Probation Service.

WEDNESDAY 5 JULY
Safety Cameras Bill
Gives the public a say in where new speed cameras are installed, among other things. Ten minute rule motion presented by Mark Eastwood.

Estimates Day
Focus is Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spending on energy infrastructure and Department for Education spending on adult education, post-16 education, further education, and colleges.

THURSDAY 6 JULY
Supply and Appropriation (Main Estimates) (No. 2) Bill - all stages
Wraps up the week's Estimates Day debates.

FRIDAY 7 JULY
No votes scheduled

LAST WEEK'S VOTES
Passed

Financial Services and Markets Bill - becomes law
National Security Bill - goes back to Lords
Global Climate and Development Finance Bill - goes to second reading
Holocaust Memorial Bill - goes to committee

Not passed

Schools (Gender and Parental Rights) Bill - went to a vote and lost by 34 to 40