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Post by Mark on Mar 26, 2023 19:44:23 GMT
Extracts from a Mathew Goodwin article about his new book :-Values, Voice and Virtue: The New British Politics. "Britain is on the cusp of a “progressive” revolution that will transform politics and society." " This progressive tide, steadily building for a decade, is poised to usher in a different political and cultural zeitgeist." "It is being propelled by three specific groups." "The first is the rising number of middle-class professional graduates, the big winners of John Major’s and Tony Blair’s expansion of the universities.Shaped by their degrees and far more liberal values, Britain’s graduate class are increasingly trending leftwards, reflecting the rise of a new “education divide” in the West, where the graduate minority is steadily drifting away from the non-graduate majority.Were only degree-holders able to vote in 2017, Jeremy Corbyn would have been elected prime minister. This is why parties on the liberal left, not just Labour but also the Liberal Democrats and the Greens, dominate almost all the big cities and university towns, and are invading the southern, graduate-heavy commuter belt where professionals are spilling from the capital." "The second is Britain’s young Millennials and even younger Zoomers, born after 1996, who may only remember Conservative governments. They too are flooding into the electorate. Before the rise of Blair there was no real difference in the political loyalties of young and old. But since then, the gulf between them has become enormous. At the last election, nearly eight in ten of the youngest voters backed the liberal left. Now not even one in five say they plan to vote Tory next year." "The final group is the rapidly rising number of voters from minority backgrounds, more than three-quarters of whom vote for the liberal left, with the vast majority voting Labour. At the last election, the Tories had a 20-point lead over Labour among white Britons, but among black and ethnic minority voters Labour had more than a 40-point lead. Of the 50 seats with the largest number of Muslims, the Tories won three." But Goodwin doesn't ask where Tory votes are coming from-he asks :- "But will the progressive tide automatically translate into large Labour majorities? Not necessarily. While these groups will increasingly dominate Britain’s institutions, using their immense cultural and political power to reshape Westminster, the media and cultural and educational institutions, the progressive tide will also inject new problems into politics." "One is geography. All the groups propelling it forward live in the same parts of the country, in the big cities and university towns." "This is underlined by a second problem: how the progressive tide is already driving a wedge between the liberal graduates who dominate the institutions and the much larger number of voters who have to live with the consequences of their decisions.Over the past decade, in response to Brexit and Trump, the graduate class have intensified their liberalism, embracing an even more radical “woke” progressivism, a belief system which I estimate is held by 15 per cent of the country. This “Great Awokening” among white liberal graduates, visible in America and Britain, is reflected in their increasingly passionate support for both legal and illegal immigration, their tendency to see Britain’s history as overwhelmingly negative, and their firm belief that western nations are “institutionally racist”. These beliefs are understandable, but they are not shared by anywhere close to a majority of voters, and are often repelling them, setting the stage for a new populist backlash, like we see in France, Italy and Sweden." He concludes with a rather unsatisfactory :"So while the looming progressive tide may be celebrated by the left, in reality it will be more complex than many think, possibly pushing politics into an even more turbulent future." What does he mean by "Turbulent" ??. - France writ large ? If i understood him he means the "opposition" to his liberal tide is more, not less Trumpism. So where does that leave Sunak's brand of Conservatism ? This is a classic Goodwin piece. First, the use of language such as "dominate", "invading","looming" to describe social changes he disapproves of and that these changes " inject problems" into politics (which would presumably otherwise continue untroubled in a way he approves of) Second,the crude typology so that, for example, society is divided between a a "liberal left", "liberal elite" and an undefined large group who disagree with them. Third, the crude unevidenced assertion about belief and motive. For example, the assertion that the "liberal elite" (whatever that might be) passionately supports legal and illegal immigration and so on. And he somewhere conjures out of the air his personal estimate that undefined "radical, woke progressivism" is a view held by 15% of the population. Fourth, the lack of counter arguments especially any recognition of the push back by right wing politicians and groups against existing rights. But Goodwin's grift has to continue. So disappointed that his looked for populist triumph after Brexit never materialised he now predicts another populist backlash. The one certainty is that Goodwin will create a market for his output. While the piece uses some *very* loaded language and certainly sees the shift as a problem rather than simply a change, what he is describing is essentially correct. As I have said on here before, as things stand right now, no party can win an election on a socially progressive ticket. To an extent, Corbyn tried and yes, came close in 2017, but, still ultimately lost. That, coupled with their god-awful record, is why the tories are making a big play on small boats. That said, as the author notes, things are changing. There are three elephants in the room that are not mentioned, at least in the part that Colin posted, elephants that have, no doubt, greatly accelarated a change that was coming anyway. Those being brexit, climate change and societal norms. On brexit, nobody under 30 has any lived experience of life outside the EU. It is their normal. Or at least was. Many in this age bracket see rights that they had taken for granted, such as free movement, snatched away from them. An age cohort that live in a multi-cultural Britain that see immigration as a primary factor in those that voted to take away their rights. On climate change, they know that they are the generation that will actually have to live through it, while governments drag their feet on what beeds to be done....to the extent that a lone teenager sitting outside a parliament building in Sweden became world famous. On social norms, inagine the highly unlikely - almost impossible - scenario that Iplayer was banned. Many over 60, that may use it, but, largely watch broadcast TV, would likely just shrug. It wouldn't be a huge deal, but, anyone in their 20's that have grown up with it being the norm, would, like brexit, see it as another thing taken away from them. As to what it means for wider UK politics when social liberals become the majority, I think French style protests/violence is wide of the mark. The generations where social conservatism would be the majority getting increasingly older and those in their 60's or 70's tend not to set fire to things or throw rocks at the police. Those of younger generations who are socially conservative being very much in a minority anyway. There will, in all likelyhood, be voting options for those driven by social conservatism, most likely right now, RUK. If the tories continue down this road, they will be painting themselves into a corner, so most likely a third party on the right. |
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pjw1961
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Post by pjw1961 on Mar 26, 2023 19:54:21 GMT
Pedant Alert - the most viable Labour target in rural Norfolk is now South Norfolk, where a 17-point swing is needed. That 17-point swing compares to 20% for Great Yarmouth and 21% for Norfolk North-West - both Labour seats back in 1997. South Norfolk was one of a handful of seats which the Tories could easily have lost in 1997 (with 40%), but the LDs and Labour were then almost equal-second. In recent elections (post-coalition) it has trended to Labour, as their vote is up 6% since GE2015 (compared to +2% in GB vote) while the Tories are up 4% (compared to +8% for GB). I'd tentatively suggest that the areas bordering Norwich may have become more promising for Labour. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Norfolk_(UK_Parliament_constituency)www.electionpolling.co.uk/battleground/targets/labourI suspect that in reality Great yarmouth is more likely to fall to Labour given its longer ter electoral history.The combined effect of Corbyn and Brexit was to push the seat very heavily away from Labour p and I would now expect both effects to unwind with an above average pro- Labour swing. Waveney could be expected to show a similar 'swingback'. Labour last won South Norfolk in 1945 when the demographics were much more favourable. The LibDems have periodically been strong there in local elections. Given Labour's recent outperformance there, I rather expect a below average swing next time.
Great Yarmouth is of course a much more urban seat than either Norfolk SW or NE. There was a past Labour vote from the fishing industry but of more relevance now is that many sea-side resort seats moved heavily to Labour in the 1990s/2000s as they are not prosperous and have high levels of deprivation due to low paid seasonal work. This pattern was then disrupted by UKIP and Brexit as they are also rather 'Brexity', but I think these are a set of seats where Labour may perform well in 2024 as the Brexit effect unwinds. I quite fancy Labour to win Great Yarmouth and Waveney, but not Norfolk SW or NE. Time will tell (and all these have local elections in May, which will be interesting). |
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domjg
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Post by domjg on Mar 26, 2023 20:05:02 GMT
This is a classic Goodwin piece. First, the use of language such as "dominate", "invading","looming" to describe social changes he disapproves of and that these changes " inject problems" into politics (which would presumably otherwise continue untroubled in a way he approves of) Second,the crude typology so that, for example, society is divided between a a "liberal left", "liberal elite" and an undefined large group who disagree with them. Third, the crude unevidenced assertion about belief and motive. For example, the assertion that the "liberal elite" (whatever that might be) passionately supports legal and illegal immigration and so on. And he somewhere conjures out of the air his personal estimate that undefined "radical, woke progressivism" is a view held by 15% of the population. Fourth, the lack of counter arguments especially any recognition of the push back by right wing politicians and groups against existing rights. But Goodwin's grift has to continue. So disappointed that his looked for populist triumph after Brexit never materialised he now predicts another populist backlash. The one certainty is that Goodwin will create a market for his output. While the piece uses some *very* loaded language and certainly sees the shift as a problem rather than simply a change, what he is describing is essentially correct. As I have said on here before, as things stand right now, no party can win an election on a socially progressive ticket. To an extent, Corbyn tried and yes, came close in 2017, but, still ultimately lost. That, coupled with their god-awful record, is why the tories are making a big play on small boats. That said, as the author notes, things are changing. There are three elephants in the room that are not mentioned, at least in the part that Colin posted, elephants that have, no doubt, greatly accelarated a change that was coming anyway. Those being brexit, climate change and societal norms. On brexit, nobody under 30 has any lived experience of life outside the EU. It is their normal. Or at least was. Many in this age bracket see rights that they had taken for granted, such as free movement, snatched away from them. An age cohort that live in a multi-cultural Britain that see immigration as a primary factor in those that voted to take away their rights. On climate change, they know that they are the generation that will actually have to live through it, while governments drag their feet on what beeds to be done....to the extent that a lone teenager sitting outside a parliament building in Sweden became world famous. On social norms, inagine the highly unlikely - almost impossible - scenario that Iplayer was banned. Many over 60, that may use it, but, largely watch broadcast TV, would likely just shrug. It wouldn't be a huge deal, but, anyone in their 20's that have grown up with it being the norm, would, like brexit, see it as another thing taken away from them. As to what it means for wider UK politics when social liberals become the majority, I think French style protests/violence is wide of the mark. The generations where social conservatism would be the majority getting increasingly older and those in their 60's or 70's tend not to set fire to things or throw rocks at the police. Those of younger generations who are socially conservative being very much in a minority anyway. There will, in all likelyhood, be voting options for those driven by social conservatism, most likely right now, RUK. If the tories continue down this road, they will be painting themselves into a corner, so most likely a third party on the right. As I think we'll see similarly with Trump, the shriller he becomes to keep his voice heard the narrower his appeal will become. |
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Post by graham on Mar 26, 2023 20:14:08 GMT
I suspect that in reality Great yarmouth is more likely to fall to Labour given its longer ter electoral history.The combined effect of Corbyn and Brexit was to push the seat very heavily away from Labour p and I would now expect both effects to unwind with an above average pro- Labour swing. Waveney could be expected to show a similar 'swingback'. Labour last won South Norfolk in 1945 when the demographics were much more favourable. The LibDems have periodically been strong there in local elections. Given Labour's recent outperformance there, I rather expect a below average swing next time.
Great Yarmouth is of course a much more urban seat than either Norfolk SW or NE. There was a past Labour vote from the fishing industry but of more relevance now is that many sea-side resort seats moved heavily to Labour in the 1990s/2000s as they are not prosperous and have high levels of deprivation due to low paid seasonal work. This pattern was then disrupted by UKIP and Brexit as they are also rather 'Brexity', but I think these are a set of seats where Labour may perform well in 2024 as the Brexit effect unwinds. I quite fancy Labour to win Great Yarmouth and Waveney, but not Norfolk SW or NE. Time will tell (and all these have local elections in May, which will be interesting). Norfolk NW did fall to Labour in 1997 and was very marginal at both 1974 elections. Its predecessor seat of Kings Lynn changed hands quite often. |
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neilj
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Post by neilj on Mar 26, 2023 20:48:44 GMT
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Post by hireton on Mar 26, 2023 21:04:08 GMT
A personal test for Sunak's promise of integrity. Will he correct the records soon as possible?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2023 21:12:56 GMT
"But will the progressive tide automatically translate into large Labour majorities? Not necessarily. While these groups will increasingly dominate Britain’s institutions, using their immense cultural and political power to reshape Westminster, the media and cultural and educational institutions, the progressive tide will also inject new problems into politics." I saw that article too, while some of it’s rather stereotypical, it’s an interesting question, what the impact will be. Or questions. It’s possible, for example, that there might be a significant difference between some of the younger and some of the older progressives. With some of the latter apt to focus on aspects of the progressive that align more with middle class interests. The younger might be more thoroughly progressive on average. Gone off it now that I realise he is just a bitter old Leaver yearning for his lost youth. |
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pjw1961
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Post by pjw1961 on Mar 26, 2023 21:46:21 GMT
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Danny
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Post by Danny on Mar 27, 2023 6:23:10 GMT
The case of the Plymouth trees continues to draw headlines.
In case anyone missed it, the council has decided to redevelop part of the town centre, and the scheme included felling abour 150 mature trees. This was a an unpopular idea, so the council decided to fell them all overnight. An official from the council agreed to be interviewed on R4 (or maybe was ordered to be), who argued it was normal practice to do this over night because there were few people about so it was easier and safer to work then. The public has been assured that the trees will be replaced with new 'semi mature' trees.
No explanation has been produced of what a semi mature tree is, strictly I guess it ought to mean a tree 30 ft high with a foot thick trunk at least, but somehow i doubt that is what the council means.
Both labour and conservative parties have refused to be interviewed about the scheme. The leader of the council has just resigned, for reasons unknown and refusing to comment, but it would seem the council has already spent a lot of money on the scheme. Quite possibly it is irreversibly committed.
The public has of course been consulted as required by law. The result of this was the public is heavily opposed to the felling of the trees. This seems to have made no difference to the council whatsoever, who however do not seem to have expected the public to take direct action against them both in physically protecting trees from the felling - which saved some of them, about 30 remain, and in legal injunction against the council with a judicial review pending.
The report suggests con are making more noises about trying to placate the public, but this does not extend so far as to save the trees.
So the problem would seem to be the population opposes the development scheme but both main parties support it. The consultation process is a total nonsense because - as usual- all an authority has to do is consult and then ignore the outcome.
As with brexit and lockdown, the two main parties agreed what to do and then ignore the public. No wonder they are so hated, and when anyone talks about polling support, it is really measuring who has the lower voter hate index.
An interesting trick I have observed councils use regularly, is to stage a pre-consultation consultation. Then when the real consultation is staged on essentially the same issue shortly thereafter, people do not realise that whatever huge effort they made to reply to the first round, they need to repeat for the second else their complaint will be ignored. I am sure councils do this absolutely deliberately to trick citizens into thinking they have complained when what they said will be expressly ignored.
People will recall that even the referendum to leave the EU was deliberately biased by the government to exclude many brits living abroad, to such an extent the supreme court said it would be unlawful to base a decision upon the result. Despite this, brexit took place anyway.
It strikes me there is a real case to introduce compulsory mandatory referenda for issues like this. History endlessly repeats itself with councils staging redevelopment locals oppose.
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steve
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Post by steve on Mar 27, 2023 6:50:05 GMT
pjw1961 If Dolt 45 stood on stage and said black people should be grateful for the generosity of whites for taking them out of the hell hole of Africa and appointed David Duke as his running mate and changed his campaign slogan to make America white again , the GOP house would still defend him and he'd still be running at 40%+ in the polls. The stupidities of 2016, Brexit and agent orange win, while losing the popular vote, let the racist nationalist genie out of the bottle and and the troglodytes are determined not to let those with a moral compass put it back where it belongs. The implications of a return to office by he who shouldn't be named will be catastrophic for the U.S. and the world.
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Mr Poppy
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Post by Mr Poppy on Mar 27, 2023 7:09:26 GMT
"But will the progressive tide automatically translate into large Labour majorities? Not necessarily. While these groups will increasingly dominate Britain’s institutions, using their immense cultural and political power to reshape Westminster, the media and cultural and educational institutions, the progressive tide will also inject new problems into politics." I saw that article too, while some of it’s rather stereotypical, it’s an interesting question, what the impact will be. Or questions. It’s possible, for example, that there might be a significant difference between some of the younger and some of the older progressives. With some of the latter apt to focus on aspects of the progressive that align more with middle class interests. The younger might be more thoroughly progressive on average. I appreciate the woke causes are ever growing and nuanced but for non-woke folks could you give some examples? I'll suggest one that relates to the original woke cause. UK banned slavery in 1807 and in US it was 1865 so the issue is not current slaves from the, previously legal, slave trade. Middle Class 'progressives': In some DEM areas of US they want to pay reparations to descendants of slavery (and some want that extended to all Black-Americans) California’s reparations proposals may carry a steep price for Democratsthehill.com/opinion/judiciary/3853877-californias-reparations-proposals-may-carry-a-steep-price-for-democrats/Unclear exactly how they propose to fund those reparations ( "The cost of California’s statewide reparations is estimated to be $569 billion.") but current-future taxpayers would directly/indirectly pay the cost so probably wouldn't go down well with most voters Not sure what you mean by "thoroughly progressive" but would that be a younger person is more interested in 'direct action' eg the tearing down statues craze that started in the US. www.theatlantic.com/photo/2020/07/photos-statues-removed-george-floyd-protests-began/613774/Sadly what starts in US often transfers over to UK. Although thankfully we never had a Trump and the closest we maybe did get (Boris) is not making a come-back after last week - even if Trump might become POTUS again next year. The 'copying US' issue seems to be more on the 'Far-Liberal' side than the 'Far-Right' but I haven't seen anyone other than some LDEM 'middle class progressive' voices start to push for UK taxpayers to make reparations - at least not yet! www.libdemvoice.org/church-of-england-creates-community-fund-as-compensation-for-investment-in-the-slave-trade-72313.html PS Before any misrepresentations then I am awake to the current issues and whilst I don't think 'quotas' are the answer, as that is fighting historic racism with modern-day racism, then we do need to provide more opportunities in areas such as education and a start on the housing ladder to "level up" the opportunities for people alive today. We can't reverse the past but we can do better WRT to 'equality of opportunity' in the present and future. |
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Danny
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Post by Danny on Mar 27, 2023 7:33:38 GMT
In some DEM areas of US they want to pay reparations to descendants of slavery (and some want that extended to all Black-Americans).....Sadly what starts in US often transfers over to UK. Does that mean I can claim compensation for one of my ancestors being a roman slave? i mean, it has to be a statistical certainty? For that matter, surely the same must apply to all white americans? |
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steve
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Post by steve on Mar 27, 2023 7:40:18 GMT
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Danny
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Post by Danny on Mar 27, 2023 7:42:26 GMT
Another interesting interview with an SNP spokesperson.
The spokesperson said that the SNP government had much better management of covid restrictions. The interviewer said it made no difference to the outcome. The interviewee agreed.
Nice to see politicians coming round to the idea lockdown made no difference to outcome!
(of course, Scotland gifted us a pointless mask mandate in UK schools contrary to medical advice. The SNP leveraged the doom propaganda the Uk government had been spewing to be more restrictive than westminster, boosting their popularity and forcing westminster to be more restrictive too in response, all regardless of medical advice. A wonderful example of a policy running out of control once set in train.)
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Danny
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Post by Danny on Mar 27, 2023 7:46:09 GMT
oil spill in Poole harbour from drilling. Designated as a 'medium level' incident. Apparently its a county council responsibility to deal with it.
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steve
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Post by steve on Mar 27, 2023 7:51:31 GMT
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domjg
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Post by domjg on Mar 27, 2023 7:54:11 GMT
The fightback against populism and politicisation of the judiciary in Israel gives me encouragement. If it ever comes to it here (and I wouldn't bet against it) we'll know what to do. The seas of Israeli flags gives the lie to hoary old populist claims to always be representing 'the people'. Very often, as with Trump, they represent treason against everything the democratic state stands for.
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Danny
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Post by Danny on Mar 27, 2023 8:04:19 GMT
The OU of course also had a model of lectures and tutorials. The most important difference was it was intended you could continue living at home, doing your job, while getting a degrees, they had infrastructure where they did summer schools and presumably lab work as relevant. I agree some subjects are easier to do this than others, though at least in one respect we now have the technology for easy video communication for such as tutorial time. It strikes me the stuff you describe might have been much better suited to the local polytechnic model, with small classes and specialist equipment. So maybe we should have a polytechnic and OU model and scrap the non research univerities. Of course, this wouldnt help with the interesting social engineering which is claimed to have resulted from more attending university, that it teaches people to be more left wing. Or maybe what it does is teach people analytical skills and then exposed them to a wide spread of humanity. with the result most of them become left wing because its the obvious correct thing to do. This interpretation would imply the right is fundamentally wrong. Prisoner's dilemma comes to mind, that social cooperation may give the best outcome for all, but cheating can bring the individual more advantage. |
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steve
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Post by steve on Mar 27, 2023 8:18:46 GMT
Brexitanians look away now inconvenient truths alert. youtu.be/XhgY7JrTmxwYou voted not only to disenfranchise us but make us poorer as well. Can't remember seeing that on the side of the big red bus. |
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steve
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Post by steve on Mar 27, 2023 8:25:08 GMT
Sunak announces the Tory big ideas for the election.
Target
Asylum seekers
The homeless
And Hippies
Of course the regime doesn't need laughing gas to give a false sense of happiness they get off on the misery of the poor and desperate with no external assistance .
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neilj
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Post by neilj on Mar 27, 2023 8:25:36 GMT
Can't be long before the climbdown now
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Post by barbara on Mar 27, 2023 8:57:57 GMT
Can't be long before the climbdown now Well done the Israelis. What have we done about the assault on freedom of speech. If you asked most people they wouldn't have heard of the Bill going through our parliament here. |
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domjg
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Post by domjg on Mar 27, 2023 9:09:52 GMT
Can't be long before the climbdown now Well done the Israelis. What have we done about the assault on freedom of speech. If you asked most people they wouldn't have heard of the Bill going through our parliament here. I worry about how easy it would be to roll back democracy and judicial freedom here. There is a largely compliant media and a complacent populace who still think either 'it couldn't happen here' or 'it couldn't be that bad could it?' and will turn away from and ignore anything that makes them uncomfortable. The English are good at ignoring reality if it upsets their view of themselves. |
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neilj
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Post by neilj on Mar 27, 2023 9:30:27 GMT
This is the problem with Sunak's laughing gas ban, it allows ordinary members of the public to point out current more serious laws are nit being properly enforce, why add less serious jaws that also won't be enforce.
13 years of tory cuts to the police and judicial system has an effect and gimmicks won't sort it
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steve
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Post by steve on Mar 27, 2023 9:56:02 GMT
neiljThere is already perfectly adequate law in place which allows for the imprisonment for up to 7 years for the illegal supply of nitrous oxide. The new law is an unnecessary addition aimed for the consumption by right wing media mouthpieces. It will do nothing to address the public health problems from real substance abuse. I expect Starmer based on his focus group of xenophobic ex Labour voters that appears to be his guiding principle to offer his whole hearted support for the pointless legislation .
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steve
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Post by steve on Mar 27, 2023 9:58:18 GMT
And there you go
"Labour says Rishi Sunak’s antisocial behaviour plan is a weaker version of its own policy"
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Post by alec on Mar 27, 2023 10:01:33 GMT
No sense of humour, these Tories -
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Post by alec on Mar 27, 2023 10:09:11 GMT
domjg - "The English are good at ignoring reality if it upsets their view of themselves." This is a classic story that may illustrate your point - I did smile when I heard dark threats from Brexiters about how the 'English freeborn men' won't take X, Y or Z. English free born men have sat on their arses and accepted bucket loads of shit being dumped on them for years. It's the French that get on their hind legs and do something about it, now the Israelis.
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domjg
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Post by domjg on Mar 27, 2023 10:24:40 GMT
domjg - "The English are good at ignoring reality if it upsets their view of themselves." This is a classic story that may illustrate your point - I did smile when I heard dark threats from Brexiters about how the 'English freeborn men' won't take X, Y or Z. English free born men have sat on their arses and accepted bucket loads of shit being dumped on them for years. It's the French that get on their hind legs and do something about it, now the Israelis. Great story, thanks Alec! That was 1976, I think nowadays there would probably have been argy-bargy. The English are now far more well versed in being confrontational with each other, just not with those in positions of power. Completely agree with your comment. |
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Post by steamdrivenandy on Mar 27, 2023 10:31:55 GMT
domjg - "The English are good at ignoring reality if it upsets their view of themselves." This is a classic story that may illustrate your point - I did smile when I heard dark threats from Brexiters about how the 'English freeborn men' won't take X, Y or Z. English free born men have sat on their arses and accepted bucket loads of shit being dumped on them for years. It's the French that get on their hind legs and do something about it, now the Israelis. That reminds me of a story my mum used to tell. My parents were keen tennis players and occasionally went to the Wimbledon tournament, as spectators you understand. On one particular jaunt in the '50's, dad was going to Wimbledon from his office in central London and mum was travelling from our house in Ruislip. It just happened that when mum changed trains to head back out south west she got into the carriage that my dad was in. However he was deeply engrossed in his Evening News and didn't notice her. There was an empty seat next to him so mum sat in it. Still dad didn't notice her. She then started leaning over and looking at the newspaper pages he'd got open. Still he didn't look round, but harrumped and shook the paper in an annoyed fashion. Mum continued to look over his shoulder and eventually, in exasperation father turned to look at her, realised who it was, gave an exclamation, a big hug and a kiss. The folk on the other side of the carriage looked scandalised. |
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