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Eliot Wilson's avatar

“Power without responsibility, the prerogative of the harlot throughout the ages” was Baldwin originally, I think suggested by his cousin, Rudyard Kipling.

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Tom Tugendhat's avatar

Thanks!! Will correct.

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Eliot Wilson's avatar

Sorry, perennial pedantry of a former Commons clerk. It was one of Baldwin’s best speeches, in 1931 (I think), railing against the press barons like Rothermere and Beaverbrook.

Very interesting article, several things I now want to think about a lot more.

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Tom Tugendhat's avatar

I am grateful. I find I check facts like stats to ensure I'm right and then too often misremember a quote!! I'm grateful for the correction.

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Dennis's avatar

Only if the Tories were serious about investing, maybe we wouldn't be here...

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John Tonks's avatar

You did exactly the same in 2019. So think before you criticise others. Glass houses and all that. 14yrs of Tory mismanagement.

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Gareth Wiltshire's avatar

This deal is created a power that is similar that in the Energy Act 2023 - part 12, 269; relating to core fuel resilience (petrol/dissel/jet). The direction of anyone to do anything to ensure energy resilience. Unfortunately this 269 section was a product of the prior government despite industry warnings. The precedent was set (and probably set before this act as well) for State intervention without State bearing the cost.

The stark message against investment in critical industries has been there a while.

“Directions to particular core fuel sector participants

(1)The Secretary of State may, for the purpose of maintaining or improving core fuel sector resilience, direct a person to whom this section applies to do anything in relation to the person’s relevant activities or assets (for example, to acquire and install specific equipment, or carry out specific works, at the person’s own expense). “

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Peter Jones's avatar

Perhaps geopolitical retreat was …. Abject Defeat

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