Trump’s diesel deal with Putin makes no sense (it’s also immoral since it will fund the ailing Kremlin war machine). The US has no need of Russian diesel. It already refines more than enough for domestic demand — with 1.5m b/d for export. Russia has no diesel to export. Ukrainian drones have taken out a third of Russian refining capacity, turning Russia into a net importer of diesel (from India). The volumes involved are derisory. The initial Russian offer = 2.2m barrels. The US consumes 3.5m b/d. The price of diesel at the US pump is between $6/6.50. That won’t change before the midterms. The deal does nothing to help Trump in these elections. But it bolsters Putin and undermines Ukraine.

Quick reminder that #ElectoralDysfunction will be out a bit later tomorrow so @BethRigby, @HarrietHarman & I can take in the by election result. Also tomorrow: tickets for our London live show go on general sale. Woot woot! 🙌 click the link 👇 cadoganhall.com/whats-on/ele…

Good to catch up with the old boss @RuthDavidsonPC today at #cpc26 in-between various @Prosper_UK_ events. If possible for two people to look better than ten years prior, this photo is surely proof 😂

I have been trying to work out why the Carlson—Rees-Mogg interview is going viral. I think it’s because because it represents the moment when traditional conservatism, defined by courtesy, self-restraint and truth, visibly overcomes the feverish, conspiracist and bellicose post-liberal Right. Sir @Jacob_Rees_Mogg was the perfect instrument of destruction. He is a man of unquestioned sincerity, intellect and courtliness. He was one of only two Ali G interviewees to emerge with his reputation enhanced, the other being Tony Benn, and for the same reason: utter sincerity. With Tucker, as with the brilliant Baron-Cohen, he bats away feverish, crackpot claims in a calm, measured and devastatingly gracious way. What ended McCarthyism was the dignified put down delivered by the Army’s lawyer, Joseph Welch, on live TV in June 1954: “Senator, you have done enough. Have you no sense of decency?” Joe McCarthy died three years later at the age of 48, broken and disgraced. As Welch to McCarthy, so Mogg to Tucker.

Join us in at #CPC26 next week Further details about all our events: brightblue.org.uk/upcoming-e…

There are some really decent people in politics, across all parties. Stuart is one of them. Government or Opposition, he got to work, paid attention to his brief and engaged with stakeholders. The society lottery sector is grateful for his evenhanded approach and support.

💰"The society lottery sector described the government’s inaction — which stood in contrast to Labour’s position prior to the last general election — as a “hammer blow” for charities." writes @MrNickCook of @PostcodeLottery 💰 👇Link👇 centrewrite.brightblue.org.u…

There’s a race to build AI systems that could outmanoeuvre our national security institutions - with almost no binding safety rules. My @thetimes column on why AI sovereignty isn't enough, & why we also need an international agreement on superintelligence thetimes.com/article/8a06b4e…

🚨London Aquarium issues major update on its captive penguins without daylight or fresh air 🚨 Aquarium giant Merlin Entertainments has pledged to phase out gentoo penguins at its UK facilities following our high profile campaign.

NEW: Gavin Williamson has announced on Instagram the sad death of Cronus the tarantula after more than a decade as a "trusty companion"

Fun factoid. Last prime minister to come to power by winning an election and leave power by losing one - what you’d think was the way these things are meant to work - was Edward Heath over half a century ago

Riveting 'Hounds of Westminster' closing panel at #sirharrysummit on the eve of consequential elections across the country. Humour and hot takes abound from @michaelgove @BethRigby @Gabriel_Pogrund with @hardingthehack

It speaks to Ted's remarkable, broad and unique impact on the free media, sport and entertainment that the sad passing of #TedTurner was also mourned at an International Investigative Journalism Summit #SirHarrySummt in London today. A truly unique individual.

"We live in a world where certainty feels fragile, facts are disputed where trust is under pressure... that's why truth matters" @sigridvaken @PostcodeLottery #sirharrysummit

A seller start to @sirharrysummit 2026; 'Staying Fearless'' - no punches being pulled by @praddenkeefe @amanpour @emmatuckerWSJ Katherine Viner or chair Emily Maitlis.

🗞️ #TruthTellers 2026 is here! Join a day of conversations on investigative journalism, press freedom, and holding power to account. Explore the programme: sirharrysummit.org/agenda-20… 🔴 Watch live from 9:30am: sirharrysummit.org/watch @Reuters @durham_uni @TinaBrownLM

A 'pawsome' celebration in Parliament recognising @PostcodeLottery as the single biggest animal welfare fundraiser in the UK. Huge thanks to @cj_dinenage @HuddlestonNigel @JohannaBaxter @Battersea_ Modest regulatory reform would deliver even more. @lisanandy