dag
@davidallengreen.bsky.social
Writer about law, lore, and policy.
Liberal constitutionalist. Janeite.
Birmingham/London.
#AVFC
Liberal constitutionalist. Janeite.
Birmingham/London.
#AVFC
“… it had the words DON'T PANIC inscribed in large unfriendly letters on its cover.“
February 9, 2026 at 11:03 PM
“… it had the words DON'T PANIC inscribed in large unfriendly letters on its cover.“
Reposted by dag
I see we are now at the ‘explaining constitutional principles and precedents of scenarios that really aren’t likely to happen’ stage of political crisis.
February 9, 2026 at 6:07 PM
I see we are now at the ‘explaining constitutional principles and precedents of scenarios that really aren’t likely to happen’ stage of political crisis.
Reposted by dag
It's hard to pick the one maddest element of British politics, but the tradition of committee room table-banging noise assessment before a leader is destroyed surely has to be in the running.
February 9, 2026 at 6:09 PM
It's hard to pick the one maddest element of British politics, but the tradition of committee room table-banging noise assessment before a leader is destroyed surely has to be in the running.
A round of applause from the same MPs who last week did not trust him to properly make a decision about national security.
Round of applause and cheers for Keir Starmer as he arrives to address Labour MPs at the PLP meeting
Almost as loud as the response Theresa May and Boris Johnson got from Tory MPs before they were ousted
Almost as loud as the response Theresa May and Boris Johnson got from Tory MPs before they were ousted
February 9, 2026 at 6:03 PM
A round of applause from the same MPs who last week did not trust him to properly make a decision about national security.
Reposted by dag
NEW
The constitutional significance of what happened to the Prime Minister last week
Members of parliament moved for a parliamentary committee to decide what is prejudicial to national security instead of the government
By me.
emptycity.substack.com/p/the-consti...
The constitutional significance of what happened to the Prime Minister last week
Members of parliament moved for a parliamentary committee to decide what is prejudicial to national security instead of the government
By me.
emptycity.substack.com/p/the-consti...
February 9, 2026 at 11:42 AM
NEW
The constitutional significance of what happened to the Prime Minister last week
Members of parliament moved for a parliamentary committee to decide what is prejudicial to national security instead of the government
By me.
emptycity.substack.com/p/the-consti...
The constitutional significance of what happened to the Prime Minister last week
Members of parliament moved for a parliamentary committee to decide what is prejudicial to national security instead of the government
By me.
emptycity.substack.com/p/the-consti...
In England, our half-time entertainment consists of a 1990s footballer earnestly explaining the offside rule, and a detailed preview of tomorrow’s match involving a Manchester team.
February 9, 2026 at 7:21 AM
In England, our half-time entertainment consists of a 1990s footballer earnestly explaining the offside rule, and a detailed preview of tomorrow’s match involving a Manchester team.
Reposted by dag
I always felt this story about Oliver Franks could have been about Lord Marbury
![He was made ambassador to the United States in 1948. According to an urban legend there was one minor embarrassment early in his term. In 1948, a Washington radio station contacted ambassadors in the US capital, asking what each most wished for Christmas.
The French ambassador said he would like to see peace throughout the world. The Russian ambassador wanted freedom for all people enslaved by imperialism. Sir Oliver Franks mistook the request, saying: "Well, it's very kind of you to ask. I'd quite like a box of crystallised fruit." 3]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:jcr6dulut6o2hgq45yshy53o/bafkreifho4elxrxrlg3ylscli2uteglwty66z6ocm2h6jqlli3jdupgdbq@jpeg)
February 8, 2026 at 11:16 PM
I always felt this story about Oliver Franks could have been about Lord Marbury
Reposted by dag
Such a favourite with eight-year-old me youtu.be/yrq6av5-PS8, might have been the bat #SuperbOwl
Keith Michell - Captain Beaky - Top Of The Pops - Thursday 31st January 1980
YouTube video by mymusicfootage
youtu.be
February 8, 2026 at 11:03 PM
Such a favourite with eight-year-old me youtu.be/yrq6av5-PS8, might have been the bat #SuperbOwl
#SuperbOwl is trending, so here is some Artful Owl:
Said Owl, "The rest of us hold back. There's only one that he'll attack."
Said Timid Toad, "I like your plan."
"Good luck," said Owl, "For you're the man!"
~ Captain Beaky
Said Owl, "The rest of us hold back. There's only one that he'll attack."
Said Timid Toad, "I like your plan."
"Good luck," said Owl, "For you're the man!"
~ Captain Beaky
February 8, 2026 at 10:53 PM
#SuperbOwl is trending, so here is some Artful Owl:
Said Owl, "The rest of us hold back. There's only one that he'll attack."
Said Timid Toad, "I like your plan."
"Good luck," said Owl, "For you're the man!"
~ Captain Beaky
Said Owl, "The rest of us hold back. There's only one that he'll attack."
Said Timid Toad, "I like your plan."
"Good luck," said Owl, "For you're the man!"
~ Captain Beaky
Reposted by dag
With the (warranted) exception of senior diplomats, I have always enjoyed the fact that in the UK, the fancier the title, the more likely it is to actually be a sinecure - Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, Earl Marshal, Master of Trinity House...
February 8, 2026 at 10:34 PM
With the (warranted) exception of senior diplomats, I have always enjoyed the fact that in the UK, the fancier the title, the more likely it is to actually be a sinecure - Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, Earl Marshal, Master of Trinity House...
Reposted by dag
It's also an effing Americanism. Yet more West Wing-brain in Westminster. Makes no sense in a system with a clear (vertical) distinction between political and civil service staff. "Chief of Some Staff" I would accept.
February 8, 2026 at 10:33 PM
It's also an effing Americanism. Yet more West Wing-brain in Westminster. Makes no sense in a system with a clear (vertical) distinction between political and civil service staff. "Chief of Some Staff" I would accept.
One of the great things about traditional civil service nomenclature was that it avoided grandiose terms like “chief of staff”.
Although these are political appointments not civil service ones, less portentous titles should be adopted, for they seem part of the problem.
Although these are political appointments not civil service ones, less portentous titles should be adopted, for they seem part of the problem.
February 8, 2026 at 10:26 PM
One of the great things about traditional civil service nomenclature was that it avoided grandiose terms like “chief of staff”.
Although these are political appointments not civil service ones, less portentous titles should be adopted, for they seem part of the problem.
Although these are political appointments not civil service ones, less portentous titles should be adopted, for they seem part of the problem.
Reposted by dag
Just beyond parody at this point
February 8, 2026 at 7:52 PM
Just beyond parody at this point
Reposted by dag
Kash Patel stopped FBI agents from investigating Renee Good’s killing because the findings might’ve contradicted their narrative that she was a “domestic terrorist.”
We cannot trust a word coming out of this Admin.
DHS must allow Minnesotan authorities to investigate, NOW.
We cannot trust a word coming out of this Admin.
DHS must allow Minnesotan authorities to investigate, NOW.
Prosecutors Began Investigating Renee Good’s Killing. Washington Told Them to Stop.
www.nytimes.com
February 8, 2026 at 5:35 PM
Kash Patel stopped FBI agents from investigating Renee Good’s killing because the findings might’ve contradicted their narrative that she was a “domestic terrorist.”
We cannot trust a word coming out of this Admin.
DHS must allow Minnesotan authorities to investigate, NOW.
We cannot trust a word coming out of this Admin.
DHS must allow Minnesotan authorities to investigate, NOW.
McSweeney going makes no difference to the quoted point below.
Starmer has lost the confidence of the House of Commons on a matter of national security.
It is difficult to see any PM surviving that easily.
And now there's the Mandeson document disclosure exercise over which he has no control.
Starmer has lost the confidence of the House of Commons on a matter of national security.
It is difficult to see any PM surviving that easily.
And now there's the Mandeson document disclosure exercise over which he has no control.
Political drama aside, when a Prime Minister cannot carry the House of Commons on whether government can be trusted on national security, PM’s authority is over.
Do not underestimate significance of MPs insisting on a parliamentary committee, and not government, to decide on Mandelson disclosures.
Do not underestimate significance of MPs insisting on a parliamentary committee, and not government, to decide on Mandelson disclosures.
February 8, 2026 at 4:29 PM
McSweeney going makes no difference to the quoted point below.
Starmer has lost the confidence of the House of Commons on a matter of national security.
It is difficult to see any PM surviving that easily.
And now there's the Mandeson document disclosure exercise over which he has no control.
Starmer has lost the confidence of the House of Commons on a matter of national security.
It is difficult to see any PM surviving that easily.
And now there's the Mandeson document disclosure exercise over which he has no control.
Now the King's Evil Counsellor is deposed we shall be govern'd well.
February 8, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Now the King's Evil Counsellor is deposed we shall be govern'd well.
McSweeney's doing ninety 'cause he's had the word to go
- with apologies to Squeeze
- with apologies to Squeeze
February 8, 2026 at 3:25 PM
McSweeney's doing ninety 'cause he's had the word to go
- with apologies to Squeeze
- with apologies to Squeeze
Reposted by dag
McSweeney should go off and start a podcast with Dominic Cummins called #AdviserChiefs.
If only there were someone in a senior position of power in this relationship
May 23, 2025 at 6:53 AM
McSweeney should go off and start a podcast with Dominic Cummins called #AdviserChiefs.
Well.
BREAKING: Morgan McSweeney quits as Keir Starmer's chief of staff amid fall-out from the Mandelson scandal
February 8, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Well.
Reposted by dag
Hate-filled fake videos about London are everywhere. We've obtained a recording of a TikToker confessing to secretly filming Londoners in their homes for clicks.
He says it's not political. He just wants to make money from far-right anger.
Read what he says: www.londoncentric.media/p/london-tik...
He says it's not political. He just wants to make money from far-right anger.
Read what he says: www.londoncentric.media/p/london-tik...
February 8, 2026 at 7:44 AM
Hate-filled fake videos about London are everywhere. We've obtained a recording of a TikToker confessing to secretly filming Londoners in their homes for clicks.
He says it's not political. He just wants to make money from far-right anger.
Read what he says: www.londoncentric.media/p/london-tik...
He says it's not political. He just wants to make money from far-right anger.
Read what he says: www.londoncentric.media/p/london-tik...
Wow - The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a powerful piece of drama, as well as great musical theatre. Mark Addy and Jenna Russell especially outstanding.
Deserved, immediate standing ovation.
Deserved, immediate standing ovation.
February 7, 2026 at 11:56 PM
Wow - The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a powerful piece of drama, as well as great musical theatre. Mark Addy and Jenna Russell especially outstanding.
Deserved, immediate standing ovation.
Deserved, immediate standing ovation.
Reposted by dag
“Renee was not the first person killed, and she was not the last,” Becca Good said. “You know my wife’s name and you know Alex’s name, but there are many others in this city being harmed that you don’t know — their families are hurting just like mine, even if they don’t look like mine.”
Renee Good's partner addresses Minneapolis immigration crackdown one month after killing
Becca Good has seldom spoken out since Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on Jan. 7.
nbcnews.to
February 7, 2026 at 9:00 PM
“Renee was not the first person killed, and she was not the last,” Becca Good said. “You know my wife’s name and you know Alex’s name, but there are many others in this city being harmed that you don’t know — their families are hurting just like mine, even if they don’t look like mine.”
Significant, even if unsurprising.
NYT confirming MS NOW reporting:
Prosecutors began investigating Renee Good's killing, then Washington told them to stop.
Federal prosecutors had a warrant to collect evidence from Good's vehicle, but Trump leaders said to drop it. About a dozen prosecutors have since departed.
Prosecutors began investigating Renee Good's killing, then Washington told them to stop.
Federal prosecutors had a warrant to collect evidence from Good's vehicle, but Trump leaders said to drop it. About a dozen prosecutors have since departed.
Prosecutors Began Investigating Renee Good’s Killing. Washington Told Them to Stop.
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 10:35 PM
Significant, even if unsurprising.
Reposted by dag
It doesn’t get any more disgusting than this.
February 7, 2026 at 8:41 PM
It doesn’t get any more disgusting than this.