... and never mind the contribution immigrants make culturally and economically to the UK (with its ageing population).

Illegally should at least be in quotes, no? Because refugees are entitled to claim asylum under the Refugee Convention which the UK has signed up to, no? (And never mind that in recent years asylum has been granted either directly or on appeal for the majority of applicants.)

Don't get that. But maybe I'm not up on things.

Thought this tribute to Mark E Smith and the Fall, which I came across a few days ago, was very good: www.podomatic.com/podcasts/imo...

Have a good break Zaph - you more than deserve it.

That's ugly and unprogressive.

Thank you. That piece contrasts some with Tom Calver's.

I wondered if it was fair-minded - in particular the extract below. I can see the the sense in comparing UK performance to the EU as a whole. But why compare, selectively, to Poland and Ireland which, having smaller populations, won't contribute so much to per capita figures for the EU as a whole?

I like this. I liked your story too. Time was when I dyed my hair black but I don't remember 'goth' as a tag then.

'a Spanish lager brewed in Manchester'?

Here in south London, a Heineken-owned brewery tells us we can 'get a taste of Brixton'.

Half-hearted from Dyche? What was wrong with Nuno?

Thank you for the interesting - and concerning - analysis.
I have a question: the Overview section of the report has a chart showing sources of revenue for local authorities. Not included is local authority own-initiative revenue such as from LTNs and CPZs - is this not relevant?

Great write up of IfG's findings on local government by the Guardian

Whether he's lying or not, Farage should be crucified by the media for his mistruths.