Richardson's Rubicon

With our exit from the EU and the stop gap of the UK GDPR implementation, your data, while at risk as always, has been relatively safe. However there are moves afoot to change that.  The UK is preparing to replace UK GDPR which is largely EU legislation, on the bonfire of Tory party vanity under the guise of unleashing Britain, freeing it from the so called shackles of good governance. There’s a new bill on the horizon and it’s not good. UK Data Protection and Digital Information Bill introduced in July 2022 and is awaiting second hearing in the Commons. The UK Data Protection and Digital Information Bill would weaken legal standards, hinder the exercise of rights, water down accountability requirements, and introduce loopholes in the law. At the same time, Ministerial powers would be unduly expanded, enabling the Government to co-opt the Information Commissioner and bend primary legislation to their will. I mean, after all, who in their right mind trusts the current UK Government? According to a recent YOUGOV poll, you know, the one connected to Nadhim Zahawi, that one. Even their poll says only 15% of people trust the UK Government, compared to 37% who trust Trade Union Leaders and 80 + who trust family doctors and scientists. 15%. They ought to stand down and hold a general election before one is held for them. I interviewed MARIANO DELLI SANTI, the legal and policy officer for the Open Rights Group, hear what’s at risk in his own words I’d like to thank Mariano for taking part and if you want to take part in opposing this bill, please visit: https://www.openrightsgroup.org/ More details can be found here. https://www.openrightsgroup.org/campaign/stop-data-discrimination/ https://www.openrightsgroup.org/publications/analysis-the-uk-data-protection-and-digital-information-bill/ https://docs.cdn.yougov.com/9d1dpksww9/YG%20trackers%20-%20Trust.pdf Discussion here: https://richardsonsrubicon.com/community/episode-topics/episode-11-data-deregulation-promotes-growth-says-the-trustworthy-uk-government/

In this episode I talk about the Twitter takeover that resulted in security and governance staff leaving en masse, and the impact this has had on GDPR compliance and the creaking infrastructure. Unfortunate timing meant I missed mentioning the Twitter breach of 200 million users details... Going well, isn't it? I think it proves that basing success on personalities is a very bad idea. I then talk about some of the implications of the LastPass breach and what I've done about it. Maybe it will inspire you. Shownotes https://richardsonsrubicon.com/community/episode-topics/episode-10-breaches-are-all-the-rage/

During the last two weeks or so, Elon Musk has finally taken over Twitter and during that time I’ve been exploring Mastodon. In this episode I interview Kirk aka Tek who is the server owner of Free Radical Zone, just one of the many “instances” available as part of the Mastodon Federated Network. It’s so good I think you should join too. Listen to this episode and learn about the difference between moderation on Twitter and Mastodon, the sense of community, and the main differences between the local and federated timelines.  https://richardsonsrubicon.com/musk-and-the-rise-of-mastodon/ Join at this link and auto-follow me: https://freeradical.zone/invite/TFHibxKd Join at this link if you don’t want to auto-follow me: https://freeradical.zone/ Find out more about Mastodon here: https://joinmastodon.org/

WHEN IS A SECURITY BREACH NOT A SECURITY BREACH? WHEN IT'S A BRAVERMAN BREACH. With regard to the recent political discussion around Suella Braverman's appointment to the Sunak government, I take a look with my old Information Security hat on and analyse what actions should be taken to bring the matter to a conclusion. The security culture within the Government is a huge risk. You can discuss this and see episode notes on our forum here: https://richardsonsrubicon.com/community/episode-topics/the-braverman-breach-episode-8/

In this episode I outline how your money has been transferred to the wealthy, how your pensions are at risk, how your environment is at risk and ask whether Investment Zones are corporate fiefdoms. High Five to Michael Russell for some wording. 1. Britain Ramping Up Low-Tax Zones to Help Save It From Stagnation - Bl…. archive.ph. Published September 25, 2022. https://archive.ph/kmtVd  2. Lawson C. Charter Cities: The Real Reason for Brexit and the Bigger Picture. Medium. Published August 14, 2022. https://medium.com/@cormack.lawson/charter-cities-the-real-reason-for-brexit-and-the-bigger-picture-4de80dbb69fb  3. Mazza J. Dead crustaceans on North East coast: the next chapter. North East Bylines. Published August 11, 2022. https://northeastbylines.co.uk/dead-crustaceans-on-north-east-coast-the-next-chapter/  4. Crerar P, editor PCP. Early Liz Truss comments on scrapping benefits stoke fears of further cuts. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/sep/30/early-liz-truss-comments-on-scrapping-benefits-stoke-fears-of-further-cuts. Published September 30, 2022.  5. Andrew Lilico [@andrew_lilico]. I don’t agree with not uprating benefits in line with inflation. Benefits should rise, & they should be raised early, with inflation so high. If the govt needs spending cuts (which it does) it should cut NHS spending, not benefits. Twitter. Published September 30, 2022. https://twitter.com/andrew_lilico/status/1575651475531137024  6. NeilMackay [@NeilMackay]. I think there’s a genuine - and very difficult - conversation to be had about what action a population can, or should, take to defend itself against a government which is wilfully working against the interests of the people. This is not meant to be rabble-rousing Just a question. Twitter. Published September 30, 2022. https://twitter.com/NeilMackay/status/1575978523130736643  7. Liz Truss admits “disruption” to UK economy but stands by forecast-free mini-budget. Sky News. https://news.sky.com/story/liz-truss-admits-disruption-to-uk-economy-but-stands-by-forecast-free-mini-budget-12708599  8. Elgot J, Mason R, Allegretti A. Liz Truss to push ahead with unlimited ‘investment zones’ despite costs row. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/sep/30/liz-truss-to-push-ahead-with-unlimited-investment-zones-despite-costs-row. Published September 30, 2022.  9. Editor SS Political Editor | Oliver Wright, Policy. Simon Clarke interview: ‘Truss is enjoying her chance to pull Britain out of its fool’s paradise.’https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/simon-clarke-interview-truss-is-enjoying-her-chance-to-pull-britain-out-of-its-fools-paradise-rndrm9kn6.  10. The Growth Plan 2022: Investment Zones factsheet. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-growth-plan-2022-factsheet-on-investment-zones/the-growth-plan-2022-investment-zones-factsheet

I summarise today's events in Tory Land because frankly, so much stuff happened I needed to take notes myself. What a mess. 1. Ed Conway [@EdConwaySky]. 🚨NEW🚨 On the @bankofengland intervention: Am told the BoE were responding to a “run dynamic” on pension funds - a wholesale equivalent of the run which destroyed Northern Rock. Had they not intervened, there would have been mass insolvencies of pension funds by THIS AFTERNOON. Twitter. Published September 28, 2022. https://twitter.com/EdConwaySky/status/1575128310740389889 2. Hannan D. Daniel Hannan: No, the pound isn’t crashing over a trifling batch of tax cuts. It’s because the markets are terrified of Starmer. Conservative Home. Published September 28, 2022. https://conservativehome.com/2022/09/28/daniel-hannan-no-the-pound-isnt-crashing-because-of-a-trifling-batch-of-tax-cuts/ 3. Володимир Зеленський [@ZelenskyyUa]. Had a phone conversation with 🇬🇧 PM @trussliz. The UK has always been among the leaders in supporting Ukraine. We expect London’s leadership in reaction to Russian sham referenda as well. Defense and financial aid to Ukraine must be enhanced in response. Twitter. Published September 28, 2022. https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1575140579251556352 4. Teodorczuk T. Hedge fund boss Crispin Odey reveals political ambitions. https://www.fnlondon.com/articles/hedge-fund-boss-crispin-odey-reveals-political-ambitions-20180917 5. Kwasi Kwarteng to hold meeting with bankers as fallout from mini-budget continues | Politics News | Sky News. https://news.sky.com/story/kwasi-kwarteng-to-hold-meeting-with-city-bankers-as-fall-out-from-mini-budget-continues-12706734 6. Beth Rigby [@BethRigby]. Quick update from Treasury sources on chancellor and the economic plan. Told CX not resigning and there will be “no reversal of policy.” Twitter. Published September 28, 2022. https://twitter.com/BethRigby/status/1575135370181754881 7. ALASTAIR CAMPBELL [@campbellclaret]. Tory Party spin doctor just told me that they don’t know where Truss is, and they can’t find any MPs apart from Redwood and Bridgen to defend the government so they are trying to get the line running that the run on the £ is all Labour’s fault. “Bollocks but we’re desperate.” Twitter. Published September 28, 2022. https://twitter.com/campbellclaret/status/1575062726266671106

I confidently predict what the effects of the Tory Fiscal Event will bring and exactly how this will affect the economy and you. If you earn under £150 K pa, you will be affected. Energy support will likely end in six months, find out why. Inflation will spiral, find out why. The housing market will crash, find out why. Social support, such as universal credit, will be harder to obtain and scapegoating will occur.  PROTEST! WRITE TO YOUR MP AND EXPLAIN WHAT 12 YEARS OF TORY MISRULE MEANS TO YOU. https://www.writetothem.com/

In the previous episode I mentioned energy production firms making a fortune with record billions in profits. I’ve seen nothing since that contradicts this view. In this episode we delve a little deeper into why, and frankly, I was shocked. 1. Jon Stone [@joncstone]. A worker on £30k pays £3,486 income tax and £2,399 NI Energy bills are expected to go to £7,700 in April, up from £1,042 in 2020 Even if you completely scrapped both income tax and NI it would not cover the increase in bills. The idea that tax cuts will solve this is deluded. Twitter. Published August 28, 2022. https://twitter.com/joncstone/status/1564015529001639936  2. As Europe speeds its transition to renewable power, Scotland risks being left behind. Business for Scotland. Published March 23, 2022. https://www.businessforscotland.com/ 3. Closure of biggest UK gas storage site draws criticism. Financial Times. August 16, 2017.  https://www.ft.com/content/ 4. Gas Prices and Energy Suppliers - Hansard - UK Parliament. https://hansard.parliament.uk//Commons/2021-09-23/debates/ 5. Great Britain’s monthly electricity stats | National Grid ESO. https://www.nationalgrideso.com/electricity-explained/ 6. Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy - GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/ministers/ 7. Murphy R. Surviving 2023: How to manage the coming economic crisis. Tax Research UK. https://www.taxresearch.org.uk/ 8. The Rt Hon Greg Clark MP. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/people/greg-clark 9. IChemE. UK gas storage capacity is set to double amid concerns that supply shortages could force industry closures. https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/ 10. Nick Robinson [@bbcnickrobinson]. Was pleased to secure an in-depth interview with @trussliz on BBC1. I am disappointed & frustrated it’s been cancelled. Twitter. Published August 29, 2022. https://twitter.com/bbcnickrobinson/status/ 11. We could massively reduce the price of energy in the Uk – by changing the way we regulate energy prices. https://www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/

I take a look at the reasons why people might vote Tory in the past and highlight the energy cap increase announced today. My belief is that the Tories are protecting the interests of the energy companies and stoking division between the haves and have-nots to distract from that. Boris Johnson stated there will be no "capping": https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1563165500682960896 Zahawi urging people to "conserve energy" and buckle down to aid in the "war effort". Video's have since been removed from Sky and TalkTV: https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/nadhim-zahawi-suggests-people-should-ration-energy/ Not sure how long this will remain up: https://twitter.com/brexit_sham/status/1563105675001024512 Here's an example thread demonstrating the division tactics working: https://twitter.com/ShootyShotgun/status/1563136163917209600 Here's how the price is calculated: https://www.businessforscotland.com/how-would-energy-be-cheaper-in-an-independent-scotland/ How Saatchi and Saatchi won General Elections for the Tories: https://qr.ae/pvbgRL Wake up. You are being robbed. Leave a voice message at https://bit.ly/justleaveamsg *Since recording and publishing, the UK Government have announced that mid-range earners will receive "some" support. All very well and good, however there are still  threads where arguments between haves and have-nots have become even more shrill. Also, bear in mind the energy companies are still raking it in and the UK Government is planning to give them taxpayers money. They are not capping as in France and other European countries. They are basically subsiding the energy companies with your money, socialism for private companies, not for you. If they were nationalised, we would have the assets and control.

In this episode I receive some feedback on the current questions awaiting YOUR response too. These are:  How do you feel about the LABOUR PARTY? "I think he's got a valid point and if we don't let labour win we're going to have a very tough few years after the next General Election. What benefit is there to us if that happens? Surely, it is more beneficial for Starmer to win and to receive a bloody nose where people can crow about the victory over Corbyn, rather than put up with the Tories?" How do you feel about the TORY LEADERSHIP CONTEST? Do you think Johnson is a fat ponce who should get back to work? You can see these and more on my site at Richardson's Rubicon. Thank you @LDN_Liberal and @Marsi132 for taking part.

Two main topics have been on my mind the last week or two, so I'd like to share my thoughts on these and hope you do likewise. The first is about the Tory Leadership Debate. We have heard the most vulgar and tawdry statements coming from candidates during the contest. The next is about Labour.  Labour were decimated in 2019, mainly due to red wall voters believing the guff about levelling up and also wanting their Brexit, which seems to be going as expected. They would only get that majority if they were electable. And what normally makes a party electable are a good set of policies people like and some pledges they find acceptable. So what do YOU think? Take part by tweeting me on @Is_Richardson using the hashtag #RichardsonsRubicon or take part in an interview at the time of your choice by following the links on my website: richardsonsrubicon.wordpress.com

A new podcast where you can take part!   The way we do things is simple: we ask a question and give a link for all listeners to record the answers. You have a week or two to put your views forward on the new topic mentioned in each episode. I put the episodes together with your views and some commentary in the hope you can change my mind on some things! Or maybe I can change your mind on some things? Who knows? I think it will be very exciting and interesting to see how this develops; we can also do live interviews too once we get the ball rolling! Ongoing questions for the initial few weeks are here: https://bit.ly/m/RichardsonsRubicon < it's really cool, you can actually record your voice and it's so easy to do!