Rhondda Records is with you every day bringing the news ------- that gives a view of world events different to the mainstream media or social media!
Except Sundays - our day of rest.
Work continues in Cuba to restore:
the Electro-energetic System
Havana, July 11th, 8:49am
(Prensa Latina)
In each of Cuba's provinces, microsystems were established
to guarantee vital services as part of the work being
undertaken today to restore the National
Electro-Energy System (SEN).
According to an update from the Electric Union (UNE), in the early
morning hours a voltage collapse occurred in the microsystem
of the western region.
The same source pointed out that the priority - is to reincorporate
the generation of the Energás Boca de Jaruco units to begin the
start-up process of the Máximo Gómez, Ernesto Guevara,
Antonio Guiteras, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes and
Diez de Octubre thermoelectric plants.
Once it is possible to reach the east of the country, the agency
clarified, the generation of the units of Lidio Ramón (Felton)
and Antonio Maceo - will be incorporated.
The UNE also highlighted the work carried out by the electrical
workers after the fall of the SEN yesterday afternoon, who are
working intensely to restore the service as soon as possible.
Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero said that, due to the impact of
the energy siege imposed by the United States, two disconnections
of the SEN occurred in the last week, in a context in which there is
almost no fuel to power the plants ....and with several generating
units out of service.
"The work of the electric workers - is titanic. In the midst of all the damage, our recognition," he wrote on his account on the social network X.
Iraqi Kata’ib Hezbollah chiefvows
to carry on resistance path,
rejects enemies’ threats
July 11th, 11:16am
(PressTV)
The secretary general of the Iraqi Kata’ib Hezbollah - says
his group will continue the path of resistance, dismissing
the enemies’ threats and calling upon the country's
government officials and political leaders - to
respect the will and demands of the
Arab nation.
“The oppressors should know it is very difficult and unbearable for
us to see the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali
Khamenei, who also served as leader of freedom-loving people
and supporter of the world’s oppressed, assassinated while
his killers are oblivious....... to divine punishment,” Abu
Hussein al‑Hamidawi said in a statement on Friday.
He added, “Thanks be to God who bestowed upon us the grace of
adhering to the guidelines of Ayatollah Khamenei for several
decades. We will stand committed to his path, and
draw inspiration from his thoughts.”
Hamidawi emphasized that his comrades have long
been present on the battlefields - and have been
engaged in various confrontations.
He pointed to the fight against the tyranny of the deposed Baath
regime of slain Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein, their struggle
against the occupation of the US-led military coalition ever
since they invaded Iraq in March 2003, their elimination
of the terror cells of the al-Qaeda and Daesh Takfiri
militant groups in Iraq and in neighbouring Syria,
the strikes against US bases across West Asia
--- during the Hamas-led Operation al-Aqsa
Flood, as well as ----- Iran’s retaliatory
operations to fight the US-Israeli
12-day war of aggression ----
as notable examples of
such a fact.
"You have proven -- that the authentic Iraqi people will remain
committed to their resistance line and continue their jihadist approach - in resisting global arrogance," the statement read.
Hamidawi also vowed his resistance group’s unwavering support
for Iran’s Islamic Revolution, and pledged its full allegiance to
its new leader, Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei.
The Iraqi Kata’ib Hezbollah chief stated that the mass participation
of Iraqis ...in the farewell and funeral processions for Ayatollah
Khamenei proved --- beyond doubt --- that they are a nation
of resistance and jihad.
“That significant presence ----- was like a million-strong and decisive
referendum, during which devoted Iraqis once again exhibited their
support and commitment to the Axis of Resistance and its armed
struggle,” Hamidawi said.
He finally called on Iraqi political leaders and officials to respect the
will of the resilient and steadfast nation, and to strictly refrain from
aligning themselves with the sinister plots of arrogant powers.
“We warn them against straying off the correct path. Our nation will
then voice its opinion and take fateful decisions, and no amount of
regret - would change the past,” Hamidawi concluded.
_____________________________________
Armed Forces closely monitoring
enemy movements.. across
coasts, borders, strategic
areas: Tehran
July 11th, 11:17am
(PressTV)
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman says the country's armed forces
are maintaining constant vigilance across Iran's coasts, islands,
borders, and other sensitive locations, stressing that they are
closely monitoring enemy movements to safeguard the
nation's security.
In a message posted on his X account on Saturday, Esmaeil Baghaei
said that despite the intense summer heat "the valiant defenders of
the noble homeland in the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of
Iran, on the coasts, islands, borders and other sensitive points of
the country - with vigilant and watchful eyes, keep the enemy's
movements under surveillance --- and safeguard the security
and tranquility of dear Iran."
The spokesman praised the dedication of Iran's military personnel
serving in sensitive operational areas, saying they continue to
carry out their duties with vigilance and commitment to
protecting the country's territorial integrity and
national security.
Baghaei also extended his appreciation.. to members of the armed
forces, describing them as brave defenders of the homeland who
shoulder the heavy responsibility of safeguarding the country..
without seeking recognition.
"We send greetings and salutations to all the brave warriors and
valiant defenders of the homeland - and the selfless forces who,
without fanfare, shoulder the heavy responsibility of protecting
this land," he wrote.
He added that the Iranian nation values the armed forces' sincere
efforts, steadfastness, and sacrifices, and takes pride in their
strong and continuous presence, in defending the country.
Baqaei’s comments come on the heels of the warning by Iran’s
security chief that any attack on the country’s infrastructure
will be met with direct retaliation.
The Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council
condemned the hostile rhetoric by the US president,
describing Donald Trump - as the world’s most
hated figure.
Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr said the Israeli regime, which is
behind Washington’s evil acts, won’t be safe from the blows
by the Iranian armed forces.
___________________________________
EU economy battered
by illegal war on Iran
July 11th, 10:02am
(PressTV)
EU finance ministers are assessing the mounting economic costs
facing the 27-nation bloc following the illegal aggression against
Iran carried out by the United States and Israel.
They refuse, however, to describe the war as illegal.
The tensions between the United States and Iran;
how important is it for the EU economy that the
situation is resolved?
''It's massively important.
''We know.. that the Strait of Hormuz has now become the
economic knot of the global economy, and as you know,
the EU is less directly exposed to the crisis than Asia,
but we have suffered from higher prices.
''We've seen it in growth numbers for the first half.''
Roland Lescure, French Economy Minister
The French economy minister urges lasting peace between the
US and Iran as EU ministers weighed the economic impact of
Washington’s war on Iran.
Questions are growing over the EU's energy security ahead of
winter, with uncertainty hanging over global supply chains
and energy markets. Analysts say.... much of that
uncertainty stems from the illegal war on
the Islamic Republic.
Inflation remains stubbornly high across the EU,
while interest rates continue to put pressure
on households and businesses.
At the same time, the latest data from Eurostat, the EU's
statistical agency, shows that 72.4 million people
across the bloc ...are at risk of poverty.
Economic impact of war against Iran on the EU
The EU economy faces stagflation, productivity issues, and high
energy costs, exacerbated by the conflict. While multinationals
in arms, energy, and banking sectors profit, ordinary
businesses and consumers - suffer.
Poverty is the sharpest measure of the crisis. Millions more in the
EU, including many in full-time work, are struggling to make
ends meet ....as living costs continue to rise.
Critics say the economic uncertainty is ultimately driven by the
Israeli regime, which they argue -- is steering US foreign policy.
Outside the Council of the EU, demonstrators are demanding
that Tel Aviv be held accountable for its crimes, particularly
in Gaza.
''There are obviously deep trade connections between Israel and
the European Union, with agreements such as the EU-Israel
Association agreement, that allow for both trade and
investment in Israel and continued cooperation in
research projects, and that's why we would be
opposed to continuing with that.''
Paddy Dwyer, EU Institutions Employee
EU parliamentarians demand sanctions --------- on Israel
Millions of ordinary Europeans continue to feel
the economic fallout ---- from the illegal war
against Iran waged by the US and Israel.
Back inside the council, ministers were pondering
what might happen next, given Trump's volatility.
''Renewed hostilities in recent days have again
resulted in increases in oil and gas prices.
''The Commission will continue to monitor these
developments and their impact on growth
and inflation ...very closely.
Valdis Dombrovskis, EU Commissioner
for Economy and Productivity
For millions of Europeans, however, it's not
about monitoring the economy, but living
with its consequences.
__________________________________
China announces temporary export ban
on helium -due to escalated tensions
in West Asia
July 11th, 8:57am
(PressTV)
China has announced a temporary export ban on
helium -- due to escalated tensions in West Asia.
The ban, which took effect upon announcement, was made
in a joint notice released on Friday ----- by the Ministry of
Commerce and the General Administration of Customs.
The notice explained that the helium export ban
is in accordance with China's foreign trade law.
It added that additional changes
will be announced separately.
By imposing the export ban, Chinese officials aim to secure
the domestic supply chain .......amid rising global tensions.
International trade experts say the export ban by one of
the world's top manufacturers of critical items and
commodities used in different industries - will
affect the global supply ....and prices.
China's temporary export ban on helium takes place amid the
resumption of military conflict in West Asia, threatening to
trigger new shortages of helium, which is used in the
electronics industry, by chip manufacturers.
Helium, is an essential gas component
used in semiconductor manufacturing.
US-Israeli war on Iran causes shortage
of global sulfuric acid supplies: Report
A WSJ report says the US-Israeli war on Iran --- is the
cause of a global shortage of sulfuric acid supplies.
Earlier this year, China announced an export ban on sulfuric acid.
The unprovoked US-Israeli war on Iran and the effective
blockage of the Strait of Hormuz triggered a shortage
of sulfuric acid --- with prices on the rise.... after
shipments in the region.... which accounts
for a quarter of global production, were
largely stalled since military strikes
began ---- on February 28.
Sulfuric acid is a critical chemical ingredient
--------- used for fertilizer production, metal
processing and battery manufacturing.
Gantry cranes stand in rows at the Taicang port area of Suzhou Port
in East China's Jiangsu Province, on June 10, where cargo vessels
load and unload in an orderly manner at berths. The port saw
steady growth in container and cargo throughput in the
first five months of the year. Photo: VCG
Today, July the 11th, China marks its 22nd National Maritime Day
as its marine economy tops eleven trillion yuan
by Global Times
July 11th, 2026, at 8:50am
China celebrates its 22nd National Maritime Day on Saturday,
which also marks Cina’s observance of World Maritime Day.
July 11 marks the day when Zheng He embarked on his
first voyage.. to the “Western Oceans.” In 2005, on the
600th anniversary of Zheng He’s voyages, the State
Council officially designated the day as
China’s Maritime Day.
This year’s theme of National Maritime Day - highlights how digital
intelligence is reshaping the future of navigation. The main event
was held in Beijing for the first time in a hybrid format combining
online and offline activities, stated the Ministry of Transport.
The 2026 China Maritime Day announcement on Saturday -- showed
that China has become a major shipping, shipbuilding and maritime
power. China accounts for nearly a third of global seaborne trade,
with its shipping routes and services covering major trading
countries and regions worldwide.
Eight of the world’s top 10 ports by cargo throughput and six
by container throughput, are in China, while the country’s
shipbuilding industry... has maintained a global lead in
the three major indicators for 16 consecutive years.
The country’s marine economy has exceeded
11 trillion yuan（$1.62 trillion).
Since the Han Dynasty (206BC-220), China’s shipbuilding techniques
and maritime navigation technologies have continued to evolve,
supporting the growth of the ancient Maritime Silk Road and
creating convenient channels... for trade and exchanges
between China and the outside world. More than 600
years ago, Zheng He.... led seven voyages to the
Western Seas, using advanced shipbuilding
skills and sophisticated astronomical
navigation techniques, to build an
important bridge for exchanges
and mutual learning between
the Eastern and Western
civilizations, stated the ministry.
1,150 health professionals, organizations
launch petition ---- to boycott Israeli
medical association over
Gaza genocide
June 26th, 4:20pm
(PressTV)
More than 1,150 health professionals and medical organizations
have signed a petition --------- demanding a boycott of the Israeli
Medical Association (IMA), saying it is directly complicit in the
ongoing genocide against Palestinians ------ in the besieged
Gaza Strip.
The signatories, are urging the World Medical Association (WMA)
to expel the IMA over its complete silence on Israel’s systematic
destruction of Gaza’s health infrastructure, as well as the killing,
abduction, and torture of Palestinian doctors, nurses, and
first responders.
Led by the People’s Health Movement (PHM), Doctors for Gaza,
and the Health Advisory Council of Jewish Voice for Peace,
the petition also calls for the WMA to suspend the Israeli
body for its blatant failure.. to uphold core medical
ethical standards.
Among the hundreds of signatories are Spain’s Health Workers
for Palestine, the US-based Doctors Against Genocide, and
the Health Alliance for Democracy in the Philippines.
The petition, recently published in The Lancet, the world’s
leading medical journal, states that the IMA has violated
medical ethics and international humanitarian law... in
the besieged strip.
The Lancet noted that it could not find any public statements
from the IMA ---- condemning Israeli attacks on Gaza’s health
system, criticizing the regime’s conduct in the war, calling
for a ceasefire, or responding to UN reports documenting
genocide against the Palestinian people.
Instead, the IMA has repeatedly echoed Israeli regime talking
points, including the unsubstantiated claim that the Hamas
resistance movement uses hospitals as command centres.
In recent months, there has been a growing international
campaign to suspend Israel from the WMA and boycott
Israeli doctors and medical institutions.
A report by the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor,
in April 2026 highlighted the IMA’s failure to condemn the
Israeli military’s repeated attacks on Gaza’s hospitals.
The report stated: “This incitement .....was supported by
institutional cover from the IMA, which not only failed to
condemn the targeting of the health system but also
lobbied to block international ceasefire calls,
prioritizing military alignment ---- over its
humanitarian duty to protect life.”
In mid-June --- the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR),
the largest Muslim civil rights organization in the US, welcomed
international medical groups’ calls for Israel’s suspension from
the WMA.
In late 2023, a group of Israeli doctors, including dozens of
practicing physicians, published an open letter explicitly
calling for the bombardment of Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital,
describing the territory’s health infrastructure as a
“legitimate target.”
The IMA.... took no disciplinary action against them.
Al-Shifa Hospital was among dozens of medical facilities
in Gaza that were repeatedly bombed and raided by
Israeli forces. Scores of hospitals and health
centres ---- were destroyed ---- or
rendered inoperable.
In December 2024, Israeli troops stormed
Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza.
According to Euro-Med Monitor, medical staff and
displaced civilians sheltering there --------- were
executed during the raid.
The hospital director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, was
abducted and remains in Israeli custody, where
he is subjected to severe mistreatment ----
and torture.
The Israeli genocide in Gaza has effectively annihilated
the Strip’s entire medical system. Airstrikes combined
with a criminal blockade have pushed the remaining
hospitals to the brink of total collapse, leaving
critically injured patients...... without
adequate care.
With severe shortages of medicine, equipment, and fuel,
doctors in Gaza warn that many more lives will be lost
as the Zionist regime’s siege continues to strangle
the healthcare system.
The systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure, medical
facilities, and densely populated areas by the Israeli
occupation has been widely documented ---- as
constituting genocide.
The world and her daughter are calling for a boycott of the genocidal colonial apartheid state of Israel.
Place yourself on the right side of joy and sorrow by joining the world's boycott - say ''no'' to evil!
Keir Hardie - Britain's first Labour MP - opposedWorld War One.
His namesake is stammering his way in the opposite direction.
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
ROGER WATERS TO MUSICIANS:- "BOYCOTT ISRAEL"
Roger Waters formerly of Pink Floyd, in an open letter, calls on his fellow musicians --- to boycott the Zionist Israeli regime and follow the example of the cultural boycott against the ex S. African Apartheid regime.
“Given the inability or unwillingness of our governments [to act] …. I write to you now, my brothers and sisters … to ask you to join with me, & thousands of other artists around the world, to declare a cultural boycott on Israel,” Roger Waters says in his letter.
Waters says the Zionist regime has been found guilty of major breaches of human rights and international law by international organizations, UN officials and the International Court of Justice.
He touches on two such cases, saying the regime has been identified as perpetrating the “crime of Apartheid”, including in a statement on March 9th, 2012 by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and the “crime of ethnic cleansing” including in East Jerusalem (al-Quds).
Waters adds that he has been a member of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against the Israeli regime’s occupation of the Palestinian lands and Tel Aviv’s violations of Palestinian human rights for 7 years, and now wants other musicians to also join the anti-Israeli front.
“Please join me and all our brothers and sisters in global civil society in proclaiming our rejection of Apartheid in Israel & occupied Palestine, by pledging not to perform or exhibit in Israel or accept any award or funding from any institution linked to the government of Israel, until such time as Israel complies with international law and universal principles of human rights.”
The former Pink Floyd Musician also says he has recently faced a boycott by the US media after his November 29th, 2012 address at the UN on behalf of the Russell Tribunal.
In the address, he sought accountability for the Zionist regime’s violations of the international law and the lack of United Nations resolve that prevents the Palestinian people from achieving their inalienable rights, especially the right of self-determination.
____________________
AT THE FACTORY
Tickets from
www.wegottickets.com/thefactory
www.ticketweb.co.uk
browse venues in Wales
www.ticketlineuk.com
02920 230130
Cash tickets from:
The Factory, Porth Instrumental Music, Penygraig Spillers Records, Cardiff
Indulge in a delicious cake and a cup of tea while enjoying music and sing-along songs from fantastic Welsh musicians.
Ticket information:
The Cultural Services Booking & Information Line:
08000 147 111 or book online at
www.rct-arts.co.ukÂÂ
*************************************************
Mid Rhondda Modelling Club...
7pm - 9pm
Tonyrefail Comprehensive School Mid Rhondda Modelling Club
has been running for over 30 years.
We meet on a regular basis
& enjoy making models for display.
We encourage both Gentlemen
and Ladies to attend, and also young people aged 12+.
However, Young people under 16, must be accompanied by an adult.
Ticket information
£1 contribution every week. Under 16's free
Telephone Mr. Davies on 01443 686658
************************************************
Comedy In The Laughter Lounge
The Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy.
COMEDY IN THE LAUGHTER LOUNGE
Join us once a month in the intimate setting of the Laughter Lounge for some top notch comedy with some of the biggest and brightest rising comedians on the circuit.
Laugh? You'll snort like a pig!
Hilarious - TimeOut.
www.rct-arts.co.uk
Rhondda Records exists to express the Rhondda's vision --- when it was confident, powerful, caring, and socialist.
A Rhondda very aware of the media's poisonous tricks -- how they con working class people into attacking each other, or racial groups, or, often, even their best allies and friends... instead of seeing their real enemies:--- an elite who hate the very idea that working people can think, create, or achieve a fairer society.
Thatcher said her proudest achievement was Blair and New Labour - who parachuted in careerists and expenses fiddlers - to stop local Labour members having a say, and who made genuine socialist MPs leave the Labour party in disgust and many members and voters to despair... and the young to stop voting.
Jeremy Corbyn was always attacked because he was trying to reverse all that New Labour corruption --- that's why membership was flooding in all over the UK.
______________________________________
Get Involved!
– If you feel you’ve been ‘purged’, take this online survey:
– Request all your own data that the Labour Party holds on you:
http://www.labour.org.uk/pages/privacy
_______________________________________
IF - YOU THINK you HAVE BEEN UNFAIRLY BARRED:
“Any member who is suspended & intends to appeal the decision should throw in a ‘Subject Access Request in accordance with the Data Protection Act’ --- for ALL data that the Labour Party hold on them.
The Labour Party are Data Controllers and therefore have to, by law, provide you with all material/information they hold on you.”
If anyone is in contact with anyone who was barred from voting --- please can you pass this info on:
The Labour leadership election was under the jurisdiction of the electoral reform services.
If you were unfairly deprived of your vote you can call them on 0208 365 8909 and lodge your complaint, and inform them of your Data Protection request.
https://www.electoralreform.co.uk
The notification letters barring new members did not give a clear reason, or information on how to appeal, so Vox Political suggests that anyone in this situation, could also contact Liz Davies here: http://www.whycantivote.com
She is a barrister --- who can advise members on what to do.
**************************************
PONCY LABOUR MPS PROBLEM?
A huge drop in working-class Labour MPs, caused a massive drop in support among voters with similar backgrounds, reveals research seeking to explain why support has dwindled in the party’s heartlands.
The study says past leaders like Kinnock and Blair made a concerted effort to pick “more and more middle-class candidates to run for office, during the 80s and 90s, as part of an effort to rebrand” -- which had initial successes at the ballot box.
But this “conscious electoral strategy” stored up problems, as working-class voters who initially, just didn’t vote in response, now seek an alternative.
The solution?Trust each constituency to put forward its own candidates, and don't impose ‘party-approved’ choices who can't do the job.
Now, unfortunately, there are "entryist" MPs who, for decades, have been groomed by CIA cold war relic organisations -- like the Atlantic Council -- and are now trying to misdirect the Labour Party towards cuts, a militarised police, and a US war agenda... - and their anti-Corbyn slant is hobbling Labour.
‘How Can I Deselect My Labour MP?’ A Short Guide to Reselection and Democratic Accountability by Eric Sim, excellent free advice here:
http://novaramedia.com/2016/07/13/how-can-i- deselect-my-labour-mp-a-short-guide-to- reselection-and-democratic-accountability/ CHRIS BRYANT - SUPPORT THE MEMBERS' LEADERSHIP CHOICE & POLICIES - OR GO!
Chris Bryant, the Rhondda's dodgy MP, was on TV -- as soon as the PLP coup started -- telling us that Jeremy MUST go, because it was the ONLY way to act in the Labour Party's interest...
Chris Bryant's voting record: from TheyWorkForYou.com
On Tuition Fees:
On 27 Jan 2004: Chris Bryant voted in favour of university tuition fees increasing from £1,125 per year, to up to £3,000 per year.
On 31 Mar 2004: Chris Bryant voted to allow university tuition fees to increase from £1,125 per year, to up to £3,000 per year.
On 31 Mar 2004: Chris Bryant voted for the introduction of variable university tuition fees (top-up fees) of up to £3,000 per year in place of the previous fixed fee of £1,250 per year.
On 31 Mar 2004: Chris Bryant voted to allow university tuition fees to increase from £1,125 per year to up to £3,000 per year, and to make other changes to higher education funding and regulation arrangements.
On 14 Sep 2004: Chris Bryant voted against: the immediate abolition of all tuition fees, the re-introduction of maintenance grants of up to £2,000 for students from low-income homes, and changes to the country's higher education system.
On 14 Sep 2004: Chris Bryant voted to reject the Liberal Democrat policy of abolition of tuition fees.
On 25 May 2016: Chris Bryant was absent for a vote on Queen's Speech - Forcing Schools to Become Academies - Further Rises in University Tuition Fees
On Human Rights:
Consistently voted for introducing ID cards
Almost always voted for requiring the mass retention of information about communications
Generally voted for mass surveillance of people’s communications and activities
On the Environment:
Generally voted against greater regulation of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to extract shale gas
On Special Interests:
Almost always voted against limits on success fees paid to lawyers in no-win no fee cases
Generally voted against a statutory register of lobbyists
On War or Peace:
Generally voted for use of UK military forces in combat operations overseas
Consistently voted for the Iraq war
Consistently voted against an investigation into the Iraq war
Generally voted for replacing Trident with a new nuclear weapons system
On 2 Dec 2015: Voted to support UK airstrikes in Syria [without UN authorisation]
On 2 Dec 2015: Voted to support UK airstrikes in Syria [without UN authorisation]
On Independence:
Generally voted for more EU integration
____________________________
Chris Bryant Labour MP From Wikipedia
(aka 1962-1986: Mr Christopher John Bryant 1986-1991: The Reverend Christopher John Bryant, 1991-2001: Mr Christopher John Bryant, 2001-: Mr Christopher John Bryant MP.)
Born in Cardiff, to a Scottish mother & a Welsh father, Bryant grew up in Cardiff, Wales (where his father worked for 5 years), and Cheltenham.
He was educated at Cheltenham College, an independent school for boys in the spa town of Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, where he was captain of the school swimming team, and Mansfield College at the University of Oxford, where he graduated in 1983, with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English. This was later promoted to a Master of Arts degree (MA (Oxon)), as per tradition.
After completing his first degree, Bryant began training to be a priest in the Church of England at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, in Oxfordshire. There, he obtained a degree in theology.
Although a member of the Conservative Party, and an elected office-holder in the Oxford University Conservative Association, he joined the Labour Party in 1986, after leaving Oxford.
He was ordained deacon in 1986 and priest in 1987. He served as a Curate at the Church of All Saints, High Wycombe, from 1986 to 1989; then as a Youth Chaplain in Peterborough, as well as travelling in Latin America.
In 1991 Bryant left the ordained ministry, after deciding that being gay and being a priest, were incompatible. Statements made by Richard Harries, then Bishop of Oxford, also influenced his decision.
After leaving the priesthood in 1991, Bryant worked as the election agent to the Holborn and St Pancras Constituency Labour Party, where he helped Frank Dobson hold his seat in the 1992 general election.
From 1993, he was Local Government officer for the Labour Party; he lived in Hackney and was elected to Hackney Borough Council in 1993, serving until 1998. He became Chair of the Christian Socialist Movement.
He is both a member of the Labour Friends of Israel and Labour Friends of Palestine & the Middle East. From 1994 to 1996 he was London manager of the leader-grooming "charity", Common Purpose.
He was Labour candidate for Wycombe, in the 1997 general election (he lost by 2,370 votes), and Head of European Affairs for the BBC, from 1998.
His selection for the very safe Labour seat of Rhondda, South Wales in 2000, shocked many people given Bryant's background – gay, an ex- Anglican vicar, and someone who was a Tory, while studying at Oxford, and a member now, of the Henry Jackson Society 'think tank' --- described by The Guardian newspaper as 'neoconservative'. It is pro-US, pro-NATO and pro-military intervention, as well as being fundamentally anti-socialist.
Fifty-two people applied for the candidature and a local councillor was hot favourite to win, before Bryant was parachuted in.
In 2004, a photograph of Mr Bryant in his underpants, which he had posted to a gay dating website, was published in 'papers.
When an interviewer suggested he was a 'disgrace to the Rhondda', he replied: "They can't get rid of me."
His pay, allowances and some expenses:
The basic annual salary for an MP, from April 1st, 2016 is £74,962. MPs also get expenses: to cover the costs of running an office, employing staff, having some- where to live in London, plus, in their constituency and travelling between Parliament and their constituency.
His MP's expenses story:
Chris Bryant changed second home twice to claim £20,000: the deputy leader of the House of Commons, "flipped" his second home twice, in 2 years, allowing him to claim almost £20,000 for renovations and fees.
Chris Bryant, MP for the Rhondda, split over £92,000 of expenses between 3 properties in Wales and London --- within five years.
In 2004, he attempted to claim £58,000 to overhaul his second home in Wales, after allegedly complaining that properties in his constituency were "terrace or mine owners' houses".
Mr Bryant, a former Church of England clergyman, wanted the money for a new bathroom & kitchen, and to demolish his conservatory. He'd bought the detached house for £97,500, under a year earlier.
He submitted a claim to the Commons fees office for £58,493.26 --- almost 3 times the annual maximum. He noted that the claim exceeded his allowance.
His alleged justification was disclosed... in correspondence between Commons officials. By email, an official wrote: "He had problems finding a suitable property because in the Rhondda there is a choice mainly of terraced property or mine owners' houses." When approached by the Daily Telegraph, Mr Bryant said: "I have never said or thought anything of the sort".
In all, he successfully claimed over £13,000 for renovations, repairs & appliances, in 2004. Along with other bills, his annual claim was £20,902.
In April 2005, he flipped his expenses to his flat in west London, which he bought for £400,000 in April 2002. He also claimed £630 a month for mortgage interest, along with other bills. After claiming over £3,600 over 3 months, he sold the flat in July 2005 for £477,000.
Mr Bryant used his profits to buy a more expensive flat in west London, which was valued at £670,000. He immediately flipped his second home expenses there, claiming almost £6,400 in stamp duty, legal fees and mortgage fees, incurred in the purchase.
He then began claiming interest of £1,000 a month on the mortgage. He also claimed a further £6,000 a year for the flat's service charge and ground rent.
In all, he claimed £92, 415 in second home expenses, from 2004 to 2009.
Mr Bryant said at the time: "I moved flat in London, so as to be closer to Parliament."
Research by Channel 4 News in 2015 found that at least 46 MPs had this kind of system in place – a move one Labour backbencher described as “a new fiddle”. Channel 4 reported then:
“Our investigation found that many of the MPs bought their London properties with the help of the taxpayer, when a previous expenses system allowed them to claim back mortgage payments. But when those claims were banned, following the expenses scandal, they switched to letting out their properties, in some cases for up to £3,000 a month. They then started claiming expenses for rent and hotels in the capital.”
Among those identified was Chris Bryant, shadow leader of the House of Commons. He had already bought a penthouse in London back in 2005 and claimed around £1,000 a month in mortgage claims under the old system.
But after the expenses scandal, he started renting the property out. It’s since been advertised by estate agents as having a private lift and a porter, with rent at about £3,000 a month. Meanwhile, Bryant moved into a new flat;- claiming his own rent on expenses.
Russian/Scottish scientists hail long-range secure quantum communication system.
A group of scientists from ITMO University in Saint Petersburg, Russia, has developed a new approach to constructing quantum communication systems for secure data exchange.
The experimental device based on the results of the research is capable of transmitting single-photon quantum signals across distances of 250 klmtrs or more, which is on par with its cutting edge analogues, the ITMO press-service says.
"Now researchers are on a mission -- to create a fully-fledged quantum cryptographic system, that will generate & distribute quantum keys and transmit useful data simultaneously", ITMO says.
Information security is becoming more and more of a critical issue not only for large companies, banks and defense enterprises but even for small businesses and individual users.
But the data encryption algorithms we currently use for protecting our data are imperfect - in the long-term, their logic can be cracked. Regardless of how complex and intricate the algorithm is, getting around it, is just a matter of time.
Unlike algorithm-based encryption, systems that protect information, by making use of fundamental laws of quantum physics, can make data transmission totally immune to hacker attacks, in the future.
Information in a quantum channel is carried by single photons that change irreversibly if an eavesdropper tries to intercept them. The legitimate users will instantly know about any kind of intervention.
Researchers at the Quantum Information Centre of the International Institute of Photonics and Optical Information Technology at ITMO Uni., Russia, along with their colleagues from the Heriot-Watt University, in Edinburgh, have devised a new way to generate and distribute, quantum bits.
This makes it possible to share quantum signals --- via optical fibres --- 250 kilometres in distance.
"To transmit quantum signals, we use the so- called side frequencies," says Artur Gleim, head of the Quantum Information Centre, at ITMO University,
"This unique approach gives us a number of advantages -- such as a considerable simplification of the device architecture and the large pass-through capacity of the quantum channel. In terms of bit rate and operating distances, our system is comparable to absolute champions in the field of quantum communications."
According to Robert Collins, research associate at the Institute of Photonics & Quantum Sciences at Heriot-Watt University, and one of the authors of the study, this may become a pivotal point for the whole field of quantum communication and cryptography:
"Down the track, this new approach can enable smooth coexistence of numerous data streams with different wavelengths in one single optical cable. On top of it, these quantum streams can be fed into the already existing fibre optic lines --- along with conventional communications."
The research paper is published in the Optics Express journal.
Scottish universities are to be congratulated for their strong & growing links with Chinese and Russian universities....
What a shame, that Wales is lying low --- with academics too scared to break from US military research.
KILLING THE ELDERLY BY CLOSING CARE HOMES
Did you know that each time a local authority
closes a care home for the elderly, within 8
months, around half the residents are dead?
Campaigners liken the cuts and their effect to euthanasia of the UK's elderly. What to do?
We can start by urging our MPs to sign EDM 2251:
EDM 2251: The contents
This House notes with deep concern the worsening crisis for elderly care as growing numbers of local authority and private care homes face closure
Acknowledges concerns that the loss of elderly people's care homes causes fear, anxiety and, in many cases, a higher mortality rate, when vulnerable, elderly people are forced to leave their homes
Further notes that the Southern Cross crisis will increase needs for local authority care
And therefore calls on the government to hold a public inquiry into the deaths after closures, of local authority care homes, and impose a moratorium on the closure of local authority care homes, until that inquiry publishes its results, to ensure that vulnerable, elderly people's lives are not put at further risk.
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MAKING THE CONNECTION IN WALES
Households across three more English areas will be able to access superfast broadband in the latest phase of a Government scheme to connect rural homes and businesses.
The £50 million funding package for Devon and Somerset (£30 million), Norfolk (£15 million) and Wiltshire (£4 million) will aid the roll- out of superfast broadband services unable to be reached by the market alone.
Areas will also receive financial support from their local authorities and private investors, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport says.
So it's Broadband Heaven for England...
and crapola for Wales' broadband - the
slowest, worst Broadband in the UK !!!
Lib Dems in Scotland might have received a pummeling for Clegg and his betrayals, yet, in Scotland, their campaign centred on it becoming the "most connected country in Europe," to massively boost their economy.
In Wales, which political party is now willing to put into practice scientists' recommendations: that Wales' hilly topography requires establishing
free 'wireless' broadband?
It could connect the people of Rhondda and the world, boosting Wales' economic regeneration, like no other move.Wireless technology is now supplying free broadband to an entire island off New Zealand's coast.
Come on; if New Zealand can do it - so can we !!!
Western China has embraced "green-mode development" - with painful changes from which, Wales could well learn.
Eastern China has seen fast growth and urban mess. The West, a mining and agricultural area, has not.
Xi'an Chan-ba Ecological District, is a model for reclaiming old mining areas.
It took six hard years, but now Xi'an is showing the world how best to change, by turning a badly polluted rubbish landfill site, into an all new environment-friendly development.
As China's economic focus moves from east to west, it's using the lessons learned during 30 or more years of rapid industrial development.
The green way for China's west, is to combine green industrialization & green urbanization.
The western region's strategy is to adopt effective energy-saving and environmental protection technologies... AND to extend its industry through science and products unique to China's West, together with strong vertical growth in agriculture and all its ancilliary economic & professional spin-offs.
In undertaking this industrial revolution, the western region will keep a sharp eye out - to avoid all polluting non-sustainable industries.
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A BIG DROP OF HONEY !!!
Spring is beekeeping and honey-processing season in Yunnan province, in China.
Waves of bees flit across vast fields of flowers.
Local beekeepers and many from other places, such as Sichuan and Fujian provinces - set up their base in tents among the rapeseed farms.
The 430,000 hectares of rapeseed blooms in Luoping attract myriads of bees, which produce 15 - 20 million tons of honey a year.
Local people now look to brand their county as a honey production base & increase sales to outside markets.
Luoping Tianyuanmiyu Bee Industry Co Chair, Zhu Hongkun, founded his enterprise in 2009.
It mainly produces honey, propolis and propolis powder.
His company works with 270 plus beekeepers, who each earn 80,000 yuan a year on average.
Some earn 200,000 yuan annually, Zhu says.
Who says beauty endowed by nature isn't worth a fortune?
The whole of the uplands of south Wales could be as beautiful & productive, if used wisely!
CHINA's PREMIER POINTS WAY FORWARD
As the Tories threaten a "bonfire of the Quangos", perhaps Wales should take note. Now extracting all our mineral wealth has been stopped (apart from sand and rock) we find ourselves "in" the 1st World of the UK, but with a 3rd World economy, only just kept going by quangos which promise much... but deliver little... and rely on weak public support.
We could WAKE UP & understand that we either do something, or stay as begging bowl cases.
China's premier points the way forward for Wales:
"Industrial restructuring is the key... only by developing energy-efficient, indigenous innovative and high value added products can our companies and economy, achieve sustainable development."
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WHILE FRANCE, GREECE, IRELAND, ETC, STRUGGLE TO STOP THE PENSION AGE RISING HIGHER AND HIGHER...
An online survey on qq.com, a popular Chinese news portal, finds that 91% of its over 800,000 respondents, are against raising the current official Chinese retirement age.
745,123 of those surveyed say they oppose raising retirement ages -- 72,456 support it.
China's scholars & the public have been debating whether to raise the retirement age, for the past few years, but the issue rose to prominence after remarks by an official.
Wang Xiaochu, the official vice minister of the Ministry of Human Resources & Social Security, said at a press conference that the government was "studying the matter"...
The retirement age in China is generally set at 60 for men and 50-55 for women.
Wow! Bet you didn't know that !!!
FARMING AND SCIENCE COULD REGENERATE WALES
A new UN General Assembly report warns "vast areas" of cultivated land are lost each year, and that this could lead to unrest.
The report says up to 30 million hectares, an area the size of Italy, is lost each year to environmental degradation, industry & urbanization - the growth of cities - and all because of speculative building and greed.
The UN special rapporteur Olivier De Schutter, gives the example of eastern Africa, where the amount of cultivated land has declined by half --- in just one generation! "
As rural populations grow and competition with large industrial units increases, plots cultivated by smallholders are shrinking year after year," says De Schutter.
"Farmers are often relegated to soils that are arid, hilly or without irrigation."
The UN officer also mentions India as another example, where the average landholding fell from 2.6 hectares in 1960 to 1.4 hectares in 2000. A cut of nearly half in 40 years!
He says 500 million small farmers suffer from hunger, partly because their right to land is being violated. The expert warns of the devastating consequences, as foreign investors compete for larger and larger areas of the world's land for "their" agriculture.
Rhondda Records says Wales could rebuild its new economy by basing it on a fresh approach to high-value added products, using science and agriculture... such as the Altzeim project in Gwent.
