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Tory leadership: Boris Johnson accused of 'dog-whistle politics' over plan to curb 'sin taxes' - live news Tory leadership: Boris Johnson accused of 'dog-whistle politics' over plan to curb 'sin taxes' - live news
(32 minutes later)
The IPPR, a leftwing thinktank, has published a 40-page report today (pdf) on ending austerity. It calls for a shift towards an “investment state”, with significantly higher government spending on health, education and welfare, funded by higher taxes. This would lift the UK to European standards of provision, it says.
It says two shifts in policy are required.
People on middle incomes will have to feel that those on higher incomes are paying their fair share of taxation before they are willing to pay more themselves. We therefore call for increases in corporation, wealth and income tax on high earners – together raising as much as £57 billion in revenues per year – in the short run. This is crucial because to achieve the scale of revenue increases needed in the long term, the middle classes will ultimately have to pay more tax: an ‘investment state’ cannot be funded by taxes on the wealthy alone.
Everybody – including those on middle and higher incomes – will need to benefit from high quality public services in order to create a coalition in favour of the ‘investment state’. This will require a shift towards more universalist public services and welfare provision. We therefore call for the additional funding raised in the short term to be invested in universal childcare, social care and mental health provision – as well as reversing cuts to universal credit, adult education and public health. These priorities should be funded before more regressive universalist policies such as free tuition fees are considered.
This is very much in line with Labour party thinking and John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, has welcomed the report. He said:
The failure of austerity on all counts is now widely accepted and it’s important that the IPPR is highlighting the deficits in health, care, skills and income security.
We need bold thinking about how to fund the things we all need.
It’s a depressing comment on the state of the Conservative party that instead of rebuilding our scarred public services and social security system they are fixated on 1980s-style swingeing tax cuts.
After PMQs we’ve got a statement today on the EU summit, the one where Theresa May played a backseat role as the EU selected candidates for its top jobs.
Two Statements today: 1) G20 Summit & Leadership of EU Institutions @theresa_may 2) Quarterly Counter-Daesh Update @RoryStewartUK
Nick Boles, who was a Conservative MP until he left to sit as an independent in protest at the party’s refusal to compromise over Brexit, says that Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt are announcing policies, like the possible repeal of the sugar tax, that have no chance of getting through parliament.Nick Boles, who was a Conservative MP until he left to sit as an independent in protest at the party’s refusal to compromise over Brexit, says that Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt are announcing policies, like the possible repeal of the sugar tax, that have no chance of getting through parliament.
I love reading about all the things that Boris Johnson or Jeremy Hunt is going to do when PM. Almost all of it would require a majority of MPs to vote for it. Scrap sugar tax - no chance. Cut income tax for top earners - dream on.I love reading about all the things that Boris Johnson or Jeremy Hunt is going to do when PM. Almost all of it would require a majority of MPs to vote for it. Scrap sugar tax - no chance. Cut income tax for top earners - dream on.
On the subject of how the Brexit party is evolving into something much more than a single-issue protest party (see 11.04am), this UnHerd article by Freddie Sayers about the Brexit party rally at the weekend is worth reading. Here’s an extract.On the subject of how the Brexit party is evolving into something much more than a single-issue protest party (see 11.04am), this UnHerd article by Freddie Sayers about the Brexit party rally at the weekend is worth reading. Here’s an extract.
Farage’s offer is a hybrid of anti-corporate populism and Thatcherite appeal to small business owners. He is responding to a deeply held feeling across the country that London has benefited over recent decades as the regions have declined. And crucially it makes Boris Johnson, inextricably associated with London as its twice-elected Mayor, a highly vulnerable adversary.Farage’s offer is a hybrid of anti-corporate populism and Thatcherite appeal to small business owners. He is responding to a deeply held feeling across the country that London has benefited over recent decades as the regions have declined. And crucially it makes Boris Johnson, inextricably associated with London as its twice-elected Mayor, a highly vulnerable adversary.
Last month Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, suggested that he would be willing to form some sort of pact with a Conservative party led by Boris Johnson to deliver a hard Brexit, if parliament blocked no-deal. But, judging by what he told Sky’s All Out Politics this morning, he is going off the idea. Asked about his relations with Johnson, Farage said he did not trust the favourite in the Tory leadership contest because he did not know what Johnson really thought. He explained:Last month Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, suggested that he would be willing to form some sort of pact with a Conservative party led by Boris Johnson to deliver a hard Brexit, if parliament blocked no-deal. But, judging by what he told Sky’s All Out Politics this morning, he is going off the idea. Asked about his relations with Johnson, Farage said he did not trust the favourite in the Tory leadership contest because he did not know what Johnson really thought. He explained:
My difficulty with Boris Johnson is not liking him; my difficulty is I’ve no idea where he stands on a third runway [at Heathrow], I’ve no idea where he stands on HS2, I’ve no ideas where he stands really on sugar taxes. Immigration? This is a guy who just flips and flops, says what he thinks the audience wants to hear.My difficulty with Boris Johnson is not liking him; my difficulty is I’ve no idea where he stands on a third runway [at Heathrow], I’ve no idea where he stands on HS2, I’ve no ideas where he stands really on sugar taxes. Immigration? This is a guy who just flips and flops, says what he thinks the audience wants to hear.
When it comes to Brexit, I heard him yesterday talking in Belfast saying that the Irish backstop was unacceptable. And yet he voted for it at the third time of asking.When it comes to Brexit, I heard him yesterday talking in Belfast saying that the Irish backstop was unacceptable. And yet he voted for it at the third time of asking.
So it’s very difficult to know just how sincere Boris is when he says he will take us out on 31 October. My feeling is they’re words to get elected and I’ll be very surprised if he delivers.So it’s very difficult to know just how sincere Boris is when he says he will take us out on 31 October. My feeling is they’re words to get elected and I’ll be very surprised if he delivers.
Farage said that Theresa May declared on more than 100 occasions that the UK would be leaving the EU on 31 March, and yet that did not happen. “I just don’t feel I can trust anything the Conservatives say at this moment in time,” he said.Farage said that Theresa May declared on more than 100 occasions that the UK would be leaving the EU on 31 March, and yet that did not happen. “I just don’t feel I can trust anything the Conservatives say at this moment in time,” he said.
Farage also said the Brexit party was not just interested in Brexit anyway. He said that the party was now about the “complete breakdown of trust that has occurred between the Westminster parties and Middle England” and that this would be a “real problem” for Johnson.Farage also said the Brexit party was not just interested in Brexit anyway. He said that the party was now about the “complete breakdown of trust that has occurred between the Westminster parties and Middle England” and that this would be a “real problem” for Johnson.
In its news release about the sin tax announcement (see 9.11am), the Boris Johnson campaign said that there was no academic consensus over whether “sin taxes” worked, and whether they were regressive (the two issues his review will consider). Different studies have come to different conclusions, the campaign said. Here, for reference, is what the Johnson campaign said in its briefing.In its news release about the sin tax announcement (see 9.11am), the Boris Johnson campaign said that there was no academic consensus over whether “sin taxes” worked, and whether they were regressive (the two issues his review will consider). Different studies have come to different conclusions, the campaign said. Here, for reference, is what the Johnson campaign said in its briefing.
There are serious questions over whether sin taxes change behaviourThere are serious questions over whether sin taxes change behaviour
In the last ten years there have been a series of academic papers that have both argued for and against the proposition that ‘sin taxes’ change people’s behaviour. While there have been some studies, and overviews of academic literature, that have concluded that ‘sin taxes’ are effective (for example, Wright et al., BMC Public Health, 2017, link), there have also been a number of studies that have raised questions over their overall effectiveness. For example, for sugar, some research has suggested that the tax could increase alcohol consumption (Quirmbach et al., Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, link).In the last ten years there have been a series of academic papers that have both argued for and against the proposition that ‘sin taxes’ change people’s behaviour. While there have been some studies, and overviews of academic literature, that have concluded that ‘sin taxes’ are effective (for example, Wright et al., BMC Public Health, 2017, link), there have also been a number of studies that have raised questions over their overall effectiveness. For example, for sugar, some research has suggested that the tax could increase alcohol consumption (Quirmbach et al., Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, link).
There are serious questions over whether sin taxes hit the poorest hardestThere are serious questions over whether sin taxes hit the poorest hardest
In the last ten years there have been a series of academic papers that have both argued for and against the proposition that ‘sin taxes’ are regressive and hit the poorest the most. While there have been some studies that have concluded that this is not the case (BMJ, link), other studies have concluded that these taxes are regressive. For example, some studies have claimed that a 20 percent tax on sugar-sweetened beverages would take three times as much from lower-income households than from higher income households, as a percentage of disposable income (Sharma et al., the effects of taxing sugar-sweetened beverages across different income groups, Health Economics, link). In addition, recent studies have suggested that sugar taxes do not reduce socioeconomic inequalities in diet-related health (University of York, July 2018, link).In the last ten years there have been a series of academic papers that have both argued for and against the proposition that ‘sin taxes’ are regressive and hit the poorest the most. While there have been some studies that have concluded that this is not the case (BMJ, link), other studies have concluded that these taxes are regressive. For example, some studies have claimed that a 20 percent tax on sugar-sweetened beverages would take three times as much from lower-income households than from higher income households, as a percentage of disposable income (Sharma et al., the effects of taxing sugar-sweetened beverages across different income groups, Health Economics, link). In addition, recent studies have suggested that sugar taxes do not reduce socioeconomic inequalities in diet-related health (University of York, July 2018, link).
Labour claims that Boris Johnson’s policy on sugar taxes shows that his priority is representing wealthy supporters. This is from Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow health secretary.Labour claims that Boris Johnson’s policy on sugar taxes shows that his priority is representing wealthy supporters. This is from Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow health secretary.
This is extraordinary even by Boris Johnson’s standards. On the same day that Cancer Research UK is warning of the rising cancer threat of obesity, and with his own cheerleader Matt Hancock supporting a plan to strengthen the obesity strategy, Johnson wants to water down the plan to tackle it.This is extraordinary even by Boris Johnson’s standards. On the same day that Cancer Research UK is warning of the rising cancer threat of obesity, and with his own cheerleader Matt Hancock supporting a plan to strengthen the obesity strategy, Johnson wants to water down the plan to tackle it.
He has serious questions to answer about the role of corporate lobbyists for the soft drinks and tobacco industries in his campaign.He has serious questions to answer about the role of corporate lobbyists for the soft drinks and tobacco industries in his campaign.
Boris Johnson has shown that his priority is representing the interests of his wealthy supporters, with no concern for the health and wellbeing of the general public.Boris Johnson has shown that his priority is representing the interests of his wealthy supporters, with no concern for the health and wellbeing of the general public.
On the Today programme this morning Penny Mordaunt, the defence secretary and women and equalities minister, said that the UK parliament would liberalise Northern Ireland’s strict abortion law if, as expected, a court rules it is incompatible with the Human Rights Act. She explained:On the Today programme this morning Penny Mordaunt, the defence secretary and women and equalities minister, said that the UK parliament would liberalise Northern Ireland’s strict abortion law if, as expected, a court rules it is incompatible with the Human Rights Act. She explained:
The reason why this hasn’t been dealt with to date is because it is a devolved matter and we take devolution seriously.The reason why this hasn’t been dealt with to date is because it is a devolved matter and we take devolution seriously.
We are expecting a ruling shortly that what is going on in Northern Ireland is incompatible with an individual’s human rights.We are expecting a ruling shortly that what is going on in Northern Ireland is incompatible with an individual’s human rights.
In every single case where there has been a declaration of incompatibility with human rights the government has acted. This government has acted, previous governments have acted.In every single case where there has been a declaration of incompatibility with human rights the government has acted. This government has acted, previous governments have acted.
Parliament has been very vocal on this issue and if a government didn’t act parliament would and there would be clearly a free vote on that issue.Parliament has been very vocal on this issue and if a government didn’t act parliament would and there would be clearly a free vote on that issue.
Mordaunt also indicated her strong personal preference for changing the law in Northern Ireland.Mordaunt also indicated her strong personal preference for changing the law in Northern Ireland.
I think this needs to be resolved. I think the paucity of care that women have endured in Northern Ireland is the most appalling thing. It must change, that is my view.I think this needs to be resolved. I think the paucity of care that women have endured in Northern Ireland is the most appalling thing. It must change, that is my view.
At a Tory leadership election hustings in Belfast yesterday Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt both said it was primarily for Northern Ireland to decide if it wanted to liberalise its laws to allow abortion and same-sex marriage, in line with the rest of the UK, and that this was one reason they wanted the power-sharing executive restored.At a Tory leadership election hustings in Belfast yesterday Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt both said it was primarily for Northern Ireland to decide if it wanted to liberalise its laws to allow abortion and same-sex marriage, in line with the rest of the UK, and that this was one reason they wanted the power-sharing executive restored.
The Times’ Matt Chorley says Boris Johnson used to favour sugar taxes.The Times’ Matt Chorley says Boris Johnson used to favour sugar taxes.
This is the same Boris Johnson who as London Mayor introduced a sugar tax in City Hall, declaring: “I hope this initiative will allow us to raise awareness of the problem and encourage people to think about their diets.”https://t.co/Ae2DvsdSm8 2/7This is the same Boris Johnson who as London Mayor introduced a sugar tax in City Hall, declaring: “I hope this initiative will allow us to raise awareness of the problem and encourage people to think about their diets.”https://t.co/Ae2DvsdSm8 2/7
This is the same Boris Johnson who said in 2015 that tackling obesity was "a matter of social justice". "Overwhelmingly people most affected by an obesity problem will be those on the lowest incomes. That’s why I’m thinking about sugar taxes."https://t.co/9oWB0g9I8B 3/7This is the same Boris Johnson who said in 2015 that tackling obesity was "a matter of social justice". "Overwhelmingly people most affected by an obesity problem will be those on the lowest incomes. That’s why I’m thinking about sugar taxes."https://t.co/9oWB0g9I8B 3/7
Chorley also says that one of his Johnson’s advisers has been involved in lobbying against the sugar tax.Chorley also says that one of his Johnson’s advisers has been involved in lobbying against the sugar tax.
Will Walden, Johnson's key adviser and former director of comms at City Hall, is employed by Edelman and has advised Coca-Cola on lobbying against the sugar tax. (Team Johnson insist Walden was not involved in new policy) 4/7Will Walden, Johnson's key adviser and former director of comms at City Hall, is employed by Edelman and has advised Coca-Cola on lobbying against the sugar tax. (Team Johnson insist Walden was not involved in new policy) 4/7
Sky’s Sam Coates identifies another figure linked to the Johnson campaign who has a record of opposing sugar taxes.Sky’s Sam Coates identifies another figure linked to the Johnson campaign who has a record of opposing sugar taxes.
Revealed: Sir Lynton Crosby’s business partner Mark Textor condemned sugar taxes in 2016 article. CTF running the Boris Johnson campaign https://t.co/Dz0jxTFHHH… pic.twitter.com/SoGQLyfsz8Revealed: Sir Lynton Crosby’s business partner Mark Textor condemned sugar taxes in 2016 article. CTF running the Boris Johnson campaign https://t.co/Dz0jxTFHHH… pic.twitter.com/SoGQLyfsz8
Here is a better link to the article Coates is referring to.Here is a better link to the article Coates is referring to.
In relation to these last two tweets, it is worth pointing out that establishing that ‘X favours policy Z, X advises/gets a job with/donates to politician Y, then Y implements policy Z’ may look unsavoury but normally isn’t. It is more often just a case of people in politics choosing to work for, or take advice from, people who share their views.In relation to these last two tweets, it is worth pointing out that establishing that ‘X favours policy Z, X advises/gets a job with/donates to politician Y, then Y implements policy Z’ may look unsavoury but normally isn’t. It is more often just a case of people in politics choosing to work for, or take advice from, people who share their views.
On the Today programme Camilla Cavendish, who used to be director at policy at Downing Street for David Cameron, said that she used to share Boris Johnson’s scepticism about “sin taxes” like the sugar levy but that she had changed her mind. She told the programme:On the Today programme Camilla Cavendish, who used to be director at policy at Downing Street for David Cameron, said that she used to share Boris Johnson’s scepticism about “sin taxes” like the sugar levy but that she had changed her mind. She told the programme:
I think [Johnson] is wrong. I used to think we shouldn’t use government to influence people’s choices. But I changed my mind, really for three reasons.I think [Johnson] is wrong. I used to think we shouldn’t use government to influence people’s choices. But I changed my mind, really for three reasons.
First of all I became a parent and I saw how much junk manufacturers are pushing down our children’s throats.First of all I became a parent and I saw how much junk manufacturers are pushing down our children’s throats.
But I also became concerned about obesity and type two diabetes, which is costing the NHS a lot of money and is really a miserable, miserable condition. And it’s the children who [on] the poorest incomes who are most affected by obesity, which is one of the main reasons we did introduce the sugar tax because we felt it was an issue of social justice in some ways. Boris is talking about not clobbering people on lower incomes. But that tax is one way to help people just drink better.But I also became concerned about obesity and type two diabetes, which is costing the NHS a lot of money and is really a miserable, miserable condition. And it’s the children who [on] the poorest incomes who are most affected by obesity, which is one of the main reasons we did introduce the sugar tax because we felt it was an issue of social justice in some ways. Boris is talking about not clobbering people on lower incomes. But that tax is one way to help people just drink better.
And the third reason I became convinced about all this is I read the research which shows that sugar is as addictive as nicotine. And that’s partly why so many of our public health programmes haven’t worked because we all find it really hard to give up.And the third reason I became convinced about all this is I read the research which shows that sugar is as addictive as nicotine. And that’s partly why so many of our public health programmes haven’t worked because we all find it really hard to give up.
Say what you like about Boris Johnson - and we will, at length - but the favourite in the Tory leadership contest clearly has some exceptionally skills not shared by less mortals. For example, who else could make the Westminster commentariat feel sorry for Matt Hancock? Say what you like about Boris Johnson - and we will, at length - but the favourite in the Tory leadership contest clearly has some exceptional skills not shared by less mortals. For example, who else could make the Westminster commentariat feel sorry for Matt Hancock?
Hancock, the health secretary, did not get very far in the Tory leadership contest, but he campaigned with some energy and imagination and emerged with his reputation enhanced. Then he decided to endorse Johnson and, in an excruciating Today programme on Monday, devoted to explaining why he was going back on everything he said about Johnson earlier, any credit he had gained himself evaporated. And now it has got worse. As my colleague Heather Stewart explains, Johnson is trampling all over one of Hancock’s key policy initiatives.Hancock, the health secretary, did not get very far in the Tory leadership contest, but he campaigned with some energy and imagination and emerged with his reputation enhanced. Then he decided to endorse Johnson and, in an excruciating Today programme on Monday, devoted to explaining why he was going back on everything he said about Johnson earlier, any credit he had gained himself evaporated. And now it has got worse. As my colleague Heather Stewart explains, Johnson is trampling all over one of Hancock’s key policy initiatives.
Here is Heather’s story.Here is Heather’s story.
Boris Johnson vows to review whether sugar tax improves healthBoris Johnson vows to review whether sugar tax improves health
And this is how it starts.And this is how it starts.
Boris Johnson has announced a wide-ranging review of “sin stealth taxes” just days before his high-profile supporter Matt Hancock, the health secretary, is due to publish a green paper advocating extending the sugar tax to milkshakes.Boris Johnson has announced a wide-ranging review of “sin stealth taxes” just days before his high-profile supporter Matt Hancock, the health secretary, is due to publish a green paper advocating extending the sugar tax to milkshakes.
The policy green paper called Advancing our Health – Prevention in the 2020s, has been circulating among cabinet ministers this week and is due to be published in the next few days.The policy green paper called Advancing our Health – Prevention in the 2020s, has been circulating among cabinet ministers this week and is due to be published in the next few days.
A draft seen by the Guardian includes widely trailed plans to extend the sugar tax to “sugary milk drinks … if the evidence shows that industry has not made enough progress on reducing sugar”. It also announces a ban on the sale of energy drinks to under-16s, alongside a slew of other policies aimed at improving public health.A draft seen by the Guardian includes widely trailed plans to extend the sugar tax to “sugary milk drinks … if the evidence shows that industry has not made enough progress on reducing sugar”. It also announces a ban on the sale of energy drinks to under-16s, alongside a slew of other policies aimed at improving public health.
The government has been consulting on the proposals for months and Hancock’s junior minister, Seema Kennedy, had been expected to launch the green paper within days. However, in his latest headline-grabbing campaign pledge, Johnson said he would carry out a review of whether “stealth sin taxes” were successful in changing behaviour and whether they disproportionately affected poorer consumers.The government has been consulting on the proposals for months and Hancock’s junior minister, Seema Kennedy, had been expected to launch the green paper within days. However, in his latest headline-grabbing campaign pledge, Johnson said he would carry out a review of whether “stealth sin taxes” were successful in changing behaviour and whether they disproportionately affected poorer consumers.
Johnson is not yet committing to reverse the sugar tax introduced in 2016. The press release issued by his team last night says he is just committing to “a comprehensive review into the effectiveness of the ‘sin taxes’ - including products high in salt, fat or sugar - and to assess whether or not these taxes unfairly hit those on lower incomes”, and to promising not to extend these taxes until the review has been completed. But the press notice also says Johnson has already promised not to extend the sugar tax to sugary milk drinks (aka, the milkshake tax), and the Sun newspaper has this morning welcomed Johnson’s announcement as a victory for its Hands Off Our Grub anti sugar tax campaign, and so it is not hard to guess where this is all heading.Johnson is not yet committing to reverse the sugar tax introduced in 2016. The press release issued by his team last night says he is just committing to “a comprehensive review into the effectiveness of the ‘sin taxes’ - including products high in salt, fat or sugar - and to assess whether or not these taxes unfairly hit those on lower incomes”, and to promising not to extend these taxes until the review has been completed. But the press notice also says Johnson has already promised not to extend the sugar tax to sugary milk drinks (aka, the milkshake tax), and the Sun newspaper has this morning welcomed Johnson’s announcement as a victory for its Hands Off Our Grub anti sugar tax campaign, and so it is not hard to guess where this is all heading.
Overnight Steve Brine, who was public health minister until he resigned over Brexit earlier this year, has accused Johnson of ‘transparent dog whistle politics”.Overnight Steve Brine, who was public health minister until he resigned over Brexit earlier this year, has accused Johnson of ‘transparent dog whistle politics”.
As the Public Health Minister who oversaw the introduction of the sugary drinks levy, I totally despair at this. Transparent dog whistle politics dressed up as something thinking. It is the exact opposite. https://t.co/zYPdIEjAMqAs the Public Health Minister who oversaw the introduction of the sugary drinks levy, I totally despair at this. Transparent dog whistle politics dressed up as something thinking. It is the exact opposite. https://t.co/zYPdIEjAMq
I will post more reaction shortly.I will post more reaction shortly.
Here is the agenda for the day.Here is the agenda for the day.
10am: Liam Fox, the international trade secretary, gives evidence to the international trade committee.10am: Liam Fox, the international trade secretary, gives evidence to the international trade committee.
10.30am: High court judges give their reasons for the decision not to allow Boris Johnson to be prosecuted for misconduct in public office over false claims in the EU referendum campaign.10.30am: High court judges give their reasons for the decision not to allow Boris Johnson to be prosecuted for misconduct in public office over false claims in the EU referendum campaign.
12pm: Theresa May faces Jeremy Corbyn at PMQs.12pm: Theresa May faces Jeremy Corbyn at PMQs.
3.30pm: Peers debate a motion to create a joint committee of MPs and peers to consider the impact of a no-deal Brexit.3.30pm: Peers debate a motion to create a joint committee of MPs and peers to consider the impact of a no-deal Brexit.
As usual, I will be covering breaking political news as it happens, as well as bringing you the best reaction, comment and analysis from the web, although I will be focusing mostly on the Tory leadership contest. I plan to publish a summary at lunchtime and then another when I finish.As usual, I will be covering breaking political news as it happens, as well as bringing you the best reaction, comment and analysis from the web, although I will be focusing mostly on the Tory leadership contest. I plan to publish a summary at lunchtime and then another when I finish.
You can read all the latest Guardian politics articles here. Here is the Politico Europe roundup of this morning’s political news. And here is the PoliticsHome list of today’s top 10 must-reads.You can read all the latest Guardian politics articles here. Here is the Politico Europe roundup of this morning’s political news. And here is the PoliticsHome list of today’s top 10 must-reads.
If you want to follow me or contact me on Twitter, I’m on @AndrewSparrow.If you want to follow me or contact me on Twitter, I’m on @AndrewSparrow.
I try to monitor the comments below the line (BTL) but it is impossible to read them all. If you have a direct question, do include “Andrew” in it somewhere and I’m more likely to find it. I do try to answer questions, and if they are of general interest, I will post the question and reply above the line (ATL), although I can’t promise to do this for everyone.I try to monitor the comments below the line (BTL) but it is impossible to read them all. If you have a direct question, do include “Andrew” in it somewhere and I’m more likely to find it. I do try to answer questions, and if they are of general interest, I will post the question and reply above the line (ATL), although I can’t promise to do this for everyone.
If you want to attract my attention quickly, it is probably better to use Twitter.If you want to attract my attention quickly, it is probably better to use Twitter.