Cheers and Jeers #3

Cheers to David Lammy MP for that speech: “Brexit is a con. A trick. A swindle. A fraud. A deception that will hurt most those people it promised to help. A dangerous fantasy which will make every problem it claims to solve worse.”

Cheers to the four single mums who won a High Court challenge on Universal Credit. While the decision is an important one in many respects, not least in underlining the reality that Universal Credit isn’t fir-for-purpose, the four women concerned deserve applause for standing against the unfairness inherent within the system.

Jeers for Andrew Bridgen MP - not only for his shameful remark made during Layla Moran’s tribute to Paddy Ashdown but also for the pitiful apology that followed it.

Jeers to former footballer and Talksport radio host Alan Brazil, who criticised Andy Murray’s retirement announcement for being too tearful. He should “move on, roll [his] sleeves up and stop bubbling” said the former Scotland striker. Cheers to co-presenter Ally McCoist and various others who called out this antiquated attitude and demonstrated the need to strip away stigma.

Jeers to Chris Grayling and Stephen Barclay, who both suggested that the best way to deal with the far right is to give them what they want. When government ministers argue against democratic votes on the basis that it might upset some racist protesters, how strong is that democracy?

Tears for Steffan Lewis, the Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales East, who has died of bowel cancer at the age of only 34. Welsh Lib Dem leader, Kirsty Williams, said of him: "When he addressed the chamber you listened, because you knew he always had something thoughtful to say." So sad to lose such a talented man so young.

Tears for Andy Murray, who has announced he will be retiring from tennis this year due to a hip injury. Let’s hope he gets the chance to say goodbye properly - at Wimbledon.