Disability blights the lives of 9 million people in the UK - but it is not an easy subject for politicians....

• From personal experience I know that people and families who aren't affected by disability don't really want to hear about it…

I have great empathy for Sir Ed Davey (Leader of the Liberal Democrats), who's life has focussed on caring for his family - because Heather, (my first wife) and Ros (my second) both died at an early age as a result of degenerative spinal conditions. Clare (who I married in 2018) has debilitating spinal pain challenges as a result of caring for Hannah (her proufoundly disabled daughter) …

Myth: Genetic engineering is just an extension of natural breeding and no more risky.
Truth: Genetic engineering is radically different from natural breeding and poses special risks.

Myth: GM foods are strictly tested and regulated for safety.
Truth: Regulation relies on GM food safety tests conducted by developer companies and regulatory processes are weak.

Myth: Independent studies confirm that GM foods and crops are safe.
Truth: Independent research on GM foods is difficult or impossible to carry out, but many existing studies have found problems.

Myth: GM foods are safe to eat.
Truth: GM crops have toxic and allergenic effects on laboratory and farm animals.

Myth: Many long-term studies show GM is safe.
Truth: Few long-term studies have been carried out, but some show toxic effects from GM food.

Myth: The Nicolia review compiles 1,700+ studies showing that GMOs are safe.

Truth: Many of the papers fail to document GMO safety: some show certain GMOs are harmful; and important papers relevant to GMO safety are omitted or ignored.

When I was growing up there was a catchphrase often bandied about (with a suitable rustic accent) - "The answer lies in the soil." There have always been some who understood the importance of soil; but it has now become an imperative, as we are told that if we continue as we are then we have around 60 years worth of harvests left to us.

I knew there were lots of bees in the UK, 250 species in fact. I also knew that they're a vital element for biodiversity and how there's been colony collapse disorder, parasites, and pesticides that have been threatening our bee population, yet despite all that, I'm sorry I've never been a big fan.

Lib Dems say Manchester Airport money must come with green conditions

Following reports that Oldham Council is set to borrow in the region of £13 million to contribute to a Greater Manchester scheme to support Manchester Airport, Lib Dem Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani called on the scheme to be balanced by a requirement for the airport to introduce improved green targets.

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"Fossil Fuel based industries, such as airlines, should bear the brunt of emerging from Covid-19 pandemic", says Lib Dem Environmental Think Tank

"The Government must prioritise lower carbon footprint industries as we emerge from the Coronavirus Pandemic" urged former North West Lib Dem MEP, Jane Brophy, a leading light of the Green Liberal Democrats, the Party`s environmental `think tank".

The climate and ecological emergency have had to compete with concerns about immigration, the Brexit negotiations and public spending on the NHS and schools.

The desire to stop a damaging Brexit has even led staunch environmentalist Liberal Democrats to take their eye off the political ball. Just when climate change and the environment had finally risen up the political agenda in the UK and beyond, the coronavirus outbreak has forced it back down the list of government priorities.

It seems IGAS has finally given up on fracking in the Northwest of England, at least for the time being.

This month IGAS announced it has "written off" four of its petroleum exploration and Development licences PEDL 145, PEDL 147, PEDL189 and PEDL193; but still retain the licences. according to www.drillordrop.com "They are no longer spending money or time in the Northwest for the time being as They are concentrating on the Gainsborough Trough….." on the Yorkshire side of the Pennines.