Breaking Views Update: Week of 26.12.21

Friday December 31, 2021 

News:

Māori voice deal breaker for water reforms
The chair of the Waikato Tainui, Te Arataura executive says iwi support for the Government’s Three Waters refom will depend on Māori having a voice in all levels of management and decision making.

Linda Te Aho says reform is needed because councils have put short-term politics ahead of much-needed investment in water infrastructure.

Melanie Phillips: Stranded on the political zip-wire

BoJo isn’t why the Conservative party’s in trouble. He became PM because it already was - first published Dec 20.

Boris Johnson’s current multi-pronged political crisis is consuming Britain’s media. It’s not just that journalists detect an imminent prime ministerial fall from the dizzy heights (although Boris has escaped tight spots before now on the zip-wire of his career). It’s also because, with many journalists riven with jealousy or dislike of their former comrade-in-ink, they would like nothing better than to see him brought down.

However, Boris Johnson is not the real story. Despite the often foul-mouthed apoplexy of Conservative MPs who blame him for behaving exactly as anyone who knew him could have predicted he would behave (and many did indeed so predict from the start) Johnson is not the reason the Conservative party is in trouble. The reason it elected him party leader was because it was already in trouble.

Sir Bob Jones: The Amazing Treaty of Waitangi

This totally redundant treaty, applying to circumstances nearly two centuries ago, has spawned a truly astonishing “industry” in claims as to what it meant, despite never actually saying as much.

The latest and most absurd comes from something called the Health Coalition Aotearoa, specifically, (lie down before reading further) “The burden of obesity has been disproportionately carried by Maori and Pacifica – half of all Maori adults are obese and a third of rangatahi (children) overweight or obese. More than 71% of Pacifica adults and half of children are overweight or obese.”

According to this nonsense outfit this is apparently the government’s, or in other words the public’s fault and a breach of the Treaty. Extending the treaty to Pacifica is no sillier than the numerous other ludicrous claims relating to it.

Henry Armstrong: China, Democracy and the New Reality

Recent comments by our neo Marxist government headed by self-proclaimed “democratic socialist” Jacinda Ardern, seem to be equivocal about our relationship(s) with China. This is interesting, given that the Ardern government prides itself on socialist/communist principles such as the centralisation of essential services and the exercise of authoritarianism, often masquerading under the guise of “for the greater/public good” or “we are all in this together”.

One of the arguments about either strengthening or weakening our relationship with China is that China is significantly increasing its economic influence in the Pacific region - but also in Africa and elsewhere. Various “Western” nations such as the US, Australia, the UK and New Zealand seem to claim that the Pacific is “their” territory and that no other entity or power has any right to intrude into this area.  Really? Is China not a Pacific nation too?

Ross Meurant: When in Rome

A recent claim (1), that Australia’s policy of revoking the privilege of non-Australian born from remaining in Australia, when that person has committed serious crime in Aussie, in my opinion, lacks any credible legal foundation.

“Turn the planes around and make a point to the Australian Government that New Zealand is not the dumping ground for your criminals” and the argument that Australia allowed these people to become gang members and should therefore, carry the costs, is facile

When a non-New Zealand born person commits crime in this country, they are subject to the same outcome as is served up by Australia.  Furthermore, I suspect that there is no country where this “return to sender” rule, does not apply.

“When in Rome, do as the Roman’s do”, is the appropriate maxim.

Denis Hall: The real story of the “Squatter” at Oruawharo Homestead.

Hello all. Some of you will have seen the recent story on Stuff - about my home for 24 years - where they described me as a "Squatter".  Oruawharo Homestead - Orra Worra is how the locals pronounce it - still. 

I held a lease on the place for 24 years - and it was my home - and I did a lot to things there. 

It is interesting - and disturbing - when you see that people are trying to write you out of actual New Zealand history that you played a major part in.

I have sent the following to Stuff and maybe they will contact me - and maybe not.  But here it is - my reaction to a story in Stuff.
[See Update at the end]

Bob Edlin: The Treaty partnership at work - Minister defied

The Treaty partnership at work? DoC’s Minister is defied after declaring opposition to a rāhui in Whirinaki Conservation Park.

The Point of Order team, constantly keeping an eye on Beehive decisions that affect the way we are governed, has been looking for evidence that the Minister of Conservation is in charge of the Department of Conservation and that her department can over-ride travel bans imposed by anyone who cares to put up a “Keep Out” sign.

The evidence sadly suggests the Minister, Kiritapu Allan, is not in charge.

At least, not when Maori tribal leaders opt to flex their muscle.

This raises significant questions about accountability and ministerial responsibility under the Ardern government.

It also raises questions about so-called Treaty partnerships and co-governance.

Matt Ridley: The Government is still fighting the wrong war on Covid-19

Here we go again, fighting the last war. Because governments are perceived to have moved too slowly to ban flights when the delta variant arose in India, we jumped into action this time, punishing the poor South Africans for their molecular vigilance. But nothing was going to stop the delta going global, and the latest set of government measures to stop the spread of the new omicron variant are about as likely to succeed as the Maginot line was to stop General Guderian’s tanks.

The cat is already out of the bag. Just because we can take action does not make it the right thing to do.

This pandemic has mocked public-health experts. They told us to wash our hands and then realised it was spreading through the air. They told us masks were useless and then made them mandatory. They sent Covid cases to ordinary hospitals where they infected patients.

Breaking Views Update: Week of 19.12.21

Friday December 24, 2021 

News:
Court clarifies Kahungunu coastal rights
The High Court has further clarified what can be expected from the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act it its latest finding regarding the northern coast of Hawke’s Bay.

When the Act was introduced to replace the Marine and Foreshore Act, the then National Government indicted it was likely to mean customary title would only be recognised over about 3 percent of the coastline.

Net Zero Watch: Europe hit by 'perfect storm' as energy prices explode

 

In this newsletter:

1) EU energy crisis ‘perfect storm’ as prices explode 
Daily Express, 20 December 2021
 
2) Families face paying £1,000 MORE for energy bills as price cap ‘nearly doubles’
The Sun, 21 December 2021

NZCPR Weekly: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Dear NZCPR Reader,   

On behalf of the New Zealand Centre for Political Research I would like to say a huge thank you for your on-going interest and wonderful support over the last 12 months – and wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!

Without a doubt, 2021 has been a very disturbing year as we faced the reality that our Prime Minister is leading New Zealand down a pathway of extreme socialism...

*To read the newsletter click HERE.
*To register for the NZCPR Weekly mailing list, click HERE.  

Net Zero Watch: Net Zero Europe bracing for energy shortages as crisis deepens

 

In this newsletter:

1) Net Zero Europe bracing for energy shortages as freezing weather sets in
Bloomberg, 20 December 2021

2) The cost of Boris Johnson's fracking ban: UK gas prices reach all-time highs as winter tensions mount across Europe
City A.M. , 18 December 2021

Mike Yardley: The lack of concern over Government spending is shameful

 

It’s full steam ahead with the spendathon. Overall, government spending next year is forecast to be over $59 billion higher than four years ago. 

Next year’s total spend of $128 billion equates to thirty five percent of the economy.  

Its staggering. 

The scale of spending is one thing. There’s also the matter of quality spending. Bang for buck and whether the desired outcomes are actually delivered. 

Derek Mackie: Imaginary "fair & balanced" TV Leaders Debate

Leaders: Jacinda Ardern (J), Chris Luxon (C) 

Interviewer: John Campbell (JC) 

 JC: Haere Mai and welcome to tonight’s leaders debate. 

 I’m John Campbell, presenter and investigative reporter who has had the privilege to cover so many of this country’s heart-rending and tragic stories over the years. 

My ability to connect on an intimate level with my subjects, in my view, makes me ideally suited to host tonight’s debate, in which one of our greatest leaders of all time, if not the greatest, spars politically with the new-kid-on-the-block to see who will capture the hearts and minds of our wonderful, wonderful, small but beautifully formed island nation of Aotearoa. 

 In the studio we are joined by members of the public who hold a wide spectrum of political views. To ensure we fairly represent all opinions but exclude extremism, which could cause distress to you at home, all members of our audience voluntarily underwent a psychometric assessment to reveal their true political leanings. Extreme centre and centre-right participants were politely declined so we have a mainstream, well balanced and diverse left wing audience to challenge both our leaders. 

Clive Bibby: The Big Con

It is understandable if the main topic of conversation in this country over the next few months is all about things related to Covid - the likely spread amongst our most vulnerable communities and government policies introduced to defend against any unforeseen outbreak. 

It will be a worrying time for most families who are, as yet unvaccinated especially for those who have no choice. We can at least afford to respect their position on this issue. No matter what circumstances have influenced their decision. We need to build herd immunity as much as any other defence. 90% vaccination is more than enough to enable us to achieve that more important objective.

It would appear that current arrangements are designed to provide adequate immediate protection, even if they will inconvenience a lot of those folk who just want to get on with life as it used to be.

Ross Meurant: Rule of Law or Rule of Police

Karl du Fresne, in his article: “New Zealand: where being "anti-government" results in police surveillance”(1), defends Cameron Slater’s RIGHT to CHALLENGE, and in the process, Karl exposes police behaviour which tends to validate Voltaire’s lament:

“Beware of the words, “Internal security” for they are the eternal cry of the oppressor”. 

But whether we like or dislike others, provided these “others” confine their critiques to within prescribed rules of law, such as avoiding insulting, offensive, threatening language as per statutory law and to avoid the guillotine of civil litigation, by presenting their opinions based on reliable evidence, “others” do have a right to speak out.

If we are denied the right to challenge, we are no longer a democracy.

Breaking Views Update: Week of 12.12.21

Saturday December 18, 2021 

News:

UK ruling 'insulting to Māori and our culture', says trust
A group of New Zealand honey producers working to trademark the term mānuka honey say they are considering their options, after the United Kingdom rejected their application.

With funding help from the government, it is working to trademark the word mānuka in international markets, so that only honey from New Zealand can be called mānuka.

Net Zero Watch: Drill, Baby, Drill! Biden Administration urges domestic oil producers to raise output

 

In this newsletter:

1) Drill, Baby, Drill! Biden Administration urges domestic oil producers to raise output
Argus News, 14 December 2021
 

2) China begins walking back promises to reduce CO2 emissions 
Breitbart, 13 December 2021

Karl du Fresne: New Zealand: where being "anti-government" results in police surveillance

Things are worse than we thought.

Blogger Cameron Slater recently learned from an OIA request that the blog he’s associated with, The BFD, was under police surveillance. An unnamed police intelligence analyst was concerned Slater would “continue to publish uncorroborated information to denigrate labour [sic] party policies and individuals linked to them”.

Gerry Eckhoff: An email to the Dear Leader

Dear Ms Ardern

I make no apology for writing to you as I find your constant criticism of those who have some investment in land and housing as dull, monotonous, and ill informed. You are wrong in both theory and practise. 

The expression you use to denigrate those with a desire to provide for themselves is ‘speculators’ which is used to deliberately undermine and vilify those who choose to re build and or upgrade houses seen as past their use by date. To speculate is defined as forming a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence. 

Graham Adams: The philosopher stoned for his defence of science

Robert Nola’s academic specialty is the philosophy of science but the Royal Society is investigating him over what it claims are “misguided” views regarding Māori knowledge. Graham Adams reports.

Professor Robert Nola’s bread and butter is analysing what makes science science. And it has been his focus for more than 50 years. Yet, he is facing a disciplinary hearing by the Royal Society for expressing his views on science and mātauranga Māori (traditional Māori knowledge).

Net Zero Watch: A bloody new Europe is being born in Ukraine

 

In this newsletter:

1) Brandon Weichert: A bloody new Europe is being born in Ukraine
Asia Times, 10 December 2021
 
2) US could hold off for now on energy sanctions for Russia, fearing impact on global prices
CNN, 9 December 2021

John McLean: Doctor HUGH BARR - R.I.P.

Dr Hugh Barr

For most of his life Hugh Barr was a keen tramper and an administrator of tramping and outdoor organisations. This love of the outdoors began early in life when, as a youngster living at Henderson on the then outskirts of Auckland, he and his sister would be taken by their parents each year on a long summer holiday, driving to places such as the Bay of Plenty and East Coast, camping here and there as the fancy took. Thus from keen observation did Hugh learn all about New Zealand's fauna and flora and develop a love for the countryside - especially mountains and beaches.

Garrick Tremain: Christopher Luxon Fails to Tackle Separatism

 Here is Garrick Tremain's cartoon commentary on National's new leader! 

Ross Meurant: You Can Lead a Horse to Water but…

Hon Dr Michael Bassett’s article: Another Maori Power Grab, (1) thrusts into the faces of New Zealander’s how successful the “Woke Broke” government of Jacinda Ardern has been appropriating government assets built over time by contributing taxpayers of every race, creed, colour, religion and belief.

The New Zealand WE created, is being destroyed by the current Labour government.  I urge you to read the link to the article (1) by a man (note the pro-noun) who taught me history at Auckland University and who was an adversary when we were both Members of Parliament nineteen nineties.  Today we are on the same side.

NZCPR Weekly: A Tapestry of Lies

Dear NZCPR Reader,   

In this week’s NZCPR newsletter we provide an update on Three Waters and question the whole basis for the reforms, our NZCPR Guest Commentator Westland Mayor Bruce Smith shares with us the progress being made by local authorities in defending ratepayer rights and fighting back, and our poll asks whether you believe iwi should have any special role in water management.

*To read the newsletter click HERE.
*To register for the NZCPR Weekly mailing list, click HERE.  

David Lillis and Peter Schwerdtfeger: The Mātauranga Māori – Science Debate

The Recent Controversy

A letter to the Listener, signed by seven internationally-renowned University of Auckland professors in July 2021, sparked a heated public controversy that has become increasingly vindictive. Several media articles have discussed the letter and reactions to it at length and we do not wish to duplicate their perspectives here. However, we do wish to present what we consider to be a balanced view of the critical issues and present a position that defends the integrity of science while accepting the value of indigenous knowledge.

Net Zero Watch: Christmas comes early

 

In this newsletter:

1)  EU to unveil green classification of gas and nuclear projects just before Christmas
Bloomberg, 7 December 2021

 

2) US warns of 'nuclear' economic sanctions on Russia ahead of Joe Biden-Vladimir Putin talks
The Daily Telegraph, 7 December 2021

John Robinson: Nazis burnt books

On Saturday 4 December 2021, TV1 News broadcast an appeal to bookstores to refuse to stock books by Tross Publishing – effectively a call to ban the books. I was referred to explicitly, and the program was illustrated by the covers of two of my books, The corruption of New Zealand democracy; a Treaty overview (2011) and He Puapua: Blueprint for breaking up New Zealand (2021). That vicious and unfounded attack implicates me.

The TV1 journalist, Te Aniwa Hurihanganui, first contacted Tross Publishing asking for my e-mail address. Our reply was that this would be provided if the reporting was fair and accurate: “Dr. Robinson would be prepared to discuss this important issue openly so long as he be accorded fair treatment by your media outlet.”

Karl du Fresne: Competent management won't be enough to save New Zealand

The question everyone’s asking about Christopher Luxon – or to be more precise, the question everyone who’s interested in politics and New Zealand’s future is asking about Christopher Luxon – is this: what sort of leader (and potentially prime minister) will he be?

Judging by what we’ve seen and heard over the past few days, the answer is that he’ll probably be like most previous National leaders.

That is to say, he’s likely to be driven primarily by pragmatism – by whatever works politically, rather than by deeper philosophical motivations. In this respect he may be not much different from John Key, the party’s most successful (for which, read popular) leader in the modern era, and a man who has been described as Luxon’s mentor.

Breaking Views Update: Week of 5.12.21

Saturday December 11, 2021 

News:
Co-governance flows for Avon River
Ngāi Tūāhuriri, the community and Christchurch City Council will co-govern the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor (ŌARC), Council announced this week.

“‘A co-governance approach will ensure that the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor is developed for the common benefit, use and enjoyment of Ngāi Tūāhuriri, the people of Christchurch and the wider community.’’

Derek Mackie: Jacinda advises on the fragility of democracy

Jacinda Ardern has just given a virtual speech at Joe Biden’s Summit for Democracy on, wait for it…… the fragility of democracy. No, I’m not joking! 

 Like me, you probably didn’t know anything about this summit, or care for that matter, and that’s OK because, like most summits, they achieve nothing and are held so leaders can preen and display in front of each other and deliver speeches full of rhetoric and hypocrisy. Right up Ardern’s street, then! 

 The apparent aims of the summit are to “galvanise commitments and initiatives across three principal themes: defending against authoritarianism, fighting corruption, and promoting respect for human rights”. 

Michael Bassett: Another Maori Power Grab

Recently we saw how the government’s proposed health structural reforms have little to do with improving health care for all New Zealanders. They are essentially a power grab by Maori who will control their own health authority and effectively be given veto rights over the health structure for everyone else. 

Seventeen percent of the population will ultimately control the health of the other 83% of us. 

The recent interim report into the Future of Local Government: Arewa ake te Kaupapa comes out of the same mould. Fifty-nine pages of flatulent phrases, portentous utterances, and false assertions about the Treaty, lead the reader eventually to the real purpose of the report: more power for Maori. This time local government is to be restructured to “create conditions for shared prosperity and wellbeing” for Maori. Once more it is Nanaia Mahuta, Jacinda Ardern’s in-house Rasputin, who is driving the power grab.

Ian Powell: Integrity and vaccine production: lessons for New Zealand

Reputable medical journals such as the British Medical Journal (BMJ) are invaluable not just for doctors but for those that observe health systems and policies, both of which are intertwined with the practice of medicine and science.

Nowhere are these journals more important that in the understanding and experience of the production of antiviral drugs (medication used for treating viral infections by inhibit their development) and vaccines. This is more so because production is overwhelmingly dominated by large pharmaceutical companies (often referred to as ‘Big Pharma’).

Garrick Tremain: Jacinda's Christmas Wish!

 Here is Garrick Tremain's cartoon commentary on Jacinda's Christmas wish! 

Net Zero Watch - Putin's energy blackmail: Nord Stream 2 or War

 

In this newsletter:

1) Putin ‘is ready to invade Ukraine in the new year’
The Times, 6 December 2021

 
2) Gustav Gressel: Why Russia could invade Ukraine again
European Council on Foreign Relations, 3 December 2021

Clive Bibby: Ethnicity and Leadership

Someone has to say it! 

Anyone who has lived and worked with while benefitting from the company of the Maori people, as l have done for over 40 years, should be well qualified to offer a considered opinion regarding the factors limiting Maoridom’s progress towards greater self determination - assuming of course that this path is the one most suited to the tangata whenua who are currently claiming extraordinary rights to citizenship in this country. 

In my humble opinion, the two most obvious “sea anchors” that are limiting progress are “leadership” and the influence of “tribalism” on the ability to work together in a common cause. 

Peter Bacos: Georg Forster - Around the World with Captain Cook

Sir Joseph Banks wanted to take on board two French horn players for his entertainment on Cook’s second voyage of discovery. The Admiralty declined this absurd request and instead offered the post as naturalist to the German polymath (Johann) Reinhold Forster who accepted on condition that his 17 year old son (Johann ) Georg accompany him. 

Dame Patsy Reddy, in her retiring address as governor – general said that one of the highlights of her period in office was Tuia 250 which commemorated the amazing voyages across the Pacific of the Polynesian navigators. 

No mention was made of Cook and certainly not the savant father and son who accompanied him. Our history is now being re-written by propagandists and every effort is made to downgrade the discovery of New Zealand by Europeans. 

Mike Hosking: When do protests go too far?

 

Raewyn Kavermann owns Fuschia Boutique in Newmarket in Auckland. They have been there for 25 years. 

They will no longer be opening their doors on Saturdays because of what happened last Saturday with the anti-vaccine/anti-mandate protests. Kavermann makes a mistake. But in making the mistake, who can blame her? 

She is yet another victim in what is an increasingly angry, angsty, and ugly city. The Saturday protests whereby entire streets were taken over, the police did nothing, the shops are closed, and people who wanted to enjoy the first day of "sort of” freedom in the light system went home. 

Hundreds of thousands of desperately needed dollars were lost, and the fears are, for some, that they will clearly extend into next weekend and beyond. 

Net Zero Watch: Japan quietly abandons Net Zero agenda

 

In this newsletter:

1) Japan plans to nearly double oil and gas production by 2040 

Bloomberg, 2 December 2021

Japan's energy strategy calls for the share of oil and natural gas produced either domestically or under the control of Japanese enterprises overseas to increase from 34.7% in fiscal year 2019 to more than 60% in 2040.

It’s been less than a month since world leaders pledged to combat climate change at the COP26 summit in Glasgow, yet Japan is already showing signs of putting the brakes on divestment from fossil fuels.

Mike Hosking: What's the future of the vaccine mandate?

 

So how is this vaccine mandate thing going to unfold? 

My experiences so far are varied. I had walking to the door, scanning the QR code, walking in getting my temperature taken, scanning my vax pass, and then putting on a surgical mask. I've also had to walking in the door, seeing no masks, no scanning, to no vax pass scanning or QR coding. There's also a couple of examples somewhere in between. 

Then we get to the places that are welcoming unvaccinated people, the council facilities that don’t have scanning, and the developing debate over whether people who have paid for facilities through rates but are unvaccinated can realistically be banned from a facility. 

Derek Mackie: The jury's still out on new National leader

Christopher Luxon was interviewed on TVOne’s Q & A programme on Sunday and was asked about The Treaty of Waitangi and Maori governance. His statements were a mix of strongly supporting Maori and recognising their “special place as Tangata Whenua” in New Zealand but then dampening down talk of co-governance. 

 He was asked what tino rangatiratanga meant to him in the context of The Treaty. After saying that he wasn’t an expert on The Treaty and almost prostrating himself in front of Jack Tame, who he said was “far more culturally fluent and literate” than he was, he stated that “it means partnership”. 

That will likely be a disappointment to a great deal of readers on this website who will doubtless have read many articles clearly demonstrating the absence of the term or notion of partnership in the Treaty and the legal impossibility of a partnership between a sovereign and his/her subjects.

Ross Meurant: Gangs and Guns

Commissioner Coster’s recent explanation for the exponential and highly visible increase in firearms “incidents”, particularly in West and South Auckland, as being collateral COVID lockdown stress, is in my opinion, “staggering”.

I have previously posted support for Commissioner Coster.  In my view, he was the handbrake police needed on what I discerned as an emerging “Gung Ho” approach to firearm use by police under former Commissioner Mike Bush. (1)

Unequivocally, I stand by my demand that police who shoot people, must have their actions reviewed before a proper court of law and not the IPCA which I have often labelled as being akin to “a boys club” of “back-room justice”, being as it is, completely out of public sight. (2)

However!

Point of Order: Why our Royal Society is investigating defenders of science?

Soon after the latest National Party line-up was announced this afternoon, Newshub was reporting who had finished up with higher rankings than before and who had slipped.

Chris Luxon’s election as leader last week obviously led to his being catapulted from number 29 to number one. Nicola Willis, his deputy, jumped from 16 to two, while Simon Bridges was up from seven to three, two places below where he was this time two years ago.

And former leader Judith Collins?

Sir Bob Jones: Great News for Taxpayers

Taxpayers will be delighted to learn that Cabinet has approved $150,000 of your money to appease maori gang members unhappy with their tattoos.

This is not to remove the words “Black Power” from these losers’ backs, but instead only the place-name “New Zealand” at the bottom and replace it with the fictional substitute “Aotearoa”. Or in some other cases, the name of their home city from its actual name such as Hamilton to a fictional maori one.

NZCPR Weekly: Code Red for Health

Dear NZCPR Reader,   

In this week’s NZCPR newsletter we examine the health crisis – both Covid and Jacinda Ardern’s plan to introduce Maori control of health services, our NZCPR Guest Commentator Gary Judd QC explains the health reforms have been designed to benefit Maori at a cost to all other New Zealanders, and our poll asks whether Jacinda Ardern should have sought a mandate from New Zealanders before changing our health system from ‘needs-based’ to ‘race-based’.

*To read the newsletter click HERE.
*To register for the NZCPR Weekly mailing list, click HERE.  

Frank Newman: New poll shows 17 Labour MPs would be out

The most recent Roy Morgan poll result has more bad news for Jacinda Ardern and her Labour Party. 

 Support for Labour is continuing to slide.  Labour was down 3.5% points to 36% - 14% off the 50% gained in the October 2020 general election, and less than the 36.9% gained in 2017 when first elected.

Based on the poll, Labour would lose 17 of its 65 MPs: Seven from the list and 10 electorate seats. They are:

Net Zero Watch: 'Lights might go out' as EU receives terrifying warning over Russia gas crisis

 

In this newsletter:

1) 'Lights might go out' as EU receives terrifying warning over Russia gas crisis
Daily Express, 1 December 2021

 
2) US warns Russia has plans for ‘large scale’ attack on Ukraine
The Guardian, 1 December 2021