Pressure will be shifted to Israel, but don't think anything is going to happen this side of the election.

It's encouraging news, but Israel's withdrawal from Gaza will very much depend on how credible Hamas's commitment to completely disarm is.   In my view they are right to be skeptical.

Now we’ll see if Israel are actually capable of winding their necks in    I doubt it 

Policing is very relaxed, provided you stay within your lines I'd say. I don't think we're supposed to have an event shelter as well as a tent next to our van, but we've done it without issue for years. It's a happy vibe up there.

Do feel a lot more cynical about the Mercury now. Given the awards show is now an arena event, there's clearly a pressure on them to nominate mainstream acts in order to sell tickets for it. And not saying that Jade and Knats don't deserve to be nominated (haven't listened to either), but the fact the event is in Newcastle can't have nothing to do with that... (not to mention Fender winning last year, which frankly was a joke)    Hard not to agree with this: https://www.clashmusic.com/features/this-years-mercury-prize-is-a-pivot-towards-the-mainstream/