The AM Squabble is a slight twist to the classic case of “He said, she said.”

Alister is a Londoner, who thinks he’s hilarious. Meridyth is an American expat, who rolls her eyes - a lot. The two share their personal (and sometimes conflicting) views on the latest issues impacting the UK.

🗞️ So what happened last week?

• 🍺 London nightlife is getting more expensive

• ⛪️ The Archbishop of Canterbury called it quits

• 🏣 Post Office to cut jobs and close branches

🍻 Bad news for Night Owls

By Meridyth

An iconic London pub O’Neill’s is causing an uproar for charging an extra £2 a pint after 10pm. Supply and demand could be a cause. The Times reports that only 5.9% of London venues are open after 2am on a Saturday night. It’s why almost half of London revellers go home before midnight. The nightlife industry is concerned about the city’s declining 24/7 brand, especially after London’s Late Night Czar resigned. (Who knew this was an actual job?)

Controversially and personally, nothing good ever comes from drinking after 10pm. So if bars want to charge more, you do you. And if you’re too inebriated to see the amount being charged at the till, that’s on you.

🤜 🤛 The Squabble (Rating: 4 out of 5 — 5 being an all out war)

Alister’s take

We’re looking at almost £8 for an IPA, which then silently changes to £10 after 10pm! This is another nail in the surge/late-night pricing coffin creeping into the city’s nightlife. London is already the most expensive UK city for a pint and prices continue to go up to combat higher running costs, taxes, and rising wages.

The reality is… It’s the lack of warning. Customers who aren’t in the best mindset are paying more without knowing. Silently adding a surcharge whilst sat with friends is nothing short of deception and deliberate manipulation. To top it off, we’re already dealing with American-isms around tipping (Meridyth: Hey now! But fair.) - I’m fed up being asked for a 20% tip after every pour! 😡 

⛪️ Job Posting: Archbishop of Canterbury Wanted!

By Alister

Amidst a scathing report on safeguarding in the Church of England (CoE), Justin Welby resigned on Tuesday as the Archbishop. From the Catholic Church introducing a new anime mascot “Luce” to Divine Comedy nights, it hasn’t been easy to stay relevant for younger generations. And these horror stories detailing decades of abuse and cover ups within the CoE aren’t helping.

It was surprising Welby remained as long as he did, when these stories first came to light. So it’s finally a relief there’s a start to the change so desperately needed. But CoE still needs more significant fixes than just prayers for victims. With over 4,500 CoE schools, accountability is only the beginning.

🤜 🤛 The Squabble (Rating: 0 out of 5)

Meridyth’s take

Exactly! Welby’s resignation doesn’t undo the gross systematic failures that continue to exist. Others agree, saying more need to be held responsible.

I’m DBS checked and safeguarding trained for both CoE and Scouts (who have also been in hot water), but neither is thorough enough. Better procedures and policies need to be top priority.

It’s Safeguarding Sunday today and at Sunday School, I’ve been asked to teach a lesson to kids on how it’s okay to speak up. Hopefully, this broad awareness makes impactful change!

📮 Oops, your invite must’ve gotten lost in the mail

By Meridyth

The Post Office announced last Tuesday that they’re closing 115 branches and almost 2,000 jobs are at risk. They’ve been reducing staff for years, but this round of cuts really hurts. Compensation for wrongly accused subpostmasters from the Horizon IT scandal seems to be taking its toll.

On the heels of the chaotic Horizon mess, Union bosses are livid and calling the decision “tone deaf” and “immoral” as staff face job uncertainty. Timing really sucks, given the economy and lead up to the holidays. It’s been a tough year and this seems to be putting salt on the wounds.

🤜 🤛 The Squabble (Rating: 3 out of 5)

Alister’s take

I still remember the day of the Royal Mail IPO and you could invest in the business. But I was confused about the Post Office vs Royal Mail. My boss explained - the Post Office is who you hand your parcel of questionable Vinted bargains to and the Royal Mail delivers it.

Cost cutting at the Post Office is sadly an ongoing issue to keep the business afloat. They provide essential services for a lot of underserved communities, similar to high street banks.

But the current setup isn’t making sense anymore. So as painful as it is, they’re attempting a bold change for the future, which includes increasing salaries - all funded by lowering other costs.

🤔 Things that make you go, “Hmmm…”

• Buh-bye, X. The Guardian announced that they’ll no longer be posting on X, calling the content “often disturbing” with far-right conspiracies and racism. Applause? Or 📉?

• Get off the toilet! There’s now a legit medical reason for men to stop sitting in their stink. 🚽 Experts say sitting on the toilet for longer than 10 minutes can increase your risk of haemorrhoids and weaken your pelvic muscles.

• Wait, get back on the toilet! If you’re one to pee in the shower, think again. It may affect your pelvic floor muscles and condition you like Pavlov’s dogs to only go when you hear running water. 😬 

• Why is Elphaba wearing lingerie? Mattel apologised for accidentally printing a porn site on its packaging of collectible Wicked (film) dolls, while promoting the upcoming movie. In other news, Mattel’s copywriter has been given a free lifetime subscription to said porn site. 😆 j/k

• And why is Mike Tyson wearing arseless chaps? Netflix’s live-stream, heavyweight bout between Mike Tyson and Jack Paul wasn’t worth the watch, but the pre-fight interview showed us how he (or maybe his arse) got the name, “Iron Mike.” (Meridyth: Btw, ALL chaps are assless.)

• “I like you, just as you are.” The trailer just dropped for the highly anticipated 4th instalment of Bridget Jones. It’s funny and cringey in a good way, while pulling at your heart strings. (Meridyth: CAN’T WAIT!!! / Alister: 😐️)

• Vaccinations, schmaccinations? Some of Trump’s nominations for cabinet are attracting side-eye glances. Robert F Kennedy Jr for U.S. Health Secretary with his anti-vac stance 💉and Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, who was investigated by the ethics committee for sexual misconduct with a 17-year old. The question now is if Trump can ram these controversial nominations through for confirmation by the Republican majority Senate. (Please God, no!) 🫢 

⭐️ Recommendations - This week from Alister

I’ve finally finished Asia, the latest in the BBC’s nature documentaries, as narrated by the legendary David Attenborough.

It has unique sea monsters and adorable monkeys, with the odd elephant who’s learnt to accept gifts by the roadside. A bit shorter than previous editions, but with the same dramatic theme — endearing animals you’ve never seen with built-up suspense from a life threatening situation.

An emotional roller-coaster showcasing some vistas that will surprise and potentially delight you. 🌏️ 

🤣 What do you meme? - Time for Gary Barlow to Take That

By Alister

What are they feeding Gary Barlow’s son? While the singer from the boy band Take That hasn’t been making headlines lately, a photo of Barlow and his son has taken the British slice of the internet by storm.

Sadly the son is only 6'2" and his dad is 5'9”, so not quite giants, but it’s been a refreshing break from the US election cycle. Guess his son can call himself Gary Barhigh. (Meridyth: 🙄 Seriously? Groan.)

Whew, you made it!

We appreciate your time on a Sunday morning - with or without a hangover (and a large drinks bill). The week and sadly, the weekend is now almost over. We hope you join us again next Sunday for another squabble!

Alister & Meridyth