THE Salisbury Journal’s continued battle to save bus services in Wiltshire got the backing of Ken Livingstone during his visit to the city.

The senior Labour politician reacted to the Journal’s headlines this week which outline the axing of crucial bus routes in the rural areas and at weekends as Wiltshire Council attempts to save £500,000.

Livingstone, the former London Mayor, said: “When John Major came into power there was £1 billion being invested in the London bus service and £2 billion in the rest of the UK. Today that’s reversed.”

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His comments were made just before taking the stage at the Salisbury Journal Speakers’ Festival, which continues today.

Among yesterday’s speakers was former Eton College Head Teacher Tony Little who told his audience our children must be prepared for an ever-changing world in which artificial intelligence will play such a huge influence in the way they live.

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He highlighted the suggestion of a colleague who proposes that pupils be educated in “DI”. He explained: “You all know what EI is, emotional intelligence, well she believes young people need to have Digital Intelligence.”

He argued this would enable them to cope with the changes and to be able to spot things “such as fake news.”

Andrew Monaghan outlined the increasing tension between the West and Russia. He said the attitude exhibited by the west was often like “Groundhog Day, but without learning the lessons” and his belief is that by applying western style of thinking to anticipating the next move of Putin was huge mistake.

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This, along with the escalation of military action each side of the Russian borders (by the Russians and NATO), was a “situation that is very serious indeed.”

First up today is John Andrews at 11.45am who will continue the theme when talking about his book 'The World In Conflict'. He will tackle head-on the reasons why global conflict is ever-present.

He will be followed by Paul Beaver, whose presentation at 1.30pm gives a fresh angle on the Spitfire by examining the contribution to its development and achievements by some 65 people – ranging from politicians to pilots.

Diana Darke is the author of 'My House in Damascus' and she will be giving her account of a first-hand experience of the country’s complex religious and ethnic communities, starting 5pm.

Lord David Owen is the final guest of the day and he will be talking about his book 'The Cabinet’s Finest Hour: The Hidden Agenda of May 1940'.

The former Foreign Secretary will speak about the pivotal British War Cabinet meetings of May 1940. The minutes and documents reveal just how close Britain came to seeking a negotiated peace with Nazi Germany. His talk starts at 6.45pm.

The Journal Speakers’ Festival is at the Blackledge Theatre, Godolphin School. Tickets are available at the door.

Please note: the talk by Helen Rappaport at 3.15pm today has been cancelled.

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