Category Archives for politics
Boris Johnson through the lens of Alexander Pope
Tweet Oh! could I mount on the Maeonian wing, Your arms, your actions, your repose to sing! What seas you traversed, and what fields you fought! Your country’s peace, how oft, how dearly bought! How barb’rous rage subsided at your … Continue reading
Share Your Shame
Tweet Dear X, I am certain that as an experienced politician you are aware of the widespread collapse of faith in our political system and our governing class in general. If you achieve your ambition to become Prime Minister you … Continue reading
British Politics: The Apathy Or The Ecstasy
Tweet published in PUNCH 23 January 2002 Politicians right across the political spectrum are fretting themselves silly over the latest drug menace. It is far more dangerous than Ecstasy, although its effects are totally different. Where Ecstasy gives artificial exhilaration … Continue reading
Trump Lost: Americans Want Something Better
Tweet published in the Yorkshire Post (slightly edited) November 7, 2018 In the world Donald Trump has created for himself, all events are an endless parade with himself taking the salute. Predictably he greeted his reverses in the midterm elections … Continue reading
Hands Off Private Eye!
Tweet David Wolfe Esq QC Chair Press Recognition Panel 17 October 2018 Dear Mr Wolfe, I would be grateful if you could confirm, clarify or deny the report in Private Eye that the Panel intends to carry out “a high-level … Continue reading
Proper rules for peers
Tweet Proposals submitted to the House of Lords Sub-committee on Members Conduct It would be helpful to the general public, and perhaps also to members of the House, to consolidate the Code and the Guide into a single document. The … Continue reading
A blot on Parliament: the slack rules on peers and public affairs consultancies
Tweet The House of Lords rightly expects peers to register and declare any outside interest which a reasonable person might think capable of exercising an influence on their conduct in the House. Beneath this general obligation, the House wishes peers … Continue reading
An example to today’s business leaders who trade with Putin
Tweet A British business leader boycotts Hitler From The Earl of Woolton’s Memoirs (Cassell 1959) “In 1938 the world was shocked by the relentless persecution of the Jews in Germany. Many were escaping to this country and to … Continue reading
In Praise of Cecil Parkinson 1997
Tweet Former Tory chairman Cecil Parkinson gave the best performance I can remember by a politician responding to results on election night coverage. Cecil was on duty for the Tories in 1997. He did not make the mistake which many … Continue reading
WORLD EXCLUSIVE: 1983 Labour mystery man revealed
Tweet As Denis Healey’s chief of staff during Labour’s suicide-note election campaign of 1983, I attended many meetings of the party’s unwieldy campaign committee first thing in the morning. Chaired by Michael Foot, the committee spent much time debating such … Continue reading
