The Meaning of Sangin It makes perfect military sense, we are told, and it is not a withdrawal but a handing over. Whatever it is if it takes our troops to a less dangerous part of the country it is welcome news. Our troops have shown valour and courage in full measure, in sharp contrast […]
China’s Financial Power America and markets generally were relieved when China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange (Safe) announced that it would not be dumping U.S. assets in a programme to diversify its foreign exchange reserves, the largest in the world. It said such a move was unnecessary. However it called upon the U.S to ‘genuinely take […]
Public Finances and other Thoughts Having halted for review all school building not yet signed off to start, the government is now signalling that public sector pensions and employment terms are going to brought closer to the private sector, which pays for them in taxation, gaining no benefit other than the knowledge that civil servants are happy. […]
The Royal Navy There is a big case for re-establishing the Royal Navy as our key armed force as well as our deterrent. We have never really been a military power. Our Empire was built on Naval power and this remains the best instrument of defending the United Kingdom’s interests as well as its security. […]
Russia As revelations of the curious deep cover spy ring trickle out, there are plenty of agitated commentators willing to have a go at the Russians, seeing them as up to their old tricks, still a potential enemy. This is arrant nonsense. Russia is not, nor ever has been, our enemy. Russia as been the ally […]
Referendum This Blog is opposed to the referendum on AV and or fewer MPs for a very good reason. It is completely unesessary under our contitution. There has never been any sort of referendum over voting arrangements or franchise details for the House of Commons. These arrangements are initiated by Parliamentary majority and approved by the […]
Credit Crunch on the Horizon Again Clouds are gathering. There is open talk of another credit crunch. Too many banks are either exposed to shakey European sovereign debt, or need to start repaying soon loans given to bail them out or both. Some banks may be at risk. This makes all of them nervous. They stop […]
Afghanistan The Taliban have told the BBC (John Simpson, the world’s top foreign commentator in my view) that they are winning and will not talk to NATO. Allied troops have just suffered their worst month for casualties. Congress has blocked $4 billion of aid because of corruption among Afghan officials. Gen Patraeus hints that he may […]
Refreshing There is something refreshing about this new government as Ministers begin to challenge really difficult problems which have remained in the background for too long, or been subject to the wrong approach. This does not mean this Blog approves of every proposal but it does mean that the drifting, common to fag end governments of […]