What the Ambassador Said

What the British ambassador said about the Trump administration not only comes as no surprise, but it is common currency among diplomats and politicians the world over. He also said Trump should not be written off. Wise words because  the definition of populism is in an unorthodox form of politics which breaks all rules and offers an approach which appeals to the people and horrifies the established political class, its supporting civil service and its vast legal tail. Trump is a populist. So is Farage. And very so is Boris. Moreover if polls are to be believed, Boris is on for a runaway win in the race to become prime minister, so we will expect a heavy shot of populism every time we catch up on  the news.

What is wrong is the fact that the intensely secret despatch from ambassador to government, one of the most closely guarded and secure communication channels of statecraft, was leaked to a newspaper. By whom? And with what purpose? At the very least it is a criminal breach of the Official Secrets Act. At worst it is treason. But such is the tawdry depth to which organised government has now sunk in our country, it was probably no more than idle mischief making by somebody pissed off.