Rural Housing In another element of what I suppose is the Big Society, there is a proposal for local communities to hold referenda to determine whether to build affordable housing. If 80% vote yes, the plan goes ahead irrespective of what the planning authority thinks. Critics point out that this is another blocking measure, not an […]
David Beckham Many people are offended by the off hand way Fabio Capello called time on the nation’s favourite footballer as a member of the England team. Beckham is not just a footballer. He is a sports ambassador and international celebrity. He is a popular hero. He has millions and millions of fans. All are affronted by […]
Victory in the Far East There are today commemorations to mark the day sixty-five years ago when the Second World War finally ended. We had already finished the war in Europe and celebrated VE day. Now it was VJ day. There were huge celebrations. At last we had real peace. Tyranny, military dictatorship, Fascists, all […]
Tony Blair, Dr. Kelly, the Dossier and Hutton. I have read the comments and listened to the arguments advanced by all sides since the issue of the death of the scientist was raised again in the Times. There are powerful and informed voices raised in favour of an inquest. There are equally strong arguments advanced […]
Economic Growth As the fissure between Keynesians and Monetarists opens, while recovery stutters uncertainly across the West, it becomes clear that they talk of two economies. One is based on borrowing driving consumption and asset inflation. The other is based on saving and enterprise driving the creation of tangible wealth. The former is in trouble, the […]
Mosque at Ground Zero It is understandable that many bereaved families have some misgivings about this plan. President Obama has reminded everyone of the true nature of America as a country, based on values which in combination give it a purpose enshrined in the very highest ideals. Not always does this work out and there are […]
Dr David Kelly In my book I was highly critical of the astonishing Hutton enquiry which did not resolve the curious circumstances surrounding the death of this dedicated and courageous man, who has been proved so right by the course of events since his death. The decision by Hutton to seal the papers directly relating to […]
German Recovery The second quarter growth figures of the German economy are startling. This is very good news. Germany demonstrates that it has the strongest economy in Europe, founded on manufacture and exports, which can take advantage of the weaker euro, weighed down by sovereign debt of southern euro zone countries. It also points the way […]
Prudential Results The unexpectedly good results from the Pru, coming together with other good results from insurance companies offering investment products, is due in significant part to the rise in sales volumes of savings, which are now flowing very strongly. This is another piece of good news liable to be lost in the worries about […]