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Why I helped take back the Chagos Islands

Why I helped take back the Chagos Islands

Peros Banhos, Chagos Islands On Monday at 08.52 local time, 02.52 GMT, I waded ashore to the Chagos archipelago alongside four islanders who had come to establish a permanent settlement – which they hope will make it impossible for the Starmer government to hand the territory to Mauritius. We had managed to come this far in absolute secrecy. We worried ...
Inflation is down – but for how long?

Inflation is down – but for how long?

Britain seems to be turning a corner. Figures just released by the Office for National Statistics show the rate of inflation fell to 3 per cent in January, having risen to 3.4 per cent at the end of last year. Figures from 2020 Figures from 2015 This downward trend is in line with forecasts from the Bank of England which expect inflation to hit its ...
How many right-wing parties do we really need?

How many right-wing parties do we really need?

Reform has topped every national poll for a good long while – benefitting, as the Greens also have and the Lib Dems haven’t (because there are limits), from a combination of public fatigue and disgust with the two old main parties. But there are other new kids on the right-wing block, both fronted by ex-associates of Nigel Farage and former Reformers. ...
I’ll have what he’s doing

I’ll have what he’s doing

Maybe, just maybe, we owe Sussan Ley a small apology. For her ‘out there’ views on numerology, if nothing else. After all, she was rolled as leader on Friday the 13th. I have no idea if she also foolishly walked under an upright ladder, then kicked a black cat while gazing into a broken mirror before heading to the partyroom spill vote. But come on ...
My reading challenge

My reading challenge

When I was growing up there was always a copy of our local morning paper — the Hobart Mercury — fresh every day in our house. I can’t remember if we had it delivered, or if someone fetched it early from the local shop, or if my father picked it

Why I helped take back the Chagos Islands

Why I helped take back the Chagos Islands
Peros Banhos, Chagos Islands On Monday at 08.52 local time, 02.52 GMT, I waded ashore to the Chagos archipelago alongside four islanders who had come to establish a permanent settlement – which they hope will make it impossible for the Starmer government to hand the territory to Mauritius. We had managed to come this far in absolute secrecy. We worried ...

Inflation is down – but for how long?

Inflation is down – but for how long?
Britain seems to be turning a corner. Figures just released by the Office for National Statistics show the rate of inflation fell to 3 per cent in January, having risen to 3.4 per cent at the end of last year. Figures from 2020 Figures from 2015 This downward trend is in line with forecasts from the Bank of England which expect inflation to hit its ...

How many right-wing parties do we really need?

How many right-wing parties do we really need?
Reform has topped every national poll for a good long while – benefitting, as the Greens also have and the Lib Dems haven’t (because there are limits), from a combination of public fatigue and disgust with the two old main parties. But there are other new kids on the right-wing block, both fronted by ex-associates of Nigel Farage and former Reformers. ...

I’ll have what he’s doing

I’ll have what he’s doing
Maybe, just maybe, we owe Sussan Ley a small apology. For her ‘out there’ views on numerology, if nothing else. After all, she was rolled as leader on Friday the 13th. I have no idea if she also foolishly walked under an upright ladder, then kicked a black cat while gazing into a broken mirror before heading to the partyroom spill vote. But come on ...

My reading challenge

My reading challenge
When I was growing up there was always a copy of our local morning paper — the Hobart Mercury — fresh every day in our house. I can’t remember if we had it delivered, or if someone fetched it early from the local shop, or if my father picked it