In the old Soviet Union, political opponents of the regime were commonly punished by internal exile. The effect was that they were required to live in some province on the outer edges of the USSR and forbidden to travel, work or study elsewhere without the permission of the state and then only if they met … Continue reading ExIsles
The Rule of Law, OK…or Not
In a conversation over lunch in London with a friend now living and working in Moscow, the discussion turned, as so often, to corruption in Russia. As we began to recite the usual lamentations about the absence of the rule of law and the reign of Putin and his gangsters, my friend’s companion, a Muscovite … Continue reading The Rule of Law, OK…or Not
COP (Out)26
There is something disconcerting about the rhetoric of climate change. Some of those who seek action to tackle it talk about ‘saving the Planet’. However, while science predicts that the Earth will be destroyed along with the rest of the solar system, that, irrespective of climate change, is unlikely for about 5 billion years we … Continue reading COP (Out)26
Spring Time For Boris
Now is the winter of Tory discontent Made glorious summer by this son of Trump; And all the clouds that lour'd upon Clarrie’s flat In the deep bosom of John Lewis buried. Now are his lies upheld as victorious wreaths; His murderous mistakes as monuments to his rule. Our stern reprovals are met with merry … Continue reading Spring Time For Boris
Fantastical Beauty
Some might be astonished by the outrage being expressed at the proposal to set up a European Super League. To hear leading figures in an international business that has thrived on and majored in nationalism, racism, violence, corruption and greed demanding that the initiative be opposed as being contrary to the sporting ethic and driven … Continue reading Fantastical Beauty
Calm Down, Dears
No one can doubt that Trump was intent on putting pressure on the Congress and particularly Pence to reject the outcome of the election. Few can any longer believe that Trump would not, if he could, subvert the Constitution by any means to stay in power and that he sees stirring up his base against … Continue reading Calm Down, Dears
Naughty Kids Get Second Chance
UK citizens now know what they will lose at 23.00. on 31 December. Not just frictionless trade with the EU but their personal rights as individual ‘EU citizens’ to have a say in the EU’s future, to enjoy continent-wide social and health services and to travel, live, study, and work across the EU without having … Continue reading Naughty Kids Get Second Chance
Deal or No-Deal? By a Whisper.
Boris Johnson faces a phalanx of shroud waving doubters who contest his boast that Britain will “thrive mightily” even if there is a No-Deal Brexit. Financiers cautioning that foreign investment will dry up or flee the UK if tariff and other barriers go up across La Manche. Manufacturers warning that No-Deal will see their factories … Continue reading Deal or No-Deal? By a Whisper.
The Wriggle Room
To quote Boris Johnson's reply to an arranged question in today's PMQs "Our friends in the EU are currently insisting that if they pass a new law with which we in this country do not comply or don't follow suit, then they want the automatic right to punish us and retaliate" So, if it is … Continue reading The Wriggle Room
Two Down, One To Go
On Wednesday, this blog argued that the exit of Lee Cain might be the prelude to Johnson signing up to a Surrender Deal with the EU, (be it by accepting the EU’s terms behind a mendacious smoke screen of 'success' or by some subterfuge which in substance postpones Brexit). It also questioned how long it … Continue reading Two Down, One To Go
It's the Law, Stupid: Justice: Fairness and Efficiency in Public Policy 