The Week
Should I be more like Bryan Johnson?
‘Journalling’ is now a good thing, which we know because it’s part of Bryan Johnson’s morning routine, sandwiched between eating…
Tax like an Athenian
If Gary Lineker wants to convert his footballing OBE into something better reflecting his wealth, he will have to try…
Which countries have compulsory voting?
Poll positions Lord Kinnock called on Andy Burnham to make voting compulsory. Around 24 countries have some kind of compulsory…
Letters: Why should non-Christians care about the Bible?
Reform’s high bar Sir: Michael Gove’s concerns about Reform lacking the talent and an adequate policy framework to ‘prove their…
Britain needs to get a grip on AI
We remember the empty hysteria induced by warnings over the millennium bug. We have borne the burden of exaggerated predictions…
Portrait of the week: The assisted dying bill falls, the Sussexes quit a school and Trump praises a united Ireland
Home MPs voted against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill that offered assisted suicide, by 286 to 270;…
Dolly Parton’s marriage advice for me
I will miss Dolly Parton; one who truly deserves the title of ‘icon’. I met her a few times but…
Plato would know why Farage attracts chancers
The problem with Nigel Farage is that he seems to be something of a chancer and, as a result, tends…
Which prime ministers have sporting achievements?
Premier sports Andy Burnham took part in the Great North Run, a half marathon, finishing in 1 hour 57 minutes.…
Letters: Why Douglas Murray should attend the St Paul’s rave
The need for Mammon Sir: Douglas Murray is right to wince at Sadiq Khan’s gloating over the partnership at St…
Portrait of the week: Britain sanctions Jewish settlements, Dover protests erupt and the AfD wins big
Home Ed Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, set out in the Commons new restrictions on buying goods made in Jewish settlements…
Ed Miliband has chosen to make British Jews less safe
On Tuesday, the Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband, noted that the government is devoting an extra £250 million this year to…
How full are Britain’s care homes?
Before 9/11 11 September will always be remembered for the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon 25 years…
Will Andy Burnham open Pandora’s Box?
A Mr A.M. Burnham announced at his elevation that he would bring ‘hope’ to the country. A fine sentiment. But…
Now I’ve left Today, I can finally say what I really think…
Hello, what’s this I see before me? A blank page; and a pen unencumbered by the heavy weight of BBC…
Letters: ignore the farming doomsters
Despoiling Suffolk Sir: There can be few better summaries of government attitude to Britain’s countryside than James Vitali’s: ‘Something to…
To understand England, go to the pub
Odysseus had to withstand the wrath of Poseidon, avoid the call of the Sirens and vanquish the terrifying Cyclops to…
How great is the Bayeux tapestry really?
Stitch in time Some facts and figures on the Bayeux tapestry, which is going on display at the British Museum…
Portrait of the week: Keir Starmer leaves, borrowing costs soar and King Harald dies
Home Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, said that anyone convicted of unlawful killing would be excluded from the early release…
Mark Carney is the true King of the North
Mark Carney never much liked Brexit. As the Bank of England’s governor during the 2016 referendum, Carney was limited in…
Augustus’s plans for poverty
A Mr A.M. Burnham has introduced a clear blueprint and legislative goals intended to lift hundreds of thousands of children…
Letters: What will I do without Gentleman’s Relish?
Lessons in education Sir: I read Michael Gove’s thought-provoking piece (‘Revenge of the Blob’, 29 August) with great interest. It…
Now we need to see your economic plans, Prime Minister
Keir Starmer once promised to ‘tread more lightly’ on voters’ lives. Yet he presided over a government that raised taxes…
Portrait of the week: Burnham heads to Kyiv, energy bills rise and Meghan and Harry return
Home Andy Burnham made his first foreign trip as Prime Minister, to Kyiv. ‘Despite Russia’s outrageous threats to my country,’…
How my ancestor dealt with anti-Semitism
I’m not a member of the Establishment, even though I’m writing this in what might be described as its literary…
