Language
Recently I came across the expression ‘weaponised words’– the idea that words with a standard, accepted meaning can be changed…
The battle with the Blob
Most prime ministers fall out with the civil service at some point. David Cameron attacked the ‘enemies of enterprise’; Tony…
The politics of panic
It is 15 months since Sweden’s Coronavirus Commission presented its final report. The 770-page document analysed how the country handled…
My northern honours list
Exciting news arrives. The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has let it be known that he wants more northerners nominated for…
The demonisation of Kathleen Stock
It had been billed as the most controversial debate of the year, with even Rishi Sunak intervening to say that…
English Championship
Michael Adams took first place at the Chessable English Championship in Kenilworth last weekend, winning the tournament with 6/7. In…
Discovering St Julien
Burgundy or Bordeaux? We were discussing that unending question during dinner over the weekend. I think that there is only…
The great car delusion
Suella Braverman was completely wrong to ask her civil servants to investigate the possibility of arranging a one-on-one speed awareness…
There will be no price cap on ‘basic items’
Sometimes it’s the little things that depress most. I groaned last week to hear the news item. The government is…
