What’s happening? Well a lot has happened since my last post, and then again nothing has happened, apart from a great deal of shouting. Because nothing is agreed, although I qualify that with, actually, there are things that are agreed over the water in the EU, and then not a lot
What is this ‘Backstop’?
I’m finishing this piece on the 11thNovember having watched the wreath laying on our Cenotaph at 11.0am. How ahistorical are our politics. Remember, remember I’d say. Anyway, backstop? Everyone these days seems to be using that word – backstop. But what does it mean? This is about Brexit, and it is
Random thoughts on current events
I’ve been struggling for a few weeks now with a piece for this blog. The writing workshop I went on before I started this blog taught me that when writing a column (which this is, kind of) if it isn’t written quickly then drop it. And that’s what I’m doing.
It’s not enough to march
Before I tackle some ideas about the NHS I want to take a step back to view the wider context. This is important because, as we all know, there is constant tinkering to make the NHS more ‘efficient’. But all the changes, I would argue, are predicated on control of budgets,
Brexit – a glossary
I’ve just read a brilliant A-Z of Brexit, which I can’t replicate because it’s been done. However, I do like to unpick definitions, so instead of a longer piece on the current situation around Brexit here is a little something based on the words and phrases used so often in this
The NHS – again!
The NHS – again! Much has been written about the NHS these past few days as we’re approaching its 70thbirthday. There have been many congratulations and kind words for this venerable institution. Because understand this, we Brits love the NHS. We know what we like and this is what we like.
English Exceptionalism and the EU
At the beginning of the year I did a course on The Other America, which was based around the book A People’s History of the United Sates written by Howard Zinn. I don’t know if Zinn is a name that’s easily recognised in the States, but our tutor (American, btw)
Russia, Syria and everything else connected thereof
I’m writing here about Russia and will touch on current events in Syria as well. To do this I’ve abandoned a piece on the EU I’ve been writing on and off for a month, but interesting how it isn’t really a thing at the moment. Instead our media has been
How to save the NHS – a quick up-date on Accountable Care Organisations
Well. Apologies. I thought I was up-to-date with all the structures and new developments in the NHS. And I’m absolutely not. Thing is, I realise now why Jeremy Hunt did his utmost to persuade Theresa May that he should not being moved on as Secretary of State for Health, and
How to save the NHS
How to save the NHS I’ve been away from this blog too long. The list of things I want to write about is also long: Brexit, of course, there’s much to say there. Russia, oh, yes, indeed, I’ll be saying things about that one, and then something that fascinates me,