David Cameron set a dangerous precedent when he interfered with the Church of England
- 28 Jul 2017
Just before she went on holiday, the Prime Minister gave an interesting and noteworthy interview to the broadcaster Iain Dale. First, she displayed a relaxed and humorous side. She radiated confidence. Her new Communications guru, Robbie Gibb, has made a sure-footed start. Sec...
Brexit still provides opportunities – if we are willing to seize them
- 24 Jul 2017
The Brexit process, like the long debate that preceded it, nearly always generates more heat than light. The process, like the debate, has continued to cause bitter division, but slowly a considered and thoughtful approach is emerging. Most of the public focus has been on B...
The ship has been steadied and the warring Cabinet big beasts need to grow up
- 20 Jul 2017
Parliament rises for the summer recess this week and MPs and Peers will go off for a much needed break from the hothouse atmosphere of the Palace of Westminster. It has been barely six weeks since voters delivered the surprise General Election result, and still only just over ...
Has democracy had it?
- 18 Jul 2017
Edward Luce’s book, “The Retreat of Western Liberalism” is an ambitious and well-informed attempt to provide us with a handbook for understanding the strange state of Western politics in the second decade of the 21st century. When the book was penned, the General Election i...
Brexit bogged down and British business needs a boost
- 10 Jul 2017
Brexit has become bogged down in a wearying war of attrition at Westminster, in the City, and across the country. It is damaging the relationship between Britain and our allies. While the referendum campaign sowed the seeds of division and mistrust across the generations, comm...
Britain's new aircraft carriers are great for aid, trade, diplomacy and show we're serious players on the world stage
- 21 Jun 2017
In the next few weeks HMS Queen Elizabeth will leave port for the first time. It is a moment of national significance. The first of two new aircraft carriers, the second being HMS Prince of Wales, HMS Queen Elizabeth represents the very best of British design, innovation, engi...
Theresa May deserves to win the election
- 7 Jun 2017
For the Tory leader it has been a tough campaign, but she is a tough campaigner. The 2017 General Election was one nobody wanted but Theresa May was right to call it. Everyone involved – candidates, voters, journalists – is weary and longing for it to be over. General Elect...
Book review: How Trump Thinks – His Tweets and the Birth of a New Political Language Peter Oborne and Tom Roberts Published by Head of Zeus
- 30 May 2017
One Hundred days into Donald’s Trumps Presidency there are numerous programmes and articles analysing his progress. Peter Oborne and Tom Roberts have done something different, and much more interesting. They have examined the evolution of Trump’s tweets. They have charted his ...
An election of values and vision
- 30 May 2017
This election needs to be more than just about Brexit - it should be about who is offering the better vision for our future. The 2017 general election was called to strengthen the prime minister’s negotiating authority with our continental allies and friends in the discussi...
Canaletto and the Art of Venice: step into the most beautiful city in the world
- 30 May 2017
This is a sumptuous exhibition, set in The Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace. Recently I attended a private dinner at Buckingham Palace. As we waited for our hosts to arrive guests were allowed to roam freely around The Queen’s Gallery, and what an extraordinarily beauti...