Modern day heroes.

 Finding someone who is inspiring, isn’t always easy in the modern era. Nevertheless two recently deceased men - were heroes. PC Trevor Lock and Oleg Gordievsky - were just such people. One a double agent for British intelligence MI6 - the other a duty policeman at the Iranian Embassy, in London. Gordievsky was so disturbed by the actions of the Russian government that as a KGB officer he decided to become a double agent. He was instrumental in preventing a world war after reassuring the Soviet government that the NATO alliance wasn’t planning a nuclear attack. He escaped to Britain in the boot of a car of an MI6 agent and lived in obscurity in Surrey for the rest of his life. Trevor Lock, was on duty at the Iranian embassy when a group of terrorists decided to attack in April 1980. He remained calm and composed throughout the ordeal. His bravery saved many at the embassy over the next few days. Two modern day heroes - you may not have heard about? 

The playground bully.

 The actions of Donald Trump, regarding tariffs on almost all countries, no matter how big or small is akin to the - playground bully. He believes that everyone has for too long been taking advantage of the country. Therefore across the board - tariffs will now been imposed. Will this push the world economy into recession or something worse? What should the prime minister do? Trying to be the nice guy and not upset this mercurial president isn’t easy. He is so unpredictable and - could at the stroke of his pen - rescind some decisions. He enjoys too much the power of America and in the long term could be his undoing. Meanwhile - the playground bully continues his bulling. 

Liberation Day.

 Today according to Trump, is Liberation Day - as he plans tariffs on international trade into America. There are capitals around the world, fearing that they could be in the firing line. Moreover this could throw the world economy into recession and provoke retaliatory measures against the US. No one wins in a trade war. Weak economies get weaker and strong ones suffer as well. So why do this? Trump thinks the US is being exploited and ripped off by other nations and in particular China. There is no - level playing field and he resents this. Rachel Reeves, will have her fingers crossed and - hope we can escape without being badly hit. Does he believe in the - special relationship or not? 

A third term for Trump.

 There is increasing anxiety in America, that Trump is planning to run for a third term. The general consensus until now is that a president can only serve on two occasions, but no more. He is going to challenge this assumption and has said so. In addition Steve Bannon, last week also announced that Trump would stand again in 2028. Some people have said that - he could cancel the midterm elections in  November 2026. These are challenging times in America and the Supreme Court might have to make a judgement about the legality of the issue. Will the court stand by the constitution or give way to a tyrant? 

Le Pen is furious.

 Well the - shit has hit the fan - in France. The front runner for the presidency in 2027 Marine Le Pen - has been disqualified. In a Paris court on Monday, she was found guilty of embezzling EU funds and consequently she is forbidden from the race. This of course - plays into the hands of the far right and conspiracy theorists. She can appeal the decision, but the process is long and Byzantine. Will the government come to regret this decision to take her to court? In the short term is difficult to know the consequences, but in the longer term - it could help her win eventually. It’s impossible now to predict the events for the next two years, but it’s unlikely - we have heard the last of Le Pen. 

Justin Welby.

 The recently resigned Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, gave an interview this morning on BBC One with Laura Kuenssberg, was a revelation. The reason for his leaving the church was his abject failure of leadership about the historical child abuse in the Church of England. John Smyth was the serial child abuser over many years. He died a few years ago, before any retribution could occur. Needless to say, many people are angry with Welby for his manifold mistakes and lack of leadership. He came across as a character who has lost all authority and has been humiliated by his failures - he is a deminished person and looked very depressed. . 

Another tragedy.

 When you thought life couldn’t get any worse a - titanic earthquake hits Myanmar and the death toll - is so far 1,600. It’s anticipated this figure will rise in next few hours and days. The country has been riven by a civil war for a number of years. Response from neighbouring countries like India, have sent blankets, tents, fresh water supplies and food. The city of Mandalay has been badly affected by the quake and many have lost their homes and have died.