One in one out.

 This is the new deterrent suggested between England and France to - stop the illegal migration across the English Channel. Will it work? The scheme forged in a meeting between the prime minister and president Macron of France on Thursday in London. The idea is to return an illegal migrant to France and to - accept a replacement by an asylum seeker - who has already been approved by the British authorities in France. The government hopes this will have a deterrent effect. If this - bright idea fails then it’s - good night Vienna - to the Labour government in four years time and make way for Nigel Farage and Reform. So there are high hopes this will do the trick. Im not convinced. 

The AI revolution is coming.

 It’s impossible to underestimate the revolutionary impact that AI will have on almost all - especially white collar jobs. If you want job security then working with your hands is a good place to start - according to James Kanagasooriam of Focaldata in The Times today. The top five safest jobs are in - roofing, construction work, plasterer, steel erection and sports players. Jobs using your hands are thought to be relatively secure, like physiotherapists, carpenters or plumbers and osteopaths. It’s very likely in the not too distant future, professional careers like accountants, some legal professionals will disappear or be reduced. Constituencies like Hampstead and Highgate, Westminster with high concentrations of white collar jobs are all vulnerable to losing their roles via AI. This will have wide and deep societal implications across the whole country and few will escape its consequences. Stand by as it will also influence how people will vote in forthcoming elections - and the left right demarcations will be made redundant. 

Not much fun.

 I had to go to A&E because I couldn’t do a pee. So the general experience of going into this - war zone isn’t much fun. After waiting several hours at the A&E - I was eventually seen by a constant and he said “no wonder you were in agony, as under normal circumstances the bladder contains half a litre of liquid, you had over a litre”. He put a tube down my penis and immediately there was relief as he drained the excess pee. I spent more time waiting to give more blood tests. My blood count indicated that my Potassium was too low and this was the cause of not being able to pee. Potassium is necessary to correctly regulate the water flow around the body. So Ive now have a catheter until the 22 July when it’s removed. Today I had to go back to hospital to give further blood for testing. So all in all - not much fun as walking any distance with a catheter - isn’t easy or enjoyable. 

Entente Cordiale.

 Since the 8 April 1904 we have been trying to have an entente cordiale with our closest neighbour France, sometimes it’s successful and other times not. This week will be a further attempt to keep the show on the road - as president Macron pops over for a chat and state visit. There will of course be trumpets, castles and cakes, but will it make any difference? The most pressing issue is - illegal migrants across the channel. Unless this is solved and resolved its - curtains for the prime minister. This is the Achilles heel of Starmer and could lead to Reform in 4 years forming a government. Will Macron deliver on this complex political issue? There have been innumerable attempts, but little real success at dealing with it. The Brexit vote in 2016 was essentially about - taking back control of our borders - but that patently hasn’t happened. Is this the last roll of the dice? Im not too optimistic as we have had platitudes and fine words before. As the saying goes - the chickens could come home to roost on the - entente cordiale. 

Political Thinking.

 The podcast Political Thinking on BBC Sounds this week had Nick Robinson, putting the questions to the prime minister in Downing Street on the first anniversary of Labour back in power - after 14 years of misrule by the Conservatives. The balance sheet he thought - was broadly speaking favourable for his government. He made a robust defence of his year in office and was optimistic for the future. He cited the wins: breakfast clubs for kids going to school, reducing the waiting lists for patients and increasing the number of appointments, trade agreements with a number of countries including the United States, an improved relationship with with Donald Trump, a better relationship with our immediate neighbours and in particular France, Germany and Italy. Giving ongoing support both financially and military to Ukraine. He concluded the interview by saying “we’re only just beginning”. 

An interesting discussion and worth listening to on his opinion about the Labour project going forward, but no overall philosophy or vision for the nation, more a pragmatic approach to each problem. But not someone - you would die in a ditch for. Clearly a decent politician who cares for his family, but a rather boring chap and too dour. However where we do agree is our support for Arsenal football club. 

Waiting in the wings.

 As the Labour Party goes from crisis to crisis and Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves - try to hang onto their jobs - one political figure comes out with an enhanced reputation. Step forward from the wings - Angela Rayner. So far she hasn’t put a foot wrong and her calm demeanour has exuded confidence and competence. These characteristics clearly lacking in Starmer and Reeves - as has been only too obvious over the last few days and weeks. Labour have never had a female leader - could she be it? If this was to happen, it would be an extraordinary - rags to riches parable. From a working class background - where her mother was illiterate and borderline intelligent - she has become deputy prime minister. From a personal point of view - I sincerely hope it happens as it would indicate - you mustn’t right anyone off - no matter where they might start from. 

5 July 1948.

On this date the NHS was founded after the WW2 and it’s the - closest thing the British have to a religion. So looking into the future the prime minister today - spelt out a 10 year plan of moving the focus from hospitals - to community health centres. In addition more time and money will be spent on - preventative measures. Especially in the ares of: mental health and emotional wellbeing, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, smoking, lung cancer, alcoholism and similar health related problems. Making the nation fitter and healthier - will drive social and health policies in the next few years. The big stand alone general hospital will increasingly be a thing of the past - like the dinosaurs it’s had its day. Health closer to the patient and public will be the - guiding principle. Sounds a very laudable aim - if it can be achieved. Let’s see in 2035?