The rise and rise of antisemitism.

 On Wednesday in Golders Green in north London, we had another attack on two innocent Jewish men going about their daily business. Thankfully despite being stabbed and being in hospital they are ok. There is a depressing increase in antisemitic actions against Jews across the country - in Manchester and other parts of the country. Where is the - public outrage? If this was an attack on black British churches or individuals, there would be demonstrations on the streets and in Trafalgar Square. Why not for Jews? As someone who volunteered for the Six Day War in 1967, despite not being Jewish, I’m saddened at this supine response by other British citizens. As Jonathan Freedland said on Newsnight on Wednesday “where is the public demonstrations of support”? These are worrying times for Jewish people around the country. We should be collectively ashamed - this breakdown of solidarity with Jews has occurred in the country. I have Jewish friends and have arranged with two of them to have lunch together to show solidarity. 

The deliberate killing of journalists.

 According to Christina Lamb, of The Sunday Times, who was on The Media Show on BBC Sounds today - she claimed that journalists are deliberately being targeted and killed. According to the Geneva Convention, journalists are protected against this practice. She argues that there should be an international body to investigate these allegations. Since 9/11 - there has been a rise of this phenomenon. This is disturbing problem, that has over the last few years has increased. 

A post election marriage of convenience.

 In the current issue of The New Statesman - Andrew Marr, the veteran political commentator has a new idea. According to some cephalologists there is the possibility of a Labour Party and Lib/Dem coalition after the next general election in July 2029. There is often talk of Reform and the Conservatives doing a deal, but little attention has been paid about the left of politics getting together. It’s interesting  that the Greens are not included in the - marriage of convenience. Could this work or would there be too much of a clash of ideologies to form a government? 

Morgan McSweeney.

 On Tuesday Morgan McSweeney, was before the Foreign Affairs select committee in the House of Commons, chaired by Emily Thornberry. He gave a good account of himself and was poised, confident and articulate. He made it quite explicit that had Kamala Harris, won the presidency in November 2024, then Peter Mandelson, would never have been the ambassador to the United States. Unfortunately that didn’t happen and we are now where we are. McSweeney, expressed regret in recommending him for this important role. Mandelson was a political appointment, with a known controversial political history, but at the time it was thought to be a good idea. The format of the select committee, doesn’t allow for consistent interrogation of a person and moreover allows for - grandstanding and a lack of forensic investigation. Nevertheless it was necessary to have McSweeney - as the recently resigned head of staff to the prime minister Keir Starmer, before the committee. It only adds pressure on Starmer, for his gross lack of political judgment in wanting Mandelson, as his ambassador in Washington. 

The King in Washington.

 I watched part of a speech given by King Charles, at the state banquet in Washington and it was delivered with humour and panache. However can it make any real difference in the somewhat strained relationship between our two countries? It may help the mood music, but does it make any substantial difference? We know the president has a certain fondness for Britain, from his Scottish mother. But as Humphrey Bogart as Rick says at the end of the famous film - Casablanca “don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world”. 

A depressing statistic.

 It’s not a surprise to discover that if you live in a relatively prosperous part of the country - then you live longer in good health. If you are unlucky to live in Blackpool - then the dice is against you living into old age. According to research by the Health Foundation we in Britain are dying earlier, than other comparable countries. In Norway and Spain, life expectancy is increasing. The Healthy Life Expectancy (HLE) index, suggests in Blackpool - for a man 51 years and the same for a woman. However should you be fortunate to live in the smart rich area of Richmond, in the south east of England - then you get the jackpot for men it’s 69 and 70 for women. Almost a twenty year difference. It should be noted that HLE is an important indicator of the general quality of health. And needless to say factors like: poor housing, obesity and bad diet, lack of regular exercise and walking, smoking, drinking too much, illegal drugs use, mental health, occupation and employment, family size are all contributing to bad outcomes. In addition there is another important causal factor and that is our DNA. We all have predispositions, that are carried in our genes. These can also play an important role in any outcomes. Another indicator is education and whether you have done well or not? Back in 2009 a book was published The Spirit Level, came to the very same conclusions. It was written by Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett. These are two well known and highly respected social epidemiologists from the universities of Nottingham and York respectively. When I was a student at the London School of Economics, in the early 1970’s - health economist was my favourite topic of study, so I’ve had an interest in the subject for years. How depressing that as a nation we are going backwards. 

Is it wise to change horses midstream?

 According to Fraser Nelson in The Times today - be careful what you wish for. The current crisis in government is like a - Ground Hog Day experience - of the dying days of the Johnson government. In the recent past our political system has been contaminated by this sickness. Despite his manifold impediments and personality problems, would it be - wise to change horses midstream? I think my diagnosis of Keir Starmer’s mental illness is that of an autistic. He has little or no empathy for others and is somewhat disengage from his colleagues, including senior civil servants and cabinet ministers.