A tragic political figure.

 In the House of Commons on Wednesday - we witnessed the - beginning of the end of Starmer. His personal authority drained away after admitting to Kemi Badenoch, he ‘knew Mandelson had continued his friendship with Epstein, after his conviction’. This was his fate being sealed as if - on a public scaffold. What a tragic lonely political figure - he was in the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon. He will be gone by Easter. 

Is this the most consequential political crisis?

 I cannot recall a more febrile and fractured politician atmosphere than today - in the wake of the Mandelson scandal. Even during the dark days of the Boris Johnson - partygate fiasco and the proroguing of parliament- there was at least the feeling that eventually the - ship of state would right itself. But this scandal is different in a number of ways: a recently serving member of the administration as our ambassador to Washington, a history of bad and immoral behaviour, friendship with a convicted paedophile, taking sums of money, conducting a business meeting in his underpants, betraying his own government during the financial crisis of 2008/9, a wayward disregard for his friendship with the prime minister Gordon Brown, during this financial crisis. Mandelson was at the very heart of the new Labour project for over forty years. It could turn out to be the most consequential crisis and lead to the end of Starmer? 

Walking a tightrope.

 There can be few more difficult jobs in journalism than being the BBC correspondent in Moscow. Steven Rosenberg, is that chap and has been for over twenty years. In the time he has witnessed many extraordinary events - not least the current war in Ukraine. Of course in Russia you cannot refer to it as a war, but the ‘military intervention’. George Orwell, is alive and well. The difficulty for Rosenberg, is how to remain relevant, when the Russian state is keeping its eyes on you all the time. Moreover he is also in personal danger and the state can easily decide you are a threat to national security. That sense of intimidation and claustrophobia pervades this excellent programme on BBC One last night in Our Man in Moscow. 

No way back.

 The latest treasure trove of evidence from the Epstein investigation has revealed more embarrassing revelations for Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, Sarah Ferguson and Lord Peter Mandelson. He has decided to resign from the Labour Party, before being kicked out. He was one of the architects of the new Labour Party along with Tony Blair and Alistair Campbell. It’s such a fall from the lofty heights of the 1997 Labour government, where he was to become a minister. Lord  Mandelson, was of course the ambassador to Washington, until he had to resign last autumn. This therefore raises serious questions about the moral and political judgment of the prime minister Keir Starmer. This further undermines his authority and leadership. It appears increasingly that he isn’t up to the job. In addition the opposition has demanded an investigation into the debacle and controversy surrounding Lord Mandelson. There is an old saying ‘never wrestle with a chimney sweep’ and so it proves once again. 

Out walking, no talking.

 It’s become increasingly depressing - when you go for a walk - whether in the countryside, town or locally - no one wants to interact. I would say that roughly - 8 out of 10 of people don’t want any contact whatsoever. They are cocooned in their own private bubble - often listening to music or a podcast - who knows? It’s very discombobulating that - human contact is now so limited. They are interacting with - the internet, but not with you and me. It’s as if people are now frightened to have a relationship, no matter how transitory it might be. Just saying - hallo, or good morning is perceived as a potential - threat and assault. God knows what the future looks like? For someone at 83 - it’s upsetting and profoundly depressing. 

H is for Hawk.

 I read the book when it came out a few years ago and it’s a poignant story about the - deep sense of grief and loss after the death of the beloved father. The author Helen McDonald, channeled her loss by adopting and training a beautiful, but wild goshawk. She takes us on an intimate and personal journey about - how she came to terms will the loss of her father. It’s a strong cast with Claire Foy playing the devastated daughter Helen. The father is the redoubtable Brendan Gleeson, the larger than life gregarious chap. He had introduced her to falconer years before when she was younger. The mother was a thoughtful and deeply expressed by Lindsay Duncan. The drama is set in the. Cambridgeshire countryside against the background of Jesus College, where Helen teaches. The star role is of course for the goshawk Mabel, who embodies the very essence of - raw and unsentimental nature. My score three stars. 

A new dawn in the east?

 Keir Starmer is on a trip to China. The red carpet has been put out and there is optimism. The prime minister has taken with him a gang of company leaders and heads of cultural institutions, like The Royal Shakespeare Company and V&A museum - so the British are hoping this will all pay off handsomely. However the problem of human rights - isn’t something that can be ignored and the welfare of the Hong Kong newspaper editor and businessman Jimmy Lai, must be addressed. He is now 77 years old and not in good health. Will this visit to China by Starmer make a difference, in the short term perhaps, but longer - who can tell?