Giving up parliament.

 Keir Starmer, has decided to - throw in the towel of politics. He has resigned as the MP for Camden to concentrate on a new role in international affairs. He was something of a- lack lustre prime minister and there was an Eeyore quality about him - the glass was always - half empty. He will not be remembered as a very competent leader and prime minister. 

Down at the palace of varieties.

 Today will be the prime minister’s first experience to the exposure and examination of the House of Commons. How will he fare? He has of course been a cabinet minister before, so is experienced in the format of the House of Commons. Nevertheless this is his first turn as - the boss with the added scrutiny and examination. The Palace of Varieties can be a tricky place to perform, but let’s hope he gets off the a good start and make - his back benches have a sense of optimism. We all need that - whatever your politics. 

Music only for those who were privately educated.

 The great conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Antonio Pappano, was an excellent guest of the Talking Music podcast. He laments the lack of interest by the government in musical education across the country. The majority of people playing in orchestras - were privately educated. It’s therefore perceived - as only for the educated elite and not for the general public. This bedevils the chances of more and more ordinary people enjoying great international music. Moreover he - laments the fact that London doesn’t have a truly world class - musical venue unlike Paris and Berlin. We must make the necessary investment in such a concert hall. Otherwise, world class orchestras will - not be coming to London in the future. Time to - wake up and smell the coffee. 

A little help from the Bard.

 Generally regarded as an excellent speech at a White House dinner - the King has revealed how the classical actor - Sir Mark Rylance, gave him a few helpful tips. The Bard came in particularly helpful as he quoted from Henry V “my speech entreats, that I may know … why gentle peace should not bless us with her former qualities”. It’s was a - magisterial performance by King Charles III. Rylance and the King know each other well and both love the playwright Shakespeare. At the moment I have the pleasure of reading - Mad about Shakespeare by the illustrious academic professor Sir Jonathan Bate of Oxford University. 

Next week schools are back.

 After the long summer break - schools are back and so is parliament. On Wednesday it’s Andy Burnham’s first PM’s - how will he survive this - cauldron of political fire? Will his ‘easy going charm and charisma’ do the trick or will be burnt? He cannot be any worse than the - wooden, bureaucrat Starmer. The ‘speak your weight machine’ of politics. Generally there is a - short honeymoon period to let the incumbent settle in, but that will last a few months. Up next - the conference season kicks off in late September. Hie first real trial. . 

Is president Putin, runing out of road?

 It’s now over 4 years and six months since president Putin, decided to invade Ukraine. According to most reports from the front line - things are not going according to plan. The international company Wild Strawberries - the Russian equivalent to Amazon - has been hit by drones several times. Moreover the Russian mainland has also been hit, thereby bringing the - war to the Russian people. Unfortunately president Putin, isn’t up for compromise. He has put all his - chips on the Roulette wheel coming up trumps. The innocent people of Russia are suffering and many of their young men are being thrown into the - meat grinder - with no escape. However, some are either deserting or leaving the country. Nevertheless many are trapped in this unforgiving war. We can only hope that - Putin will realises he made a serious error of political and military judgment - by invading Ukraine in 2022. In addition the economy is contracting and isn’t too robust to suffer shocks. Perhaps there could be a coup against him? 

Why is Ukraine so corrupt?

 There are a number of reasons for the systemic corruption in Ukraine. During its long history Ukraine has been dominated by Russia and ruled by it for centuries. As a consequence it was - who you knew that counts. Back handlers for government contracts, everyone was in on ‘graft’ if you didn’t pay a bribe, no contract. No rule of law - the judges are also corrupt and benefiting from ‘graft’. No history of responsible government accountable to the people through democracy and finally Covid, super charged the corruption, by giving ‘bogus contracts’ to friends and family. So the whole system is rigged and corrupt and the general public knows it, but - what can they do in a war? Perhaps, one day things will be different, but not now. Don’t hold your breath.