A possible game changer.

 A jury in LA has delivered a damning verdict for two of the world’s most popular digital platforms Instagram and YouTube. It ruled that these platforms are intentionally addictive and are deliberately designed to be so. They have therefore been negligent to their safeguarding of children - who have used them. This is a landmark decision by the court. The parent companies Google and Meta must pay £4.5 million damages to a young woman. This could be the tobacco industry moment - where they were required to place on packaging the - warning about the dangers of smoking to your health. Let’s hope that this changes the rules of the game. 

Matt Brittin new director general of the BBC.

 The new chap to be director general of the BBC is Matt Brittin, at 57 he takes over an institution in crisis. He comes from being the head of Google for Europe etc. He has however no experience of making television programmes and producing popular shows, nevertheless he is thought to be a - safe pair of hands in this difficult internet environment. Will he be able to restore confidence - in the national broadcaster in this challenging time? 

Cost of living.

 The government is in a - bind about the political sensitive issue of the - cost of living crisis. The mantra is now a burden for the prime minister as the war in Iran puts the - cost of living up. There is not sufficient robustness and resilience in the energy industry and consequently the public quickly experience a jump in petrol prices. In the forthcoming elections in May - will inevitably focus on this sensitive political issue. Keir Starmer, is - between a rock and a hard place on the problem. Unfortunately the government has little control over the war in Iran - however it will have an important impact on the May elections. 

Fancy a walk?

 If you are feeling extra energetic, there is now the opportunity to walk the coastal path around the whole of England. Natural England have done this extraordinary act of fortitude and was first started when Gordon Brown, was prime minister. So the coastal breeze, sea and sea gulls can be your fellow travellers. Parts of the walk are called the King Charles path. So get out there and enjoy this unique facility at around 2,689 miles - it’s the longest managed coastal walking route in the world. 

Is Cuba next?

 In the - topsy turvy world of Trump, the next target could be Cuba? In recent days he has expressed ideas about the possibility of an invasion. This would only add to a sense that the - world has been turned upside down. Iran paradoxically - despite the endless bombing its no closer to caving in. They have basically stopped all sea traffic through the Straight of Hormuz, which is where all the oil ships go through. The oil prices have shot up and petrol prices at the pump will start to escalate. This will have a negative influence on the economy and productivity. There are no winners in this senseless war. So rather than making Iran collapse -  it’s continuing its theocratic despotic regime. 

Do jury trials, protect judges?

 It has been argued the proposals by David Lammy, the justice secretary - to limit jury trials to a limited number of serious cases, could put judges at risk. The jury system protects judges who are guided by the decision of the jury. If this protection is withdrawn, then judges are exposed to potential danger. Is this a scenario that is likely to happen or just - judicial hot air? I think the question should be addressed and Lammy, should be obliged to answer these questions in greater detail. Moreover the jury system has had a long and illustrious history in this country - dating back to 1220 and has been the bulwark of our legal system - so why change it? 

Dr Michael Mosley.

 I’ve been listening to the podcast Just One Thing by the inspiring late Dr Michael Mosley (1957-2024). He died while on holiday with his family on the Greek Island of Symi in the summer of 2024. He was an exceptional person and brilliant communicator of complex health advice in a way that was - understandable and without being pretentious. I took to heart his advice regarding Nordic walking. It completely changed my attitude to going out for a walk - in the Kent countryside, no matter the weather. I will for ever be grateful to him for this simple recommendation - that has influenced my daily routine and walks.