70 Up.

 An ITV programme started way back in 1964 - when a group of young people were selected to be part of a - social mobility study. They were followed up each 7 years to see how they were developing, both socially and psychologically. It’s just concluded and last night on ITV - we had some of the participants - speaking to camera about the experience, good and bad. Some found the whole thing a - trial and something to be endured and the - public exposure problematic and disturbing. Others were more sanguine and it wasn’t so difficult. There was some criticism of the director - who was less than objective and had his own particular agenda - regarding class. Having said this - I watched the programme with great interest - to see how the participants had developed. The end of an interesting experiment. 

Crime in London.

 We often hear from the mayor of London that crime in general and violent crime in particular is on the decline. However, there is a new form of crime and that is the - league table of violence. In order to get a high place and more points you must commit - serious crimes like - stabbings, shootings, and even murder to get a high place on the board. All this is happening in south London in and around Brixton. This league table is fuelling increases in violence and has led to a number of murders. They take pride in - being top of the league table. How extraordinary - there could be pride in violence and even murder. 

Papua New Guinea and a very rare animal.

 In an extremely remote part of north west Papua New Guinea, there is a tree animal that has rarely been seen and not yet - filmed or properly recognised or identified by Zoologist. However in a brilliant series starting on BBC2 on Sunday evening - we had a good look at this extraordinary animal - the Tankile. Simon Reeves in Wilderness goes to this inhospitable area - off the beaten track to try and both see and film the tree kangaroo - the Tankile. It’s lived in the tree canopy for many millions of years - without being disturbed. Only local people have been fortunate enough to have seen it. We were in luck as the local guide - who knows the terrain and places - where they are more likely to be see the Tankile was invaluable. It’s the most lovely looking animal, like a small bear with brown fur, small head and piercing eyes and long tail for balance in the trees as they climb. They were able to - film, take blood samples, take various measurements and basically - document this very rare animal. The very first time this has been done. However, unfortunately there are parts of the pristine jungle - that are being illegally logged for big money - so in the long term the Tankile is under threat. Just at the very point - when we see this rare animal for the first time. 

Testing our resolve.

 There are reports in the press about the possibility of - Russia testing the resolve of Europe. Would Putin, be so stupid or is it all part of his political and military manoeuvring's. The NATO rules say under article 5 - an attack on one is an attack on all. So in theory there should be a collective response to any attack. But no doubt there is plenty of - wriggle room by some countries - not willing to put their troops in harms way. We in this country are hardly able to summon up many troops at a moments notice. Other countries on the boarders with Russia, might well feel differently. There are at least 8 countries with a land border with Russia, including: Norway, Finland, Estonian and Latvia. We know from the war in Ukraine that Russia is a - belligerent neighbour. So all bets are off as Putin, could be reckless and do something stupid. 

The shakeup in German politics.

 Germany is going through a major change of direction. The former successful Christian Democratic Party (CDU) has lost another election and this only adds additional pressure on the chancellor Mertz. He isn’t considered a big asset to his party and his - lacklustre performance at various rallies - hasn’t helped him. The central problem is - the gene is out of the bottle and there is no going back to the - status quo ante. The travails of the CDU are manifold and started under the chancellor (2005-2021) Angela Merkel, with her disastrous policy in 2015 of - letting into the country over a million Syrian refugees. The rot started then. It’s now not possible to predict the future of German politics, but many think the AfD - is on route to power in the next few years. The big general elections across Germany are in 2029 and that could be the year the AfD - make a clean sweep. Be careful what you wish for - as we are rapidly approaching the victory of Hitler as chancellor in January 1933. We know what happened after that. 

A dagger into the heart of the monarchy.

 Well the Queensbeery rules are not being adhered to between the King and Earl Spencer, the younger brother to Diana. It’s turned rather nasty. Following the death of his sister in a tragic car accident in - Paris in August 1997 - there was universal mourning and some say - general hysteria in London and in particular Kensington Palace - was flooded with tourists and flowers. His book - Swan Song: Diana, My Sister is about to be published. And needless to say has caused a great deal of controversy on all sides. We are all familiar with this story of betrayal, illicit love making between Charles and Camilla and the general implosion of the House of Windsor. No one comes out - smelling of roses. Moreover this latest salvo from Earl Charles Spencer, is very incendiary and could completely undermine the King - in his attempts to do the right thing. We all know he - didn’t love Diana and was in love with Camilla - so the wedding in July 1981 was a complete farce. There appears to be no end to the - national soap opera of the House of Windsor. With Harry and Meghan - returning to England a few weeks ago - this adds another layer to the ongoing saga - of the rotten house of Windsor. What do you think William is going through? His father the King known as an adulterous father/husband and a errant brother - who has just reentered the stage and his vacuous wife Meghan. Could this be a mortal blow to the authority and majesty of the King? 

Why do some do better than others?

 The international Pisa educational study is worth considering - when looking at different ethnic groups in Britain - regarding education attainment. The most successful are: Chinese, Indian, Bangladesh, Black African, Caribbean. The Black Caribbean, does the least best in the Pisa study. Two other groups that will eventually feed into the research are the - Hong Kong Chinese and the refugees from Ukraine. Some 500,000 from each respective group - will soon make their presence known. However, the sub-group at the bottom of attainment is the - white working class. Why? Many arguments have been advanced for this underachievement. For example: a greater damage to working class infrastructure, jobs and pathways into industries not being available, the closing of social clubs for them, low expectations by both parents and teachers, family breakdown and divorce, increasing use of drugs and alcohol, living in an area where industries have left behind derelict sites and communities, living in coastal towns where there is only - seasonal work. Whatever the causes - their future is vey bleak - unless the government can change the trajectory - of these young white working class boys and young men.