An unhappy divorce.

 There is an increasing gulf between members of NATO and the Trump government. His constant criticism and denigration of many countries, including Britain, has made it an uncomfortable relationship. From the formation of NATO after WW2 has been an alliance that has largely worked, despite many ups and downs. However the current crisis is of a different order and magnitude. Trump’s obvious ambivalence about supporting Ukraine is a clear example of this. We across Europe must take our collective security seriously and work more closely together - as we are interdependent on each other. Paradoxically a world without Trump, might be more secure in the long term. Let’s hope this divorce isn’t - too unhappy. 

Britain’s National Parks.

 If you want an uplifting series of programmes, then watch on BBC One Inside Britain’s National Parks it will make you feel good about life. There are 15 Natural Parks created in 1949 across the country. The series concentrate on four of them: Dartmoor, Northumberland, Pembrokeshire and the New Forest. The actor Alex Jennings, provides a wonderful voice over that manages to capture the - thrill and beauty of the parks. Wild life is plentiful and the Osprey has made a welcome return after many years of absence. 

Hanna Spencer MP.

 Hanna Spencer at 34 - is the young plumber and plasterer who stormed recently to victory for the Green Party - in the by-election in Gorton and Denton on 26 February. She said in a thoughtful interview by Zoe Williams in The Guardian today ‘how do you counter the misinformation - when it’s so wrong and it spreads so quickly’? There was much misinformation about her and whether she was really a plumber and plasterer or not? She is. It’s a mark of her tenacity and determination that she is now an MP. We should celebrate the fact - rather than trying to denigrate her obvious success. Let’s wish her well in her new career as a politician. 

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.