Morgan McSweeney.

 On Tuesday Morgan McSweeney, was before the Foreign Affairs select committee in the House of Commons, chaired by Emily Thornberry. He gave a good account of himself and was poised, confident and articulate. He made it quite explicit that had Kamala Harris, won the presidency in November 2024, then Peter Mandelson, would never have been the ambassador to the United States. Unfortunately that didn’t happen and we are now where we are. McSweeney, expressed regret in recommending him for this important role. Mandelson was a political appointment, with a known controversial political history, but at the time it was thought to be a good idea. The format of the select committee, doesn’t allow for consistent interrogation of a person and moreover allows for - grandstanding and a lack of forensic investigation. Nevertheless it was necessary to have McSweeney - as the recently resigned head of staff to the prime minister Keir Starmer, before the committee. It only adds pressure on Starmer, for his gross lack of political judgment in wanting Mandelson, as his ambassador in Washington. 

The King in Washington.

 I watched part of a speech given by King Charles, at the state banquet in Washington and it was delivered with humour and panache. However can it make any real difference in the somewhat strained relationship between our two countries? It may help the mood music, but does it make any substantial difference? We know the president has a certain fondness for Britain, from his Scottish mother. But as Humphrey Bogart as Rick says at the end of the famous film - Casablanca “don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world”. 

A depressing statistic.

 It’s not a surprise to discover that if you live in a relatively prosperous part of the country - then you live longer in good health. If you are unlucky to live in Blackpool - then the dice is against you living into old age. According to research by the Health Foundation we in Britain are dying earlier, than other comparable countries. In Norway and Spain, life expectancy is increasing. The Healthy Life Expectancy (HLE) index, suggests in Blackpool - for a man 51 years and the same for a woman. However should you be fortunate to live in the smart rich area of Richmond, in the south east of England - then you get the jackpot for men it’s 69 and 70 for women. Almost a twenty year difference. It should be noted that HLE is an important indicator of the general quality of health. And needless to say factors like: poor housing, obesity and bad diet, lack of regular exercise and walking, smoking, drinking too much, illegal drugs use, mental health, occupation and employment, family size are all contributing to bad outcomes. In addition there is another important causal factor and that is our DNA. We all have predispositions, that are carried in our genes. These can also play an important role in any outcomes. Another indicator is education and whether you have done well or not? Back in 2009 a book was published The Spirit Level, came to the very same conclusions. It was written by Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett. These are two well known and highly respected social epidemiologists from the universities of Nottingham and York respectively. When I was a student at the London School of Economics, in the early 1970’s - health economist was my favourite topic of study, so I’ve had an interest in the subject for years. How depressing that as a nation we are going backwards. 

Is it wise to change horses midstream?

 According to Fraser Nelson in The Times today - be careful what you wish for. The current crisis in government is like a - Ground Hog Day experience - of the dying days of the Johnson government. In the recent past our political system has been contaminated by this sickness. Despite his manifold impediments and personality problems, would it be - wise to change horses midstream? I think my diagnosis of Keir Starmer’s mental illness is that of an autistic. He has little or no empathy for others and is somewhat disengage from his colleagues, including senior civil servants and cabinet ministers. 

Running out of road.

 As we approach the local elections in 2 weeks time, there is increasing anxiety in the Labour Party, that it could be a - blood bath. Many members of parliament have very small majorities and it wouldn’t take much to unseat many from the House of Commons. For example the health secretary Wes Streeting, has a tiny majority in his constituency of Ilford North of only 528. In The Times today Patrick Maguire, has a good article about how the mood in the party is sulphurous and potentially explosive. If as expected the polls are terrible, then it’s the end of Starmer and preparations will start to have Andy Burnham, a seat in the House of Commons. He will then be the next leader of the Labour Party and prime minister. 

The London School of Economics - Alumni room.

 I’m at the LSE Alumni room enjoying a coffee, before lunch at Romano’s restaurant at 12.15. There are only six students here and one older chap and probably an endemic. They are all from their appearance from the Indian subcontinent. They are mainly women, working intensively at their Apple laptops. The LSE has in recent years become the leading university in the country, taking over from Oxford, Cambridge and St Andrew’s universities. We are fortunate in this country having so many outstanding places to study. I was here as a student, way back in the autumn of 1971 - some 55 years ago. The immediate environment is comprised of brand new buildings with outstanding facilities. The Old Building, is no more and in its place is a steel and glass building, where Im having coffee. The Shaw Library, is still there and probably the best place to go and relax on large comfortable sofas, surrounded by books with a grand piano in the far corner. I remember coming here and - chillaxing many years ago. 

At war with the civil service.

 The prime minister has dug a deep hole for himself, by peremptory sacking Sir Ollie Robbins, the previous head of the Foreign Office last week. There is disquiet in the cabinet about his decision and consequently the - bond of trust between ministers and the civil service has essentially broken down. Unless this is repaired quickly and with dispatch the government will - not function properly. Moreover we are approaching the local elections in two weeks time and it’s generally expected the Labour Party will do particularly badly. The most recent opinion polls by YouGov suggest: Reform on 24%; Conservative Party on 19%: Labour on 16%; Greens on 16% and the Lib/Dems on 13%. If this turns out to be the case then many members of parliament - would lose their seats in a general election. Unless there can be a greater sense of purpose and direction then the government will be a one term administration. There are only three years left to - avoid the iceberg before a terrible disaster happens and Reform gets into government.