Park Run.

 In England, way back in 2 October 2004 Paul Sinton-Hewitt, decided to organise a fun run in his locality and this became an international event and came to life, across my countries. He was born on 12 August 1960 - so he is now 66. In our atomised society, where there is so limited interaction with other humans, because of our collective obsession with the iPhone, computer etc. We are therefore alienated from each other and perceive - the other as a potential threat. So doing something collectively - cuts across this basic assumption. So amazing that it happens in 23 countries, more than 11 million people regularly take part in a run, some 45,000 volunteers are involved in a typical week. Such a simple idea, should produce such amazing benefits and results. We need  more collective events that draw us together and doesn’t separate us. 

PC Andrew Harper.

 The terrible tragic death of PC Andrew Harper, while on duty has been a causa celebre and has put extreme pressure on the Prime Minister. There must be some rational resolution to this inexcusable crime and the public demand it. They will not give up until there is a proper resolution to the issue. The early release scheme is the bete noire and has caused the current crisis in the government.The problem is that successive governments - have over the last 20 years not built sufficient capacity in the prisons estate. Moreover we imprison a larger number of prisoners - than our European counterparts, thereby increasing the problem. There is no easy solution, but the public wants a resolution. 

Burnham bounce.

 According to the latest opinion polls there has been a small Burnham bounce. Labour on 26 per cent, Reform on 22 per cent, Conservatives on 21 per cent, Greens on 12 per cent and the Lib Dem’s on 11 per cent. The issues that preoccupied the general public are:cost of living, living standards, the overall state of the economy, NHS, illegal migration and in particular the boats crossing the channel, education. Let’s hope the prime minister can address these issues with alacrity and make all our lives better. 

More heat.

 As if we didn’t know it - the Met Office has issued an extreme heat warning as temperatures could hit a staggering 38c in Southern England, this week. At the moment I am in the Royal Academy, basement enjoying air conditioning. However, earlier today while travelling by bus from London Victoria, station the crowded bus was very uncomfortable for many of the passengers. We have in recent weeks become somewhat blasé - about this exceptional situation. However the many fires across Europe and parts of North America, should be a wake up call - but I doubt politicians and policy makers will rise to the challenge. We are - literally fiddling while Rome burns. 

Dead man walking - Gianni Infantino.

 The latest revelation about the president of FIFA - will be his undoing. The Daily Telegraph, has revealed he had an affair with a woman, much younger than him - when he was the head of UEFA. Apparently there is a record of the transaction some years ago. She had to sign a - non disclosure agreement. Playing - away from home by having an affair doesn’t look good. She received a six figure sum of money and the cost of her MBA. And the affair took place sometime between 2009 and 2016. Infantino, strongly denies the allegations. Next year in March his election comes up for renewal, it’s therefore unlikely he will receive sufficient support by the members of FIFA for another 4 years. 

Simon Levy.

 Mr Levy, from Tottenham, in north London - was found guilty at The Old Bailey on Friday for the murder of two women - Sheryl Williams and Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo. He will be sentenced at a later date.There was clearly systemic failures in the way in which the Metropolitan police conducted their enquiries? The fatuous statement - this will never happen again - is made too often to carry any weight. The problem essentially is - the police have no ability or intention of investigate these crimes. Police officers want a quiet life - they are not interested in investigating serious crimes. They basically want to get down the pub and have a few drinks with their mates and watch the football. There is absolutely no inclination to work hard and diligently to solve crimes. There is a lack of resolution and determination by the police to change this atmosphere. This systemic problem goes right up to the commissioner. 

Hunter Biden.

 On Newsnight on Friday evening we had a fascinating interview with Hunter Biden (56) the son of the previous president Joe Biden. Hunter, has had a very turbulent personal history of drug and alcohol abuse, which brought him close to death. He said that after his brother Beau died from brain cancer in May 2015 - he went off the rails. Needless to say this had a devastating effect on the Biden family and in particular Hunter who was - very close to his brother. In talking about the travails of his own personal story he explained that his father - “always left the door open”. The president famously pardoned his son from life long prosecution as his final act as president. Joe Biden, has bone cancer and is extremely unwell and will die within the next few years.