The AI will see you now.

 According to The Guardian today the latest research suggests that the ChatGBT has a highly successful diagnosis of a number of serious illnesses. There was a 70-79% success rate compared with human doctors. In any busy A&E department having a quick and accurate assessment is the sine qua non of good and successful medical treatment. So it’s therefore reassuring to have this new research available. 

The News Agents USA.

 A truly enlightening programme was the latest edition of  The News Agents USA with the respected academic and Russian expert Fiona Hill, is a must listen to show. She gave an overview of the current Trump thinking of international relations. She has been at the very centre of American politics for decades. She explained that Trump “loves a good conspiracy”. He has deliberately and intentionally - undermined our respect for the democratic process. The consequences of this are the citizens of America will either not vote or have no faith in the result. This is straight out of the oligarchs, hand book. He wants the respect of Putin and Xi. They don’t have the inconvenience of an election. He thinks he is infallible and a god like figure and wants to upstage the Pope. Moreover he wants respect from these dictators, like Putin and Xi. Will the various states across America, start to stand up and not be bullied, by the bellicose politician? We shall see? 

 

The rise and rise of antisemitism.

 On Wednesday in Golders Green in north London, we had another attack on two innocent Jewish men going about their daily business. Thankfully despite being stabbed and being in hospital they are ok. There is a depressing increase in antisemitic actions against Jews across the country - in Manchester and other parts of the country. Where is the - public outrage? If this was an attack on black British churches or individuals, there would be demonstrations on the streets and in Trafalgar Square. Why not for Jews? As someone who volunteered for the Six Day War in 1967, despite not being Jewish, I’m saddened at this supine response by other British citizens. As Jonathan Freedland said on Newsnight on Wednesday “where is the public demonstrations of support”? These are worrying times for Jewish people around the country. We should be collectively ashamed - this breakdown of solidarity with Jews has occurred in the country. I have Jewish friends and have arranged with two of them to have lunch together to show solidarity. 

The deliberate killing of journalists.

 According to Christina Lamb, of The Sunday Times, who was on The Media Show on BBC Sounds today - she claimed that journalists are deliberately being targeted and killed. According to the Geneva Convention, journalists are protected against this practice. She argues that there should be an international body to investigate these allegations. Since 9/11 - there has been a rise of this phenomenon. This is disturbing problem, that has over the last few years has increased. 

A post election marriage of convenience.

 In the current issue of The New Statesman - Andrew Marr, the veteran political commentator has a new idea. According to some cephalologists there is the possibility of a Labour Party and Lib/Dem coalition after the next general election in July 2029. There is often talk of Reform and the Conservatives doing a deal, but little attention has been paid about the left of politics getting together. It’s interesting  that the Greens are not included in the - marriage of convenience. Could this work or would there be too much of a clash of ideologies to form a government? 

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”.