Chronic money worries, can damage your mental health.

 The latest research published today, reveals an interesting potential - causal correlation between chronic money worries and the onset of dementia. Researchers at University College, London have published their findings in the journal of Innovation in Ageing. Participants were asked questions at various stages about their incomes at 26, 46 and 53. With research findings over many decades they discovered that - the accumulation of hardship across many years is linked to the worst cognitive health outcomes, rather than occasional episodes of adversity. The link was stronger in men especially if they had relatively deprived childhoods, across many years. It’s this chronic nature of these worries over time that has the long term detrimental effects. These findings have clear implications for policymakers and social policy should - seek to address these underpinning social and cultural issues. 

Too hot.

 In many parts of Europe we are witnessing the serious consequences of - global warming in action. Across Spain many have died in forest fires and today we learn that in Madrid, people are getting out of the city. In Bordeaux in France, president Macron has asked for assistance from other European countries to assist with putting out fires. We have seen in our own country many acres of land destroyed by fires. For the first time in 200 years Wales has found itself in a - drought with so little rain over many months. Normally associated with heavy rainfall, this is a serious volte face. In addition we in England are suffering from a lack of water and rain fall as the countryside is so parched. There are in a number of counties - hosepipe bans and farmers in many areas of the country are suffering drought. This is the case in Kent, where I live. Some sceptics will argue this is simply the normal variations in the weather over time - things will get sorted out.  On the other hand - there is increasing evidence to say we are now seeing the effects of global warming in action. Things will only get hotter. 

The cost of living.

 The overarching project of this government according to the new prime minister Andy Burnham is - the cost of living and bearing down on it. All policies must therefore be measured against this philosophy. This of course is - easier said than down. There are so many potential issues outside the governments control, whether that’s Russia invading Ukraine, the war against Iran or as the wise previous prime minister Harold Macmillian said “events, dear boy events”. We have only three years maximum to the next general election, unless Burnham decides to go earlier. That time will pass in a flash. Let’s just hope he does better than the - valid and inconsequential Starmer. 

Their first cabinet meeting.

 Today is their first cabinet meeting in their new roles. Of the large group of 28 - I shall only mention a few as I had introduced some yesterday. Shabana Mahood, stays in the Home Office, Wes Streeting, goes to Defence, Yvette Cooper, to Health and Social Care and Andela Rayner, to Housing and Local Government. The problems however, stay the same - will this team find better solutions? Good luck. 

Picking the right team.

 Picking the - right person for the job is key to a successful cabinet and the new prime minister Andy Burnham, starts this afternoon. Perhaps the most consequential role and the tone of government is that of chancellor. The best recent example of it working well was that between David Cameron as prime minister and George Osbourne. The announcement of John Healey, as chancellor took everyone by surprise, but has been seen as positive.. The Snakes and Ladders of politics can be very brutal at times like these - when jobs are up for grabs. I look forward to seeing the new people in their various roles. 

The World Cup final.

 Tonight we have the final of the World Cup between the holders Argentina and Spain. They have similar styles of play, both enjoying possession of the ball by outstanding and skilled players. The talisman Messi at 39 - this is very probably his last World Cup. I hope Spain wins and the cup comes back to Europe. I watched the Bronze Medal match last night between England and France and it was exhilarating and exciting with the eventual victory going to England at 6/4 . One of the best matches of the tournament and especially the fact that we won. 

Not a very exciting game of football - in fact I found it a rather boring game. It went into extra time and eventually Spain 🇪🇸 managed to score a goal, despite the outrageous behaviour of many of the Argentina team. They kicked and tripped up the Spanish players . Messi wasn’t the normal magical inspiration player but thankfully - Spain put us out of our collective misery and finished 1/0. 

A changing of the guard.

 Tomorrow we see a change of prime minister with the exit of Keir Starmer and the entrance of Andy Burnham, into Downing Street. What will we remember of Starmer, in a few years time? He will along with Liz Truss, be forgotten for any good he did. In a thoughtful profile of him in this weeks New Statesman by the editor Tom McTague, he concludes ‘we are poor and don’t know how to recover’. And further in the article asked ‘when did the rot set in’? We must hope that this time the new prime minister will be more consequential than the previous - gang of incompetent and mediocre leaders. If Burnham, fails in his task of reshaping the country - then democracy is at serious risk.