Much has been said in the aftermath of Scotland’s “No” to independence about ensuring that the English get a fair deal in any further devolution package. But most of what has been said has ignored the basic question about what our democratic institutions are for. And ‘solutions’ are being put forward without any real debate […]
Category: Comment and Opinion
Abu Qatada’s fair trial
Commentators have been quick to denounce the Home Secretary Theresa May following the aquittal of Abu Qatada on terrorism charges in Jordan. Media silk John Cooper was one of them, asking on Twitter: “Will Theresa “3 Silk” May comment on the millions of taxpayers money spent to extradite Qatada on evidence now rejected by the […]
The victim was unable to substantiate the allegation
“No action was taken because the victim was unable to substantiate the allegation” – those were the words today of a senior Metropolitan Police detective explaining why no action was taken against a man accused of sexually assaulting a 14 year old girl. The man, who was arrested at the time, is now a suspect […]
The Nigerian 419 scammers are getting more brazen in their lies
Have you heard about a 419 scam? Named after the relevant part of Nigeria’s criminal code; a 419 scam is an email based confidence trick where unwitting recipients are told that they’ve won the lottery, or – more common – that a disgruntled bank worker or solicitor, or the wife or relative of a former […]
Vote UKIP (if you want a strong Europe that steam-rollers over Britain)
Today is the day Britain has its say on who will represent us in the European Parliament for the next five years. It is the oddest British election ever, because – judging from the candidates’ and parties’ leaflets – the politicians do not seem to understand what the election is about. They all seem to […]
Will you pray for the media?
What do you think of when somebody says “the media”? For most people, the term is synonymous with “Fleet Street” – the eponymous collective of scribes, hacks, journalists, reporters, photographers, snappers – whatever you want to call us, that write or take pictures for newspapers. Whenever I deliver media training, I always try to dissuade the participants from talking […]
British Airways’ “insensitive” Indian Ocean advert
British Airways has apologised for an “inappropriate” advert encouraging people to “forget the commute and discover the Indian Ocean.” In a statement, the airline says: “Our Indian Ocean advert contained pre-scheduled content that we recognise is inappropriate at this time. We’re sorry for any offence caused.” Is it really inappropriate? Was an apology really necessary? […]
When Christians lie to abuse the truth
Recently, a couple of websites have been created to cast doubt on last year’s investigation into the shamed evangelist Tony Anthony. I had carried out an extensive investigation into Tony Anthony’s “story”, supported by a group of concerned Christians who had been carrying out their own investigation. A subsequent investigation by an independent panel nominated […]
A different type of HS2 campaign
The Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant has called for the route of the proposed HS2 railway line to be shifted so that rather than taking in the Staffordshire countryside and the delights of its cathedral city, it goes instead through Walsall and Cannock. As somebody who lives in Cannock and has close connections with Walsall, can […]
Holy Land on the cheap!
Gavin Drake, a regular visitor to Israel and Palestine, explains how you can visit the Holy Land on the cheap.