In my early years I suffered prejudice first hand. Once, when I was a teenager walking down a street, a woman realising I was blind declared to her child — within my hearing — that they were going to cross over to avoid me My entire political career has been a fight against prejudice of … Read more
When two politicians who, for years, have clashed over policies now find themselves on the same side of the argument about a mandatory 14-day quarantine period, it must be time to reflect whether the Government has got it wrong. The Home Secretary’s policy is a devastating blow for anyone hoping to holiday abroad this summer, … Read more
The wartime President of the United States, Franklin D Roosevelt, once proclaimed that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. And at this critical moment, nothing could be more true – not least when it comes to the inflammatory debate about whether or not some primary-aged children should return to the classroom … Read more
We all understand why the Government’s daily briefings are necessary – both to give the latest news and to reinforce key public safety messages. However, I am beginning to feel their purpose has got lost. They are becoming little more than a daily Sermon on the Mount, offering scant new information and, worse, often delivering … Read more
Ex-Home secretary David Blunkett blasts ‘Sermon on the Mount’ daily coronavirus briefings by ministers The Labour life peer made the comments in interview on the Today programme He said that people are now being ‘hectored’ during the coronavirus pandemic In the interview he also discussed the police reaction to the lockdown in place Learn more … Read more
The long goodbye is over. Jeremy Corbyn’s exit spells the end of the power exercised by the very small clique around him. But it does not spell the end of a much wider group who still control the party’s machinery and decision-making processes. Proclamations of unity and outbreaks of sweetness and light are, to say the … Read more
Over 45 years ago, as a young councillor and college lecturer, I was surprised to find a police superintendent on my doorstep. I was even more surprised, with my guide dog Ruby by my side, when the officer accused me of driving a Mini through a Sheffield suburb. When I gently pulled his leg about … Read more
When two hijacked jet liners flew into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre in September 2001, killing many thousands of people, our civilisation faced a desperate crisis. Today, it does again. Comparing the Covid-19 coronavirus with terrorism might seem bizarre, but I believe there are close parallels. After the 9/11 attacks, it was … Read more