Jeremy Hunt finally breaks his silence and talks about the inappropriateness of the statement by Airbus warning of BREXIT uncertainty. Now Mr. Hunt for you and your government to talk about what is/isn’t appropriate is a tad rich. Although I do not like rehashing my views I’ve made clear in […]
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A BREXIT Nugget; BMW & Airbus Join the Warning Queue – The “Smoothy” BIG BANG BREXIT of Theresa May
More companies warning about the consequences of BREXIT uncertainty. Now here are a few relevant questions; How do we assess/monetise the damage that is now being done – on a daily basis – to the British economy due to the sham approach in triggering article 50 and going into negotiations […]
Read MoreUS Quits 'biased' UN Human Rights Council: That's One View
There is another view that suggests that the Pro-Israel lobby takes complete control of US politics from the top-down and possibly with the blessing of autocratic regimes in the Middle East who’s main purpose in life is to maintain power. The US is the a great example of what it […]
Read MoreBREXIT Macro Nugget: A Post BREXIT Booming Economy or Likely a Bombed Economy
Here are some facts to chew on – if we still have teeth left by the end of the run; The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) today slashed its growth forecast for the UK economy to 1.3% for 2018, the weakest performance since the financial crisis. The consultancy firm Oliver […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Weekend Nugget: A Country In Peril with a Weak PM & a Useless Parliament
The country continues to march forward towards a major political/economic decisions being led by a weak/confused PM who is solely powered by BREXIT ideologues. And if that weren’t enough we have an opposition party with no clear policy – more of a flip/flop approach towards BREXIT; so in brief a […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Nugget: A Remarkable Win – but to Who?
A remarkable vote in the House of Commons today and by no means a common sort of vote. You will see analysts all over the place with different sophisticated interpretations/analysis – but let me be my good old simplistic self as a “commoner”; this in simple terms is no short […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget: The Pint Pal Speaks his Mind
Pint Pal Boris Johnson speaks his mind again but this time though he does make sense when criticising the UK government’s BREXIT talks strategy, saying it lacks “guts” and suggested Donald Trump – of all people – could do a better job. He’s certainly free to express his opinion though it is […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Nugget: BREXIT Tweaks – If it Doesn't Fit You Must Quit
It turns out – or more accurately people are slowly coming to the realisation – that BREXIT does not actually have a definition; more like a fluid/subjective interpretation driven mostly of your mood on a given day. What we do know for a fact is that the lies perpetrated during […]
Read MorePolitics Nugget: The Policy of Appeasement & A Debate on Immigration
The Policy of Appeasement I read an interesting piece on the CNN site entitled; Trump torches Macron, his last friend in the G-7; Let me suggest that any form of appeasement to the current U.S administration is a BIG mistake as I eluded to in this in a previous post prior […]
Read MoreThe Gang of 4 & The BREXIT Micro Nugget
I know that being critical of Special Interest/Lobbyist as a threat to Democracy has been more like a theme in my recent posts. But this level of vial corruption takes us to a new level where a preacher is seeking to raise funds to buy a jet. That’s not all […]
Read MoreUK turns blind eye to dirty Russian money, say MPs – Commentary
An interesting article on the BBC website – link below. In my opinion the fear is NOT only about Russian money that impacts on our security but more broadly all national & foreign money in the UK that does nothing but undermine our Democracy. Some of these fundings are clear/deliberate […]
Read MoreThe Cowards Strike Again
Deepest condolences to family/friends of the victim of this cowardly attack in Paris last night and prayers to all injured from it. The battle against terrorism starts and ends with us all holding to our values and way of life. It is a battle that does not start at the […]
Read MoreA BREXIT Nugget: "The Trick Question" followed by "A Reflection"
A very interesting and quite revealing radio interview about BREXIT – I would recommend listening to the end. The reality that some continue to challenge is that the BREXIT referendum was less about clarity of vision and more about emotions driven to extremes by powerful Eurosceptics; I am afraid this […]
Read MoreA Political Nugget: Interview with James Comey (updated)
A very interesting interview with former FBI Director, James Comey on CNN. It provides truly unique analysis/observations of Covfefe and more importantly the contrasting styles of leadership between him that old friend. For me James Comey embodies the temperament/approach of a true leader; balanced, consistent and with a firm moral/ethical foundation. […]
Read MoreA Political Nugget: Emmanuel Macron's Call to Protect European Democracy
It is all well said by President Emmanuel Macron in calling for the protection of Democratic/Liberal values/traditions in Europe. In my mind however this is only one part of the equation/approach. The other integral part of this approach is for Europe to apply basic principles when dealing with rogue/authoritarian regimes […]
Read MoreA Politics Nugget: The Trump Conundrum
We’ve been watching the complete travesty of politics/government Trump Style for over a year now. But beyond the shenanigans that have clouded this administration one of the most dangerous elements is when personal affairs (and/or personal judgements) start influencing policy, particularly foreign policy and particularly when this involves a super […]
Read MoreFallen Hero
Yet another cowardly attack claims lives in France. Today we also here about the death of Lt-Col Arnaud Beltrame, 45; the gendarme helped bring an end to a gunman’s shooting spree in southern France yesterday. I am angry – very very angry – the same way I feel every time a similar […]
Read MoreSpy poisoning: How could the UK retaliate against Russia?
Well it certainly helps when we have a proper government in place rather than a bunch of hacks led by BREXITEERS who do nothing but brag about their nationalist approach in protecting the interest of the country. However, when it is truly crunch time in terms of action required against […]
Read MoreThe Christmas BREXIT Nugget: Reflections on the BREXIT & the EU Project
With 2017 drawing to a close here’s a couple of final thoughts for the year about BREXIT & the EU; The first suggestion is that Referendums built around a slim majority to make decisions that have profound impact on a nation is a flawed concept; whether it be BREXIT or […]
Read MoreThe U.N. Votes to Criticise the U.S. Decision on Jerusalem
The U.N. Votes to Criticise the U.S. Decision on Jerusalem
The United Nations General Assembly on today, Thursday 21, 2017 adopted a resolution criticising the U.S. decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and begin the process of moving its embassy there. Now beyond the foolishness of the U.S. administration to make that decision, something I posted about here, and […]
Read MoreChina’s “Sharp Power” and our Vulnerabilities that make Self-Protection & Engagement a Difficult Balance
I came across a very interesting article entitled How China’s “sharp power” is muting criticism abroad (link below) about China’s increased influence/meddling in western democracies mainly to promote a positive image of the country, and distorting information to suppress dissent and debate. It’s safe to say that this behaviour is […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Nugget: Time for Reflection for the Prime Minister When Lecturing on Respect/Decency
In a recent tweet by the PM she called for Tolerance, Decency & Respect in the treatment of politicians. Here’s the tweet; Threats of violence and intimidation are unacceptable and have no place in our politics. Everybody should be treated with tolerance, decency and respect. — Theresa May (@theresa_may) December […]
Read MoreBREXIT Flicks: Tweet to Tweet
Here are some interesting tweet exchanges today (my responses are in green) Theresa May’s Orderly/Painless BREXIT .@theresa_may: We’ll deliver Brexit in a smooth and orderly way – without disrupting people’s lives and without disrupting businesses. pic.twitter.com/pwwDNo2MDt — Conservatives (@Conservatives) December 15, 2017 Yes of course, no one will feel a […]
Read MoreBREXIT Flicks: Theresa May tells EU she's still in control despite Commons loss
BREXIT Flicks: Theresa May tells EU she's still in control despite Commons loss
Arriving soaking wet to Brussels suffering from the effects of the political Tsunami battering her government every since the Conservatives loosing overall majority in British parliament on her watch to the latest defeat on BREXIT bill, this while arguing to EU she’s still in control, one can only imagine whispering […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Nugget: Kicking the Can Down the Road(updated)
OK, now that our political “geniuses” are celebrating defeating the government in parliament to give MPs a legal guarantee of a meaningful vote on the final Brexit deal struck with Brussels; here are a few thoughts; This is merely kicking the can down the road because as of yet there […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Model
It seems on a daily basis now that we continue to get a drip..drip analysis of BREXIT’s effects on the economy, some good but mostly quite negative – and the worse part is that no one can really tell fact from fiction. This while our “lovely” politicians continue playing their […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Nugget: How Racism Influenced the Referendum
The reason for this brief post is to record a tweet I posted on twitter commenting on a video clip by journalist/LBC radio presenter James O’Brien speaking to a caller on his reason for voting to leave the EU; I feel it is important enough to re-post on my blog site […]
Read MoreThe Perception of American Leadership/Exceptionalism is Being Systematically Drained While the Swamp is Alive & Kicking (updated)
Now I happen to be one of those who – though a non-American myself – always believed in American leadership never questioned (effectively) the perception of strength of the American model of Democracy & Liberalism. This view however has been shattered to smithereens for a few simple reasons, and here’s the […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Nugget: Britain Leaving the EU Body in all but Tail
It turns out – as we learn from media reports NOT our British government – that the UK has agreed a deal where by the UK will remain in the Customs Union & Single Market during the transition period which means it will continue to accept all EU rules and […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Nugget: A Question of Identity – Where Does that Fit In?
This might be a self-serving post but it is an issue that does mean a great deal to me as a British citizen living in Europe. Having gone through the agreement signed today between the EU and the UK, particularly in relation to Citizen’s Rights I can see no provisions […]
Read MoreReflections from Jerusalem & A Hope for a Brighter Future
I came across this article; Where the Gods Live by the Austrian journalist Tessa Szyszkowitz which provides a very interesting insight – among the many out there – about life in Jerusalem, and decided to share it as a follow up to a recent post I made with the link […]
Read MoreThe Sad State of Liberal Britain & The Way Forward to Build a New Model for Liberal/Progressive Politics
Let’s first get things straight; I identify myself as a Liberal heart/soul and subscribe to Liberal values & traditions. I also happen to believe that Liberalism is about centrist/pragmatic policies rather leaning towards the alt-left or alt-right of political ideology. I was a member of the Liberal Democrats for 10 […]
Read MoreTrump to Recognise Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel
This is simple/brief commentary/predictions on Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel; This in my view is by far the biggest US foreign policy blunder ever even eclipsing the decision to invade Iraq of 2003. Political ramifications will be swift and will not be restricted to the […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Nugget: A Case of Dereliction of Duty
Forget about the politics of it all; Border Controls, Customs Union, Single Market, Remainer, Brexiteer etc. Let’s all agree on a few basics; With the weak Prime Minister in 10 Downing Street leading (or to be more accurate by the look of things; is being led by) a shambolic government […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT "Mini" Nugget: To Deal or NOT To Deal, That is the Question
Plenty of signs coming out of Brussels suggesting that a deal is on the table and close to an agreement. Prime Minister May on the other hand is in a situation of; doomed if you will/doomed if you won’t – not only from Remainer’s but also hard Brexiteers. So now […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Nugget: Weak Morals is the Problem NOT the Solution
I came across this clip on twitter of the BREXIT debate on a recent episode of the BBC’s Question Time – detail below. I listened attentively to the views of MP Sam Gyimah about BREXIT as you can view from the link below. Here is my response which I already […]
Read MoreMike Pompeo Just Let One Off
While scrolling through the latest youtube video’s today I ran into this clip of Leon Panetta former Director of the CIA/White House Chief of Staff and Mike Pompeo the current Director of the CIA discussing the all infamous Trump tweets. Now before moving further in this post let me attempt […]
Read MoreA Message to the Prime Minister
Prime Minister Theresa May, let me just say that every time you open your mouth – on any subject – you seem to be putting yourself and by extension your country into a smaller and smaller box. Sure we can argue & debate things on matters of policy and that’s […]
Read MoreAnother “Heyday” for Theresa May When Racism/Bigotry come into Play (updated)
This post is going to be short and sweet, for a change. Today came yet another glaring indication of where loyalties lie of Theresa May and I would say a big chunk of her team. When Trump made these silly retweets viewed as offensive to Muslims – related article below […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Nugget: Forecasts & Priorities
We continue to see gloomy forecasts for the UK’s economic growth due to the BREXIT train wreck first the OBR and the OECD (links below). On the other hand we see gang in charge of the British government shutting their eyes, closing their ears as they stampede their way towards the […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Nugget: Centre Grounds
The real problem that we face today in this country post BREXIT is the lack of mature leadership able to unite the country by developing a pragmatic vision (please check link at the end of the post as an option) based on compromise/inclusiveness. Instead bigotry & partisanship seem to be […]
Read MoreHearts & Minds in Egypt
Another cowardly attack on a mosque in Egypt’s Sinai peninsula claiming over 200 lives. Prayers to the victims and deepest condolences to their families. The concern is that now that ISIS is loosing grip in Iraq & Syria terrorists are moving to other regions of the Middle East & Africa where they believe to have […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Nugget: Let the 'Cliff Edge' Commence
As we continue with the status quo on BREXIT both in terms of the governments approach and the unwillingness/inability of other pro-Remain supporters across parties to unite and put forth a new vision we see evidence on a daily basis of the downhill spiral the country is going through. So […]
Read MorePolicy Nugget: UK trade minister lobbied Brazil on behalf of oil giants – STOP Treating the Symptoms
We should STOP piecemealing solutions of symptoms and start curing the real issue of political overreach/corruption in all its forms whether it be in financing political parities or influence by lobbyist/special interest. These activities do nothing but chip away at our Democracy and liberal values; we should stop talking about […]
Read MoreA Foreign Policy Nugget; Robert Mugabe sacked as Zanu-PF leader in Zimbabwe
Democracy cannot be imposed but should be actively supported. Let’s learn some lessons from the failures of the Arab Spring and develop/apply an adaptable template to help emerging democracies find/apply a suitable/sustainable path towards democratic governance. The first steps are always the most difficult ones and many states choose the […]
Read MoreLebanon: The Sunni – Shia Rivalry and the Fate of a Country
Few would disagree that the Sunni – Shia rivalry is destructive to the entire Middle East region. Unfortunately Lebanon has been the battle ground of this rivalry among the many sectarian conflicts plaguing the region. This is truly a sad story of a beautiful country/wonderful people that could be a […]
Read MoreThe British Governments Response to the Petition to Investigate Foreign Interference in the EU referendum = Hogwash
The British – so called “government” – has just released its response to a petition with over 17,000 signatures to investigate foreign interference in the EU referendum, and here it is word for word; As the Prime Minister stated in her speech at Mansion House on 13th November 2017, the […]
Read MoreMy Takeaway from a recent Interview with President Emmanuel Macron
A very interesting interview – link below – with French President Emmanuel Macron and I only wish there was more of it to cover a more penetrating insight into his views on a variety of important topics six months into his Presidency. Now a couple of points right off the bat; […]
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