Published on The Spectator website (December 18th, 2011) Picking my favourite albums this year reminded me of three things about the current state of music. First, the obvious […]
Politics
Like it or not, the PM has never been stronger. He should exploit it
Published in The Independent (December 13th, 2011) When George Osborne addressed Cabinet last week, he compared the proposed deal to salvage the euro and safeguard our futures with […]
Disability
The demonisation of the disabled is a chilling sign of the times
Published in The Observer (December 4th, 2011) Peter Greener endured a barrage of hate from his neighbour. Sometimes, it was eggs thrown at his house, stones thrown at his […]
Economics
Big Pharma’s demise is nothing to celebrate – our health is in their hands
Published in The Independent (December 3rd, 2011) You may not have heard the screams, but this was the week the drug industry fell off a cliff. The most profitable […]
Africa / Egypt
We should not fear a Muslim Brotherhood win
Published in The Independent (November 29th, 2011) The resurgence of Egypt’s revolution has overshadowed the start of the country’s convoluted election, so long awaited after nearly six decades […]
Africa / Egypt
Does democracy stand a chance?
Published in the Daily Mail (November 28th, 2011) As I entered Tahrir Square in Cairo one night last week, a motorbike sped out of the clouds of tear […]
Europe / European Union / Germany
The little communist who grew up to be the world’s most powerful woman (with the future of capitalism in her hands)
Published in the Daily Mail (November 25th, 2011) Unlike so many modern politicians, Angela Merkel does not believe in placing her private life on public display. We know […]
Crime / Policy / United States / World
Oddly, Texas can teach the UK a thing or two on criminal justice
Published in The Guardian (November 21st, 2011) Hang ’em high Texas is not the first place you might look for lessons in criminal justice. The lone star state […]
Africa / Swaziland
The African Canute
Published in the Daily Mail (November 11th, 2011) Last weekend, it was hard to think of anywhere in the world where the scenery could have been more beautiful […]
Africa / Libya
MI6 role in Libyan rebels’ rendition ‘helped to strengthen al-Qaida’
Published in The Guardian (October 25th) British intelligence believes the capture and rendition of two top Libyan rebel commanders, carried out with the involvement of MI6, strengthened al-Qaida […]
Europe / Ireland
From paramilitary to president?
Published in the Daily Mail (October 24th, 2011) As the hotel ballroom filled up and the mood of excitement grew, a three-piece band played traditional Irish music. A […]
Africa / Equatorial Guinea
The strange and evil world of Equatorial Guinea
Published in The Observer magazine (October 23rd, 2011) It is hard not to be impressed when you arrive in the newly rich nation of Equatorial Guinea, especially when […]