Author Archives: Michael

Setting aside childish things

This is a time for us all to set aside childish things. The electorate has spoken. They gave us more new MPs then at any time since 1931 and a bigger swing than Thatcher in 1979. But they did not … Continue reading

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Saying the same thing in London and in Brussels

Politics has been the loser in the last week. I do not just mean that our democratic system is debased in the eyes of the electorate. It is also the case that MP’s expenses have taken our focus away from … Continue reading

Posted in Foreign Affairs | 2 Comments

On my first sonne

My thoughts and prayers are with David and Samantha Cameron after the tragic death of Ivan. I often find solace in poetry. This poem, written by Ben Jonson in 1603 following the death of his first son at age seven, … Continue reading

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Forces of Conservatism

Tony Blair memorably railed against what he called “forces of conservatism” in his 1999 speech to the Labour party conference. This was a memorable speech not for its (sometimes offensive) partisan attacks on the Conservative party, but for its analysis on … Continue reading

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Today’s must-read

Danny Finkelstein is in characteristically great form today with this must read piece in The Times… Continue reading

Posted in Must-Reads | Tagged | 2 Comments