Britain needs to beg for forgiveness of the people's of India, Pakistan and Ireland regarding its role in partition

The 75th anniversary of the independence of India and creation of Pakistan has been marked over recent weeks. Another infamous moment in the history of the British Empire. A botched withdrawal, overseen by the incompetent, pompous Lord Louis Mountbatten on behalf of the British government. The whole debacle ended up costing millions of lives and reverberates to this day in a region still wrought with division. The British deployed their favourite diplomatic device in withdrawing from India - partition. Previously the same approach was deployed in Ireland, with disasterous consequences. The Irish fought the Irish in the bloody civil war, following the 1922 treaty. That treaty laid the ground for the war to resume, with the later Troubles in the north - starting in the late 1960s. Partition was also used by Britain in the Middle East. In India, the quick withdrawal, including a botched partition, that saw the actual geographical line only revealed after independence was celebrated, saw a violent type of ethnic cleansing taking place, along what is now the India/Pakistan border. There have been periodic outbreaks of war between the two countries over the years since independence. At present an uneasy truce operates - both countries have nuclear weapons. Not only have these actions taken by Britain across the globe caused untold conflict but the failure to acknowledge what has happened damages Britain itself. The self-delusion over Britain's past role in the world has enabled the myth of the Empire as some great civilising process to take root. Britain ruled the world and for advocates of this take on history still does. The delusion of Britain's greatness, standing alone against adversity, fed into the nationalist myths that brought Brexit. Only, now is the reality beginning to dawn, namely that Britain today is a small, increasingly isolated country in Northern Europe, run by bizarre nationalists. It's standing in the world diminishes by the day. If Britain wants to discover a new path in the future, it has first to acknowledge the sins of the past. Rather than celebrating what happened in India back in 1947, the British should be down on their knees begging forgiveness for what they caused to the people of those countries. There should be similar action, relating to other things, such as the partition of Ireland. Some sort of reperations should be paid to the people of these wronged countries. The history of Britain's real exploitative damaging role,courtesy of empire, also needs to be taught, more widely, in British schools. Then, just maybe the British identity crisis can start to be overcome. There can be a recognition of what happened in the past and a move toward creating a more inclusive, open welcoming country in the future. Failure to take such actions will see Britain continue its present retreat ever further into a world of isolation and self delusion in an increasingly dangerous world.

West Ham outplayed and outfought by impressive Brighton at the London Stadium

West Ham 0-2 Brighton West Ham were comprehensively outplayed and out thought by an impressive Brighton side at the London Stadium. West Ham simply lacked any imagination for most of the match, relying on hurried long balls from the back. The result sees West Ham rock bottom of the Premier League, with three defeats and yet to score a goal this season. This West Ham side is clearly a work in progress, with new signings landed late in the transfer window, struggling to adapt to manager David Moyes rigid style of play. The latest recruit German international, Thilo Kehrer, was caught out for the first goal. Central defensive partner Kurt Zouma lost the ball further up the field, enabling the impressive Leandro Trossard to put a through ball into the path of Danny Welbeck, who Kehrer brought down just inside the area. Alexis MacAllister duly converted the penalty. West Ham rallied in the second half, with Tomas Soucek firing over, from a well placed Aaron Cresswell cross. Michail Antonio then put Pablo Formals away but he was thwarted by Brighton keeper Robert Sanchez. The visitors wrapped up the victory, when Pascal Gross flicked the ball onto Trossard, who strode onto drive home. Solly March should then have put the result beyond doubt but he headed over, with the goal at his mercy. A late rally from West Ham was denied by Sanchez, with two outstanding saves, from Soucek headers. West Ham manager David Moyes felt his side "played relatively well for the first 20 minutes." "The penalty kick was poor but we didn't play too badly up to that point," said Moyes, who admitted that things are "not quite there" at the moment, with a lot depending on how quickly the new players settle in. He pointed out that Gianluca Scamacca and Maxwell Cornet had no pre-season minutes on the pitch. Moyes also highlighted that the finishes of 6th and 7th in the previous seasons had set the bar high in terms of what is expected now and in the future. Brighton manager Graham Potter stressed the collective team ethic of his side, who stick together. "We played a good game and proved that when we play well we can compete in this league," said Potter. Things now look bleak for West Ham, pointless and goal less, with a visit to Villa next week, then finishing the month at home to Spurs. David Moyes will be hoping old and new recruits start firing soon.

Big oil needs to pay for the climate crisis it caused

The role of the fossil fuel industry in causing, then thwarting, efforts to address climate change are revealed in the excellent three-part BBC documentary, Big Oil v the World. The documentary shows how researchers at the US giant oil company Exxon (Esso here) found in the late 70s early 80s just how destructive their products could be. They knew then, from their own research, what would happen if things did not change. But instead of sounding the alarm, the industry set off on a line of denial. It funded and promoted climate deniers against bonafide scientists. A big media disinformation campaign was launched. Politicians that attempted to address the issue were thwarted and in a number of cases forced out of office. Part of the success of this strategy saw the arrival of President Donald President. A time of free for all for oil and gas companies, whilst climate denial took on an almost religious fervour in parts of America. Former vice president Al Gore describes what has gone on, as tantamount to a war crime. So much devastation that has been caused across the world could have been avoided, if action had been taken earlier. Yet, whenever it looked like something was about to happen, under the Clinton administration, then briefly George Bush and finally Barack Obama, these powerful vested interests mobilised to ensure that it didn't. Big Oil v the World shows the vulnerability of democracy, when powerful vested interest mobilise in such a way. Court cases are now proceeding in the US against the companies for what they knew and what they did. The Biden administration has just passed its huge program to cut emissions, so there is hope. But what we should be calling for is for these huge fossil fuel companies to pay for what needs to be done to address the crisis. They willingly caused it, so why not the clear up? Huge reperations are due. Getting these companies to pay will not be easy. At one point in the noughties, they mobilised against the providers of renewable energy. It is also a sobering thought that despite the efforts being made to address the climate crisis, more oil and gas is now being produced than ever before. There is a long way to go but everyone has a part to play in saving the planet. * Big Oil v the World is on BBC i-player

Hearing difficulties shouldn't turn people into social outcasts

Deafness is a big problem in society. One in six (11 million) people have hearing difficulties. Some 40% of those over 50 have hearing problems, with that figure rising to 70% at the age of 70. A concern is the number of people who have hearing issues but are not receiving any help or support with the problem. I have had hearing difficulties for a few years. Originally, I went to the doctor, who sent me onto the audiology department. They found some hearing loss due to an infection a few years previously. I was marginal for hearing aids, so decided I might as well get them. The hearing has got worse as the years have gone by, with dependency on the hearing aids growing. You develop coping mechanisms - avoiding certain situations etc. When first diagnosed on hearing I tended to dismiss links to mental health issues and tendencies toward isolation but I can now see how this happens. There really seems to be very little support and monitoring of hearing problems. In my own case, it seemed a bit like dish out some hearing aids, problem solved - now you get on with it. After three years I questioned whether there shouldn't be a check up (of me and the hearing aids). This needed another GP referral, so back I went and again was referred. A new audiology department, based at Whipps Cross, took up the case. Another examination, with better hearing aids supplied. A suggestion that the ears need syringing but I'd have to sort that out myself. There was to be a facility at the hospital to obtain hearing aid batteries and get things checked. However, when I recently asked about this, the facility is no longer available. Back to the GP again I guess, for anything beyond hearing aid part and battery replacement services, which are done by post. This does not seem a very good level of care. Hearing is a key sensory issue. It needs treatment and monitoring. Failure to provide the requisite care will see people slip off the radar and into greater isolation. It seems unless you are pushy and pro active, this is exactly what happens. How many people out there just put up with it? It is unacceptable to let people drift into isolation, with all the social and mental health consequences this can have. There have been links drawn between deafness and dementia. It is difficult not to think that hearing loss is treated as a second rate condition that is not given priority. Something that happens with age. Also, it is difficult not to think that the implication is if an individual requires the standard level of care they should be receiving on the NHS, then they have to go private and pay for the privilege. Ofcourse I am drawing some conclusions here from my own singular experience, it would be interesting to know how others have got on? Hearing loss is widespread.Yet, it is not something that should consigned to a second class system of care or impose a limited existence on those growing numbers who endure the condition

Time to act on climate change is running out, as trigger factors come into play

The incredible damage being caused across the world at present by runaway climate change should alarm everyone. We are enroute to hitting 3 degree warming, 1.5 degrees above the target set in Paris seven years ago. The words of Sir Nicholas Stern in his groundbreaking report to the UK government in 2006 ring loud and clear. He said act now or pay more later. We've failed to act and are now paying a spiralling price. More resources are having to be devoted to the consequences of climate change, fires, drought and floods, rather than trying to address the cause. The question also looms as to whether it is too late, whether the triggers have been hit that cause run away climate change. The scientists whose warnings have been attacked by the climate sceptic, fossil fuel funded, lobby, are proving correct. In fact, they are proving if anything to be too conservative as climate change impacts far quicker than prophesied. There needs to be urgent action taken now - climate and biodiversity destruction represent the greatest threat to the world - it is high time it was treated as such by political leaders of the present and future generations.

West Ham outclassed by Manchester City

West Ham 0-2 Manchester City West Ham succumbed easily against a Manchester City side playing well within themselves at the London Stadium. The home side somehow managed to start the season without four recognised centre backs (Craig Dawson, Angelo Ogbonna and Nayef Aguerd all injured, Issa Diop not available to play), forcing full back Ben Johnson to play as makeshift in the role, with Declan Rice playing deeper than usual to try to cover. The one cause for optimism came with some nice touches from new striker Gianluca Scamacca. But the headlines were taken by City's new striker Erling Haaland, who clinically took his two chances. The first came after City had dominated first half possession. Haaland was put through by Ilkay Gundogan into the penalty area, where substitute keeper Alphonse Areola brought the big Norwegian down. Haaland duly converted the penalty to register his first goal for City. The away side were unlucky not to go further ahead after half time, when a ball was swept across, finishing with Gundogan driving wide. West Ham then rallied, with substitute Said Benrahma forcing a save out of Ederson. But the West Ham comeback was quickly snuffed out, when Kevin De Bruyne found Haaland with a brilliant through ball. The striker duly finished, stroking the ball under the advancing Areola. The best effort from West Ham came in the 72nd minute, when Vladimir Coufal found Scamacca with a cross from the right. The big strikers header was pushed wide by Ederson at full stretch, though Scamacca would have been ruled out for offside.. West Ham manager David Moyes admitted to being outwitted by City, who played their full backs so far up. "Today, tactically, they were best. We tried to press but couldn't," said Moyes. "They completely outplayed us." City manager Pep Guardiola described his team's performance as "exceptional in every way." Guardiola was pleased with Haaland's performance, declaring he would not solve all the problems but be part of the team. "We want to add something more to his game, to make him a better player" , said Guardiola.

Time to renationalise public services

A recent report from the Environment Agency (EA) described the performance of nine water and sewerage companies as "shocking" when it comes to pollution. The EA went onto call for "prison sentences for chief executives and board members whose companies are responsible for the most serious incidents." This report is but the latest expose of the lamentable failure that has been the privatisation of the water industry. Southern Water was fined £90 million last year for dumping sewage in the sea and waterways. Water companies continue with the practice. So what has privatisation of the water system done for the common good of our society? Large amounts of money that have been paid out to shareholders over the years could have been invested in the system, instead it has gone into private pockets. These companies seek to cut costs in every way possible, from cutting workers pay and conditions to failing to mend leaks in the networks. The leaking of sewage into the waterways is also no doubt linked to better shareholder return. How can the water industry remain in private hands, especially with the growing demands being put on it by the deepening climate crisis? Similar arguments can be made about other privatised national services. The UK rail network must be the laughing stock of the world. It is not owned and run by the British state but other states. State owned rail companies such as Abello (Dutch), Arriva (German) and Govia (part French) profit from operating in the UK market. They then no doubt use the profits made in the UK to subsidise their own state run systems. Not surprisingly the UK has some of the most expensive rail fares in the world. Energy is another area, where so many of the companies that have entered the market are no more than energy speculators. They provide nothing toward providing a safe and secure energy network. Royal Mail is one of the recent privatisations. Previously, when under state ownership, profitable parts of the business, like parcels, were able to subsidise loss makers like remote rural mail deliveries. That is now all gone - the market decides. The privatisation of public utilities has been a complete disaster. It has resulted in vital services being run for private profit, rather than the public good. Any government seeking to sort out the mess that is the British economy should start by taking these services back into public ownership, thereby ensuring they are being run for the common good of all, not the private benefit of a few. Let's also remember it was a nationally owned and run public service that saw everyone through the Covid pandemic, namely the NHS. A service that is run for the common good of all