I'm Sorry Prime Minister

Apollo theatre Perfect timing for this latest manifestation of the Yes Minister/Prime Minister genre. The hit political series of the 1980s written by Jonathan Lynn and Antony Jay takes another turn as former sparring partners Prime Minister Jim Hacker and Cabinet Secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby reunite in retirement. Written by Lynn (Jay died in 2016) I'm Sorry Prime Minister retains all the zip and wit of the original. Griff Rhys Jones (Hacker) and Clive Francis (Sir Humphrey) brilliantly recreate the wrankerous relationship the two had in office. The reason for the reunion is the imminent sacking of Hacker as rector of an Oxford College, due to his outdated and politically incorrect remarks. The two old combatants need each others help. A new character Sophie (Stephanie Levi-John) makes up the trio, as Hacker's care worker. Former Private Secretary, Bernard Woolley (played originally by Derek Fowlds) has died three years previously, something Hacker has forgotten. The creation of the Sophie character is ingenious,as she becomes the central pivot that the others bounce off. She also represents the polar opposite of the ageing politician and civil servant, epitomising the problems of an unrewarded graduate, wise beyond her years. Yet, more fulfilled than the two old men. The quick fire dialogue retains all the resonance of the original, as the two old warriors spar, whilst Sophie delivers 21st century reality checks. Lynn's script covers much contemporary ground from the challenges of ageing to Brexit, cancel culture, culture wars and injustice. It would be interesting to know what the watching Michael Gove made of the content on press night. There is though an attempt to address the challenges of old age. Looking back to how things used to be, as ones contemporaries die off. In addition to Woolley, the two men's wives have also departed. The uniting theme: everyone needs someone. The new play, which transferred from the Barn in Cirencester, certainly stays true to the original creation. Excellent performances from Rhys Jones, Francis and Levi-John do justice to the original cast, which is no mean feat, given their iconic nature. William Chubb, as Sir David, plays a nice cameo role. The ingenious nature of the script is it's ability to link to the original yet also move the story on and make it relevant to the present day. Lynn and co- director Michael Gyngell ensure a lovely pace to proceedings. The one reservation would be how appealing the play will be to those coming fresh to the story. Those who did not live through the original 80s series with Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne and Fowlds or have not seen the repeats. Will they have the same appreciation? Though, I'm Sorry Prime Minister touches on so many contemporaneous themes that it may not matter. For those new to the subject, the desire to watch the originals in a back to the future moment is likely to grow. A very enjoyable play that really does do justice to the original, whilst having an originality of it's own, moving forward. Highly recommended. Runs till 9 May

Redbridge council's declaration of a nature emergency is a welcome step forward but the test will come with resourcing and implementation

A nature emergency has now been called in Redbridge. At the last council meeting, I presented Wanstead Climate Action's 1,725 signature petition calling on the council to declare a nature emergency. A Labour Party motion was then passed, committing to take measures to address the emergency. The decline in biodiversity has seen 19% of wildlife lost since 1970 and one in six species threatened with extinction. The petition, debate and final passing of the motion, was certainly a step forward. The proof will now come in the process and resourcing committed to attain that goal. When the climate emergency was passed in 2019, a corporate panel was established, which took evidence and came up with recommendations for implementation. A plan emerged, climate was at last on the agenda in Redbridge. On biodiversity, things moved more slowly. There was a Nature and Environment Task & Finish Group that similarly took evidence and came up with recommendations. Progress has been made on some of these, like tree planting and grow zones, but on others areas very little. A green urban policy was also adopted. Conservation officer, Francis Castro was a great help in drawing up this report but he left in 2023. There is a concern with the latest emergency motion that proper process and resourcing is provided in order that the stated goals can be attained. Otherwise, the motion just becomes a list of vague aspirations. Volunteers have done much over the years to address biodiversity and climate challenges in the borough: adopting tree pits, pollinator pathways, tree planting and litter picking. This has driven things forward. But it cannot all be about volunteer labour. The demand going forward is that a plan to address the nature emergency is established and resourced. A proper plan will be bench marked, setting specific targets like recovering 30% of council land for nature by 2030 and getting 30% rather than 20% biodiversity net gain in large new developments. New developments should have a minimum of 30% tree cover, with an increase on existing estates where tree cover is low. Moves for more wetlands in the borough need to progress. The long overdue Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation review must be done as a matter of urgency, then enacted. (This was a recommendation of the Nature and Environment report) So, a promising start has been made but the proof will come in delivery. Otherwise some may think this is all a bit of green washing ahead of the council elections in May. This is surely not the case, something that residents will be able to test when party manifestos are published and wanna-be councillors come knocking on their doors over the next three months. The present momentum must continue into the new council elected in May, which should have the basis of a blueprint and funding sources identified to take an ambitious plan for nature forward.

Everyone must take responsibility for waste generation

The growing levels of rubbish created by our society should be a cause for concern. At times it can seem like we are drowning in a sea of human made waste. The land, the seas nothing, it seems, is off limits. Along the south coast recently the sea was polluted with millions of plastic sewage buds, leaked from a Southern Water wastewater plant in Eastbourne. The clean up goes on, much of it done by a volunteer army of concerned citizens. The damage to human and wildlife has yet to be finally assessed. On land, there are increasing instances of flying tipping. This can be small amounts of rubbish or huge dumps, involving vehicles and industrial sized operations. The clear up takes time and can run into the millions of pounds. Local councils are often left to deal with these situations, pursuing the perpetrators and ensuring clear up. At local level it is amazing to behold the amount of rubbish generated. We have run a volunteer councillor led litter pick, once a month, in central Wanstead, for the past eight years. Many bags are filled every time, with all sorts of waste. These bags are added to the many collected by council street cleaners. You may have seen them awaiting collection on the high street. There are other litter picks conducted by Friends of Wanstead Park in and around the park. The work sessions done by the River Roding Trust see literally tonnes of rubbish pulled out of the river. Why do people think it is ok to choke up our waterways in this way? There have also been positive changes made to the collection of rubbish in Redbridge. The roll out of wheelie bins across the borough, then more recently food waste collection. Recycling levels are increasing. But though much is going on to address the problem of disposal, there does also need to be a fundamental change in everyone's attitude towards the creation of waste in the first place. So, we all need to live in a far more sustainable way, that involves treading much more lightly on the earth. Everyone needs to be more aware and create less waste. This is in addition to dealing responsibly with the rubbish we do create. It is amazing to see the amount of rubbish created by one household. Can this not be reduced? Yes, recycle, put everything in the right containers but fundamentally stop creating the waste in the first place. The illegal dumping of rubbish has to stop. Councils across the land seek to prosecute people who act in this irresponsible way. There is much being done but far more is needed to address the waste mountains being created. Everyone has to take responsibility, not just for the clear up but for creating so much waste in the first place. The earth is a finite resource, humankind cannot just continue consuming and dumping in this nihilistic way. The earth is choking. We all need to change the way in which we live, tread more lightly on the earth and live more sustainably for the common good of all. * Next Wanstead litter pick - 10 am on 21 Feb at Woodbine Place. Friends of Wanstead Park litter picks - 11am on second Sunday of the month - meet at the Temple Report fly tips via Redbridge council website - www.redbridge.gov.uk

Anthony Hopkins facing up to his demons

We did ok, kid by Anthony Hopkins Published by Simon & Schuster UK £25 World renown actor Anthony Hopkins has produced a fascinating account of his journey through life, battling his demons along the way. A real rags to riches tale. The story begins in humble surroundings of life in post war South Wales. He withdraws into himself at school, adopting a default position of "dumb insolence." This continues for much of his life. The angry young man stance begins at school, continuing through national service, where he gets into many fights. He reads profusely and finds he has a real talent for acting. He has good fortune along the way, guided and helped by the likes of Laurence Olivier. What makes the book such an engaging read is Hopkins brutal honesty, looking back. Something, he ironically rather abhors, having a mantra that is about always moving forward, looking for the next thing. His failure to deal with his problems is regularly satisfied by drinking. He becomes an alcoholic, being warned in the early 1970s by a doctor that he will kill himself if he continues. The young Hopkins sees what the drink has done to fellow actors like Richard Burton and stops. Despite being in something of a mental health malaise, his acting career continues to soar, with films like Silence of the Lambs, the Elephant Man, Nixon, the Edge and the Father all being big hits. Hopkins cannot understand why Oliver Stone wants him to play Nixon, surely it should be an American for the role, he argues. But Stone says: "you are nuts like Nixon," so can captivate the essence of the man - which he did, so brilliantly. There are interesting insights on the acting profession. On the old debate of theatre versus film or TV, he explains simply how theatre can become wearing, having to do the same performance night after night for weeks on end. Film involves just one or two takes and move on. There are important acting skills for both genres. Another insight is on playing King Lear, that he believes can only be fully achieved when older. He compares his effort in 1986, aged 48, with his later much more accomplished, understanding performance at 79. Not someone to court the limelight, it is easy to forget what a great actor Anthony Hopkins is, the films and plays in which he has starred over the years. This element of undersell is important part of the book, with Hopkins having a most endearing, self deprecating style. His second and particularly third wives Jennifer Lynton and Stella Arroyave played important roles in helping him find his way. In some ways they saved him. Lynton helped get him through alcoholism while Arroyave helped him recognise himself. She points out when the couple are watching Martin Clunes playing Doc Marten that that is Hopkins. His first marriage to Petronella Barker was a disaster, resulting in two years of fighting and a daughter, from whom he remains estranged. Anthony Hopkins has produced an honest, engaging account of his journey through life. The insights into his glittering acting career are fascinating but the strength of the book is in tapping into the battles we all have to get through and make sense of life. It is Hopkins openness about this element of his struggle that makes this book so compelling.

Poverty has been normalised in the UK

Walking the streets of London, it is impossible not to be struck by the number of homeless people. Groups around train stations, in doorways, under bridges. People walking past, some engaging, maybe giving money. The whole thing seems like a scene from Dickensian England, yet the situation seems to have been normalised. Not seen for what it is, which is an affront to a so called civilised society. There are teams if people from local authorities and charities, who seek to intervene to help those forced to live this way. But fundamentally, there is something wrong in such a rich society (fifth largest economy in the world) that so many are forced to live in this way. Homelessness has been normalised in the same way as food banks. Neither should have a place in a society that boasts over 150 billionaires and countless others doing very nicely thank you. Many no doubt stepping over the homeless in their path. These problems can be addressed. At the time of the COVID pandemic people were taken off the street and housed. When the pandemic passed they were shoved back onto the street. Thousands of properties across the UK remain empty. If the political will were there, then poverty in it's many forms could be addressed. At present a vague charitable response seems to be acceptable to most people. So they may give to homelessness charities or put some cans in the food bank container at the supermarket. Something that always strikes me as the height of irony, given the billions made in profit by those same supermarkets. Not that these actions are not good and virtuous but are they also the price that people are willing to pay in order to put up with homelessness and millions going to food banks in such a rich society Why not over the coming year really address the causes of poverty? Set an ambitious goal of providing a roof over everyone's head, a universal basic income and food to eat, without the need to resort to charity? Yes, it will cost money. It will likely mean higher taxes but why is that a bad thing? Why is welfare in its limited sense attacked when aimed at the poor? The welfare received by the rich in terms of low tax provision for their expensive and often damaging lifestyles don't seem to attract the same opprobrium. There needs to be a levelling of society. The gross inequalities that exist at present are what cause many of the problems, not least poverty. The Labour Government has started to address inequality by upping the minimum wage, removing the two child benefit cap and increasing some taxes. But these are tiny steps More is needed, with a reshaping of the economy based on the common good, not always the bottom line. Only then will we start function better as a civilised and grown up society.

How West Ham's European glory sparked a slow decline

So West Ham enter 2026 staring relegation from the Premier League in the face. West Ham fans had hoped for better when the season began back in August. The board had decided to stick with Graham Potter as manager, despite an underwhelming display for the second half of last season - when he was in charge. Potter's results record was almost identical to that of his predecessor Julen Lopetegui. The summer transfer window brought a mixed bag, with Mateus Fernandes, Soungoutou Magassa, El Hadje Diouf, Callum Wilson and Kyle Walker-Peters representing varying degrees of success. The signing of Leicester keeper, Mads Hermansen was the one outstanding failure. He played just four error strewn games before being replaced by Alphonse Areola. The season began badly, with West Ham losing four out of the first five games. The board then decided to sack Potter, bringing in Nuno Espirito Santo. His tenure in charge has represented a mixed bag. Two wins, five draws and seven defeats. There have been a number of games where the team should have won or at least got a point. Tactically, Espirito Santo has been keen to defend, once his side gets ahead. Shut up shop, bring on defenders. But many pundits claim that this team is simply not good enough to do that. Their record of retaining possession is among the worst in the league. There are positive signs, though, with Espirito Santo more willing than any recent manager to give home grown youngsters a chance. So, Freddie Potts has become a regular in midfield. Ollie Scarles and Ezra Mayes have appeared at full backs. And George Earthy is often on the subs bench. Things have tightened at the back, though, not enough. One of the biggest problems is the lack of a central striker. German international, Niclas Fullkrug, has moved on, without ever really making an Impact. Wilson has been effective, but the manager seems reluctant to give him much more than half a game. The team is over reliant for goals on captain Jarrod Bowen - who must be thinking about his own future, given the growing relegation prospects. It all seems a far cry from that halcyon day in 2023, when Bowen scored the winner, as West Ham won the Europa Conference League in Prague. Few, would then have predicted the demise that followed, yet it was at this time that the seeds were sown. Talisman, Declan Rice, left for Arsenal, for what is increasingly looking like a cut price £100 million. The board decided to appoint Tim Steidten over David Moyes to take care of transfers. Steidten seems to have been a divisive influence. He never had a great relationship with Moyes, eventually being banned from the training ground by Moyes in his final months as manager. (The same scenario later played out with Lopetegui.) His record, signing players, was mixed, with some successes, like Aaron Wan Bissaka and Mohammed Kudus but more failures, like Fullkrug and Max Kilman. The responsibility for the present situation, though, lies squarely at the door of the board, who have mismanaged the club. Since Moyes left, they have employed Lopetegui, Potts and now Espirito Santo. The paying up of sacked managers contracts, alone, must have cost way over £20 million. There are some amongst the supporters now clamouring for Espirito Santo to go. But why should that work and why would those making the decision on the next manager get it right at the fourth time of asking? What the present board should be asking themselves is why they ever got rid of Moyes? He'd won a trophy, secured European qualification for three seasons and pushed the club forward. West Ham finished ninth in the Premier League and reached the quarter finals of the Europa League in Moyes final season. What if they'd trusted Moyes, not employed Steiden and let the manager decide? Unfortunately, these questions only now seem relevant to 'what if' quizzes down the pub. But the West Ham board have questions to answer and there is a growing campaign calling for change. In terms of the immediate future, the club should stick with Espirito Santo. They must back his judgement and secure the players he wants in the January transfer window. Supporters also should entertain the idea that the manager may know what he's doing. Whether, it will be enough to keep West Ham up, only time will tell. What is for sure is that there needs to be fundamental changes in how West Ham United are run as a club, if they are to remain amongst the elite of the Premier League. published - morning star - 5/3/2026

Redbridge council must do better in addressing biodiversity and climate emergencies

So how has Redbridge Council risen to the biodiversity challenges over the past few years? When first elected councillors for Wanstead Village in 2018, Councillor Jo Blackman and myself sought to raise environmental issues up the council agenda. We were starting from a very low mark. Jo and myself were on the Nature and Environment Task and Finish Group. This group took evidence, did some site visits and came up with a plan. Among the recommendations was a review of the Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (sinc) around the borough, implementation of grow zones (wild areas), phasing out of pesticide usage, managing sites as wetlands for biodiversity and promoting wildlife corridors. A new Urban Landscape policy was adopted as part of the overall strategy. We also brought a Climate Emergency motion to the council in June 2019. This was duly passed. A corporate panel was established to come up with recommendations. These are now in process of implementation The biodiversity strand has been regarded by some of us as the poor relation to climate, lacking the same urgency. This is wrong ofcourse, given the two are inextricably linked. There have been successes. Grow zones have extended, with 10,000 square metres covered. Another 400,000 square metres has been given to wild space. Some 850 tree pits have been adopted in the last year, with 7,000 trees planted in the same period. Less encouraging is the failure to take forward the Nature & Environment Task & Finish report's SINC recommendations. There has been an increasing involvement from residents, operating on a voluntary basis. Groups like the Wrens and Wanstead Community Gardeners have contributed immensely. The River Roding Trust has done great work in cleaning up the river, whilst bringing private and public bodies to account. Council has been supportive but has it done enough itself? This is an emergency, demanding rapid action, not back-burnering of issues, until funds allow. It has been an ongoing frustration of my eight years on the council that there seems to be different interpretations of what the word emergency means. My own perspective is that the present biodiversity and climate emergencies demand responses at least on a par with COVID. Obviously the response thus far is nowhere near that sort of level. National government could help by making the need to address biodiversity and climate emergencies a statutory duty on councils. Things need to change. There are two initiatives that offer hope. The first is the London Local Nature Recovery Plan, which offers guidance on how things should progress in the future. The second is a call for a nature emergency motion to be passed by the council. This would not be offering mainly vague aspirations but definite measurable benchmarks, which must be met. Things like committing to 30% of council land for nature recovery by 2030. And, the extension of the duty on developers to provide 20% biodiversity net gain in their projects. The culture also needs to change, so the comprehensive nature recovery strategy is embedded in all policy and plans of the council. A petition calling for just such an initiative has been collecting signatures over the past few months. It is now nearing the 1500 mark, which would enable the issue to be debated at the council. If you have not signed, please do so at chng.it/S8TYXnTpB. These moves will help ensure that a more comprehensive plan is laid down for the future. The next question will be what the shape of the new council to be elected next May. The election is another important opportunity to make clear to those seeking office how important it is to address the environmental emergencies. For my own part, I will not be standing for election as a Labour councillor come next May, though, will be seeking to do all I can to ensure that climate and biodiversity are at the top of the agenda. Given the political will, garnered from grass roots pressure, we can really accelerate efforts to confront these crises. All is not lost, with many positive things going on, but time is running out.