Things can only get better in 2023? - Happy New Year

What a tumultuous past 12 months? At the start, the country was still under the cloud of Covid - with the Omicron variant the latest wave to hit, an already battered population. Fortunately, the worst predictions did not materialise and the country emerged from the pandemic. No sooner, though, had one disaster ended and another came along. So, Russia invaded Ukraine, causing untold damage to the population of that country. Ukraine defended it's border and by the end of the year seemed to be gaining the upper hand. The political world has certainly presented a roller-coaster over the last 12 months, with first the revelations that those telling everyone else to stay inside, space out etc had not been obeying their own rules. In fact they had been partying away, as though there was no pandemic at all. A real case of do as I say not as I do from political leaders. Prime Minister, Boris Johnson never really recovered from the scandal, eventually being forced from office in July by his own MPs. Then, there was the tortuous Tory leadership election, that led to 80,000 Party members landing the country with Liz Truss, as PM. She was a disaster, doing a huge amount of damage to the economy in a short period of time. An already serious cost of living crisis, was made a lot worse for everyone. The foodbanks got busier, whilst public sector strikes have materialised due to rising inflation and failure of government to pay people properly for the best part of the past 12 years. Ironically, most of those now striking for a pay rise, were the same people, who put themselves on the line for others, during the COVID crisis. Truss was replaced by Rishi Sunak as PM. The government continues to move from crisis to crisis, with a number of members of the Cabinet clearly not up to the job. One highlight of the year locally was getting re-elected as a Labour councillor for Wanstead Village. Labour emerged with 58 out of the 63 contested in Redbridge. So, what does 2023 hold? Things can only get better, one would hope. An end to the war in Ukraine would certainly help, returning peace to that land and ending the international turbulence it has caused. Possibly, a general election but this seems more likely for 2024. Much depends on how long the present government can stumble on. In the midst of it all, there are the ongoing environmental disasters, engulfing climate and biodiversity breakdowns. The world is reaching tipping point, so there needs to be drastic action taken that will effect everyone's lives, if disaster is to be averted. There is also the ongoing damage being done to Britain by Brexit. It is difficult to see what the benefits of this long running saga are, beyond shrinking the overall economy, thereby making it more and more difficult to pay for public services, pensions etc needed. Unfortunately, rather than face up to the mistake that is Brexit, the political class seem instead to be trying to turn it into a non-topic that is not discussed - certainly not in terms of going back into the EU. Though, that said, the terms of return would be so poor compared to those enjoyed before exit, that the idea maybe unfeasible anyway. So plenty to ponder over the next 12 months. Let's hope things get better for everyone - though few previously believed they could get worse, following the two years of the pandemic. A case of watch this space. Happy New Year.

What is the motivation behind saturation news coverage of one theme ..from the World Cup to Covid?

Have the BBC and other mainstream broadcasters given up on news? The thought occurred during the recent coverage of the World Cup. The main news story would routinely be a package of interviews and comment about an upcoming game. Not news but speculation. Then with no hint of irony, there would be a move to "other news", which could be something like at earthquake or buildings destroyed, costing many lives. Another favourite was the bulletin reporting the game that had just been played. This would consist of a report on the game, with accompanying vox pops from a pub somewhere. Some viewers no doubt wondered had they not seen this before, people screaming at a television in a pub. The total takeover of the news agenda by one subject has become the norm over recent times. At the time of the Queen's death, there were 10 days of relentless, monotonous coverage. No other news was allowed a look in. Indeed, the coverage took over the whole schedule each day, as all those programs carefully produced for many years before, awaiting the very day of the Queen's death, were rolled out. No dissenting views were permitted, as a sort of coercive compassion took hold. In defence of the broadcasters, this was a once in a lifetime event. There was huge interest amongst the public. But it did go a bit far. At the start of the year came Russia's invasion of Ukraine. News operations moved to Ukraine and neighbouring countries to provide saturation coverage. Original coverage was difficult to obtain, given restrictions on movement in a war zone. This story then moved to home shores, focusing on those fleeing to war zone seeking sanctuary here. The main story though moved back from the saturation levels of the first few weeks to regular updates. The frame of reference though was of good (Ukraine) v bad (Russia), with a theme of unending war. Peace rarely got a mention. This fixation on one subject to the exclusion of all else is something that seems to have developed over recent years. Another was the Covid pandemic, which ran and ran for nearly two years. Little else featured in the news, with infection levels and deaths becoming a daily staple of the coverage. What may have surprised many since has been just how quickly the news agenda shifted in the opposite direction to providing virtually no coverage of Covid. Levels have risen and fallen over the past year but this previously dominant subject has disappeared from the news. The official narrative seems to be that there are effective vaccines now, so it is time to move on - no worries. The story now is more about the after effects of Covid and how it was handled - the corruption around PPE contracts, NHS waiting lists, the debt, people leaving work, never to return. Conspiracy theorists of a Big Brother mindset might think there is some sort of news control going on, switching saturation coverage to suit the interests of the rich and powerful. It seems doubtful if anything so organised could happen, more a gradual chipping away of traditional news values. The reduction of funding for news no doubt plays a part (vox pops for football games or Covid are cheap and easy to compile). A move away from the need to inform and educate the population toward entertaining and in some cases scaring them. What it all amounts to is a mass dumbing down, accompanied with the helpful by-product of asserting greater control over people. Another qualifier from the broadcasters angle is that the subjects focused on are popular, so draw audiences but then viewer numbers should not be the sole criteria for news programming – especially not in the case of public service broadcasting. All is not lost ofcourse, there are so many different places to get news and information these days. The mainstream news channels are but one. Though, in the era of fake news, reliable trusted sources of information are ever more urgently needed. The mainstream news channels, used, to some extent, to perform this task. Now, it would seem, increasingly less. Maybe, they will rediscover their news value compass - relearn what news really is. Put some money into news. The demand should be there. Or maybe not, as people become blinded by a steady diet of the mundane and mindless mixed in with the fear factor.

Direct action protesters are right to demand that the environmental emergency is taken seriously

The efforts of Extinction Rebellion, Just Oil and Insulate Britain have caused discomfort for some across the country. The environmental activists have been deploying direct action tactics to draw politicians and the public's attention to the climate and biodiversity crises, engulfing the earth. The activities vary from blocking roads, locking onto public buildings to taking action against those companies seen to be perpetuating the crisis. The protesters say that the world is in an emergency, with action needed now to stop a catastrophe unfolding. They do not believe that traditional forms of protest such as lobbying politicians, going on marches etc are having the required impact. Hence, the need for more direct activity. The protesters argument has no doubt been aided by the actions or should that be inactions of the politicians over recent months. So, as Just Oil were blocking roads and locking onto bridges, politicians from across the world gathered for latest COP (27) meeting. Headline news that rather than cut emissions, the world is racing ever more quickly toward catastrophic levels of warming. Meanwhile, the COP participants discuss why the actions agreed 12 months earlier had not happened. A major cause being the First World countries failure to come up with the money pledged. Mood music from the domestic arena sees the Conservative Government pledging billions to develop a new nuclear power station at Sizewell. Not only is nuclear power expensive and dangerous but it will also take more than a decade to come on stream. Not exactly in the spirit of the emergency now facing the world. Then the latest inexplicable act of waving through a new coal mine in Cumbria. The protesters are right to take the actions they have. The report of the International Panel on Climate Change in 2018, warned that there were 12 years to address the crisis. So far, the first four years have been wasted. Emissions and habitat destruction has continued and even accelerated. It is as though the world is caught in some sort of giant bubble of denial What no doubt irks the protesters is that all humanity has recently witnessed how the world does react to a real emergency – namely the Covid pandemic. That was accepted very quickly as a real emergency and some very draconian actions were taken to deal with it. Having seen how humanity reacts to a genuine emergency, can anyone wonder that those passionately concerned about our planet suggest that the environmental emergency is not being dealt with by a similar level of seriousness? Ofcourse the actions have inconvenienced people and many of those effected share the concerns over the planet but the protesters have been driven to these extremes by the lack of action. The government response has been to legislate to make it more difficult to protest. They do not seem to understand this will just drive people to greater extremes. The only feasible response is to actually take the protesters concerns seriously, recognise that this is a very real emergency and treat it as such. This will mean substantial changes in the way humanity lives on the earth. The changes need to happen now, not when it is politically convenient for the ruling elite. Emergency must mean exactly that at every level of government - until that happens people will rightly keep protesting in whatever form they consider necessary to obtain the fundamental changes required to save the planet.

Strange world of the amateur politician

The appearance of former health secretary Matt Hancock on the ITV reality show, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, caused some controversy. What was the Member of Parliament for West Suffolk doing heading off to spend three weeks in the jungle, when he should have been in Parliament serving his constituents? A very fair question. Other MPs, though, have taken on reality TV challenges, such as Nadine Dorries (I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here), Penny Mourdant (Splash) and George Galloway (Celebrity Big Brother). But why, when they should be giving 100% of their working time to the very demanding job of being an MP? Yet, it has been a strange custom going back centuries that MPs are allowed to have more than one job. The part time, MP role, whilst doing something else, like practicing the law. The rather weak defence is sometimes put up that they get to see other sides of life. This does not really stand up to scrutiny because if they are doing the MP’s job properly they will be getting a very full view of life from dealing with their constituents’ problems. They need the money – hardly? MPs have an annual salary of £84,000, well above what the vast majority of people earn. And, they can put so many of their daily activities down to expenses, that much of that salary can be banked. No, it all seems to go back to this strange tradition of amateur politicians, running back centuries, that goes right through the political system. There is the job, then there is politics. The politics is not considered in itself enough to fill the whole day. A sort of amateur/professional thing. This does seem amazing, given that if an MP is really doing the job properly, it is usually a 24/7 commitment. But the whole system seems to be set up on this sort of amateur/ professional type basis. Take local government. Many councillors have other day jobs. Councillors receive a basic allowance for the activities they do. This varies around the £10,000 to £12,000 depending on the authority. Opinions vary, from those who think councillors should not receive anything, to others concerned that keeping allowances low stops many of the people who should be coming forward to represent their communities from doing so. But the role of the councillor is a rather strange hybrid sort of role. It is structured to be part-time but the expectancies are often for a full time commitment. Some give huge amounts of time, other less. Most give huge amounts to the role - people don’t become councillors for the money. But if there were no payment or allowances are kept very low, then that skews the role toward those who can afford to do it – these will be those with so much money, they don’t need an allowance to pensioners and those with supportive partners and/ or flexible day jobs. But what of the single parent living on the housing estate, who should be representing their community but cannot afford to do so. Or the disabled person forced to survive on the allowance, which is low but high enough to stop them receiving certain benefits. The same peculiar attitude to the political class that exists regarding MPs applies to councillors also. It is a role that should/ could arguably be full time but the aurore of amateurism hangs over it. The MPs and councillors with their second and main jobs respectively. On the plus side at councillor level, there is a flexibility that enables people from different backgrounds to take part and contribute. Though, as mentioned previously, the level of allowances, hours of operation etc can stop others who should be coming forward from doing so. On the MP side, there really is little excuse for having other roles – the job demands full time commitment. Maybe, it didn’t in the 18th century but it certainly does today. So, let’s hope that in future our elected representatives keep their focus on the day job (their Parliamentary role) and not decide in the middle of a Parliamentary session to depart to the jungle for a few weeks and generous renumeration.

Football sold out at the Qatari World Cup

The World Cup in Qatar has already stirred up much controversy - mainly off the field. The repressive attitude of the Qatari authorities has seen restrictions on expression and assembly. Football in the UK has only just begun to emerge from the dark ages, when it comes to LGBT rights. But in Qatar, same sex relationships are banned. There is also much discrimination towards women. Challenges to the reactionary attitude, such as wearing the multicolour One Love armband have been stamped upon. All credit to football pundit and former player Alex Scott, who made a stand by wearing the One Love armband on a BBC broadcast. There has been much publicity about the treatment of the migrant workers, who built the stadia for the tournament. There was use of forced labour, with thousands losing their lives. Amnesty International has called for some $400 million in compensation and to prevent such abuse in the future. So, why many might ask is the tournament being held in the middle of winter in Qatar - playing havoc with domestic football fixture programmes? The simple answer is money. It seems to be the only thing that matters to the football authorities, from FIFA down. It has been nauseating to see spineless FIFA and the equally supine FA crumble before every Qatari government demand. Neither fans or players really seem to matter. Players have long since been bought and sold like expensive commodities. The football authorities have little sense of care for players - one tournament follows another, if there are any gaps in a year these are filled with meaningless friendlies. It all takes a physical toll. The one thing the players, unlike those who built the stadia, have achieved are decent rewards for their labour. Some are shocked at the amount players are paid but it is they who produce the spectacle people come to see, not the owners, directors or accountants that run football. And in terms of the World Cup it is the players again, who have excelled, with some great matches already. Some have also taken brave stands, such as the Iranian team, who refused to sing their national anthem. The people who should hang their heads in shame are the football authorities. FIFA for giving the World Cup to Qatar, then trying to defend much of the behaviour of that regime. Then there is our own pitiful FA, who fell in line on the armband ban, insisting England players did not wear it. This was a great opportunity missed, remember the huge impact of the black power salute made by John Carlos and Tommie Smith at the 1968 Olympics. FIFA stand to make $5 billion from the tournament. Qatar is an increasingly important energy supplier to the UK. Money talks. If this World Cup is remembered for anything, it will be when football sold its soul to the highest bidder.

Do we need a mobile phone?

Comedian Paul Merton recently told of life without a mobile phone. Merton revealed on the One Show how he has not had a phone since the early 1990s. Whenever, someone reveals living without a mobile phone it causes a mixture of sentiments from bewilderment to wonderment and envy. The phone, as with much other modern technology, has come to seem a necessity. But there are pluses and minuses. The modern mobile is a fantastic device, with powers to communicate via written and spoken word. The possibility to research almost anything via internet access, as well as games and entertainment. Facilities like WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter provide great ways to stay in touch. On the negative side; are we not all becoming obsessed and addicted to phones. Constant checking of the phone for messages, hours spent literally glued to the device. Many often feel they cannot go anywhere without their phone. Some 25 to 30 years ago, people did not feel the same attachment to such devices. It is difficult not to think there is a sort of escapism going on. People literally living through their phones Yet, how necessary is much of what happens on phones? It must be doubtful if many of the messages being conveyed are any more vital now, than they ever were. The addiction to mobile phones does represent something of a marketing masterclass. People have been persuaded that they literally cannot exist without a mobile phone. Returning to the Paul Merton example, there is now almost a two track society developing: those engaged on social media and those not. It is interesting when mixing socially with people who engage on social media and those who don't. Much has to be explained about what has happened to those not online. Though, often like Merton, those not doing Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to name but a few, often take a certain pride in being out of the loop. They do also tend to be predominantly older. Though technology is a funny thing, it can be liberating or constraining. For example, take those who have decided not to have a TV. Again mixed emotions. Television can educate, enrich and entertain but at the same time a lot of life can be wasted watching absolute rubbish. There must be a sense in some ways of getting your life back by making a decision to opt out on having a mobile or TV. But then there is also a missing out on what this technology has to offer, The best route is probably moderation, a middle road, not addicted to the mobile or TV but not a total refusenik either. That is probably where most people dwell, though polarisation maybe growing.

Triggered by Emma Burnell at the White Bear, Kennington

The triggering of sitting MPs has been a subject of much controversy. It is a process brought in during the Corbyn years to democratise the party, making MPs more accountable to members. The reality over recent times has seen the right using the process to deselect sitting left MPs. It is against this background that Emma Burnell brought forth this excellent entertaining play, that encapsulates the whole process. The play is set in the fictional constituency of Hollingsdean. The story unveils focusing on just four characters, the sitting MP, Sally Finch, (Antonia Beamish), local chair of Momentum, Jim Marr (Michael Palmer), Blairite, Sadia Peters (Catherine Adams) and NEC representative June Wright (Carrie Cohen). The trigger process unveils with the robust Wright holding the ring. The challenged and sometime affronted centrist MP, the leftie man of principle and the uber ambitious Blairite do battle for the seat. The play running over an hour covers much ground in such a short space of time, exposing divisions and factionalism, as well as a basic goodwill for the common good shared by all candidates. There is much good humour in the play, with final hustings seeing the Red Flag, the Internationale and Things can only get better being sung simultaneously by the various participants. A Westminster insider for 20 years, Burnell does well in bringing the whole trigger process together in such an enlightening and entertaining way. Research included talking to the likes of Jon Landsman and Luke Akehurst from across the political divide. Focusing on the 2019 election, the content though is already ageing, with a final line about Boris Johnson becoming PM and questioning how will he ever be got rid of. Maybe Burnell will need to do a sequel for 2024, looking to how the trigger process has been used during the interim. What is for sure is that Triggered deserves a longer run, once it finishes at the White Bear on Saturday. The Labour Party Conference would be one good future venue.

Britain's strangely contorted attitude to immigration

The British have once again been found behaving inhumanely to people coming seeking sanctuary in their land. There was an outcry recently, with the way that migrants, coming across the Channel, were being treated at holding centres at Manston in Kent. The mainly, asylum seekers, were once again being treated like criminals by the British authorities. There is much history to this approach, with a whole privately run wing of the security state growing up to deal with migrants coming to the UK. Instead of sanctuary, read detention – often for some time. This inhumane approach is followed with accompanying mood music from the British tabloid media, which has spent decades vilifying foreigners, who may come seeking to live in this land. It has been more than amusing recently to see the true fruit of this approach over the years. It led, in part, to the disastrous Brexit, which in turn meant less skilled labour available to do the jobs that, often the indigenous, would not do. Brexit and the Covid pandemic led to the labour that had been staffing hospitals and care homes, working in hospitality and harvesting the crops heading home. One of the big problems of the British economy over the past couple of years has been the lack of people to actually do the work. This is causing those, who previously scored cheap and racist political points vilifying migrants, now seeking ways to get people to come here to work. This pattern has been seen before, with people from Ireland and the Caribbean coming over to do essential work in previous decades. Many of them suffered that particular brand of British racism saved up for those who come to contribute to the UK. Many still remember the no Irish, no Blacks, no dogs notices of the 1950s and 60s. This though is to only discuss one particular group of people coming to the UK, namely economic migrants, seeking to make a living for themselves and contribute. They are desperately needed now but maybe less willing to come. The people arriving on the beaches of southern England are mostly asylum seekers fleeing oppression. More than 75% of their claims for asylum are upheld (eventually). There is an international duty to provide refuge to these people under the international Refugee Convention. Listening to the rhetoric of government ministers, the point is clearly missed. It is the old “Britain is an easy touch routine,” not that these people are fleeing oppression needing refuge. Home Office minister Robert Jenrick typified the approach, when he started highlighting the numbers of refugees coming to these shores compared to other European countries. No doubt the deteriorating relations with European neighbours like France, due to the bombastic nationalistic approach taken by the Conservative governments since Brexit, may mean that they are being less co-operative than before, when it comes to dealing with this human tragedy. But in reality the British are merely reaping what they have sown. Conflict and climate change are major creators of refugees. The UK and other countries from the rich First World have contributed to wars and the destruction of the planet. The arms sales register is one table where Britain always features in the top five. These causes, substantially contributed to by Britain and others from the rich First World have helped create more and more refugees seeking asylum. Given the circumstances, the least that the UK and others can do it so face up to its moral and legal responsibilities by providing a safe refuge for these people. Castigating and criminalising people who are taking such desperate measures to get here, reflects very poorly on the UK. It is high time that the UK recognised its international responsibilities and accepted those seeking refuge – especially given the culpable role that this country played in creating their plight in the first place. A caveat to this argument, on economic migration, is that just maybe Britain with its ageing population should recognise that migration is good. When people come here seeking to work and to contribute maybe it would be to everyone’s benefit to welcome them. The alternative is to continue to build a country and economy that is internationally isolated and fundamentally flawed when it comes to providing the good and services required to make things work for all 67 million of its inhabitants. Irish Post - 19/11/2022

Church of maintenance or mission - time to take your side

Church of maintenance or mission – take your side Funny to see recently the Catholic Bishop of Portsmouth Phillip Egan bemoaning the lack of funds being provided to the Church by the faithful. The Bishop decried parishioners giving “less than the price of a cup of cappuccino” in their weekly collection. There has ofcourse been a fall off in church attendance and consequently revenue, as a result of the pandemic. Some went away and never came back. Many continue to observe online, maybe accompanied by a cappuccino? Maybe, if Bishop Egan and his fellow bishops want to up the offertory take, they ought to look at their fundamental mission. Many churches did outstanding work in supporting people during the pandemic. Supporting the housebound, running foodbanks, making sure no one was left behind. Other churches though closed their doors throughout the pandemic and did very little. There are churches that live out gospel values, as part of their communities and those that don’t. The latter are the church of maintenance rather than mission, going through the motions, upholding the archaic practices of the Church, such as denying women the right to become priests. The church of maintenance will eventually die out – it has survived for too long on the generous giving of the faithful. The church of mission that is part of the community, living out gospel values in terms of the world in which we live should grow and prosper. So many need help in these difficult economic times. Maybe, it’s time to take a side – wonder where Bishop Egan stands? Ps: another good idea could be having cappuccino machines at the back of churches – just an idea! IrishPost - 19/11/2022

Pay Ambulance Care Assistants a decent wage

The NHS came to the rescue of so many during the COVID pandemic - everyone clapped to show appreciation. One group of workers, little known to the public, were the Ambulance Care Assistants (ACA). These brave people move patients to and from the hospitals. There are many cases, including people unable to move or suffering with dementia. There is a need for mental and physical toughness, among ACAs, who witness trauma on a daily basis. The challenge of the work involved was illustrated in actor, writer and Ambulance Care Assistant, Marissa Landy's excellent play, Non-Emergency. The play debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe and more recently ran as part of the Wanstead Fringe. The play tells of the difficulties and challenges of working as an ACA during the pandemic. There was laughter and tears, as staff and patients took on adversity. Marissa recently told of the limited training given to ACAs before they are thrown into the front line - just three weeks. She struggled to find Personal Protection Equipment during the pandemic. On one occasion, she and another ACA struggled on the stairs with an immobilised, heavy patient - the only way was up, otherwise all could have fallen down the stairs, sustaining serious injuries or worse. What the ACAs do is vital, yet they seem to be treated as one of the lowest in the food chain by the NHS. The service is contracted out to private companies, who pay just £11.01 an hour, making life incredibly difficult, especially during these inflation ravaged times. The ACAs have become frustrated by their lot - doing a dangerous but vital job, rewarded with applause but not money. There is a high turnover among ACAs as a result. Backed by the GMB union, Marissa and the Baloney Theatre Company, who put on Non -Emergency, have established a petition calling for the private companies to increase ACA pay to NHS levels of £12.30 an hour in London (£11.79 outside). Even, this demand is modest, given the Labour Party having discussed bringing in a £15 an hour minimum wage, if elected to government. The ACAs deserve everyone's support, they do a vital job and should be paid accordingly. A decent level of pay would also ensure that more staff were retained, so providing a more experienced, skilled service in the longer term. Just as NHS and care staff should be paid properly for their vital work, so do the ACAs, who don't even have the security of an NHS contract of employment. The ACAs want parity with those on NHS contracts, so private companies do not undercut on wages to increase their own profits. Pay them a living wage. Please support the campaign by signing the petition at ? Also, if you get the chance to watch Non-Emergency - it will bring laughter and tears. Petition: Petition · Raise wages for Ambulance Care Assistants to match the level of NHS wages! · Change.org

Half term report on West Ham United - a work in progress but could do better

West Ham United had a decidedly poor finish to the first half of the season - up to the World Cup break. Three home defeats in the final week, including going out of the Caraboa Cup on penalties to Championship side Blackburn Rovers. Manager David Moyes has come under fire, after spending £180 million in the summer. A number of those signings though came in the last weeks of the transfer window. The club did not get the players they wanted in early, giving them the time to settle before the season began. As a result, the settling in has had to be done as the season has gone on. Injuries have further complicated the bedding in process. The team are in European competition for the second season in a row. Indeed, it has been in Europe that West Ham have been at their best, winning all six games in the Europa Conference League competition. Moyes has developed almost two separate teams in Europe and the Cups compared to the Premier League. Some players perform in both. There have been some promising performances in Europe from youngsters like Conor Coventry, Flynn Downes, Divin Mubama and Ollie Scarles. Things have been slower to gell in the Premiership. There is the basis of an excellent team but it is not quite working at the moment. The lack of goals scored is one of the most alarming features - just 12 in 15 Premiership games. Moyes and his team are still looking at how to get the best from Gianluca Scamacca. There have been flashes of brilliance from the Italian striker but he does not look like a target man to lead the line, more one to play deeper in the three behind the main striker. The developing understanding between Scamacca and Lucas Paqueta is something fans want to see more of. Jarrod Bowen has struggled for form, which has seen him miss out on the World Cup. Of the other new signings, Thilo Kehrer has looked a good defender but the decision to play him at right back seems questionable. Often caught out of position, is he really the best right back at the club? On the other side Aaron Cresswell continues to perform well but he has been losing pace over recent years - this cost West Ham dear last year in the latter stages of the Europa League. It was surprising with all the buying in the summer that a recognised left back was not brought in. Emerson Palmeira came from Chelsea but he seems more of a left wing back - a like for like replacement for Arthur Masuaka. Moroccan Nayef Aguerd was a £30 million signing but got a serious injury in pre-season, which has delayed his arrival in the first team. He though looks a good player, who should form a strong centre back partnership with Kurt Zouma. So there are many positives, including the creative cutting edge of Said Benrahma and solid efforts from Pablo Formals, who seems to be adding more goals to his game. Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers nicely summarised David Moyes problems, after the final game before the World Cup break. He pointed to the great job Moyes has done over the last three seasons, bringing regular European football to a club that was previously a regular relegation contender. Rodgers also highlighted the need for the new faces to settle and to recognise that older players are declining. This latter category would include Cresswell, Craig Dawson, Angelo Ogbonna and Michail Antonio. Moyes and his team will find the winning formula, again, if they are allowed the time. There is a changing of the guard underway. Nor have West Ham had the greatest fortune in the first 15 games, controversially denied a perfectly good goal and a point against Chelsea. Then, there was the referee interference and denied penalty against Southampton. The team were also unfortunate to not get something out of the games against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Manchester United. The fans need to reflect how far the team has come in the last three seasons, it's not time to be booing the team off the field. There is still much to come from Moyes team, when this transition phase is complete. A bit of patience, will see the results come, maybe a Cup and top eight finish, who knows?

West Ham outplayed by Leicester City at the London Stadium

West Ham 0-2 Leicester City West Ham will feel the World Cup cannot come soon enough, after the third home defeat in a week, this time against Leicester at the London Stadium. The West Ham side is very much a work in progress and they are not going in the right direction at the moment. The visitors were ahead inside seven minutes, when the impressive James Maddison, started the move, with a back heel. The sequence finished with Harvey Barnes turning the ball inside to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall who passed across the penalty area for Maddison to smash into the roof of the net. The West Ham defenders went missing. Lukasz Fabianski then pushed over a long range shot from Daniel Amarty. West Ham's first real effort saw a sequence started by Said Benrahma, exchanging with Lucas Paqueta and Tomas Soucek before the little Algerian saw his effort on the turn saved by Danny Ward. West Ham were then denied an equaliser, when Bowen set up Soucek to fire home but the goal was ruled out for offside. An incident packed half ended with Fabianski saving a penalty from Youri Tielemans. The penalty award came when Craig Dawson was beaten for pace by Patson Daka, and finished up upending the player in the area. The second half began promisingly for the home side, with Declan Rice putting his header from a corner narrowly over. A Thilo Kehrer cross then skidded across the area, with no one on hand to tap home. Leicester secured the points, though, with 20 minutes to go. A break away saw Ayoze Perez put Ashley Barnes away, Fabianski came out to intercept but the striker finished coolly putting the ball past the keeper. Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers paid tribute to his board for sticking by him, when things were not going so well at the start of the season. He recalled how in the first seven games of the season, his team played well but weren't consistent. After a defeat against Bournemouth, they got together focusing on how to defend and press. "The players have been brilliant and it is huge testament to the board,"said Rodgers. "The owners let me get on with the work without pressure." The Leicester manager also praised his opposite number David Moyes, highlighting his outstanding record over recent seasons, bringing European football to West Ham. Rodgers felt the new players are still bedding in, whilst some of the older players are in decline. Moyes felt his team played well for large periods of the game. "At the moment the mistakes we are making are being punished. I thought the players worked unbelievably hard today to get a result. We are all disappointed and have to take stock,'" said Moyes, who admitted the team have a real problem scoring goals at the moment.

Wanstead Park cannot be left to just deteriorate

The sight of the deteriorating state of the Ornamental lake in Wanstead Park has caused much concern. The water drained out of most of it over the summer, with a variety of vegetation now growing in the space. Trees have fallen from the bank across the area that used to contain water. There is also a variety of rubbish strewn around. The loss of water from the lake has been an ongoing problem over the years. Even at time of flooding, when the lake filled and overflowed, the retention level was not good. Within three months most of the gain had been lost. So there is a basic problem on water retention. However, it has been known for over a decade that there are ongoing problems with the waterways of the park. In 2009, the park was put on the English Heritage at risk register, specifically in relation to the waterways - it remains there. Somewhat ironically, during the interim period there was considered to be a flood risk, involving the River Roding and the park. The Corporation of London were required under a statutory duty to address the issue. More than £10 million was earmarked to do the work Since then, though, further investigations have revealed that more moderate work needs to be done, costing much less. The £10 million has evaporated with the water. There are efforts being made to find ways of sourcing more water to the lakes, though delays continue. The City of London Corporation, which takes care of the area, have been struggling to get a backlog of jobs done dating back to the pandemic. They have lost staff, which have to be replaced. All the time, the work mounts up. The worry must be that empty lakes, like the Ornamental, become normalised as part of a pattern of overall deterioration. This cannot be allowed to happen. Wanstead Park and Flats form an incredibly important part of the biodiversity of the area. They are much loved and need careful management and nurturing. A big effort is needed now to retain the integrity of this precious green lung in our area. It cannot be allowed to just deteriorate. The lakes need restoring to their former glory.

Tired West Ham beaten by rampant Crystal Palace

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace Crystal Palace emerged deserved winners of this hard fought derby game against West Ham at the London Stadium. The young Palace side were more inventive throughout, as West Ham huffed and puffed, lacking the imagination needed to open up the visitors. It was somewhat against the run of play that West Ham took the lead on the half hour.Thilo Kehrer fed the ball inside to Lucas Paqueta, who laid the ball into the path of Said Benrahma, who steadied himself before rifling the ball home from just outside the penalty area. A sloppy piece of defending five minutes before half time gifted Palace the equaliser. Craig Dawson played the ball wide on the right, stretching Kehrer, which let Eberechi Eze, dispossess him and cross the ball into the path of Wilfred Saha, who slammed home. Palace started the second half strongly, with Eze and Michael Olise going close. Zaha then looked to be through on goal before a crucial saving tackle from Dawson. The substitution of Benrahma half way through the second half was greeted with boos from home fans, who loudly applauded one of West Ham's most inventive players on the day, as he left the field to be replaced by Manuel Lanzini. It later emerged that Benrahma had been a fitness doubt on the day, helping prompt the early withdrawal. By contrast the replacement of Tomas Soucek with Flynn Downes drew applause. Palace looked set to take the lead, when Saha put Eke through on goal but the midfielder lost his footing at the crucial moment. West Ham's best moment of the second half came when Lanzini put Michail Antonio away. He appeared to be impeded by the keeper, leading referee Paul Tierney to award a penalty. The decision though was overturned, after a VAR check. The game looked set for a draw, when two minutes into injury time the ball came out to Olise, who stepped inside to curl an exquisite shot beyond a diving Lukasz Fabianski into the far corner. The goal stunned West Ham fans but they could not complain on a day when their side were second best all afternoon. There is much for manager David Moyes to sort out including the dip in form of £30 million summer signing Gianluca Scammaca and who is the club's best right back? Moyes was magnanimous in defeat, conceding Palace were the better team. "Recent performances have given us confidence. Yet you have to say Crystal Palace played better," said Moyes."We are doing ok but can do better." Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira felt his side deserved to win. "We played some good football at times and deserved to win," though, he felt that there is still much to work on.

Democracy in peril

The recent comings and goings of Prime Minister's has brought the whole democratic process into disrepute. The damage done to the economy, pre-empting a possible whole new period of austerity will hit everyone. It has seemed at times like a private game of past the Premiership between a group of entitled Conservative politicians. Politicians at all levels have been held with increasing contempt over recent years. The expenses scandal seemed to set the ball rolling. The refusal to listen and act on what the people demand from not going to war in Iraq to the failure to deliver on the climate crisis. People want honesty and integrity in their politicians. They also want action and stability. The erosion of trust in politicians and democracy seems even greater in the US. The supporters of Donald Trump and a large part of the Republican Party have adopted the stance that any election they do not win is rigged. The excellent ITV documentary: America - the War within by Robert Moore exposed how dangerous this movement is becoming, preparing for some sort of civil war. They are attempting to get their people in control of the electoral process, at the upcoming mid-term elections, ready for the next Presidential election - when Trump is expected to run again - in 2024. Democracy really is hanging by a thread in the US. The reaction must be for people to step forward to defend democracy. This means first and foremost voting. Not voting is an abrogation of responsibility. People died across the world to secure this very basic right to have some say in how our lives are run. Beyond voting, more people need to come forward to represent their communities. Join parties or stand as independents to represent communities. The paucity of talent, seen across the political spectrum, is due to a failure to attract more people of all talents from across society. In order that this can happen people need support - financially in some cases - to be able to make that stand. The factionalism and cronyism at all levels of government needs to stop.The successful leaders of political parties down the ages have been those who put people in position who have the talent to do the job. Whether they are left, right or centre does not matter, the ability to do the job is what counts. Overall there needs to be a reconnection between the people and political process, failure to do so will see the extinguishing of democracy as the world plunges towards authoritarian dictatorship.

UK needs to get back confidence and control

The recent upheaval in government that saw an un-costed mini-budget foisted on the country has exposed the limitations of democracy in the UK. Leaving aside for a moment the lack of an electoral mandate for the measures, never approved by the British people, enacted by a leader elected by 81,000 Tory members. The reaction of the markets effectively led to the reversal of the measures. The un-costed package lacked any evidential back up to suggest it would work. The much talked of analysis of the Office for Budget Responsibility was not there. Indeed, it seems the Bank of England was hardly informed as to what was going on. The result was government borrowing shot up, forcing a Bank of England intervention to reassure the markets. The Alice in Wonderland economics of the government foresaw all the measures being proposed, such as reversing the National Insurance charge to fund health and social care, being funded by borrowing. Not anymore said the markets. The whole package of cutting taxes for the rich, whilst penalising everyone else was a step too far. The mini-budget was scrapped, with a whole new era of austerity now beckoning due to these reckless actions. The Prime Minister (PM) has resigned. Market confidence though has been eroding in the UK for some time. The mini-budget was probably just the final straw. Investors like stability, something that used to be one of the attractions of the UK. Enter Brexit and Boris Johnson. A PM that signed agreements, then failed to abide by them. A PM who illegally prorogued Parliament. A leader who got rid of experienced MPs who wouldn't back his Brexit line. An individual who said do as I say not as I do in relation to partying during Covid. Then, along came Liz Truss, a logical extension in many ways of the mayhem of the Johnson years. The Tory government seems now to have lost the confidence of the markets and the people. It is time for a general election. Whoever forms the next government, though, would be wise to acknowledge that we live in an interconnected globalised world. There are limitations on what can and can't be done according to an international consensus. The markets are an important part of this equation and need to be heeded. The challenge today is not just to take back control but earn international confidence for competence, something wantonly squandered over the past decade.

Good news on Climate Action Plan

There has been a 16.2% cut in carbon emissions from council sources over the past year. This is as a result of the Climate Action Plan drawn up as a result of the Climate Emergency declared in 2019. Some of the major gains have resulted from switching to green energy sources for different council functions. Other positive developments have come from schemes like the Go Green Grants that have provided funding for retrofitting to improve energy efficiency for households on low incomes. Work is underway to reduce emissions from the council's vehicle fleet - using electric where possible, adding solar panels and exploring alternative fuels. Electric Charging Points are rolling out in streets across the borough with 600 due for installation in 2023. Recycling levels have increased by around 10% as a result of the wheelie bin roll out as well as the expansion in range of recycling that can be accepted - to include plastic pots, tubs and trays and foil. Active travel measures are important to shift people away from a reliance on cars which can be beneficial for the environment as well as people’s health. Some 9 km of segregated cycle lanes are encouraging cyclists. School streets schemes which restrict traffic around schools are being introduced to more school to make the area around schools safer for children and encourage walking and cycling. This can help reduce emissions and also improve air quality. The west of the borough is now covered by the London Mayor's Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) which is also having a significant impact on air quality. So there has been good progress in combatting climate change, within the council sphere. There is, though, much more to be done. Funding is key. And that’s where central government needs to step up. Though the agreement of the funding settlement with TFL was welcome it offers much less to boroughs than in previous years. Reducing the number of schemes that can be delivered. More funds are needed to really scale up the response to the climate emergency including for more retrofitted buildings, cycle lanes and electrification of travel. Then there is the biodiversity crisis to address, which links to the climate emergency. The grow zones, extension of community garden and allotments and the net gain in biodiversity that will come, with new developments under the Environment Act, from next year. The council though also has to be a catalyst to bring about change in the wider society, encouraging people to live more sustainably. Everyone can do something. Save energy, drive and fly less The key word to go back to the original motion is emergency. The original Climate Emergency motion came about, partly due to the dire 12 year warning sounded by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report in 2018. That was the time frame to act. A third of the way into that period and the warning signs flash ever brighter. The fires over the summer of drought and heatwave are a recent reminder. So much more has to be done quickly at all levels, if a devastating crisis is to be avoided. Otherwise floods, fires and more devastation beckon.

Well deserved recognition for Councillor Rosa Gomez

Fantastic news last week that Redbridge Labour Councillor Rosa Gomez has been shortlisted for a prestigious local government award. Rosa is in the running to win the Resilience and Recovery category in the national awards run by the Local Government Information Unit and charity investment managers CCLA. Labour councillor for Churchfields since 2018, Rosa truly deserves this recognition. A human rights campaigner, Rosa was shot in Colombia in 2010, which resulted in the loss of her eyesight and use of her hands. A mother of two, difficult times beckoned, as she found herself marooned in Woodford. Rosa gradually started getting involved in the local community. She joined Activeyes Redbridge, a group that provided support. Rosa's community activism then led to her standing as a local Labour councillor in Churchfields in 2018. A strongly Conservative ward up to that point, Rosa took one of the seats, the other two remaining Conservative. Over the next four years, Rosa provided a strong voice on equality, women's safety and disability rights. She has fiercely stood up for her local community, something recognised by the electorate last May, with Rosa increasing her majority. She was also joined by fellow Labour councillors Guy Williams and Lloyd Duddridge to give Labour a clean sweep in the ward. Life has not been easy for Rosa, as a disabled person trying to serve her constituents on the council but she has done a brilliant job. Something that the local residents clearly recognise. What Rosa's story also illustrates is the importance of providing the support and nurturing in order that people from all walks of life can come forward to represent their communities. This means making facilities accessible to everyone and providing adequate financial support in order that it is possible to play a part. Rosa has been a shining example of how it is possible to overcome adversity, let's hope she wins that award, when it is announced on 20 October - no one would deserve it more.

West Ham on the up with victory over Fulham at the London Stadium

West Ham's steady climb up the table continued, with this hard fought victory over Fulham at the London Stadium. It was Fulham, though, who struck first, after just four minutes, with Neeskens Kebano breaking down the left to put Andreas Pereira away to fire home into the roof of the net. Pereira then almost made it two, as Lukasz Fabianski punched out his swerving free kick. Then, Daniel James saw his shot rock back off the bar. Gianluca Scamacca almost levelled, seeing his downward header from a Lucas Paqueta cross, saved low down by Bernd Leno. Scamacca, then. repeated the header routine, with this time Bowen failing to put away the bounce back from the keeper. West Ham though drew level on the half hour, when Pereira wrestled Craig Dawson to the ground as a corner came over. Jarrod Bowen duly converted the resulting penalty. West Ham pressure in the second half eventually paid off, when a ball form Declan Rice was controlled and fed through by Paqueta to Scammaca in the penalty area. The big striker controlled the ball and lobbed over Leno. After a lengthy VAR investigation, first for offside, then handball, the goal was allowed. Fulham's best second half effort came from Tom Cairney, who saw his effort from the edge of the penalty area blocked by Aaron Cresswell. The game was finally made safe for the Hammers in injury time, as substitute Michail Antonio ran in behind the Fulham defense, first seeing his effort saved by Leno but then when the ball fell for him again, he made space to fire home. West Ham manager David Moyes only felt his side came alive, after James hit the bar. And it is those margins that can be vital, said Moyes, who was full of praise for Scammaca. "We've got a young centre forward, who is doing really well. His finishing and composure on the ball are very good,"said Moyes, who is excited by the partnership developing with Paqueta Fulham manager Marco Silva felt his team were on top until the West Ham penalty. He believes his team needs to show greater maturity. "It won't be an easy journey for us, "said Silva.

Why no general election?

What sort of democracy is it that operates on these islands? The Conservative Party were elected in 2019 on a manifesto to get Brexit done. They certainly got it partially done – Northern Ireland Protocol exempted. But there were other things, like a moratorium on fracking and some positive green measures. Wind forward, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who did most to win that election is deposed. His successor Liz Truss is elected by 81,000 Tory party members. Campaigning to become leader and Prime Minister, Truss makes it very clear that she has markedly different ideas to her predecessor, not least on public finances. The levelling up agenda appears to have taken on a new meaning, more in line with further enriching the already very rich in our society. The Johnsonian version was to try to improve the lot of some of the less well off, particularly in the traditional Northern red wall seats that the Tories won from Labour in 2019. Fracking and fossil fuels are back in under Truss. Cue the mini-budget, reversing tax measures brought in by Johnson’s government, of which she was a part as Foreign Secretary. Huge tax cuts for the rich, little for the poor. The consequences are likely to be more billionaires and more attendees at foodbanks. The consequences thus far have been disastrous, with the pound and the markets crashing. The cost at which the UK government can borrow has virtually doubled because lenders have no confidence in the new Prime Minister and her Chancellor. The Bank of England has had to step in with a £65 billion package to ensure liquidity in the market, so pension funds don't start collapsing. The mortgage market has been ceasing up, as lenders withdraw offers. U-turn anyone? The reality is that Truss has brought in a whole program for government that the country has never had the chance to assess and vote on. Effectively 81,000 Tory members (who voted for Truss) have decided the fate of 67 million plus people. This cannot be right in a democracy – such a radical departure from what was on offer in the Tory manifesto of 2019 needs to go back to the country. If Truss secures a mandate for her crazy trickle-down economics and climate sceptic policies so be it but the people must have a say. There needs to be a general election now.

Free speech at risk in Royal Britain

Free speech at risk on Royal Britain The recent public mourning period for the death of Queen Elizabeth II threw into sharp focus the question of freedom of speech in the UK. Some were stirred to ask is there any? The arrest and charging of a woman in Edinburgh for holding up an Abolish the Monarchy poster brought the whole question into sharp focus. Beyond this incident, there was a strange simmering attitude of intolerance to anyone who might choose to disagree, with the establishment narrative about the monarchy. There was at times an overbearing sense of coercive compassion. No dissident views it seemed could be heard. The mourning and celebration of the Queen's reign was understandable. She did give a great life of service to the nation, people wanted to pay their respects. I would have liked to see something far more respectful to her memory and that of her family, giving them some time for their own quiet peaceful personal grief. But those who have other views should also have been allowed to express them. There is a view that the monarchy represents the class riven society that is Britain. The Monarchy sits at the top of a system that ensures everyone has their place in a hierarchy dominated by the wealthy and privileged – all are subjects. The monotonous over the top coverage on BBC, ITV and many other channels offered no other voices. The famous BBC balance should have meant they sort out such voices but not anymore it would seem. There was almost a desperation to get people to conform. There was a more nuanced story to be told. On Ireland, the late Queen did much to promote reconciliation, after the years of war. The historic visit in 2011, with the visit to the National War Memorial Gardens, honouring fallen Irish republicans. Then, the state dinner – with her speech, where there was acknowledgement of the wrongs done by Britain to Ireland in the past. Then, a year later, the famous hand-shake with Sinn Fein deputy first minister, Martin McGuiness. A move difficult for both sides, with the Queen lets not forget losing her uncle, Lord Louis Mountbatten, to an IRA bomb in 1979. She visited Ireland a number of times to help the peace. But the Queen also stands as the Commander in Chief of the British armed forces, whose true role in Ireland over the years of the Troubles has yet to be acknowledged. The media has been the main leader in promoting this coercive compassion, with its one size fits all coverage of the succession from Elizabeth Il to Charles III. Britain claims to be a mature democracy. Democracy, though, only prospers when important elements like free speech flourish. What this recent episode shows is that free speech is very much under threat. Successive governments have legislated to restrict freedoms of speech and assembly. This has in turn led to groups like environmental protesters, Extinction Rebellion, taking direct action. Removing the valves of democratic accountability, like free speech, does not resolve problems but sees protest move into other forms. Let’s not forget, in the north of Ireland meeting the peaceful protests of the civil rights movement with violence led in the end to 30 years of war. Democracy thrives when there are educated and informed citizens who are treated with respect, heard and taken notice of when they have a point to make. Majority and minority views should be respected. On recent evidence, Britain seems to have drifted a long way from this ideal. In fact, the lack of tolerance of other views, suggests an insular country on the road to an increasingly authoritarian existence, where only the ruling elites version of events can be heard. The desperate need to seemingly make people conform indicates a democracy in trouble, not at ease with itself but feeling under threat and challenged. A dangerous time for all. Northern Ireland secretaries come and go Who is Chris Heaton Harris, the new Northern Ireland Secretary? The question will have crossed many minds in Ireland - the third person to hold the role in the last three months. A former chief whip, Harris, also chaired the Eurosceptic European Research Group of MPs. Who better to deal with the thorny issue of the Norther Ireland Protocol? The Protocol negotiation has seen the role of Northern Ireland Secretary come back to prominence in the political lexicon. Many would have hoped that almost a quarter of a century into the peace process, that the role might have become redundant. The first Northern Ireland Secretary was William Whitelaw. He was put in post when Ted Heath's government established direct role from Westminster in 1972. In those early years there was a pattern that saw Northern Ireland Secretaries move onto the Home Office. Whitelaw later became Margaret Thatcher's Home Secretary. Douglas Hurd followed a similar path. On the Labour side, Merlyn Reece moved from Northern Ireland to the Home Office. Later, in the noughties, John Reid followed the same path. Some believed the route significant, with law and order tactics trialled in the north of Ireland then being brought to the rest of the UK via the Home Office. The period of the hunger strikes saw Humphrey Atkins and Jim Prior in the role. It was seen as a demotion for Prior from Trade and Industry. All major decisions at this time were micro-managed from Downing Street. The most high-profile MP to hold the role was Mo Mowlem, who played a crucial role in helping broker the Good Friday Agreement. In fact, it was felt Mo's star shone too brightly, putting PM Tony Blair in the shade. Peter Mandelson replaced her. As the peace process spluttered along Northern Ireland Secretaries came and went at regular intervals. Theresa Villers held the post from 2012 to 2016, then James Brokenshaw (2016 - 2018), Karen Bradley (2018 - 2019), Julian Smith (2019- 2020) and Brandon Lewis (2020 -2022). Shailesh Vara occupied the post from July to September. The Northern Ireland Executive (NIE) failed to sit for much of this period. If the NIE had sat more consistently then the role of Northern Ireland Secretary might have slipped further into obscurity. Now, with the NIE still suspended, this time due to the Protocol, Heaton Harris will be expected to get things moving. The peace process has always been brittle but survived. However, the thorny issue of the Protocol could have severe consequences for Ireland and peace going forward. Heaton Harris will need all the diplomatic skills of his predecessors and maybe a bit of that Mowlem magic, if he is going to succeed, where others have failed.

Life under the lens

When visiting the north of Ireland in the days of the Troubles, one of the most striking things was the surveillance towers in cities like Belfast and Derry. They were part of the surveillance state, constructed at the time, as part of the ongoing war. These installations were often dressed up in Orwellian terms, suggesting that they were there to protect the population from terrorism etc. The people though knew better. They were well aware that these surveillance structures were about watching them. In Derry, people would say how at army checkpoints, soldiers would tell them what they had been doing in their own houses. It was straightforward intimidation. The people responded, running campaigns against the towers and intimidation. I remember thinking at the time, how people would react in England to such blatant surveillance and invasion of privacy. What if some sort of surveillance structure were sold on the basis of cutting crime? Fast forward to today. The UK is one of the most watched populations in the world. The CCTV led surveillance world abounds. Over 6 million cameras - one per 11 people. It is estimated an individual maybe caught 300 times in a day on camera in London. CCTV has become the equivalent of the surveillance tower. CCTV has been sold as a panacea in stopping crime. People clamour for CCTV in their streets, when crime occurs. The evidence of crime prevention is scarce. Areas that have CCTV often have marginally less crime but whether that is due to stopping crime or simply displacing it to other areas, without cameras, seems a mute point. The spread of the surveillance society in this way has resonation more with dictators down the ages, who always offered security in exchange for liberty. The people of the north of Ireland had the right idea. When the peace process came, the towers came down as part of the settlement - stick your security, we'll have back our liberties. How long before people here wake up to what is going on? Irish Post .

Living with the seasons

The arrival of autumn is always a special time of year. That golden sun shining as nature transitions from summer. It is a the time for harvest. The crops that have been nurtured through spring and summer reach fruition. A time to gather in. Birds set out on migration, the swallows lining up on telegraph lines ready for the great exodus ( some stay here, as all round residents). It is a great time to be a birder, as each day can bring something different in terms of bird life...wheatears, spotted and pied flycatchers. The autumn is always special but so too are all the seasons. Spring brings the new life, the freshness. Summer, the hot days and long light evenings. Then winter, shorter days, cold and wet but still life asserting. Travelling through the natural timetable we come to appreciate the uniqueness of each season. Walking in the sunshine of a summer evening, you can remember doing the same walk in the cold of winter, wrapped up to keep warm. There is a great sense of fulfillment and continuity, looking and moving from one season to another. Appreciation of the seasons and nature helps us come to appreciate our own mortality. Everyone moves from Spring to summer, onto autumn then winter. Each time has its unique features. If we are in tune with the seasons and nature, it is much easier to make sense of our own lives and time on this earth. It is when humans set themselves aside from nature, as being in some way different or superior that problems arise. Humans are part of the circle of life, just like any other living creature. We need to live in accordance with and be at one with nature. All are born, live through the seasons and die. Death is as much part of that cycle of nature as birth and life. We need to come to terms with death. It is the one inevitable that we all share. The arrival of winter marks the end for some but also new beginnings. A time that precedes new birth. None of us can turn back the clock but we can all appreciate the steady rhythm, as we pass through the different seasons, enjoying each for what it offers. The sense of fulfillment coming from a truly rich experience.

Society should be run on the basis of the common good, not bottom line profit

What a different society there would be if things were run on the basis of the common good of all. It would mean people thinking always in terms of their neighbour and the community. Business too could take the lead. Shops are there to serve the local community, not the other way around. The idea of the principle of the common good came to mind when recently queueing up at a local supermarket. There were three tills working, many others vacant. Self service tills were in operation. The queues grew. When it was suggested that they needed a few more staff, the news was that the supermarket wanted to switch over to self service as much as possible, so cutting staff. The supermarkets do not pay people well. On a more positive note, they (largely due to dedicated staff) kept people going throughout the pandemic. Supermarkets also collect for foodbanks - it is a shame though that some staff are so badly paid that they end up using the self same foodbanks. Supermarkets have also put incredible pressure on suppliers to cut costs. This has a knock on effect down the supply chain, putting special pressure on farmers. The supermarkets are responding to the climate crisis, though, incredibly slowly. Far more could be done in terms of renewable energy usage and generation by supermarkets and their property divisions. More could also be done, more quickly to phase out excess plastic and packaging use. The unfortunate thing is that whatever good or bad practices the supermarkets pursue, the overriding priority is bottom line profit. Shareholders dividend pay outs trump all. The supermarkets are not alone. How much better for the community would it be if utilities like water, energy and mail were run for the good of all, rather than shareholders. The recent strikes on the railway were caused by a failure to pay the workforce properly. Modernisation is being demanded, meaning job losses plus worse pay and conditions. Businesses and services based on the common good would value workers and customers equally - all have to survive, have families to feed and support. This is something of a cursory look at how things could be different based on the common good, rather than the present tyranny of bottom line profits rule all. But it is difficult not to think that a society run on common good principles would be a happier more fulfilled place

Houses and Flats need to be seen as homes, not just investment opportunities

Houses and flats need to be seen as homes, not investment opportunities Housing is a major problem of modern society. Demand outruns supply in many parts of the country There are many problems that have developed, courtesy of the perverse system that has grown up over the years On a national level, there are many empty homes. This can be either because there is not the demand in an area or some speculative owners simply sit on property watching the value increase. The property market has been a major way for people to make money over recent years. Some buy a property not as a home but an investment opportunity. This extends further with those who buy to let and invest in Air BNB. The private rented sector has expanded hugely over recent decades, partly due to the retraction of the council (public) housing sector. The right to buy process brought in by the Thatcher government in the 1980s saw council houses sold off at reduced prices. This policy still operates today, meaning that building new council housing means they are still likely to be sold off further down the line. What is actually needed is a large amount of good standard sustainable housing stock, that can be retained and rented out to those who need it. The disparities in the housing market cause other problems across the country, such as where holiday home owners move into coastal areas. The second homers only attend their properties part of the year, leaving them empty the rest of the time. This can turn these areas into desert towns, particularly in winter. The local businesses that need customers to survive go to the wall, whilst those looking to buy their first home are priced out of areas, they often grew up in. The price of housing makes it more and more difficult to get on the housing ladder Across the country young people cannot afford to buy properties in the areas where they grew up. This is likely to become even more difficult now, with spiralling interest rates. Overall, the provision of property in this country has some very dysfunctional outcomes, largely due to a system based on let the market decide. What is required is some proper provision of housing, particularly in the public rented sector. We also need to move away from the idea of property as simply an investment opportunity and look to it more as making a home It is not right that young people grow up in an area and then have to move away because they cannot afford to remain part of that community. Nor is it good for community cohesion. There needs to be a new housing policy, shaped for regional and local needs, as well as the overall goal of everyone having somewhere to live.

Climate crisis, what crisis - as plane and car traffic increase

Sitting, sweltering during the recent heat wave, it was somewhat bizarre to be viewing the seemingly constant succession of aircraft flying overhead. The extreme temperatures are being caused by climate change, yet very little is really being done to address the crisis - it is business as usual, especially for the airline industry. Having lost trade over the period of the pandemic, it seems determined to make up for lost time and profits. This determination though can only be driven by demand. Why given the climate crisis that now faces the world are so many people still climbing on planes regardless? The climate crisis has reached such a point that radical change is needed in everybody's lives - doing a bit of recycling is not enough. It is better than nothing but not enough, given the breadth of the crisis. The number of people flying and driving really proves that the penny has not dropped, regarding the seriousness of climate change. It's carry on, as usual, the scientists will find a magic bullet solution one day. But what if they don't? How about the fires that stretched the fire service to breaking point during the 40 degree heatwave in July? The flooding that will no doubt come when the heavy rain falls? Yet, rather than address the crisis, an attitude of complete denial seems to be spreading. Take London City Airport, who have put their expansion plans back on the table, after withdrawal a few years ago. The proposals will see annual passenger numbers increase from 6.5 million to 9 million. The current curfew on flights between 12.30pm on Saturday to 12.30pm on Sunday is to be terminated, allowing flying on Saturday afternoon and evening. There is to be an increase in flights permitted from 6.30 to 6.59 from 6 to 12. Local Labour MP John Cryer is absolutely right to be opposing these plans to extend flying hours and increase flights. He highlights the climate crisis, as part of the reasoning for opposing the expansion. We need a step change that takes the world away from behaving in ways that cause climate change. It is a constant mystery as to how so many people with children can close their eyes to this crisis. It is future for these children and coming generations that is being destroyed. Everyone has to take responsibility for the way they live, drive and fly less, insulate housing, use sustainable energy - where possible and switch to more vegetable based diets. Only if we all start to really act now can the world be pulled back from the precipice of destruction. What we are beginning to see with heatwaves and floods is only the start. * London City Airport consultation can be found at https://consultation.londoncityairport.com/ - consultation ends on 9 September 2022

West Ham unlucky not to take all three points against Spurs

West Ham 1-1 Spurs A hard fought contest between West Ham and Tottenham ended with honours even at the London Stadium West Ham were on the front foot from the kick off, playing a high line that stopped Tottenham playing their usual free flowing football. It looked as though Tottenham were set to take the lead when after 10 minutes, referee Peter Bankes ruled that Aaron Cresswell had deliberately handled a header from Harry Kane. But after a VAR check the penalty decision was overuled. West Ham then nearly took the lead, when Declan Rice thundered in a shot but Hugo Lloris pushed the effort away. Another West Ham move saw Said Benrahma put Michail Antonio away but the big striker saw his effort rocket back off the post. On the half hour, Tottenham's renowned counter attacking ability saw Dejan Kulusevski break away, with Harry Kane on the overlap. The England striker slid the ball across the area, where Thilo Kehrer, trying to clear, put the ball into his own net. The home team were quickly back on level terms at the start of the second half, when Antonio flicked on a throw from Vladimir Coufal, for the incoming Tomas Soucek to crash home. The end to end encounter saw Jarrod Bowen fire wide, whilst a Davinson Sanchez overhead, similarly went wide of the post. Pablo Formals should have done better getting on the end of a nicely worked move, involving Rice and Bowen. But the Spaniard skied his effort. Another chance saw a complete misunderstanding between new signings Luis Paqueta and Emerson resulting in neither taking the chance in front of goal from a Bowen cross The final chance came in a scramble on the goal line, which saw Bowen's effort go agonisingly along the line. Both managers agreed the penalty decision was the turning point. West Ham's David Moyes felt the decision gave his side a foothold and they much better from then on in. The manager was pleased with what he saw against Spurs and with the win against Villa on Sunday. "We are trying to build a new side, a new team," said Moyes . Antonio Conti thought the referee got the penalty decision right and VAR embarssed him by making him by overuling. The Tottenham boss went onto criticise the inconsistency of VAR. "I'm really disappointed, the people behind the monitor need to pay more attention," said Conti.

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

No time to be putting the green agenda on the backburner

One of the more alarming elements of the ongoing insular process to select a new leader of the Conservative Party has been the rush of most the candidates to ditch green policies. Whilst, it seems that most will say anything, no matter how nonsensical eg pledges to cut taxes whilst committing to spend more, the attack on green issues betrays a climate sceptic mindset. Nothing new with the Conservatives ofcourse, former Prime Minister David Cameron famously boosting his green credentials, with stunts involving huskies, pre-election, only to later talk of ditching the green crap, once in power. The attitude of the present candidates seems to be that the planet can wait, put the problem on the back burner until the country can afford to deal with climate and biodiversity disasters. Extraordinary, given the recent heatwave that saw infrastructure crumbling and much of the country on fire. Already, the shift is beginning from stopping climate change to dealing with the consequences There is a remarkable lack of political will to act on the environmental crisis. Nationally, the present Prime Minister talks the talk but what about delivery? Local authorities declare climate emergencies, draw up policy responses but then struggle to fund them - often due to financial restraint from central government. As people have sweltered in near 40 degree heat, one does have to wonder what is needed for the penny to drop. The climate and biodiversity crisis are here and now. Heatwaves, wild fires and floods are spreading across the planet. The rich world can no longer takes its immoral stance that it is not really happening to them. It is now four years since the International Climate Committee's report declared that there were 12 years to address the problems or it would be too late. Over those four years there has been much hot air expended, committing to targets but a universal failure to deliver. Now is the time for action, not more vacuous talk. The general public recognise the need for action, though are sometimes less happy to accept the changes this will mean in their own personal lives. What no one should accept is a head in the sand approach as the fires come closer and the waters rise higher. Something that the new Conservative leader and others would do well to heed.

Football is about entertainment - time wasting and gamesmanship is killing the game

The new football season is set to kick off in a couple of weeks - some will think it has never been away. There is the usual buzz of anticipation from the fans, as clubs recruit new players and let others go. Who will be the winners and losers? This will be a different season, starting earlier, then breaking for a month in November, while the World Cup is being played. Whenever, the World Cup comes round, the old newsreels comes out from when England last won it in 1966. The iconic moment when Geoff Hurst blasted home the fourth goal from 25 yards in injury time. It was a long time ago, with the game changing much over the ensuing years. If the game were played today, Hurst would not have been in that position to fire home but down by the corner flag, holding the ball up, whilst running down the clock. There were no substitutes in 1966, teams will be able to use five (up from three) in the coming season. Dare I say it, more opportunities for managers to run down the clock with needless substitutions in the final minutes. Deliberate time wasting is becoming a real problem in the professional game. Watching West Ham last year, it was incredible to see some teams starting to time waste, after just 10 minutes. The goalkeepers regularly taking as long as they could with goal kicks. The only time things changed was when the away side went a goal behind, then there was a rapid reversal of tactics. Arsenal and Brentford were two of the prime time wasting offenders last year. Another, discouraging development in the game is faking injury or maybe call it what it is cheating. Players going down all over the place to try to gain an advantage by getting the game stopped. Some of the play acting would have embarrassed players of yesteryear. These methods of cheating have to stop. Fans pay in excess of £60 to watch a Premiership football match. They pay to be entertained, not witness some sort of of attritional battle between teams using underhand tactics. The cheating can be stopped. Referees need to be less easily take in by the fake injuries. They need to book more players for such behaviour and the time wasting. The time wasted also has to be clearly added on. These are not huge issues but they need addressing The Premier League is probably the best competition in the world Many of the finest players take part, the skill level is incredible, compared to past eras. But the game has also become commodified, everything from the players to franchises. The lifeblood of football is the fans and the bond they have with their clubs. Football administrators need to remember that football first and foremost is an entertainment. There are some growing tendencies in the game at the moment that threaten that entertainment value. The time has come to address these issues - no more blatant time wasting or fake injuries to stop the game. The fans deserve better.