Prison system must be about rehabilitation, not vengeance

Prisons cannot become vengeance factories for victims and the relatives of victims seeking revenge against perpetrators. Whilst the hurt felt can never be underestimated, the victim''s role should end, once the perpetrator has been tried and sentenced by the courts. It is then for the criminal justice system to ensure justice is achieved - that includes managing release and rehabilitation. It has been widely accepted that incarcerating people does not cut crime. In fact, prisons are universities of crime equipping offenders to be better criminals on release. The only way prison can be a positive experience is if proper rehabilitation takes place, giving offenders and the public another chance. Rehabilitation, though, can only work in orderly run prisons, not overcrowded battery style facilities. The latter amount to powder kegs, hence the government's desire to cut numbers in the present overcrowded system. As a former chief inspector of prisons pointed out, all but a handful of prisoners will be released at some point and they could be living next door to you or I. Media incited hysteria may sell papers but it does not solve the problems of the justice system. Out of sight out of mind is not a criminal justice policy. Society needs to face up to the challenges that offenders pose. Punishment, yes, but less incarceration and more rehabilitation should be the way forward. Failure to deal with the present system on the basis of logic, rather than the last headline, will see the powder keg that is the prison system explode, with riots and mayhem - surely no one wants that?

Growth of microbreweries - a local success story

The growth of the brewing industry has been one of the big success stories of recent years. There have been the old traditional brewers like Fullers in West London. The brewery sits next to the Thames at Chiswick, the fantastic aroma of beer filling the air. Beer drinkers will be familiar with Fullers trademark London Pride, a staple of many pubs around these parts. Others like ESB and 1845 also crop up. The Fullers brewery was founded in 1845. Back in the day, beer was a regular part of working people's diets, safer to drink than water. Fullers survived and prospered. They have 360 pubs across the land. Other big brewers like Kent based Shepherds Neame and Adnams in Southwold will also be familiar. There have been many ups and downs in the brewing industry over the past century. The modern brewing industry, though, got a real boost in 2002, when then Chancellor Gordon down brought in Small Brewers Relief. This cut the tax payable by 50% on breweries producing up to 5000 hectolitres (880,000 pints) per annum. There was then a taper of tax payment up to 60,000 hectolitres. Above that figure meant paying the full tax amount. The tax break gave the small brewers a chance against their larger brethren, who benefited from having economies of scale. The impact on the industry was dramatic, resulting in hundreds of smaller breweries developing across the country. In East London, the brewing industry really took off. What has become known as the beer mile in and around Blackhorse Road in Walthamstow bares witness. Many breweries have sprung up in the last 20 years. Present incumbents include East London Brewery, Pretty Decent, Signature, Exhale and 40 Foot. Brewing is not exclusive to this area, with others, like Libertalia recently starting under the railway bridge at Leyton. The Wanstead Beer Festival is supplied by many of these local breweries. The original tax break was campaigned for by the Society of Independent Brewers and the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). Times though are tough for brewers and pubs. The cost of living crisis means people have less to spend. The costs of production have increased. Breweries and pubs have been forced to close down. More than a pub a week has been closing across the UK this year. Despite the great success of local brewers, some have been forced to close, such as Walthamstow based Beerblefish and Wildcard. Industry bodies have called for cuts to business rates to help. So these are tough times for the hospitality industry. It needs all of our support. The brewing sector is one of the modern day successes of the British economy. It is great to be able to go into our pubs and have a pint from a local brewery Similarly, people attending the Wanstead Beer Festival have said how much they enjoy being able to enjoy beer from the local breweries - a real precious resource. So let's make sure we support the beer makers, servers and drinkers. See you in 10 October at the Wanstead Beer Festival - tickets now on sale at www.wansteadbeerfestival.co.uk

New Prime Minister must not be fooled by false defence versus welfare spending arguments

New Prime Minister Andy Burnham will have spending choices to make as he takes up the reins of power. One unfortunate narrative pushed forward is the need to spend more on defence. This extra spending it is argued should come from welfare, so something of a loaded dice. First, what is the extra defence spending for? Threats from Russia are often cited, though that country has been bogged down in the Ukraine conflict for over four years. So, is the threat over-hyped to justify more spending? The world situation has become more unstable, since Donald Trump became US President. The war with Iran is but the latest example. Trump has also indicated America won't continue to bankroll the defence of Europe. In this debate, it is significant to look at who is given the platforms to argue for more defence spending. Often, it is spokespeople for the arms industry dressed up as objective commentators. The Defence industry needs constant war and unrest to prosper. Another question should be what will the Ministry of Defence (MOD) do with extra funding? There is a blank cheque approach to the discourse on this subject, yet the MOD is legendary amongst Whitehall departments for wasting money. Procurement over the years has been appalling. Defence will not improve by just throwing money at it. The next part of the argument is that the funding should come from welfare - why? Again, 'helpful' commentators and right wing politicians argue welfare spending is out of control, spiralling ever upwards. It needs to be cut. But as economist Jonathan Portes points out, the welfare spending level as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product is lower than 15 years ago. And compared to European neighbours it is a lot lower. Another favourite target within welfare spending is the state pension. Yet the pension is a right, not a benefit. People have paid National Insurance for 35 years plus to receive the pension. What is more the National Insurance Fund, which holds the funds is £74 billion in credit. Despite all the talk of scrapping the triple lock (ensuring pensions go up by the highest of prices, wages or 2.5%), UK pensioners are worse off than many European counterparts. There maybe an argument for some increase in targeted defence spending but the argument needs to be far more holistic. The big threat is not any one country but climate change. This is destabilising the world, creating ever more refugees and conflict. Yet, ironically, often, those arguing for increased defence spending at the cost of welfare number amongst those arguing for increased fossil fuel extraction, such as oil from the North Sea. So something of a circular, contradictory construct. More funding maybe needed for Defence and other areas but not by cutting welfare or taking climate change enhancing actions. Maybe there should be more taxes from those with the broadest shoulders. Also, some of the inefficiencies in present operations and the continued retention of the Trident nuclear program? Described as Britain's independent deterrent it is anything but. Controlled by the US, the nuclear weaponry is paid for by British tax payers. Cutting an increasingly redundant program would save tens of millions. So the new PM will have to look carefully at spending setting out his priorities for government. What he should not do is fall for redundant neo-liberal based arguments pushed by vested interests. The common good should be the mantra going forward, not who can profit on the backs of the most vulnerable. published - East London Guardian - 24/7/2026

Review of Rebel and the Peacemaker by Geraldine Roberts

This fascinating book traces the lives of Charles and Mary Bagot through turbulent times in America, Russia and latterly Canada during the first half of the 19th century. Geraldine Roberts second book follows on from the Angel and the Cad about the antics of the Duke of Wellington's nephew William Pole Tylney Long Wellesley. In that case, Long Wellesley managed to destroy his wife Catherine 's life. Though, it became the first case where a man was denied custody of his children (that duty going to the Duke of Wellington, after Catherine''s death). Roberts deploys a similar forensic style of approach in this latest book, which picks up with Long Wellesley's sister Mary, who marries Charles Bagot. Bagot is determined to serve in the diplomatic sector. He becomes great friends with future Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister George Canning, though also shares his rise and fall in fortunes. Politically, Bagot is a Tory, at a time when the Whigs are seen as the coming liberating force. However, he excels as a diplomat. First, being sent as British ambassador to Washington in 1815. The British had just burnt Washington in the war of 1812 to 1815. Post war, things are tense but the Bagots charm their way around the diplomatic circuit. Important treaties are agreed, bringing peace. Bagot plays a key role in one of the few positive actions of the British Empire, helping secure liberty for some of the slaves who joined the British side during the three year war. After three arduous years in America, Bagot becomes ambassador to Russia. There, dealing with the elusive Tsar Alexander I. A period follows as ambassador to the Netherlands. Finally, Bagot is brought out of retirement to become Governor General of Canada. A role where he brought unity to a divided country, whilst being vilified at home in the UK for his liberal actions. Roberts provides a fascinating insight to an interesting period of history. Diplomacy in a modern sense is in it's infancy. The period covered, bridges the end of the Georgians and beginning of Victoria's reign (Queen Victoria is not a Bagot fan). The change in reigns is described in terms of a decline of the "vulgar ostentation" of the Georgian era. Whilst at times the author seems something of a fan of the Bagots, aka Hillary Mantel and Thomas Cromwell, she in the main keeps an objective observers pose. In many ways she is setting the record straight, recalling how the online biography at the National Gallery is less than complimentary, failing to mention his role as an abolitionist for slavery. Bagot seems to have been more appreciated in the annals of the US and Canada. Much of the book focuses on Mary, a vivacious, intelligent person, who does all she can within the many confines placed on women at the time. There are some other interesting social history titbits in the account, such as the rich and wealthy had access to a form of condom in these times. Not that that seemed to effect the Bagots, who had 10 children. Mary also had a number of affairs, seemingly forgiven by Charles. One child Arthur wasn't his. Also, that non- monogamy was routinely practiced in the late 18th century, though maybe not a shock, just that it seemed an acknowledged thing at that time.Simething no doubt lost in the haze that the Victorians seem to have pulled over much of the concept of history today. Overall, a very interesting read, especially for those interested in the history of this time, bridging the Georgian and Victorian periods, as the British Empire and influence expanded. published by Canelo August, £20 Published - Morning Star - 25/7/2026

National Emergency Briefing outlines the need for urgent action to address the environmental crisis - the message there is not time to waste, particularly indulging the arguments of fossil fuel funded climate deniers

Extreme weather with fires in the summer and floods in the winter, food shortages, with harvests failing every other year, poor health and growing poverty are all consequences of the climate crisis the world now faces. > These are some of the stark facts presented in the National Emergency Briefing film being shown across the land. > The film, hosted by naturalist Chris Packham, shows a briefing presented at Westminster Central Hall last November. > The briefing saw experts from several fields address different aspects of the crisis. These included weather, biodiversity, security, health, economics, tipping points and transition. > There was then discussion after each segment, with the likes of Deborah Meaden, Jennifer Saunders , Koni Haq and members of the public. > The message was stark, namely that time is running out. Some dramatic change is needed in the way that humans live on the planet > The statistics were alarming, such as that one in four homes in the UK (8 million) will be at risk of flooding by 2050. Food insecurity will increase, with food price inflation growing due to extremes of weather. A third of food price inflation was due to extremes of weather in 2023. > Britain's green and pleasant land will be no more, with extremes of cold and wet in the winter, followed by intense heat (40 degrees plus) in the summer becoming the norm. > There was an upside to this largely doomsday scenario. This envisaged a major transition away from fossil fuels dependency. More renewable energy sources making the UK more secure, with cheaper energy and food. > "Flood absorbing parks, cooler greener cities, better insulation and resilient infrastructure protect people, cut bills,improve health and create skilled jobs," said Hayley Fowler, Professor of Climate Change Impacts at Newcastle University, who cited the example of Copenhagen that has reinvented itself as a sponge city. > What the film did not tackle was the role of the climate deniers in destroying the planet. Those among the political classes, who oppose net zero policies, denying what is happening, despite the evidence all around. It is an Alice in Wonderland approach of simply denying the science of what is happening if you don't like it. > What is more such an approach - as typified by Trumps America, where wind turbines are being destroyed to restore fossil fuel sourced energy - is economically backward. > China is leading the charge on renewables, with growing amounts of its energy coming from that source. It also supplies 80 per cent of the world's solar panels and over half of the electric vehicles. > China is moving totally away from fossil fuels, which are not only damaging the planet but becoming the most expensive way of supplying energy. It is not doing this out of some sense of altruism but because it makes economic and rational sense. > In this area, Trump''s policies will once again ultimately make America poorer again. > The recently elected Reform councils pledged to go back to the future by reversing environmental measures, will soon find this costs more money. The penny has to drop sometime that net zero is the only way forward. > The National Briefing Film is a great tool to communicate the nature of the crisis and the need for urgent action. Organisers want the film to be shown in community groups across the country, with MPs and councillors invited. The ultimate goal is to get a one hour screening of the film on TV. > What is for sure is that urgent action is needed. This is a worsening crisis, not another view on climate. Positive things are happening in this country at local and national level but everything has to happen more quickly. The upside is more jobs, security, cheaper energy and food plus a better life. The alternative is the end of life as we know it. >

To Kill a Mockingbird - Wyndham theatre

To Kill a Mockingbird - Wyndham Theatre The latest production of To Kill a Mockingbird has prescient timing,coming as the darker forces of violence and racism are very much on the move in Trumps America. The scenes dramatically brought to life in this play reminds all of how close to the abyss things have become. Previous incarnations of the play have had the luxury of a feeling of looking back, things aren't as bad now as then - no one could fall into that trap now. In Trumps America the lynch mob mentality has been emboldened, out on the streets in official and unofficial guises. The central character of Atticus Finch is played to great effect by Richard Coyle. The moral, yet vulnerable man, multi-layered, rather than simply good versus evil. He and the children Scout Finch (Anna Munden), Jem Finch (Gabriel Scott) and Dill Harris (Dylan Malyn) hold the narrative together. The whole episode is set over one summer. This adaptation by Aaron Sorkin brings the black characters very much into the foreground. In the original 1960 Harper Lee book, and then film, they were silent victims, being done to - appreciative to Atticus and the good whites. In this version, housekeeper Calpurnia (Andrea Davy) voices the anger. She is critical of Atticus, with his at times patronising ways - expecting gratitude. It is Calpurnia who breaks the reasoned tone of Atticus, when the news of the death of Tom Robinson comes through. She allocates blame to the jurors, who returned guilty verdicts, as "monsters" in the court room and "murderers" outside. Another element making this a more contemporaneous account is the role of the abusive father Bob Ewell. Played brilliantly by Oscar Pearce, the voice of the angry disempowered white man in America rings out. The supremacist message that the white man built America and Europe, yet he is the one now under threat - the new oppressed minority! Atticus is not only the lawyer defending a black man but the epitomy of everything that Ewell despises and blames for his own situation. "Your not one of us," is a memorable line. Director, Bartlett Sher, ensures the right tempo throughout, dark forces at play, yet also much virtue and quite a bit of humour. On set there is slick switching between the courtroom and the Finch house. The design is very good, enabling a seamless flow in proceedings. One possible fault would be the transition from court scene, verdict and death of Robinson to the later action involving the attack on the children and saviour role of Boo Radley. This passage has a slightly disjointed feel. Overall, though, this is an excellent production, well worth seeing. The way in which the original book has been brought up to date to resonate with Trump's America makes it particularly poignant. There is also a clear warning as to where things are headed, if the divisions now widening in society, are not healed soon. Runs till 12 September

Read the insider story of Labour under Starmer

Get in - the inside story of Labour under Starmer by Patrick Maguire & Gabriel Pogrund Published by Vintage £12.99 This devastating account of the rise and falling years of Keir Starmer's Labour Government really does reveal the inner workings of the project. Times and Sunday Times journalists, Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund, chronicle the parallel progression of Starmer and his chief collaborator Morgan McSweeney. A man determined to destroy Corbyn's Labour and build a new right wing edifice of obedient servants. All he required was an acceptable face for the project, who happens to be Starmer. The two men seem to share the same goal, with Starmer ambitious and utterly determined to become PM, no matter what the cost. So the plotting and scheming begins, in the early stages with meeting at Jenny Chapman's house in Camden. Then, other groups in other places. Starmer, though, is as ruthless as McSweeney, effectively getting rid of his cohort of inner support after the narrow Batley and Spen by-election victory in 2021. Then, the Blairites come in. Labour Together, gestated from Blue Labour, is the initial vehicle to destroy the Left. Shabana Mahmood and Conor Mcginn. are two leading figures in the fight against the Left. Mahmood does much heavy lifting across the party but is screened out of the picture, despite her Muslim heritage, at the time of the Gaza crisis. Steve Reed is another key player. An honourable mention for the Morning Star, as a must read for right winger John Spellar to see what his enemies were doing and celebrate any former hard left adversaries coming up in the obits. There are some intriguing insights such as when earlier Dominic Cummings contacted former Corbyn spokesperson Matt Zarb Cousins, suggesting that if Corbyn's Labour backed Theresa May's Brexit deal, the Tories would split enabling Corbyn to win a subsequent election promising to fund the NHS and public services. Another is McSweeney preparing for government, with a clandestine meeting with Michael Gove. The overall impression of Starmer though is a man crashing from crisis to crisis, only nominally in charge but willing to throw anyone under the bus to save his own skin. Casualties range from Corbyn and Louise Haigh to Sue Gray and in the end McSweeney himself. Angela Rayner is sidelined before she falls from grace over her tax issues. Though, she seems to have been one of the more effective ministers. Maguire and Pogrund succeed in producing what comes across as a fly on the wall account of the Starmer years. What is striking is how mythical this facade of competence, that Starmer and co endeavour to put across, actually is. Since being elected the government has just crashed from disaster to disaster - rarely seeming in control. Sue Gray, brought in as the chief of staff, to ensure a smooth transition to government, seems to do anything but. Instead, Gray seems to alienate everyone, until she has to go. Interestingly, it does not seem that despite popular perception there was any particular feud between Gray and McSweeney, more she alienated everyone and made government more difficult. The perception of constant chaos has ofcourse continued. The account ends with the budget in November 2025, so all of the stumbling of this year over Peter Mandelson, McSweeney, the local elections etc has yet to come. The overall impression is that Starmer is one of the least suited and incapable individuals to hold the office of Prime Minister probably ever. And as everyone knows there has been quite a bit of competition for that epitaph over recent years. The judgement of Maguire and Pogrund is all the stronger, given that they come over as not unsympathetic to Starmer, particularly in the early stages. They are certainly no Corbynistas. In fact, if there is a criticism it is siding too much with McSweeney and his anti-left agenda. It would also have been useful to have got an explanation as to why the hand picked 2024 intake of MPs - with the rooting out of anyone perceived to be vaguely Left - has resulted in such a rebellious Parliamentary Labour Party. The unsaid conclusion must be it has been due to Starmer's uniquely dysfunctional way of running government! Another area not addressed directly in the book is whether 2024 was like 1997 a time when Labour were bound to win, whoever they put up. The country was sick of the Tories and wanted them out. Both the Blairite apologists and those around McSweeney more recently have sort to build this myth that without radical change Labour could not have got elected. As a result, particularly with Starmer, the party has travelled policy light, bowing to all the neo-liberal shibioliths but basically pledging, while deploying the rhetoric of modernisation and change, to only manage the system better rather than replace it. The Corbyn years threatened to change the cosy arrangements but the forces within as well as without - as this book and the writers previous volume Left Out chronicle. Looking forward the quest now is whether a Burnham leadership will offer more of the same or genuine change. But I digress. Get In is a highly readable book, that exposes Starmer and McSweeney's Labour from the inside - fascinating for those who want to know how things ended up where they are today. And maybe where they are headed tomorrow.

Time to act on environmental catastrophe is running out

So the dust has settled on the local council elections in May. Labour retained control of Redbridge Council, taking 43 seats. The Independents (Your Party) got nine, the Greens and Tories five each. Thankfully only one seat for Reform. The Greens took Walthamstow Council from Labour. It will now be interesting to see if the Greens are greener in power than Labour - a big ask, especially in Waltham Forest. In Redbridge, the opposition parties will have to ensure that Labour steps up to the plate on the environment. In March, the Labour Council passed a nature emergency motion. Some suspected green washing but now is the time to prove the doubters wrong and deliver. A lot of the biodiversity gains in Redbridge have been due to the actions of residents and volunteer groups, like the Wrens, Wanstead Community Gardeners and the Friends of Wanstead Park. There has been the adoption of tree pits and creation of pollinator pathways (which include tree pits and stopping the use of pesticides in the streets). Unfortunately, there are just 10 pollinator pathways in 1800 roads in Redbridge. So, a long way to go. The concept of grow zones, where areas are allowed to run wild have been a success. Developments at Fairlop and Hainault Forest have also been encouraging. The concern though is that the council is happy to empower residents to act, just so long as it doesn't cost too much. What a real commitment to address climate and biodiversity emergencies requires is real funding and officer resources to make it happen. There also needs to be an overall effort to deepen and increase biodiversity.Too much of the borough has disappeared under concrete. Why not incentivise people to re-green their front and back gardens. Our gardens have huge potential for biodiversity - the creation of corridors and connection. There is a lot to do to really move forward on the environmental agenda. Nationally and internationally, the climate and biodiversity disasters attract a varying level of reaction. These go from Donald Trump's total denial that the disasters exist at all to the likes of Reform and the Tory Party in this country, who accept the problem but not prioritisation. Both target net zero policies as a bad thing, a luxury that cannot be afforded, whilst arms spending spirals upwards. The nihilist approach on fossil fuels like oil and gas underline the point. The country is too dependent on these energy sources, so instead of moving away from them to renewables, the Tories and Reform believe we need to double down on production. Turkeys voting for Christmas doesn't really cover it. So there are challenges at all levels. Pressure needs to be brought on national and local governments to accelerate programs to address climate and biodiversity emergencies. Denial is not an option. We must all act in different ways to bring about the change at local, national and international levels

Michael Rosen on great form for 80th birthday tour

Michael Rosen - Nice Rose Theatre, Kingston Author, poet, broadcaster and former children's laureate Michael Rosen was in cracking form at the Rose theatre for the start of his 80th birthday celebratory tour. Titled, Nice, the 60 minute show amounts to a quick run through life, with accompanying favourite poems, such as Hot Food, No Breathing and Chocolate Cake. Also, some from his new collection: Peas on Your Knees. Just honoured with the Hans Christian Andersen award for writing for his lifelong contribution to children's literature, Rosen enters his eighth decade in buoyant form. This is very much a show for the kids, with the former children's laureate immediately clicking onto their wavelength. The show is very interactive, with audience participation throughout. No recalling his long hospitalisation with COVID or the tragic death of his son Eddie.Both subjects of his last tour:Getting Through It. This is a light hearted trip through life. The odd signpost from his north London roots, such as saying his brother came south 40 years ago, he hadn't seen him since. And ofcourse Arsenal football club. Politics is limited to a dig at former education secretary Michael Gove, when he speaks of coming from the stone age. This section focusing on Rosen's age, sees him claim to be from 3,000 years old, so from the stone age. Time certainly flies with this show. A very enjoyable hour for all ages from the peoples poet. Next dates - 17/5 - Tunbridge Wells, 24/5 Norwich and 26/5 Cambridge. Tour ends next April.

4th Wanstead Beer Festival coming up on 10 October - and how about a micropub?

The fourth Wanstead Beer Festival (WBF) is nearly upon us. This year Christchurch halls and grounds will transform into a beer paradise for just one day - Saturday 10 October. So reserve the date, tickets will soon be on sale. It is intended to bring an even wider range of beers and ciders this time. There will also be a special Wanstead Beer Festival beer, brewed just for us by Sambrook breweries head brewer. So that's one to look out for. The aim is once again to keep costs down, so most beers will be around the £5 a pint mark. A few specials might be a bit more but they'll be worth it. Funds raised will again be split between three local good causes. The River Roding Trust has already been selected as one of these. Thanks also to the great support from local sponsors, pubs and breweries. So lots to look forward to. These, though, are tough times for the hospitality industry. Business rates, tax on alcohol, rising wages - all make the challenge of keeping going that much greater. The government has recently provided some relief to pubs but there is long way to go. A pub a day closed in England and Wales last year. One interesting development of recent years has been the growth of the micropub. These premises, often amount to not much more than a front room. They usually provide a number of local beers and ciders plus gin and wine. The food is basic, often something like scotch eggs or pasties. Also, often a ban on mobiles and other conversation averse technology is another plus. So, in some ways a beer festival type menu on a permanent basis. Micropubs began developing in Kent a few decades ago but have now spread all over the country. My own favourite is the Waterworks in Rye, Sussex. The Waterworks used to be a public toilet but it has transformed since 2018, winning many awards and plaudits. Micropubs seem less popular in London but surely their time is coming. The growing overheads and desire for a good value drink, plus great company, surely means a micro pub would work around here. Let's hope someone takes up the challenge. For now the WBF and our fine local pubs will have to suffice. But what these outlets prove is that there is a great demand for good ale, food and company. If you want all three in abundance come to the WBF on 10 October. * More info + tickets for the WBF at www.wansteadbeerfestival.co.uk

Great new take on One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest at the Old Vic

This excellent production of the 1960s classic One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest grips from the start. Clint Dyer's direction brings a new twist to the story, with a predominantly black cast and explosive energy throughout. The play starts with an allusion to Congo Square, New Orleans - a place of meeting for trade and expression for enslaved African Americans. A place that marked histories of resistance and culture in America. In the play, this very much comes out in the character of native American, Chief Bromden (Arthur Roan), whose past is subordinated in the disciplinarian atmosphere of the psychiatric hospital. He hides behind a pretence of deaf and dumbness, as a defence mechanism. It is only the anarchic antics of Randle P McMurphy (Aaron Pierre) that bring out the truth and Bromden's story of indigenous struggle. Pierre gives a virtuoso performance in the role made famous by Jack Nicholson in the 1975 film of Ken Kesey's book. Always on the edge, provoking and challenging what he sees as absurd rules. No utterance, though, of the classic line from the film : "medication time." Pierre creates a bustling, energetic, aggressive character but also manages to bring out an underlying vulnerability. This anarchic intent of McMurphy comes up against the authoritarian rule of Nurse Ratched (Olivia Williams). The two vying for control of the group. The power struggle is fascinating as it unfolds. There is, though, much humour to lighten the load in a play, that finally ends in tragedy. Strong tones of misogyny flow throughout the play, with for instance McMurphy's declaration that he "fights and fucks." The other characters are variously "victims" of overbearing mothers and neglectful wives. It is important, though, to remember, that Kesey's book came out in 1962 - a different time. Misogyny is ofcourse alive and well today. Dyer's direction keeps the whole play flowing with a real energy. The clever setting in the round means that the audience almost feels part of the play - patients in the hospital. Ben Stones minimalist set with the white and green tiled floor and perimeter marked with radiators brings that sense of constraint yet potential power to break out. An excellent adaptation of Kelsey's book, with power and control amid stifling group dynamics to the fore. Well worth seeing. Runs till 23 May

Review of You want what we've got - Big Tech v Big Journalism by Jason Whittaker

Published by Reaction Books £16.99 Jason Whittaker has produced a comprehensive and intriguing examination of the media world over recent decades. He plots how legacy (traditional) media has gone from a position of dominance and power in the early 1990s -with high advertising revenues bringing in big profits - to one of fading influence today. Whittaker outlines how the growth of Big Tech companies, with the technology but not the editorial content, led to the eclipse of much of the legacy media . So the scene is set of Big Tech companies rolling forward, swallowing up the content and ads revenue in a brave new world of disinformation. Whittaker highlights the period after 9/11 as being crucial for legacy media, when it effectively lost credibility and so the trust of people. The time of the dodgy dossier and failure to find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq are described as the time when media failed to hold government to account and so became its propaganda wing. This ofcourse opened the door to claims of fake news. So Whittaker profoundly reflects that:. "Legacy media had poured fuel over the pyre of public trust and credibility. All it required now was an unscrupulous individual with a talent for social media to light the match." Enter Donald Trump/Elon Musk. He then goes onto unravel the free for all that developed. So where legacy media had concepts like balance and objectivity, as well as gatekeepers, the new media saw content as anything that attracts clicks. This would be determined by algorithms, thereby manipulating people's choices and opinions. By 2016, 50% of US adults turned to social media, rather than legacy for news. The evolution of the likes of Meta, Google, Twitter (later X) and Microsoft all come in for scrutiny. The final stages of the book enter the debate on AI. Interestingly, Whittaker views the technology as a possible aid to journalism if used and controlled properly. The need for gatekeepers is emphasised. What is most interesting about this book is that it points the way to a future for journalism.The world of fake news, where increasingly people don't believe what they are fed, will lead to a demand for authenticity. If media can regain trust, in some way, then it can provide that authentic voice. So some hope for the future. Criticism of this book would centre on its density. It is not an easy read, particularly getting bogged down in sections such as the one on AI. So whilst the thesis is a fascinating one, some of the execution could have done with a lighter touch. All the same, an interesting read, that raises many profound questions as to where the world of media and information goes from here.

Review of Bonfire of the insanities by John Crace

Published Guardian Faber £16.99 This latest hilarious collection of Guardian political sketch writer John Crace's columns covers the dying days of Rishi Sunak's Tory government through the first year of Keir Starmer's Labour. Crace really has to be one of the best satirical sketch writers around, shooting down the pomposity and incompetence of the political class in equal measure. The day to day terrain of the political sphere is laid bear, as the politicians stumble from crisis to mishap. He takes no prisoners, especially when it comes to the ineptitude of Sunak and his assorted ministers. The nick names given to different ministers seem particularly apt. So, James Cleverly becomes Jimmy Dimly.When assessing Cleverly's credentials as a contender in the Tory Party leadership contest, following the election defeat, Crace questions "what has Jimmy D ever done in government?" The answer:"Very little, apart from turning left into first class, when boarding aeroplanes on government business." In the same contest, there is "Honest Bob" (Robert Jenrick). "If the answer is Robert Jenrick then odds are you've been asking the wrong question," writes Crace. Crace heralds the return of "Lord Big Dave" (David Cameron) to government as Foreign Secretary. Summarised as: "Sunak searches the gene puddle of Tory talent..and finds David Cameron." Crace scythes through one calamity after another, from the flights to Rwanda to the "we'll leave them on the beaches" episode that saw the hapless Sunak depart the D-day commemoration early. Crace has much fun at the expense of Tory convert and later Reform defector Lee Anderson, asserting that he'd said:" Sadiq Khan had been taken over by Islamists and London was now being run by terrorists." Then as Anderson doubles down on his claims, Tory MPs get queasy."And while there are plenty of Tories willing to attest that they had personally seen the London mayor take part in the 7 October terrorist attack, there were still a few who thought that maybe - just maybe- Anderson had gone too far this time." And so the Tory trauma goes on, with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt described as "someone unthreatening, if a bit useless." There is "literally nothing to him." Priti Patel "not just dim but dangerous with it." And finally, Kemikazi ((Kemi Badenoch), "the most divisive woman in politics." Someone "who hates the electorate almost as much as she hates her colleagues.And herself. She could start a fight with her reflection " There is a longing to see the back of Sunak and co. The election becomes a formality. Crace does betray a hope in the new Labour Government. He does seem to have swallowed some of the propaganda about the return of adults to government etc. One wonders if he was not something of a Keir Starmer fan in the run up to the election and early days of government. He probably, together with most at the Guardian, was not a Jeremy Corbyn fan. The first year of the Starmer government is chronicled with some hope and sympathy but this eventually reaches the same level of derision as was deployed with the Tories. So the Labour leading lights come under scrutiny. Starmer's boring demeanour and Angel of Death, Rachel Reeves come in for increasing ridicule. Health secretary Wes Streeting is described as: "one of those who always knows he's loved by everyone. By himself more than anyone." On the subject of Reform, Crace is beginning to turn his critical fire on the party as they become a looming political threat. Nigel Farage (Nige) is regularly described in charlatan terms, whilst no opportunity is wasted to link deputy Richard Tice to sun beds and fake tans. Described as:" a man you might find on the shopping channel, trying to flog you an air fryer, that would fall apart within a week." This book provides a highly entertaining romp through the period from October 2023 to last July. The problem ofcourse is that these things rapidly date. So reading the accounts of the dying days of Rishi Sunak in 2026 does seem a bit distant. And many of the calamities of Starmer are yet to come. Reading the column each week in it's first manifestation ofcourse does not suffer such an ageing process but it does when a number are brought together later in a chronology. All that said this is a great read from one of the funniest, wittiest, political writers around. The take downs can be excruciating, leaving the reader in fits but also wondering how did he get away with saying that. Great read, especially in these dark days.

West Ham, Spurs or someone else to face the drop from the Premier League come May

West Ham, Spurs or someone else to face the drop from the Premier League come May So, as the Premier League season enters the final stretch, the prospect of Championship football looms for either West Ham or Spurs. Both local clubs are deep in the relegation zone. The other teams involved, seeking to avoid the drop are Nottingham Forest and Wolves (Burnley and Wolves can be taken, as gone). It will come as a rude shock to West Ham or Spurs supporters to be hosting Championship football in their vast stadiums should either drop out of the top league. So how has this sorry situation come to pass? Well, both teams have been on the managerial roundabout for the past two seasons. The biggest mistake the owners of West Ham have made was getting rid of manager David Moyes in the summer of 2024. The previous season the club won the Europa Conference League. In Moyes final season, they finished ninth and got to the quarter finals of the Europa League. Moyes is now managing Everton, who sit in mid table, pushing upwards. West Ham appointed former Wolves manager, Julen Lopetegui, who never looked happy in the role. He lasted half a season. Then, came former Chelsea and Brighton coach, Graham Potter. He seemed to steady things, ensuring Premiership safety but then things went backwards at the start of this season. Goodbye Potter, hello, former Notts Forest and Spurs manager, Nuno Espirito Santo. It took him sometime to settle things down but he now seems to have the team going in the right direction. The fans like Nuno but there is a growing campaign against joint owner David Sullivan and chief executive Karen Brady. Many have never forgiven the duo for taking the club away from it's iconic ground at Upton Park. There has also been some bad recruitment. Spurs demise is difficult to fathom. Winners of the Europa League last season, the club seemed to take a leaf out of the West Ham book of mismanagement, then, getting rid of manager Ange Postecoglou. Enter, former Brentford manager Thomas Frank. Things seemed to go well to begin with but then results turned and Spurs have been in freefall since Christmas. Frank was sacked, and replaced with Igor Judge on an interim basis. His tenure though has been no better. He was sacked after 44 days in charge. All of the sides in the relegation scrap, bar Leeds, have had multiple managers this season. Notts Forest top the list with four (Espirito Santo started managing Notts Forest before moving to West Ham), Spurs next with three and West Ham two. So what will happen? Spurs have a better quality squad than West Ham but at time of writing the players don't seem to want to play for the club. West Ham have a good spirit amongst their squad but are overly reliant on two or three players. There is a basic lack of quality and inconsistency. The ideal of ofcourse would be that both survive, which is quite feasible. Indeed, it is that scenario, with Leeds or Notts Forest taking the final relegation place that I would favour. That though will depend on Spurs players coming together for the club and West Ham showing much more consistency - the next few games will be vital.

Grass roots movements are demanding action in areas like water and the natural environment

The recent Channel 4 drama Dirty Business exposed the scandal that is the privatised water industry. Literally thousands of gallons of sewage being poured into our waterways. The damage caused to humans and wildlife. The privatisation of water has been a disaster since it took place in 1989. People were sold the lie that privatisation would bring money and expertise into the sector. The reverse occurred, less money spent on infrastructure, so no reservoirs built, leaks not fixed and sewage pumping into the seas and rivers. Meanwhile, the companies paid out generous dividends to shareholders and piled up debt. It is difficult to see why people cannot see the futility of privatising public utilities. The privateers want one thing -profit. Privatisation offers a great opportunity to asset strip and operate monopolies on vital services. The pattern is well known: sell off assets (often property), the cost to consumers goes up and services gets worse. It has been seen with water, the railways and most recently Royal Mail, yet still this madness continues. Water needs to be renationalised with proper regulation. Dirty Business exposed the ineffectual nature of the Environment Agency, which seems to have an unhealthily close relationship with the water companies it is supposed to regulate. The good news is that people are fighting back and taking control. Dirty Business, features the Windrush Against Sewage Pollution and Surfers Against Sewage. There are many of these type of groups springing up across the country. Here, there is the River Roding Trust (RRT). The growth and influence of this group has been a wonder to behold. Wren members, who attended the recent AGM, will have heard Paul Powesland's inspirational account of how he got involved and fell in love with the river. RRT members take action on the river, monitoring sewage leaks, clearing rubbish and planting trees on the borders. One recent action saw members clear out and recover the Aldersbrook. What is for sure is that the Roding now has a strong group of guardians, looking out for its welfare. Thames Water and the Environment Agency will not be allowed to ignore their responsibilities anymore, on this stretch of water. The Wren Group ofcourse fulfill a similar role with Wanstead Park and the Flats. The Wrens do practical work alongside Epping Forest staff. They also have a significant voice in the management of the area. These type of groups proliferate in this area. So there is Friends of Wanstead Park and the Wanstead Community Gardeners all playing different roles. The growing concern of people about the environment has been reflected in the support for the Nature Emergency called by Redbridge Council in January. An inaugural meeting, attended by over 100 people, to get things moving, took place at In llford library last month (march). Expectancy levels are high. So, much is happening, a real grass roots movement, fired by direct action and demanding results is taking shape. It would be very silly for politicians and other decision makers to take these people for granted. They expect not simply to do voluntary work and get a pat on the head for their troubles. Taking these actions comes with a price which is a real voice in making decisions effecting our natural heritage. The time for talking has long past. People want action, starting with cleaning up our waterways and addressing the biodiversity crisis.Voters at the upcoming council elections will be looking to elect those genuinely committed to bringing about such change. The time for sitting on the fence has long since passed. Onward.

Leeds edge past West Ham on penalties to secure semi-final at Wembley - 2-2 (4-2 pens)

Leeds emerged eventual winners of this gripping FA cup quarter final, after a penalty shoot out at the London Stadium. Leeds began the game more brightly, with Noah Okafor drawing an early save out of home stopper Alphonse Areola, who pushed his shot round the post. West Ham then came close, when a Jarrod Bowen pull back was touched on by Taty Castellanos but keeper Lucas Perri pushed away. Perri then saved from Bowen, after he had been put in by the industrious Adama Traore. Leeds took the lead when James Austin set Okafor off down the right, his cross was collected by Ao Tanaka, who was allowed space to twist and fire home, via a deflection off the bar. Castellanos then saw his effort on the half volley go just over the bar. In the second half, Castellanos was unlucky to see his header come back off the post, from an Adama cross. All looked lost for West Ham, when the referee awarded a penalty, after a VAR intervention ruled that Maximilian Kilman had fouled the Leeds player in the box. Dominic Calvert Lewis converted the resulting penalty. Some of the unsympathetic home fans then booed Kilman for the rest of the game - hardly a way to install confidence. All seemed lost, as the game entered added time. But first, a Bowen shot came back of the post into the path of Mateus Fernandes, who fired home. Then, a Fernandes cross was prodded home by Axel Disasi. Extra time. West Ham dominated extra time, having two goals disallowed for offside. The first, when keeper Perri came out and headed on, only for Castellanos to slide home, was most perplexing. The offside came earlier in the play when Castellanos strayed inches offside. The second, a Bowen shot coming back off a post to be finished by Pablo. Again, offside. West Ham stopper Areola, then had to go off being replaced by rookie Finlay Herrick. He endured a debit of fire, facing the penalty shoot out. He saved the first but misses by Bowen and Pablo saw Leeds go through to a semi-final against Chelsea. West Ham were left to rue what might have been. West Ham head coach Nuno Espirito Santo felt his side showed great character under pressure. "We must now keep going," he said.

In the Print at Kings Head Theatre

This entertaining play covers the duration of the year long Wapping dispute, between 1986 and 1987, focusing on key players Brenda Dean, general secretary of the Society of Graphical and Allied Trades (SOGAT) and Rupert Murdoch. Dean played nicely by Claudia Jolly and Alan Cox as a surly Murdoch dominate proceedings, jousting over the issues at stake. Other characters come and go. So there is Russell Bentley as foul mouthed Sun editor Kelvin McKenzie and Alasdair Harvey as urbane Sunday Times Editor Andrew Neill. Writers, Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky, who previously wrote Gang of Three, nicely capture the conflictual relationship between Dean and Murdoch. So there is Murdoch, who wants change at any cost, seeing more profit for him as progress. Dean, on the other hand, is not opposed to change but wants it done more humanely. The difficulty of Dean's position is illustrated in a sub plot about the unions being able to use the News International equipment to produce a left of centre paper "between the Guardian and Morning Star." The Labour Party director of communication agrees. "Peter's (Mandelson) a man you can trust," says Murdoch, to much mirth in the audience. But Dean wants to produce the paper using the traditional print methods, only to be informed by the union lawyer Joan Harrison (Georgia Landers) that it would at best last a year. Dean probably receives a generous treatment in the play, given that her role was certainly not approved by all in the trade union movement. Some felt she sold out and were suspicious of her secret meetings with Murdoch. After the dispute, SOGAT merged with the National Graphical Association, with Dean losing out to Tony Dubbins in the election for leader. She stayed in the role for a year, then went to the Lords in 1992. The depiction of Murdoch is spot on, seeing himself as some sort of industrial evangelist for the newspaper industry. Winning and profit being all that matters, people have no value. This is nicely underlined by the sight of Murdoch destroying all around him. So his right hand fixer is sacked, while Andrew Neill is moved out of the Sunday Times. "Andrew Neill is someone you must kill with kindness. But make sure he is dead,"is one memorable line. Even Eric Hammond, general secretary of the Electrical Electronic Telecommunication & Plumbing union, who worked with Murdoch to undermine the other unions is described as "duplicitous" and so expendable. Overall, this is an enjoyable play, never going too deep into the detail of the dispute but managing to set it in the the wider context of struggle between organised labour and the Thatcher government. The cut and thrust between characters is lightened with witty dialogue and a little slapstick. Director, Josh Roche, keeps the 90 minute narrative (no interval) moving at a good pace. Well worth watching to get an insight on the past 1980s industrial struggles, including the mendacity that led Murdoch to dominate the media terrain of the next 40 years. Most enjoyable. * Till 3 May

Why did BBC not cover 500k anti-far right march in main news programs?

Some 500,000 people march and rally in London against the far right - most would think, a major story for national broadcast networks, but not the BBC. The British state broadcaster failed to cover the march in its main national bulletins (5.30 and 10.10pm) on the day. A car crash involving American golfer Tiger Woods and a variety of sporting events were considered to have more news value. The BBC did cover the march on its regional version BBC London and online. Other broadcasters, such as ITV and Channel 4 mentioned the event, though not in depth. Public order seems to be the editorial framework adopted for such events. Ironically, the event organised by the Together Alliance was in response to the surge of the far right in the UK, as typified by a rally organised in London by Tommy Robinson (Stephen Yaxley Lennon) and addressed by Elon Musk last year By contrast, this drew blanket coverage across the media. So, what is going on at the BBC? There has been a dumbing down of news going on for some years. This has, particularly, seen sport becoming a premier staple of coverage. But beyond this there has been an Americanisation of coverage, with viewers no doubt wondering at times, whether this country has become the 51st state of the US without their knowledge. What is alarming is the way in which the BBC has helped the advance of Reform and the far right, sometimes just by omission - as with the march. Increasingly, Reform politicians are being normalised as acceptable alternatives for government. At its worst, this approach treats the prospect of Nigel Farage as PM as an inevitability, rather than a possibility. A party of just 8 MPs (four of whom are defectors from the Conservatives) is offered the opportunity to comment on everything. There is no shortage of the oxygen of publicity. Take the BBCs flagship program Question Time. Reform or apologists for the party are given a place on the panel nearly every week. The exposure and treatment is far more favourable than for the Liberal Democrats (71 MPs) or Greens (5 MPs). Indeed, it is interesting to contrast the favourable coverage given to Reform with the hostile approach to the other rising force of the moment: the Greens. The hostility to the Greens and leader Zack Polanski is reminiscent of the approach taken to the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn. The BBC hides behind it's charter and claims of the need for balance. This seems to now border on the absurd. Why for instance do programs like Question Time , Newsnight and news bulletins feel the need to give platforms to so many commentators from the far right. These programs literally provide second jobs for many at GBNews,the Telegraph and Sun. The great irony of ofcourse being that this group would all favour abolition of the BBC as a licence fee funded broadcaster forthwith. The most absurd recent interpretation of balance from the BBC concerned climate change, when for years the science was clear but the Corporation insisted on treating fossil fuel industry backed skeptics on an equal billing with those warning of the dangers. The BBC eventually caught up with reality, after much criticism of its position. The new Direct General Matt Brittin needs to take a long hard look at where the Corporation is positioning itself. It has made huge errors in the past, which need facing up to and addressing. Among these were it's part in demonising Corbyn and the climate change position. The promotion of Reform is the latest manifestation of such editorial misjudgement. The BBC needs to find a backbone and reconnect with it's founding principles of truth, neutrality and balance. At present it seems determined to normalise the abnormal, which could result in the far right taking power here very soon.

Review of Ruth at the Wilton Music Hall

This excellently crafted musical about the life and death of Ruth Ellis grips throughout. Ellis, the last woman executed in Britain, in 1955 has been a controversial subject over the years. Her family are still seeking justice. In this version, there is the double take with Ellis in her prison cell in dialogue with executioner Albert Pierrepoint. He is excellently played in fatherly fashion by Ian Puleston-Davies. Meanwhile, the story of Ellis's life go on in the split stage all around. Ellis is played by Bibi Simpson in the cell and Hannah Traylen during the life story. Mel-Li Yap plays Ellis as a child. There are also excellent performances from Connor Payne as abusive partner David Blakeley and John Faal as unrequited lover Desmond Cussen. Andy Morgan and Denise Silvey do an excellent job directing and producing this musical, keeping a nice pace and interlocking the scenes well into a strong narrative. The set design from Nicolai Hart-Hansen is clever managing to use a small space to create multifaceted story telling. The depiction brings a certain Marilyn Monroe imagery to the Ellis portrayal, particularly, the cell scenes. The musical essentially revolves around the two relationships. The first, abusive one, with racing driver David Stanley, the second with Pierrepoint for 21 hours in the cell before execution. The double standards of the 1950s are clear for all to see. The power imbalance between men and women, with the violence, control and patriarchal judgement all evident. There is a chilling parallel with society today. The songs ring out, illustrating the dialogue. One particular effective tune by the "working girls" brings down the lawyers and judge, who also happen to be clients. The Pierrepoint interchange delves into the iniquities of capital punishment. Ellis referring to the executions of innocent men Derek Bentley and Timothy Evans, while Pierrepoint insists there must be a deterrent. Though, Pierrepoint later, in response to Ellis's admission of killing one person, says he has killed over 400. The Pierrepoint scene ofcourse is a total fiction,seeing him interceding with the Home Office to try and get clemency for Ellis. In reality, there was a 50,000 petition but then Home Secretary, Gwilyam Lloyd George, rejected it. The hanging of Ellis, though, is said to have deeply effected Pierrepoint. He did his final execution two weeks later. Ruth is an excellent production, taking a well known story and introducing a number of more contemporary themes. The interchange of dialogue and music works well to bring a strong narrative to life. Well worth seeing. Runs till 28 March.

Labour needs to address its problems with Islam and specifically Gaza

The Labour Party seems to have a problem with Islam. Nowhere was this clearer than in the recent Gorton & Denton by-election, where the Greens picked up many ethnic minority votes, from those who would previously have voted Labour. On Gaza, the party was feeble in its approach, once Israel began it's onslaught. The approach being one of unquestioning backing for the Conservative governments unconditional support of Israel and all it did - following the attacks of 7 October on that country. The party responded harshly towards MPs, councillors and members, who stepped out of line. Motions condemning what was going on in Gaza were blocked. Councils remained largely silent. This, particularly, did not go down well in areas with large Muslim populations. There was a growing perception that the leadership was far more concerned about anti-Semitism than Islamaphobia. They are twin evils. The alienation of the Muslim population from the Labour Party was clearly evidenced at the last general election. Independents got elected, as the Muslim electorate left Labour. Locally, Ilford North MP, Wes Streeting scraped home by 500 votes - up against Independent Leane Mohammed. His majority cut from over 5,000. In neighbouring Ilford South, former council leader Jas Athwal saw the majority of 24,000 won by his predecessor Sam Tarry, cut to 6,894. The runner up was Independent, Noor Begum, who subsequently took Athwal's vacated council seat - one of the safest in Redbridge. The problem continues to fester. Senior Labour figures recognise a problem but it is difficult to see what is being done to address it. The Labour Government has certainly been better than it's Tory predecessors on Gaza, condemning much of what has gone on and recognising Palestine as a state. However, the government was slow to do anything about weapons being supplied to Israel. Adding to all of the problems the party has at present, the estrangement of so many voters over the issue of Gaza is likely to badly impact in the upcoming council elections. Some politicians who remained silent for so long seem to have found their voices on the issue. But the recent suggestion following the Gorton & Denton by-election that those who voted Green were extremists did nothing to help. The Greens did address Muslim and others concerns, communicating sensitively with some communications in Erdu - a major reason why they won. A lot more needs to be done, if the Labour Party is to heal the rift with the Muslim community. Some honesty on Gaza about what the Party got right and wrong would help. Also, to reassure Muslims and other ethnic minorities that the Labour Party still welcomes them. Less Reform light, especially on immigration. Failure to address these problems will see the split with these groups grow ever wider. And the electoral cost, especially in areas where Labour majorities were substantially reduced at the last general could prove catastrophic. The May regional and council elections offer an early test, where many councillors seem likely to pay the price for their long term silence on Gaza. What happens next is up to those in the Labour Party.

Review of Gordon Brown - power with purpose

Gordon Brown - power with purpose by James MacIntyre Published by Bloomsbury, £25 James MacIntyre presents a comprehensive and complimentary assessment of the life and works of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. MacIntyre visits all of the usual landmarks of Brown's life. The son of a Church of Scotland minister, emerging from the industrially run down area of Fife in Scotland. The new Labour reforming agenda shaped by himself and Tony Blair. The subsequent combustible relationship between the two men. A close relationship at the start, that drifted further and further apart in government, as Brown seemed to increasingly think he could not trust Blair. The question of the leadership always rankled. Brown believing the deal to be that when he stood aside in 1994, for Blair to become leader, the latter would do likewise 10 years later in 2004. The two men seem cordial today. Though, there is a great difference in their legacies. Brown has given much time, since quitting government, to charitable works, campaigning to eradicate child poverty and taking on the Murdoch press. Whilst Blair seems to have focused on making money, from what have often not appeared very reputable sources. This is a very favourable account of Brown, much direct quote from the man himself. No mention of things like the control freak tendencies that made sure he swept up enough MP nominations in 2007 to ensure that John McDonnell could not stand against him in a leadership contest. That said, Brown's achievements are substantial: almost halving child poverty, reducing pensioner poverty and redistribution of wealth (MacIntyre believes Brown the most redistributive Chancellor since 1945). Then, there were his 'save the world' actions during the financial crisis of 2007/8, cancellation of debt for poorer nations and later efforts to attain a no vote on Scottish independence. There are some interesting insights, such as that among Brown's close friends are Piers Morgan and Rowan Williams. Intriguingly, former Daily Mail editor, Paul Dacre, is also a close confidente On the Iraq war, MacIntyre reveals Brown as opposed but not coming forward at the time. Indeed, he suggests that had Brown joined Robin Cook and Claire Short in resigning, Britain would probably not have gone to war. So yes this is a comprehensive and very favourable account of Gordon Brown and his legacy. Something that has gained weight over the subsequent years. During 13 years of Labour Government,(1997-2010), there was 1.42% GDP growth (best in the industrialised world), a 3 million rise in employment, creation of Sure Start, the minimum wage and large amounts invested in public services like the NHS. Since then, there has been austerity, a botched Brexit and COVID - all of which has made the country poorer and the poorest worse off still as the shift of wealth to the rich has increased grotesquely. No one would say the years overseen by Brown and Blair were perfect but they look increasingly impressive, given what followed - right up to the present Labour government. So a good read, that provides a decent perspective, if overly generous in places.

Time to step up to the electoral plate!

The recent revelations concerning former British ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson''s links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have brought the political class into further disrepute. The decision of the Prime Minister to give Mandelson the ambassador's job in the first place raised big questions over his judgement. It is not the first scandal in recent times, bringing politicians into disrepute. Things have not gone well going back to the days of the expenses scandal in 2009. There have been many abuses highlighted, since. However, it is important not to throw the baby out with the bath water. Branding all politicians as incompetent, corrupt or whatever can then help those who would like to do away with democracy altogether. There are plenty who would like to remove people's right to choose who governs. The world is increasingly being ruled by authoritarian figures, with no time for democracy. The hostile attitude to politicians, often manifests on the doorstep with comments like "they are all as bad as each other" followed by "I don't vote," as though it is some sort of badge of honour. This disillusionment is often born of parties in power who fail to deliver for the mass of people. The media also play a role, providing political coverage that has more in common with the soap opera genre, than the realities of people's lives. Not voting is nothing to be proud of, it is a total cop out. It is also massively disrespectful to all those people who fought and died down the centuries to get the vote. If the vote is pointless, why did the suffragettes and others give their lives to win that right? The vote is a very basic way to have some say in the way the country and our lives are run. Not voting means you become a bystander or onlooker on your own life - ultimate disempowerment. The vote allows people, come election time, to kick out those they deem to not be serving the people. It is no answer to say I'm having nothing to do with it. If decent people, who represent their communities, leave the political sphere then others will take their place. What is needed now is not to walk away but support and encourage committed people to come forward. In the main, the elected politicians are decent people. There are bad apples, so to speak, but the mass of MPs, councillors etc are good people doing the job for the right reasons. They seek to serve their communities. There is though always room for improvement. There are local elections coming up and a general election after that. A time for people to think about putting themselves forward for election. This can be as a member of a party or an independent. Good people are always needed, so think about coming forward to represent your community, come May. These are tough times but people need to be ready to stand up.

Extend free travel, rather than discriminating against the elderly by cutting the freedom pass

Extend free travel, rather than seek to cut the benefit for the elderly There has been much public debate about suggestion that there should be restrictions placed on the freedom pass for 60 pluses. A public spat saw TV presenter Kirsty Allsop taking issue with author Michael Rosen over whether someone as wealthy as him needed free travel. There are two forms of free travel for the over 60s. The Oyster 60 plus card is available, once someone reachs 60. It gives free travel on buses and trains and is funded by TFL. This card runs till state retirement age, when a freedom pass takes over. The freedom pass is funded by London Councils, covering trains in London and buses across the country. It was this card that London Councils were looking to review. The review began in January, quickly drawing a 60,000 signature petition opposed to change. The review was prefaced on rising costs that saw the freedom passes costing £333 million last year and predicted to rise to £372 million for 2026/27. A rankerous debate, quickly developed, into an attack on the elderly. BBC London didn't waste the opportunity to contextualise the story in terms of intergenerational conflict. This involved getting younger people asking why the elderly are getting such a benefit, while they have to pay full rate for increasingly expensive public transport. Leaving aside that elderly people have earned such rights by a lifetime of work and service, the bigger question surely is why cannot the younger group also have free travel. Indeed, everyone should be eligible. This direction of travel would couch the argument in terms of reducing inequality and improving the environment, rather than stoking intergenerational resentments. In a country, as rich as the UK, such things should be possible. Something that never seems to come into these arguments is why the mass of people should subsidise the lifestyles of the very rich. This includes private planes, destructive large vehicles, private education for their children and private healthcare. These excesses and the cost to everyone else rarely comes into the debate. Cheap and/ or free travel really is a no brainer. It enables people to get out to visit loved ones as well as attending and spending at a variety of businesses and attractions across the capital. This helps keep them going. There are resulting pluses for people's mental and physical health that are not always easily quantifiable in the land of bottom line economics. Add in the fact that train and bus passenger numbers are still below pre-Covid levels, why would anyone want to restrict incentives to get people using public transport? Fortunately, it would seem plans to cut the freedom pass have receded, with the 21 Labour London councils now opposed. (It would be a suicidal thing to do in an election year). However, the argument may return, in an effort to chip away at another hard earned benefit on the altar of austerity. Everyone should be prepared.

Dirty Business shows why private companies cannot be trusted with vital services like water

The Channel 4 drama Dirty Business lays out for all to see the disgraceful state of our waterways, courtesy of the privately run water companies. The drama charts the struggle of two men, Peter Hammond and Ashley Smith, to expose what has gone on with releases of sewage into the River Windrush, Witney, Oxfordshire. Hammond and Smith are backed by a growing campaign of angry people. Another strand of the drama, sees 8-year old Heather Preen contract E-coli, as a result of playing on a Devon beach. She dies shortly afterwards in hospital. A tragedy, that later results in her father committing suicide. The ridiculous situation whereby private companies have been allowed to rip off the tax payer to make profit is made crystal clear (unlike the water). The drama exposes how virtually unregulated operation of the waterways has caused such damage. Water was privatised, in the 1980s, on the basis that private money would be brought in, so that the utility could run better. In reality it became a licence to print money. The companies totally neglected the decaying infrastructure. Leaks were not fixed and reservoirs not built, whilst sewage was pumped into the rivers and sea. Meanwhile, shareholders reaped big dividends and debt piled up. Regulation was supposed to be a safeguard, yet the Environment Agency (EA) has proved totally inept at enforcing regulation. Under resourced, they resorted to letting the water companies monitor themselves. This is brilliantly summed up in the drama, when an EA employee, referring to the water companies, says: "So what your saying is regulate yourselves and let us know if you've committed any crimes." There has been some tightening of control of the water companies by the present government (they have committed to stop "operator self-monitoring") but nowhere near enough. The whole sector needs to be taken back into public ownership, then run on a not for profit basis. This can be done in a number of ways, such as taking the companies, like Thames, into special administration. At present, more bail outs seem on the cards. One important development highlighted in Dirty Business is the growth of campaign groups seeking to hold these companies to account. The Windrush Against Sewage Pollution campaign is the focus. But there are many others, like Surfers Against Sewage. In east London, there is the River Roding Trust, which is doing fantastic work, improving the river with a growing army of volunteers, as well as holding Thames Water and the EA to account over maintenance of the river. These grassroots groups are growing all over the country, demanding democratic accountability. And it is much needed. More widely, the reckless way the infrastructure generally has been handed out to the private sector to asset strip and run down is clear across the country. We have a creaking infrastructure from waterways to roads, bridges and rail networks. There is much that needs to be done to put the situation right. Tough, enforced regulation is a start, followed by taking the facilities back into public ownership, when failing.This ofcourse all needs resourcing. The present generation is reaping what was sown over the past 40 years of neo-liberalism, now is the time to start putting things right, starting with taking water back into public ownership. Dirty Business is available on C4 catch up

Pity those wanna-be Labour councillors come the May elections...but all may not be lost

Labour Party councillors going into the May local elections must feel like they are between a rock and a hard place. The woes of the national party and particularly the leadership are hitting electoral prospects hard. Many candidates are seeking to just campaign on the local issues, trying to shut out the soap opera going on at national level. Increasingly, members are campaigning inspite of rather than for the Labour Party. Prospective councillors are dropping out, causing selection panels to be reopened. It is a sorry state of affairs. The prospects certainly don't look good. Many competent Labour Councils face threats from Reform on the right and the Greens on the Left. There is a feeling that the party leadership have become so obsessed about Reform that they have virtually forgotten about the Greens. Yet, the re-energised Greens, under Zach Polanski's leadership, have not only occupied the traditional left policy position of the Labour Party but also absorbed thousands of disillusioned Labour Party members. Some of these members will now be knocking on doors to get Green, not Labour, candidates elected. There result of the Gorton & Denton by-election could be an early indicator of things to come. The Greens are still rising, whilst Reform may have reached their peak and be in decline. The jibe that the party is a care home for former Tory MPs is cutting through. It is a line that does not chime well with Nigel Farage's claim that Reform are new and different from the mainstream parties. Also, the haphazard performance of Reform, where they are actually in charge of local services, such as in Kent, is another warning sign for voters. So, what can Labour candidates do? Campaign on their local record, when in power, and on opponents ineptitude when seeking office. Also, promises of a better deal for local government under Labour. This should go some way to holding seats. In terms of countering the specific threat of the Greens, there would need to be an emphasis on Labour's record of achievement in office locally - where that is the case. Also, maybe some examples of where the Greens in power in local government has not worked so well. Proven governance versus untried newbies. This argument can ofcourse also be deployed against Reform. But also just have a greater confidence in Labour's record. One of the problems of the government has been a failure to communicate the good stuff they are doing (something that Labour list has tried to counter.). An almost universally hostile media has not helped. So, if Labour communicated more of what it has done and has been doing at local level, effectively, this could help win votes. So a greater confidence all round on what Labour is doing rather than an over obsession about what other parties are doing or saying could also reap dividends. The head winds from the national shenanigans, cannot be easily deflected. Keir Starmer is not a vote winner, yet if he were to go, then another election contest for the leadership - running parallel to the local elections - wouldn't play well either. So, Labour really are in a difficult place when it comes to these elections. Heavy losses look likely, even where Labour has a good record in local governance. A bleak picture but a time also to take stock, re-order the party from top to bottom and look to the future elections as a time when ground can be taken back. This will also mean focusing more on where the party is losing ground on the Left to the likes of the Greens and Liberal Democrats. Aping Reform is another factor contributing to the party's present malaise. So much to reflect on, post May. But for the moment it is a case of hope for the best but expect the worst. All is not lost.

I'm Sorry Prime Minister

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

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

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

Everyone must take responsibility for waste generation

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

Anthony Hopkins facing up to his demons

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

Poverty has been normalised in the UK

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

How West Ham's European glory sparked a slow decline

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