BBC drama, Time, exposes moribund nature of prison system but to the public want to hear?

The brilliant drama Time about a young persons detention centre raises questions about incarceration and the criminal justice system. Written by Jimmy McGovern, starring David Tennant and Siobhan Finneran, Time brings home the violence and terror of prison.The understaffing, means the prisoners end up locked in cells for 23 hours a day. This exasperates many already underlying problems. Efforts to rehabilitate, such as literacy provision go by the way side. The staff are on the edge, becoming more violent themselves This is the third series of Time, the first focusing on adult male prison, the second adult female prison and now the youngsters.This final series is possibly the most hard hitting. It is often a difficult watch but fantastic drama, with McGovern's brilliant writing highlighting an important contemporary issue. Finneran's character, chaplain, Sister sounds Marie Louise, is the only one to appear in all three series. She offers a beacon of hope for the prisoners. In this final series, she has lost her faith after an affair with a Catholic priest. The affair is ended, after pressure from the hierarchy. She suggests the head chaplain may not want her now she has lost her faith. But he responds saying she is needed now more than ever. Tennant puts in a great performance as Bobby Bailey, tortured at work, whilst his private life is also in turmoil. He faces the dilemma of doing the right moral thing in telling the truth or colluding in a cover up for a colleague. The moment on the second episode, where stretched to the limit, Bailey is left to look after a whole wing because his fellow officer has pulled a sickie, is particularly powerful. The icing on the cake comes when he confronts Freddie Jennings (Daniel Ryan). at the golf course, rather than on his sick bed. Jennings is another torn individual, with some good intentions but overcome in the end by the need for self preservation. There are several excellent performances from those playing the young offenders. Chukwubuikem Molokwu as murdered inmate Christopher/Ushindi and Ollie McNulty, as Peter, a conscience stricken member of a murder gang, are particularly outstanding in their TV acting debuts. Again, potentially decent people if given the chance to show it. That opportunity is only occasionally seen, then snatched away, as most become overcome by the need to survive in what amounts to a jungle with few rules. The moral dilemmas mount up, with some redemption found in the end. The concern, though, is that despite such drama and other documentaries, the public understanding of crime and punishment seems to have changed little. The populist belief seems to be that offenders should be locked away for as long as possible - out of sight, out of mind. Note, the frankly ludicrous outcry over the recent decision to release some prisoners early to make space in the prisons for more inmates. The early releases will have made little difference to the offenders concerned. The point missed amid the public clamour to keep people locked up is that the system does not work. The individuals will reoffend because that is what prisoners are bound to do if they are not rehabilitated. Some 30 to 40 per cent of offenders reoffend on release. Prison does not work, it simply makes individuals into better criminals on release. As a former Chief Inspector of Prisons noted sooner or later all but a handful of prisoners will be released and each could be living next door to you or me. It is in everybody's interest to rehabilitate prisoners. But this is not happening. There have been efforts made to cut incarceration by the present government and the previous David Cameron Conservative administration but both have been confounded by media led public outcry. The latest being the reaction to the early release program. The stock response then from the politicians is to promise to build more prisons and incarcerate more people. The countries that incarcerate fewer people, using other methods to punish and rehabilitate in the community are doing better in addressing offending. The present situation, as exposed in Time needs addressing. Building more prisons, locking up more people for longer is no solution. Community based sentences, restorative justice, rehabilitation, valued staff and efforts to address the root causes of what drives crime in the first place are what is needed. There will be mistakes and problems along the way but in the end society will be served much better, than by the present approach of simply warehousing people in increasingly dangerous and volatile institutions. All this leads to, eventually, are prison riots, prisoner suicides and better equipped prisoners being released to commit more crime on the streets. Time to think again and seek a little redemption.

Excellengt analysis for Gordon Brown of the state we're in and ways out

The Future Starts with us by Gordon Brown Published by Simon & Schuster, £25 Former Prime Minister and Chancellor Gordon Brown has delivered a most timely analysis of the chaotic state of the world, with some rays of hope for the future. Brown does an excellent critique of the economic system, the ravages caused by neoliberalism, the eclipse of concepts like the common good and rise of nationalism. The central narrative is one of economic decline across the world, alongside a hollowing out, if not eradication, of civil society. This has in turn led to the rise of populist nationalism across the world. Brown champions the idea of an active, rather than a passive, social citizenry. He identifies trade unions, faith groups, political parties, as all being amongst those in decline. There are some alarming studies, such as one recalling war games based on AI control of nuclear deterrents. This found that in 21 simulated crises, AI chose to use nuclear weapons 95% of the time. The book ofcourse was completed before the more recent alarms being sounded about AI destroying humanity in 10 years. Brown critiques neoliberalism, as having been responsible for many of the problems today - including the rise of nationalist populism. He doesn't, however, admit to his own role as a major player on that scene from 1997 to 2010. Indeed, his references to his own service during this time are very little. He admits ringing Turkish despot Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in 2008, supporting his efforts to get his country into the EU. Something blocked by France and Germany. The Sure Start program also gets a passing mention as a plus in community building. But that is about it. This approach adds a certain air of objectivity, though some may also see it as a falseness. The Left will also be irritated by the effective airbrushing of the Corbyn years. Talking of the demise of political parties, as mass member bodies, there is no reference as to how the Labour Party was the biggest party in Europe, with more than half a million members, under Corbyn. Indeed, many of the ideas of the Corbyn period could be argued to be what Brown would now like to see as part of the way forward - economically and community wise. The Andy Burnham mantra, obviously, resonates with much of what Brown is suggesting, with a new world order, the revival of civic life and active citizenry. Brown describes a world of multipolar as opposed to unipolar power. So, there will be America and China but if the other countries pull together into a co-operative block they can be at least, if not more, influential. The narrative in this respect is very much in line with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's prognosis for the future. On solutions, Brown has some interesting ideas for co-operation between countries on issues like climate change, poverty and economic development. Central to success though is equality, empathy and co-operation. Civil society needs to be rebuilt and supported, alongside international economic fairness. At times the book gets bogged down in stats and can seem rather turgid. But overall, it is an excellent analysis of what has gone wrong and what can be done to put it right. Brown seems to have much faith in technology. He does identify some of the corrosive effects of social media and the like. He, for instance, highlights growing isolation and loneliness in society. However, he doesn't really identify how - in detail - this atomisation can be addressed. It is, afterall, a feature of the present economic model that needs to change. Brown certainly wants change. He wants community rebuilt, so a feeling that all belong. A very good read, particularly apposite at the moment, with some of the ideas being proposed by Burnham's Labour government.

Spectacular production of Golden Boy at the Almeida

Golden Boy Almeida Theatre Josh O'Connor puts in a towering performance as Joe Bonaparte in this latest revival of the 1937 play about the American dream. Written by Cliff Odets during the depression years, the play focuses on a character torn between his passion and talent for the violin and prize fighting. His father, Mr Bonaparte (Stanley Townsend) wants his son to pursue music but once Joe gets caught up with boxing manager Tom Moody (Daniel Mays) he sees a way to attain wealth and fame. Joe rejects the violin getting more focused and violent in the ring. All ofcourse ends in tragedy but there are fascinating twists and turns along the way. The torn character of Lorna Moon (Hayley Squires), girlfriend of Moody but in love with Joe. Mr Bonaparte heartbroken at his son's rejection of the violin but never giving up on him Nor, his brother, union activist, Frank (Richard Fleeshman). Boxing is never an easy sport to depict in a dramatic context, and this Almeida production is no exception. Fight scenes centre around a large punch bag centre stage, with videos screened on the back walls. Never totally convincing. Bonaparte's opponents trot on and off. That said O'Connor does a great job of bringing out the physicality of the fight scene. He wrestles with the punch bag - the ongoing physical damage on his body reminiscent of Robert De Niro as Jake LaMotta in the film Raging Bull. The young Joe is played by Oscar Prout, who appears, almost ghost like in many scenes. The often sleazy fight scene is well depicted with a lot of high octane masculinity on show, from managers, fighters and gangsters. The character of gangster, Eddie Fuseli, is well played by Zubin Carla - a role that could easily tip over into farce. The slightly cramped set is well used, moving between house, manager's office and fights. The trademark crucifix of the Italian family on the wall. The music ensemble are situated at the back of the stage - in what at times can appear like a cupboard. This is opened and shut by different characters. The effect being to help illustrate the passing nature of music in Joe's life. Symbolically, at one point, young Joe gets chased up into the musicians section. There are a number of excellent performances, such as Mays as Moody, Squires as Moon but it is O'Connor as Joe, who holds it all together with a strong physical and emotional performance. The play is well directed by Sam Yates, ensuring plot lines are clear amid what could become confusing in the space. The return of Golden Boy to the stage is timely, with the world today increasingly coming to resemble much of what occurred in the 1930s. Odets himself was rather drawn between his passion for social justice and material well being. Briefly, a communist, he supported many left wing causes. Odets reputation, though, suffered, after his 1952 appearance at Senator Joseph McCarthy's House Committee on Un-American activities. This Sam Yates version of Golden Boy is most welcome at this time of tumult in an uncertain world. It also underlines the futility if the American dream! Runs till 31 October

Triple lock debate should not ignite intergenerational conflict - the issue is levelling up and inroduction of Universal Basic Income

The debate about whether the triple lock on pensions can be afforded has once again stirred amid budget speculation. Predictably, the mainstream media sets the debate in terms of intergenerational conflict, namely the elderly have it all, whilst younger generations are denied. So, let's impoverish the elderly. The fifth richest economy in the world cannot afford a decent pension (the one we have compares unfavourably with other European and Scandinavian countries). The whole debate is a false construct. The pension is affordable - the National Insurance fund has been billions in credit for years. It only reduced when the last Tory government made crazy cuts to National Insurance contributions. What is more life expectancy is no longer rising - there are also huge disparities in life expectancy depending on where you live and the circumstances. Population worldwide is in decline. The state pension is a right, not a welfare benefit or a privilege. People have paid 35 years plus to earn that pension. There is also little mention made of benefits, like the billions saved in free care provided by grandparents for their children and grandchildren, the voluntary work undertaken and increasing numbers of the elderly who continue to work. On the wider issues, there is AI - if it does wipe us all out the whole argument is a bit academic. If many jobs become redundant, the question will be what happens to the people? How will they earn a living? The obvious answer in a Universal Basic Income, levelling things up for young and old. This is where the debate should be not on trying to impoverish the elderly and drive a wedge between young and old on pensions. The final point is that any politician who attacks pensions and pensioners benefits is very unwise. Remember the winter fuel allowance debacle. The bottom line is that pensioners register highest amongst the cohort of citizens who vote. Alienate them at your electoral peril. published on Labour List - 21/10/2026

Intriguing tale of resentment and revenge

Wasp, Wanstead Fringe An intriguing tale of abuse, bullying, revenge and long held grudges unveils in this two handed Morgan Lloyd Malcolm play. The Wasp twists through a number of scenarios, centering on two former school mates, meeting up after 20 years. One, Heather (Chloe Orrock) initially appears settled in a middle class lifestyle, married, with a career. The layers of insecurity, though, driving vengeance, quickly peel back. The other, Carla (Kylie Ann Ford), is having a far rougher ride in life, pregnant, working as a prostitute. She, though, is the cause of many of Heathers problems, though, it is not a one way street. But the tables turn and turn again, with scars from the past brought up to devastating effect on both protagonists. An indecent proposal sits at the centre of the plot. This East London Theatre production sees the play presented in the round. This provides an intimacy to the two handed production, bringing the audience into the action. Orrock and Ann Ford do well in holding the attention for the whole 90 minute duration of what is a challenging play. Though the first half zips along, a little of the momentum is lost in the second half. The Lloyd Malcolm play though is intriguing, moving from one scenario to another before the explosive conclusion. This Wanstead Fringe production is well directed by Jon Fentiman, using the small space well, with a simple set. The confined nature of the setting also demands much of the two performers, who rise to the challenge. An excellent tale, well worth seeing. On at the Wanstead Curtain from 23 to 26 September - Wansteadfringe.org / Eastlondontheatre.org.uk

Special Wanstead Heron beer to launch at beer festival

The 4th Wanstead Beer Festival is all set to take place at Christchurch on 10 October. There will be more than 50 beers and ciders this time, with gin, rum, wine and soft drinks all available. So hopefully all tastes will be catered for. There is also some great food on offer. This year there will be a special festival beer, brewed by Sambrook brewery. The beer, Wanstead Heron is a braggot, with a 6.3% strength. Sambrook head brewer, John Hatch explains: "Unlike mead, braggot is beer made with both malted barley and honey. Records of fermenting honey go back thousands of years and, before the days of processed and cultivated sugar, honey would have been the easiest way to boost the gravity of the beer to create a stronger beverage, without the complication of doing double mashes. Honey also adds distinct flavour and aroma." Wanstead Heron will be in plentiful supply at the beer festival. Other beers to look out for include the ever popular Pride of Prague - a chance for West Ham fans to reminisce about when the club won the European Conference League. Other returning popular beers include Cromwell bitter, Walrus of Love and Cowcatcher. There will be a lot more cider this year, with Walthamstow based Real Al providing some exciting new brands. These will be in addition to the likes of Farmer Jim's Rhubarb Bob and Perry. Funds raised go to the chosen local charities. This year these are the River Roding Trust, Grow Hope and the Wanstead War Memorial Restoration. The WBF has been well supported by many local breweries including Brentwood, Mighty Oak, East London, Pretty Decent and Signature breweries. Local businesses have once again heavily supported the event, which is testimony to its success thus far. All are welcome, including escorted children up to 6pm. Some children's entertainments will be taking place in one of the halls. Not to forget the commemorative glass, which comes as part of the £10 entry fee (£5 for children). These beautifully designed glasses are proving popular, with WBF loyalists able to boast a cupboard of three glasses. A full set will require you come and get the 4th edition on 10 October. But success only comes if people turn up. Last year more than 900 attended. It is hoped this year to go beyond that number. So, if you haven't got your ticket yet, please do so. There is the link on the website - www.wansteadbeerfestival.co.uk. See you on the 10th.

AI, climate crisis & inept leaders make for perfect storm but also offers potential future lead role for UK

The world seems to face a perfect storm, with warnings about AI wiping out humanity in 10 years, whilst climate change probably brings Armageddon that bit closer. AI also ofcourse impacts climate with its energy consuming modus operandi. Making matters worse the world leaders that we rely on to manage the situation and avoid Armageddon are some of the most dangerous and irresponsible seen in modern times. President Donald Trump gives free rein to AI companies, whilst actively opposing moves to address the climate crisis. Vladimir Putin seems wedded to war. Meanwhile, the militant right gains ground across Europe. There may though be a way forward. Properly regulated and controlled AI could improve people's lives and help address the climate crisis. Climate has to be prioritised, with resources shifted to dealing with that struggle, rather than others conjured up by crazy leaders beholden to the military industrial complex. Britain has a chance to lead in charting this new way forward, let's grab the opportunity. published - Labour List - 14/9/2026

Outstanding take on 12 Angry Men

Twelve Angry Men Theatre Royal, Windsor This excellent production of Twelve Angry men, seems as relevant today, as it was, when first staged, in the 1950s. Bitter men, driven to anger and bigotry by their own life experiences. (Women served on juries in the 1950s but could ask to be excused, which many did. It was only in later years that serving became obligatory for women.) The contemporary touch comes with a character like Juror 10, played by Tristan Gemmill, who bears more than a passing resemblance to the disempowered, angry supporters of Reform today. Though, notably even this character does find some redemption in the end. The whole idea of Twelve Angry Men sprang from writer Reginald Rose's experience of serving on a jury. A simple idea transformed into a great drama, made famous initially in the film adaptation, starring Henry Fonda. Recognised as one of Fonda's greatest performances, his role as Juror 8 is played excellently by Gray O'Brien in this production He is the lightening conductor, come defence lawyer in the jury room. Dressed in a virtuoso white suit, there is very little detail of the background of the character. Nemesis, Juror 3 (Bill Ward) makes fun, likening him at one point to renowned US defence lawyer Clarence Darrow. The whole drama takes place in the jury room, the characters circling the table, breaking off for regular visits to the water cooler. The case is the alleged murder of a father by his teenage son. It is testimony to how good the interaction and dialogue between the characters is that it keeps you engaged for the whole two hours 20 minutes. The play remains as evident today as it was 70 years ago. Those who have served on a jury will recognise many of the characters. The ones who have made up their mind from the start (11 at the beginning), then, those willing to listen and change their minds in the face of reason. Finally, those who just want it over as quickly as possible, not really bothered by the result. A nuance that could be added today would be a difference between employed and self employed jury members, the latter, often having a greater tendency to want to get away. The play is a celebration of the jury system, highlighting exactly why it is so important to maintain. It also highlights both the best and worst of human nature, with ofcourse reason and virtue coming out as the winners. In all,there are excellent performances across this production.Bill Ward is particularly outstanding as the raging Juror 3. The piece is well directed by Christopher Hayden, who brings a seamless flow to the production. He also kindles the contemporary feel to a play that is timeless in so many ways. An excellent production, raising many important issues. Well worth seeing. Runs at Theatre Royal Windsor till 12 September, Aberdeen from 15 September.Tours till 24 October.

Intriguing take on death of Marilyn Monroe

Who Killed Marilyn? Emerald Theatre, London Pixie Lott dominates this play about the life and ultimately death of Marilyn Monroe. The play comes at a timely moment, namely, the 100th anniversary of Marilyn's birth. Something, also being marked by an excellent exhibition Marilyn Monroe - a Portrait at the nearby National Portrait Gallery. A lot is packed into the two hour plus play, that runs through the life and loves of this 20th century icon. Heavy on conspiracy theories, this multi-layered depiction also addresses the insecurity of Monroe's life. Her demons, born of a troubled upbringing. Totally in control of her image when modelling, she struggles to get the recognition she feels warranted as an actress. Always the sex symbol, rather than the actress. Confident, yet vulnerable. The sense of conspiracy comes from the involvement with President John F Kennedy and his brother Robert Kennedy. Indeed, the production could arguably be perceived as a roller coaster of 60s conspiracies. The closeness of relationship between the shady worlds of politics, organised crime, law enforcement and showbiz is well captured. Mafia boss Sam Giancana, seemingly implicated in the demise of Marilyn, with J Edgar Hoover'' s FBI in the background extracting leverage, particularly on the Kennedys. Giancana and the mob were also later rumoured to have played a role in the assassination of JFK. The production is well put together by director Philip Wm McKinley. Everything , though, centres around Lott. The narrative is strong running through Marilyn's life's and loves, from baseball player Joe Di Maggio to playwright Arthur Miller and the Kennedy's. There are the cheesey moments, like when in the throws of passion Monroe asks JFK to repeat the part of his Presidential address: "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.' Maybe, an ironic nod that Kennedy's multiple partners were serving their country. The whole play centres around a static set, made up of the bed, where Marilyn died. Lott is the narrator throughout, shimmering from one scene to the next. One criticism would be that maybe there is too much swapping around of characters, with all but Lott and Ryan Ellsworth (Dr Ralph Greens on) having multiple roles. So Julie Armstrong plays housekeeper Eunice and J Edgar Hoover, while Simon Bass is Arthur Jacobs, Frank Otash, Joe Kennedy and Lawrence Olivier. This can give a certain cramped feel. The lighting applied adds a sinister element. The production is narrow in that it does not stray much beyond Marilyn's sex life, there could have been more depth. Overall this is a production certainly worth seeing. An intriguing conspiracy tale, sown together by writer, Sharleen Cooper Cohen. It certainly raises questions about what really happened to Marilyn. Well directed and executed by a good cast. But it is Pixie Lott who steals the show.

Tackling social care will be a major test of how serious Andy Burnham is about reversing the mistakes of the past 40 years

Andy Burnham's pledge to tackle the social care crisis is most welcome. He has experienced the present systems vagaries at first hand, with his father suffering from Alzheimers. I had a similar experience, with my father getting dementia and mother physical breakdown. Both involving leaning on the care system in later years Tackling the care system also goes to the heart of how the new PM intends to deal with the legacy of the last 40 years Care like the water system and other services handed over / or left to the private sector has become a cash cow for investors. The actual care provided is almost secondary. Private Equity owns much of the private care sector in the UK. Profit is the priority. The care companies pay their staff as little as possible, many on the minimum wage. Zero hours contracts have been rampant in the area for years. I remember talking to the staff that came to help my Mum. If they complained, hours would be cut. When I suggested they join a union, this was regarded as a way to lose their job. The amounts charged for residential care are astronomical, ranging well over £2,000 a week in many cases. If people cannot pay, then the duty passes to the local authority.They have a statutory duty to provide. But they have to deal with the same privately run care homes. Care in the homes is variable, most do an excellent job. There have been the exceptions that hit the headlines. The market model, though, runs through the ethos. Patients are seen as commodities to be bled for more revenue, where possible. This became apparent with my father, who was getting lots of hair cuts. I pointed out he had less hair than ever before, yet was having more hair cuts. No one was denying him the dignity of a hair cut but it was an added extra beyond the basic fee for care. An extra that could be charged for. Migrant workers are key to the care system, without them It would collapse - similar to the NHS. So if the PM wants a functioning care system he needs to have a word with the Home Secretary, who seems determined to make life ever more difficult for migrants, who want to come to work in the UK. So really reforming the care sector will be a test of how serious Burnham is about reversing the market driven policies of the past 40 years. The staff are needed and must be paid properly. They must have security of employment. Care work is demanding requiring many and varied skills. Care needs to be state run, possibly via local councils. Profit for the few cannot continue to be the guiding mantra. It should be a not for profit area. The media appear obsessed with the cost of any proposal put forward - how will it be paid for? That can be done via general taxation. An additional bonus would come from relieving local authorities from having to find the funding for care. This would set them free in many other areas. A new system for social care can be created that will serve the common good of all. What is important though is that the dignity of the human being is put front and centre. That dignity must apply as much to those who work in the area, as the patients they serve. A state owned and run service, encompassing the values of human dignity, not private profit has to be the way forward.

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