Ecological succession

The natural landscape all around us is continually changing. It is not a static thing. The thought occurred when thinking back to my childhood in Wanstead Park and on the Flats. In those days (1960s and 70s), there always seemed to be much more grassland around. Areas like around the big mound opposite Northumberland Avenue and the Shoulder of Mutton and Heronry lakes. The areas were almost like pampas. Today, there are some big thickets of brambles, especially around the mound area. Similarly the terrain on the flats has changed a lot. The Epping Forest authorities spend a lot of time cutting back broom and brambles to maintain grasslands. The big changer in all of this was that back in the day cows roamed freely across these areas, eating back brambles etc. Herds of 30 or 40 plus cows would wander around, eating back the vegetation. They did help themselves to the prize plants in some front gardens but that was unusual and a small price to pay for the ecological succession. The cows brought a wonderful intervention that helped many other creatures in the ecological succession. The recent reintroduction of a few longhorn cattle over by the plain area in the park for a few months each year is having a similar small scale effect. The longhorns are due back in September. Nature is a constantly changing thing. A wood is not a wood that will stay the same for ever. The same applies to meadows and fields. Every landscape is a dynamic thing, constantly changing. Landscapes are growing, living breathing things. If the cows are not around or alternative interventions made then the land would turn (or should that be return) to scrub and bramble. All will turn to forest. It is important that as humans we act in partnership with nature, not act to dominate and destroy for the benefit of human beings. Human beings are but one element of the natural world. We need to partner with the other aspects not seek to dominate. An absence of this type of approach is evident in some of the mindless rhetoric we hear about how bats and newts must not be allowed to stop "development." Fortunately, we are seeing more of the partnership approach with things like the rewilding movement. Locally,there are encouraging developments in the park and on the Flats. The floating reed bed put in at the end of last year on the Heronry Lake, opposite the mound. The skylark enclosure on the Flats plus the efforts to develop wildflower meadows. These are all positive things that work in partnership with rather than against nature. This has to be the way to advance in the future - very much together forever.

Tackling inequality will help economic growth

There is much talk about the need for growth in the economy, so the country can pay for vital services like health, social care, education and transport. It is a case of increasing the size of the economy in order that these things can be afforded. Or is it? The big problem of society today is inequality. There can be growth created but at present, the spoils of such success will flow to the few very rich people in society. That is why in a country like America, which had a buoyant economy, with 3 per cent growth, under the previous Biden adminstration, the majority of people did not feel the benefits. The cost of living crisis hit hard, with the mass of people feeling worse off. They did not get the benefit. The result, Donald Trump was returned as President promising to make America great again. Inequality needs to be addressed. The present Labour government has taken some steps to tackle inequality, like raising the minimum wage and improving worker's labour rights. There is talk of scrapping the two child limit for child benefit. But there has been no effort to make those who have the most pay more tax. In the 1970s, tax rates on the rich were much higher. The gap between rich and poor was narrower and people were happier. The polarisation of wealth with a flow from everyone else to the uber rich has been ongoing since 1980. Since 1995, the top 1 per cent have captured. 20 times more of global wealth than the bottom 50 per cent. If the government needs more funds for basic services, tax the rich, don't go for the poorest and most vulnerable in society. The cry goes up the rich will all leave the country but this is largely a myth. Some may go but if they don't want to contribute to the common good, is that a bad thing? There are though plenty of rich people who want to pay more. Patriotic Millionaires UK are one such group. They can see the unsustainability of the present system. So let them pay more. Universal basic income is another thing that would help reduce inequality. If AI has the impact predicted, then a form of universal basic income will become obligatory to keep the economy functioning. So, yes sustainable growth is needed but the fruits of such developments must be spread more evenly. A more equal society is a happier and better functioning place for everyone, including the very rich.

West Ham's season - a case of one step forward, two steps back

One step forward, two steps back is the best summary of the past season for West Ham United. The ownership of the club decided in it's wisdom to part company with manager David Moyes at the end of last season. This was a manager that saved the club twice from relegation, then qualified three seasons running for European football, winning the Europa Conference League in 2023. In his final season, the club finished ninth in the Premier League and got to the quarter finals of the Europa League. A period of unprecedented success. A campaign to get rid of Moyes began on social media, then took hold. Supporters didn't like the style of play, it wasn't the West Ham way etc. Some of us warned at the time, be careful what you wish for and that has very much proved to be the case. Since Moyes left, first Julian Lopetegu and then Graham Potter have struggled to manage the club. This season it finished 14th, got knocked out of both the FA cup and Carabao cup at the early stages. European football is now a distant memory. The owners of West Ham spent £130 million in buying nine players for Lopetegu. The signings came late, so the manager still didn't' seem to know his best formation, even by October. There were some good signings, like Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug. But Lopetegu struggled, both on the field and publicly with the media. After a poor run of results, Lopetegu was replaced in January by Potter. Things,though, did not really improve. In fact for most of his time in charge Potter's record has been worse than Lopetegu. Lopetegu secured 23 points from 18 games, Potter 20 points from the same number of games. The difference has been that the former Brighton and Chelsea manager gives the impression that he knows what he's doing. He has a clear narrative and deals well with the media. There have been some encouraging signs, not least Potter's willingness to give young players, like Ollie Scarles and Lewis Orford, a chance. Hopefully some of those, loaned out this season, like George Earthy and Freddie Potts, will be given their opportunity next season. The belief amongst fans is that Potter must be allowed to shape the team he wants. This will mean a major shifting of players in and out in the summer. The owners though must be wondering about the future. Will things come good under Potter? Are they prepared to put up more money on the basis of the poor returns seen since Potter took over in January? An interesting what if arises, given that at the time of his appointment it was rumoured West Ham wanted to offer an initial contract to the end of the season. Sensibly, Potter insisted on a longer deal - had he accepted the shorter one, would the owners now be offering him a new contract? The style of play has certainly not got better, in fact from an entertainment angle it is far worse. Potter's defensive formations with three at the back and five across the middle, playing the ball square, instead of forward, hardly excites. The West Ham way it aint! So not a very good season for West Ham. Potter should turn things around, given the time and money to do so - these, though, are commodities, in increasingly short supply in football. But will the club finish above Everton next season? Everton have been flying, ever since Moyes re-took charge, earlier in the season. Only time will tell.

Welfare cuts have hint of eugenics

There has been much alarm aroused by government proposals to cut welfare benefits for some of the poorest and most vulnerable in society. The numbers of people claiming these benefits have risen substantially over recent years, in no small part due to the COVID pandemic. The mishandling of so much of the pandemic by government has helped create a huge number of people, who are unable to work. The harm done to mental health over this period and subsequently has been huge. It is estimated that two million people (3% of the population) are still suffering from long COVID. The government has targeted welfare on the basis of saving money. Again, as with the attack on winter fuel payments, the amount being saved is relatively small. Why not tax those with the most, many millionaires and billionaires have asked to pay more? There is a rather worrying eugenic theme running through these policies. The government bang on about delivering for working people, whilst seemingly ignoring, or attacking, other groups such as the elderly, disabled and poor. In the case of the elderly, who proportionately vote more than any other demographic, it seems a strange electoral strategy, let alone the moral dimension. A number of commentators have also made the link between the moves to legalise assisted dying and these other policies attacking the poorest and most vulnerable in society The narrative seems to be if you are not tied to the economic wheel of employment you have no worth. Never mind the billions of pounds of free care provided by elderly people for their children and grand children. Or the voluntary work done by so many. Or the service and taxes contributed over the years. None of this counts, only work, right now, on the wheel of capitalism by 'ordinary working people.' It is all rather confusing if not a little sinister. The mindset needs to change. Everyone has worth, all lives are sacred, it is high time government recognised this reality and acted accordingly for the common good of all.

West Ham suffer ninth home defeat, as Nottingham Forest close in on Champions League place

West Ham 1-2 Nottingham Forest Nottingham Forest ran out narrow winners of this hotly contested game against West Ham at the London Stadium. The game marked West Ham's ninth home defeat, whilst the victory saw Nottingham Forest strengthen their bid for Champions League football next season. The home side should have been a goal up, after a couple of minutes, Tomas Soucek seeing his header, from Vladimir Coufal's cross, pushed over by Matz Sels. Morgan Gibbs-White then found himself free on the edge of the six yard box but Alphonse Areola pulled off a great save at point blank range. A matter of minutes later Areola inexplicably, under no pressure passed the ball straight out to Gibbs-White who wasn't going to waste a second chance. He blasted home. This passage of play in many ways typified West Ham's season. Chris Wood could then have doubled the lead but saw his header hit the post. Mohammed Kudus then headed over, receiving a cross from the left. After the break, Coufal, keen to score in his final game for the club, gathered a cross from Kudus, but his volley went narrowly over. West Ham then gifted another soft goal. Jean-Clair Todibo committed a needless foul down on the right. The resulting free kick from Anthony Elanga saw Nikola Milenkovic glance home a header . The goal was confirmed, after a six minute VAR deliberation. West Ham pulled back a late goal, when Jarrod Bowen controlled a nod out from defender Morato and fired home on the volley. Niclas Fullkrug then saw his last gasp header pushed out by Sels. Referee Sam Barrett added 11 minutes injury time during which the game threatened to boil over. At times Barrett seemed to have totally lost control. But Forest held on for the points. West Ham head coach, Graham Potter admitted his players tried but fell short. "There are some big decisions in the summer to take the club forward. Time to adjust the squad and time with the players," said Potter, who paid tribute to the four players - Coufal, Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski and Danny Ings - who are set to leave the club. Nottingham Forest head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, was pleased with the result that was dedicated to, Taiwo Awiniyi, who was seriously injured last week. The manager now hopes to " conjure something magical" for the final game of the season against Chelsea, that could secure Champions League football at the City Ground next season. West Ham hope to emulate Forest's recent progression in the Premier League next season.

Need to speed up, not slow down the transition to net zero

There has been much talk about net zero emission targets over recent weeks. It has been a accepted that net zero has to be achieved in order to combat climate change. The question is how quickly the country can attain this target. Some aim for 2030, others push back to 2050. The reality is that net zero has to be achieved as quickly as possible, the world is in a climate and biodiversity crisis. It is not some sort of lifestyle choice that can be put off until it can be afforded. It is unfortunate that a number of politicians have been elected around the world to positions of power who are in total denial on climate. Not least among these is US President Donald Trump. At home, his British equivalents are Reform UK. They also campaign against net zero. This despite the scientific data that says otherwise and the very real changing world around us. The extreme weather conditions bringing floods and droughts plus the dramatic impact on food production. Unfortunately, there seems to be a growing campaign against net zero, led by Reform and much of the Tory Party. Former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair seems a recent convert. The campaign resembles much of the nonsense we were sold about Brexit. There needs to be a push back against this onslaught. The Labour government has done some excellent things to advance the efforts to attain net zero. The expansion of the renewable energy sector, encouraging different forms of energy generation. The government seems to see the potential in the lucrative green economy. A way to get sustainable growth, as well as save the planet Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, has pointed out the expansion of these sustainable forms of energy makes the country less dependent on outside sources.The impact of the war in Ukraine on energy and food prices shows how important this can be. So, the challenge moving forward is how much quicker net zero can be attained. That is a challenge locally as well. Things need to move more quickly. Now is not the time to advance more quickly over the cliff edge of environmental destruction. Why is so much time being wasted even discussing something that is vital to human survival? So much time was previously wasted discussing whether climate and biodiversity destruction were happening. This cannot happen again, we must accelerate the transformation to net zero, not hide in denial.

Gang of Three

Kings Head Theatre, Islington This excellent play examines the conflictual relationship between three of the Labour Party leading right wingers of the 1970s and 80s. The three hander moves to and from between Roy Jenkins ((Hywel Morgan), Denis Healey (Colin Tierney) and Tony Crosland (Alan Cox). The plot shifting between various leadership and deputy leadership elections between 1976 and 1980. All three contest the 1976 leadership election, won by Jim Callaghan. Crosland contested an earlier deputy leadership contest, bringing forth a quip from Healey about coming seventh in a field of five. By the time the 1980 leadership contest arrives, Jenkins has left British politics for the European Commission and Crosland is dead (of a brain haemorrhage in 1977). Healey loses to Michael Foot by 10 votes. Whilst Jenkins seeks to woo Healey to join his SDP venture, the two are left regretting their failure to act together. The slick interchanges and nice pace of the play keep the momentum up throughout the whole 90 minutes. The set remains the same room, with a bit of furniture moving for different scenes. But the three actors do a fine job in really building the characters presence. The script from Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky is witty, whilst bringing some good political insight. The now acknowledged view that Britain didn't need to go cap in hand to the IMF for a bail out in 1976 is laid squarely at Healey's door. And Healey is happy to be seen as an early prophet of austerity. Meanwhile, Jenkins disillusionment with the party is revealed when he suggests they deserved to lose - also betraying how the right always prefer to see the Tories in government rather than a left wing Labour administration. Crosland is viewed as gifted but never really a bet for leader, until after his death, when the remaining two suggest he may have been the best of them. A fascinating play, with plenty of laughs, laced with serious political discourse. This snapshot also shows a Labour Party with people, though of the right, still of substance, able to debate the major issues with confidence in public. A marked contrast to the authoritarian insecure operation now presided over by Keir Starmer. Well worth seeing for those who lived through those years and others who appreciate a well told Labour history lesson. Runs till 1 June