April 6th, 2022. As the Covid restrictions are being removed and life returns to a semblance of normality it was time for another day out. It was a beautiful spring day, a clear blue sky and 15°C when I hit the road. The prospect of a 200-mile drive up
4 April 2022. Since my last report many of my sources have managed to leave Myanmar and are safe in Europe, and mostly the USA. It is becoming apparent that more and more, the global nature of disputes and conflicts is demonstrated in the interconnectivity of reactions and support for
March 27th, 2022. Well, the Chancellor had his spring economic statement last week, which was a complete waste of time. He confirmed the rise in National Insurance from 11% to 12.5% which is portrayed as a 1.5% rise. In actual fact, it is a 10% increase in the
During my travels around the world working in countries with various systems of government, it became apparent that in countries with conflict zones there has been a rise in “Ethnic Entrepreneurs” (EE). Contrary to logic, these aren’t people from an ethnic minority who have become business people and entrepreneurs
March 6th, 2022. The events in Ukraine have caused the UK to examine its relationships with Russian Oligarchs. In part, this is only because investigative journalism still exists in the UK and daylight is being shone on the Oligarchs. Roman Abramovich is attempting to divest himself of the ownership of
March 5th, 2022. In a change from my usual political letters from the North, I thought I would relate my travels from Friday. With the gradual freeing up of the UK from restrictions I have managed to start returning to some semblance of normality and resume business meetings and visits.
Information Opinion February 23rd, 2022. As the crisis in Ukraine continues it is worth examining its possible global impact and how it is interlinked with other possible flashpoints. Many years ago, Kissinger influenced the likes of Nixon and Bush with his policy of triangular diplomacy regarding Russia (Soviet Union) and
Information Opinion February 24th, 2022. As expected, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has started, and reports of major casualties and civilian bloodshed are becoming apparent. As the rest of the world is looking for a response the EU and UK are putting together economic sanctions and supplying additional weaponry to
February 20th, 2022. I have hesitated to comment on the crisis involving Ukraine as whatever I say or forecast will probably turn out to be wrong and leave me with egg on my face. However, it is providing a shelter behind which Boris Johnson can hide, shielding him from the
February 21st, 2022. Observing from afar always allows one a certain measure of detachment but on the other hand, it means that I am not close enough to the “action” to obtain all the data and facts. One thing that seems apparent is that there is a distinct lack of
February 11th, 2022. In the UK, things are slowly getting back to normal. I had the delight of a day in Belfast to attend a seminar on peacebuilding in a post-conflict society, but more of that later. It is a few years since I was last in Belfast and then
February 8th, 2022. Language can be very confusing, with even English being able to be constructed so as to have multiple meanings (just ask Boris Johnson). Since 2016 all road signs in Wales have to be printed in Welsh with the English translation underneath. Previously, either language could be first.
3rd February 2022. February 1st was the anniversary of the coup in Myanmar. It was marked in Myanmar by silent protest and absences from work. I have not been sending updates from Myanmar because of concern for my sources there. I feel happier today because some have managed to leave
February 6th, 2022. The situation regarding Boris Johnson gets murkier and murkier. There is more spin flying around than in a launderette. There is spin from number 10 (Boris Johnson), spin from number 10 (Carrie Johnson) and spin from numerous unnamed sources. We, the uneducated proletariat have to choose between
January 31st, 2022. The toast gets higher. The Sue Gray report into Downing Street and its parties/gatherings was published today. Except that it wasn’t. A document was presented to the Prime Minister which was described as an update. This was placed in Parliament’s library and Johnson attended
January 29th, 2022. Has Johnson escaped being toast? Johnson’s allies are trying to rescue his premiership slowly scraping away at the accusations that have been made against him. The big question now, is will he make the great escape? Please refrain from making unkind comments about the picture, such
