Truss is right – but must she stand alone in the fight for freedom?
Telegraph
23-09-18 20:22
Former UK International Trade Secretary Liz Truss is one of the few politicians standing up for the fundamental truths of free market economics and freedom in the face of a new orthodoxy, according to Juliet Samuel in The Telegraph. Samuel argues that Truss recognises that the West is facing a crisis because it has lost its taste for freedom, and that the UK's economic problems are not due to leaving the EU but because it is a "city state attached to an agrarian land mass". Samuel says that what the UK needs to cure its longstanding issues is highly focused R&D, massive deregulation and lower taxes, rather than subsidies, centralised industrial plans and EU integration. However, she adds that the right lacks an emotional argument for freedom in a world where a precarious middle class is focused on security over liberty. Samuel suggests that the right needs to come up with a vision of the future that includes positive self-realisation and revolutionising education and food poverty through AI and 3D-printing.
Investing in international equities can be a good way to protect against inflation, according to Simon Edelsten, co-manager of the Artemis Global Select Fund and Mid Wynd International Investment Trust. He argues that companies that trade in emerging markets are particularly good at coping with inflation and that they can benefit from the ability to raise prices above inflation, permanently enhancing profit margins. Edelsten highlights Grupo Bimbo, the Mexican bakery company, as an example of a company that has managed to raise prices and protect profit margins effectively in an inflationary environment. He also points out that although equities can be less predictable than other asset classes, they are better at delivering real returns over the long term. Edelsten advises investors to choose companies that make products or offer services that people will struggle to do without, have few competitors, and carry little debt.
Lord Brougham and Vaux, Tory peer and Lords deputy speaker noted for his dry wit – obituary
Telegraph
23-09-19 13:27
Michael Brougham, the 5th Baron Brougham and Vaux, has died at the age of 85. He was one of the last surviving members of a group of Tory peers who were known as the "own goals group" due to their knack for putting down oral questions that annoyed ministers and gave opportunities to the opposition. Brougham was a popular figure in the House of Lords, known for his dry wit and long tenure in Parliament. He was also involved in road safety and supported efforts to relax Sunday trading laws.
I’m not surprised Theresa May says she’s proud to be woke. She’s never been a true Conservative
Telegraph
23-09-19 21:54
Former UK Prime Minister Theresa May has declared herself "woke and proud" during an interview, causing controversy among Conservative voters. The term "woke" is associated with a Marxist creed and is seen as contrary to conservative beliefs. Critics argue that being woke means supporting issues such as allowing school children to choose their gender and undergoing gender reassignment. These critics state that the majority of people are still horrified by these ideas and do not want a Conservative government to encourage them. May's declaration has also been criticised in relation to her time as Home Secretary when she introduced the 2015 Modern Slavery Act. Critics argue that the legislation made it easier for people to exploit loopholes, leading to an increase in claims of slavery victimhood among migrants. The article suggests that May has shown a lack of concern for the practical consequences of her actions and implies that she is out of touch with the concerns of Conservative voters.
Former London mayor Ken Livingstone has Alzheimer’s
Telegraph
23-09-20 00:50
Former London mayor Ken Livingstone has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, his family has announced. Livingstone, who was mayor of London from 2000 to 2008, has been living a private life in retirement and will no longer be available for media interviews or requests. The 78-year-old politician, nicknamed "Red Ken", was known for his left-wing views and controversial statements. He left the Labour Party in 2018 after being accused of anti-Semitism.
Three books have been published that discuss the history and cultural significance of the Goth subculture. Each author explores the origins of Goth and its development over the years. Goth is seen as the last of the great youth pop cults, a hybrid of punk, glam and horror cinema. The popularity of Goth has continued to grow over the years, with its own music festivals and community. The books also discuss the influence of female rock fans on the development of Goth. The female representation in Goth is often seen as a fetishistic and overtly Victorian image of womanhood. The books also examine the various influences on Goth, such as 1960s garage rock, and the importance of literature to the subculture. Overall, the books provide a comprehensive look at the history and cultural significance of Goth.
Sunak accused of axing policies that never existed in fiery interview
The Independent
23-09-21 09:12
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been accused of watering down Britain's net zero plans after claiming to have scrapped green policies that did not exist. In an interview with the BBC, Sunak was questioned about proposals to tax meat, restrict car travel and force households to have seven different bins. He cited a report by the independent Climate Change Committee as the basis for the measures, but was accused by journalist Nick Robinson of pretending to halt "frightening proposals that simply do not exist". Sunak claimed former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher would have supported his actions.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is shifting his government closer to his own positions in order to boost his party's chances of electoral success, according to Stephen Bush in the Financial Times. This includes Chancellor Rishi Sunak's watering down of the country's net-zero plans, which is part of a wider reset in how the government presents itself. However, Bush argues that the UK Conservative party must undergo a more significant reset in order to secure victory in the next election. He states that the party's perceived incompetence, division, and extremism are key factors driving voters away. Bush suggests that the party must become more divided before it can address these issues and regain the trust of young voters.
Live Net zero latest: Climate pledges can't just work for 'metropolitan bubble', insists Kemi Badenoch
Telegraph
23-09-21 08:00
UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak has defended his decision to delay key green policies, saying that former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher would have supported his position on achieving net zero emissions. Sunak announced on Wednesday that the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars would be postponed from 2030 to 2035, and that some households would be exempt from the forthcoming ban on oil and gas boilers. Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Sunak said that while the government is committed to combating climate change, it is important to have a clear and deliverable plan for achieving net zero, rather than simply chasing short-term popularity. The delay in implementing certain policies has attracted criticism from environmentalists and opposition politicians.
The ghost of Margaret Thatcher still haunts British politics
The Independent
23-09-21 14:57
Rishi Sunak, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, has been described as a "Thatcherite" due to his admiration for former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Sunak's admiration for Thatcher dates back to his time as a student at Winchester College, and he has been open about his belief in Thatcherite principles. This is significant as Thatcher remains a polarizing figure in British politics, and Sunak's self-identification as a Thatcherite signals his conservative ideology. Sunak's views on Thatcher also distinguish him from other prominent politicians, such as Tony Blair, who attempted to align themselves with Thatcherite principles for electoral gain.
Mangosuthu Buthelezi had his own vision for a democratic South Africa
Economist
23-09-21 12:51
Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and one of the most powerful men in the Zulu nation, has died at the age of 93. Buthelezi was a controversial figure in South African politics, often clashing with the African National Congress (ANC). He believed in non-violence and opposed the ANC's Marxist revolution ideology, preferring long-drawn-out negotiations and a federal state. He was also a conservative who believed in free markets and lower taxes. Buthelezi served as the chief minister of KwaZulu, a region with nominal self-rule under apartheid, and later became the acting ruler of South Africa when Nelson Mandela was abroad. However, his power waned after the 2004 election, and the IFP won only a small percentage of votes in subsequent elections. Buthelezi was also the traditional prime minister to the Zulu royal family, a role he held for life. His funeral was held in Ulundi, the former Zulu capital.
‘Formidable operator’ – Politicians react to Rupert Murdoch stepping down
The Independent
23-09-21 16:55
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has described media mogul Rupert Murdoch as a “formidable operator” following his retirement as chairman of Fox and News Corp. However, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn accused him of having “poisoned global democracy” through the spread of disinformation. Murdoch’s 70-year career has seen him court prime ministers and presidents and he will be replaced by his eldest son, Lachlan. Murdoch has recently faced legal challenges relating to Fox’s reporting of the 2020 presidential election, including a settlement of $787.5m with Dominion and an ongoing lawsuit from Smartmatic seeking $2.7bn.
Loved and loathed: The sun sets on Rupert Murdoch’s 70-year career
The Sydney Morning Herald
23-09-21 22:57
Rupert Murdoch is renowned for building the first global media empire and dominating the media industry for several decades. He began his career with three Australian newspapers that his father left him, and from there he rapidly expanded his media empire both in Australia and internationally. Murdoch acquired major newspapers in the UK and the US, including The Times of London and the New York Post. He also bought Twentieth Century Fox and a group of television stations in the US, which eventually became the core of his News Corp empire. Murdoch's empire included newspapers, broadcast and cable television, film studios, book publishing, and record labels. He was known for his single-mindedness, ambition, and obsession with expanding his media empire. Murdoch was also admired, feared, and loathed in various countries due to his influence and power in world affairs. His media businesses polarized communities, with a strategy that targeted mass audiences and entertained as much as informed. Murdoch was willing to play to the lowest common denominator if it meant making money. Despite his conservative political values, Murdoch's media outlets often took more extreme positions to capitalize on the market opportunities on the right. Murdoch's empire faced a major setback with the phone-hacking scandal, leading to the closure of the News of the World tabloid and the splitting of his newspaper and television and film interests. However, Murdoch's legacy remains, and he is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the media industry.
Rupert Murdoch’s sprawling media empire enters a new chapter
The Independent
23-09-21 19:54
Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul behind Fox News, is stepping down as chairman of both Fox News' parent company and News Corporation. Murdoch, 92, expanded his media empire into television, films, and publishing across 50 countries, amassing an estimated net wealth of $7.6 billion. He acquired hundreds of newspapers and news websites and became a Hollywood film studio executive through the purchase of 20th Century Fox in 1985. His most influential sphere was cable news, with the founding of Fox News in 1996. Murdoch's influence on right-wing politics and public opinion is widely associated with the coarsening of public discourse and hyper-polarized political environments in the United States, the United Kingdom, and beyond.
Murdoch’s son Lachlan has assumed sole chairmanship of both companies, ensuring his grip on politics and culture remains strong. Murdoch’s career began in Australia, where he rapidly expanded his media business by buying up suburban and regional papers. He then made his first international expansion in 1964 with the purchase of The Dominion newspaper in New Zealand, followed by the launch of The Australian newspaper in the same year. In the late 1960s, he bought the News of the World and The Sun in the UK, where he became known for inventing the modern tabloid newspaper and introducing the tradition of running topless photos of women. In 1985, Murdoch became a naturalized US citizen and purchased 20th Century Fox, forming the basis of his dominant broadcast and cable news division. The launch of Fox News in 1996 solidified his hold over right-wing politics.
Murdoch’s media empire has been marked by scandals, including the phone-hacking scandal at News of the World in 2011. Fox News also became closely tied with the rise of Donald Trump during the 2016 US presidential election and peddled lies about the 2020 presidential election, fueling the deadly insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Murdoch’s influence on sports is also notable, with Fox gaining exclusive rights to the NFL’s National Football Conference and Sky network securing TV rights for the Premier League.
How to watch Volodymyr Zelenskyy's address to Parliament on CBC
CBC
23-09-22 00:00
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will address the Canadian Parliament on Friday to rally support for continued assistance in repelling Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Zelenskyy's visit to Canada follows trips to Washington D.C. and the United Nations earlier in the week. This will be Zelenskyy's second address to the Canadian Parliament, making him one of the few foreign leaders to have done so. The address will be broadcast live on CBC News Network and other platforms.
How Hilary Mantel became a titan of British literature
Telegraph
23-09-22 07:00
A new collection of non-fiction writing by the late Hilary Mantel will be published in October. A Memoir of My Former Self, edited by Nicholas Pearson, includes Mantel's film reviews from the 1980s, previously unpublished 2017 Reith Lectures, and articles on a range of subjects, from perfume to Princess Diana. The book also features her thoughts on British royalty, with Mantel described as "the best writer on British royalty, ever". "She saw things other people didn’t see," says her agent, Bill Hamilton. "Those little piles of canapé sticks that royal guests had hidden behind the pillars? That’s the kind of thing Hilary noticed and they revealed so much."
Larry the cat wins battle for No10 against Sunak's dog Nova
Telegraph
23-09-22 09:22
Larry the cat, the famous resident of 10 Downing Street, has been involved in "heated exchanges" with Rishi Sunak's family dog, Nova, according to Sunak's wife, Akshata Murty. Murty revealed the clashes between Larry and Nova during an interview with the Sky Kids FYI show. Larry has been a resident of Downing Street for 12 years, accompanying five prime ministers, while Nova is not the first pet to enter Larry's territory. Previous prime ministers have had pets, including George Osborne's cat Freya and Boris Johnson's dog Dilyn. Murty also discussed her busy life and her work in supporting her husband's role as chancellor.
Boys from the Black Stuff: Yosser Hughes returns in an adaptation that had Merseyside on its feet
Telegraph
23-09-22 13:59
The Royal Court in Liverpool has premiered James Graham's adaptation of Alan Bleasdale's Boys From the Blackstuff. The play, which originally aired as a TV series in 1982, is set during the early years of Margaret Thatcher's government and follows the lives of a group of out-of-work Liverpudlian tradesmen. The theatre production has been praised for its excellent acting, with Barry Sloane's portrayal of the deeply troubled Yosser Hughes particularly commended. The play is scheduled to run until 28 October.
Hero or villain? Rupert Murdoch’s exit stirs strong feelings in Britain, where he upended the media
The Independent
23-09-22 16:02
Rupert Murdoch has stepped down as the leader of his companies Fox and News Corp. and has handed control to his son Lachlan. Murdoch's newspapers in Britain changed the political and cultural climate, and his satellite television channels upended the broadcasting scene. Critics argue that Murdoch was unaccountable and malevolent, while supporters claim he was a trailblazer who changed the media landscape. Murdoch's media empire was rocked by a phone-hacking scandal in 2011, which led to the closure of the News of the World newspaper.
Letters: The Chancellor’s resistance to tax cuts reflects a Government all too willing to plod
Telegraph
23-09-23 00:01
The UK government has been accused of lacking ideas and being too cautious by ruling out tax cuts. Critics argue that high taxes are only necessary because the government spends too much. They suggest that radical thinking is required on issues such as the NHS and welfare to free up funds for tax cuts. The abolition of inheritance tax has also been proposed as a way of bringing disillusioned Conservatives back into the fold. Critics argue that there is no moral justification for taking large amounts of money from people who have saved and lived prudently all their lives.
