Britain has long been formalising its hostility to the rest of the world
David Cameron used to describe himself as the heir to Blair. In some facile ways this was true. They both had an approach to politics that was more about media management than a commitment to an ideology. They were both fairly proud centrists – on the internal edges of the places where their parties met the country. While on domestic economic policy they differed somewhat – particularly after the 2008 crash which Cameron used to undo much of Blair’s previous investment instincts – on domestic social policy areas like gay rights, Cameron delighted in going against the small c instincts of the Conservatives.
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Queen’s Speech focuses on post-Brexit fixes
The Queen’s Speech was delivered today in a clear pre-election bid by Boris Johnson. However, over a third of the 26 bills announced are post-Brexit fixes.
There will also be new regimes for agriculture, fisheries and the end of Freedom of Movement. A bill will also allow for the UK to arrest criminals subject to warrants from ‘trusted countries’ – which will replace the EU arrest warrant. However, it is unclear if and how this would be reciprocal.
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How my flat was turned into an immersive venue
If all the world’s a stage, that clearly includes my kitchen and living room. And so it was earlier this month, when my flat became an immersive theatre venue for a night as I hosted a preview of Any One Thing’s latest production Souvenir.
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Breastfeeding mothers stage protest at Downing Street on day three of Extinction Rebellion protests
Nearly 200 women staged a breastfeeding sit-in outside Downing Street Thursday as part of the ongoing Extinction Rebellion protests.
A spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion said “This is an action that shows that at the heart of this is the most basic of instincts: to protect our young, the protect the most vulnerable – the next generation.”
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Found in Translation: The ‘Close Strangers’ of Europe Speak to Us All
When I was invited to attend a week-long festival of Ukrainian and Polish theatre in Poznan, I was slightly nervous. I don’t speak either language and so reviewing would be a tough gig. But on the other hand, how often do you get an opportunity to travel and challenge yourself in this way?
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I wasn't fat because I lacked willpower - it's not that simple
Willpower is a strange and complicated concept – especially when it comes to losing weight. Those who don’t lose weight are judged not to have it – and judged constantly.
It is rarely a trait that people fully understand themselves, yet it is an attribute that is conferred on them. I have lost weight, therefore I have willpower. I am, it is concluded, morally superior to those who have not; I have some quality they don’t.
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The end of Labour Students is actually a sign that Corbynism is waning
Student politics barely matter to most students and really shouldn’t matter to anyone more than two years out of university or college. Anyone who thinks too much about the complex voting system of a student organisation they've long since left is not the kind of person you want to be stuck with at a party.
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Emma Burnell in Conversation with Kamila Siwinska
As I sit down with Kamila Siwinska there is glorious late summer sunshine outside the Teatr Polski in Poznan it is the last day of the Close Strangers festival. Actors nearby are rehearsing lines for their last show while drinking strong black coffee. The theatre is a bustle of activity and preparation for their last show and most ambitious production as well as preparing for their critically acclaimed Hamlet which starts as soon as the festival ends. No rest for Teatr Polski – not sleep nor chance to dream.
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Agata Siwiak and Joanna Wichowska in conversation with Emma Burnell
meet Agata Siwiak in the glamorous downstairs bar and cabaret space at Teatr Polski in Poznan. It is the second day of the festival for which she is the artistic director, The ‘Close Strangers’ festival – which is putting on plays every night for a week either about the Ukrainian experience in Poland or by Ukrainian artists – in their own language and translated into Polish through subtitles.
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Labour Remainers don’t have to love moderate (ex) Conservatives—but they should see the value of an alliance
Is Amber Rudd a hero—or villain? There has been a lot of friction recently between FBPE-types who think Rudd is a hero for resigning the Tory whip, and her cabinet job, over Johnson’s extremist behaviour, and those to their left who blame her for a series of wider societal issues—in particular, the Windrush scandal over which she had to resign after misleading the house of commons (what a long time ago that seems).
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This picture of Jacob Rees Mogg will haunt the Tories for decades
If you ever got bored of seeing Ed Miliband eat a bacon sandwich, just wait until you see the mileage people get out of this one
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Thin Body, Fat Mind
As a size 14 I’m the typical shape of an average British woman. In fact, if you walked past me on the street you’d be more likely to notice my frizzy red curls than my figure. Yes, I’m nobody’s idea of skinny, but you wouldn’t think I was fat either - so why do I?
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Changes to company director reporting are hampering transparency
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) have called for a reversal of changes to the way Companies House list Director’s details. After a recent change, the full date of birth and home address of company directors is no longer listed. This can make it harder to verify who they are – especially for journalists for whom this information can be vital to confirm a story.
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I used to weigh 25 stone, but the responsibility for the obesity crisis is as much yours as it is mine
I used to weigh 25 and a half stone. Thanks to weight loss surgery and the Slimming World programme, I am now around 13 stone – and aiming to make it to 10 and a half.
In my old life, I couldn’t walk 100 metres without crippling back pain. Last month I hiked 25km for charity, and up some pretty steep hills too. I have gone from being morbidly obese to obese. Soon, I hope, I will just be overweight.
And then, one day I will be a healthy weight.
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