The British people have managed to conjure the most fantastical of outcomes from the General Election. The hung parliament is a unicorn of a result where no Party gained an overall majority. Although the Conservatives won the most seats, they most definitely lost an election whose raison d’être was to deliver a “strong and stable” Tory government. The chaotic aftermath to the election has ensued amidst the lament of the pollsters. Journalists revel in the rumours of Tory plots and intrigues that have sprouted like mushrooms. Theresa May’s reputation for unswervable common sense has been badly ..read more

In October, I wrote my first blog — “Brexit — A Way Forward”. I said that despite a position of apparent strength, the Government’s approach to Brexit had a number of key weaknesses which would become increasingly evident. As a result, I argued that there was a national imperative for the Government to “reset” its approach to Brexit. In particular, I advocated that the Government consider the following: the rebalancing of its prioritisation of immigration control versus the economy; much fuller engagement with Parliament; and, the recognition of EU citizens’ rights. Perhaps unsurprisingly, muc ..read more

  The High Court’s ruling in favour of the Claimant’s case for a Parliamentary vote prior to notification per Article 50 (2) had a seismic impact. Like all great and surprising events, it punctured the political equilibrium and fractured developing views regarding the Government’s approach to Brexit. It is a certainty there will be other events (the recent US election is an example) that require the various Brexit factions and stakeholders to rethink their positions and strategies. Anyone expecting a smooth, linear progression to an imaginary point of exit from the EU will be sorely disap ..read more

When Teresa May embarked on her walking holiday, the government seemed in a virtually unassailable position with regard to the implementation of Brexit. The Conservative Party had acted quickly and effectively to address the political turmoil in the aftermath of the referendum by making the most appropriate candidate Prime Minister. In turn, Teresa May had quickly formed a new cabinet that seemed to provide a sensible balance between Leavers and Remainers. The Prime Minister’s rhetorical barriers — “Brexit means Brexit” and “no running commentary” — were effective as at least temporary deflect ..read more

In stature he was small, but in strength lusty, and in his running he was swift; and he won favour with everybody. He rejected food for himself while he fed others. The Life of Simeon Stylites, A Translation of the Text in Bedjan’s Acta Martyrum et Sanctorum Vol. IV, by the Rev. Frederick Lent ..read more