Wrong answer

The Labour Party seems very pleased with itself following Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement that, if he were Prime Minister, his Government would freeze energy prices at current (August 2022) levels for six months and pay for it by a further “windfall tax” on energy companies.  Apparently, opinion polls show overwhelming public support for such a measure, which is also endorsed by the LibDems and the SNP.  Of course, it is easy to make such declarations when there is no chance of being able to carry them out.

The economic puzzle

I have no sympathy for either of the Conservative leadership candidates, and I wish they could both lose.  The prospect of the economically illiterate Liz Truss as prime minister is appalling.  However, I do have some sympathy for the dilemma that they face with regard to fiscal policy and indeed economic policy more generally.

Climate change and my diet – should I go vegan?

 Twenty years ago I would have thought it cranky and absurd to go vegetarian – let alone vegan. I enjoy eating and have never really accepted Valère’s dictum¹  “Il faut manger pour vivre et non pas vivre pour manger”. However, I have been concerned at the growing consensus that our (especially western) diet is disrupting the ecology of the planet and exacerbating climate change. So what should I do about it?

Books I read last year (and ones I started but didn’t finish) – updated

It is nearly two years since I listed the books that I had read – or at least started to read – during the previous year, so I thought I should repeat the exercise – only this time covering nearly two years. The list is not in chronological (or any particular) order and may not be complete.

Should I give up on the Labour Party?

I joined the Labour Party in 1962, and it has been part of my life for almost 60 years. During that time I have been a loyal member, canvassing for the Labour candidate at elections, delivering leaflets, stuffing envelopes, knocking on doors and carrying out almost every Party office except that of MP. Yet, after 60 years, I am seriously considering resigning.

What should we do about the housing crisis?

I have been intending for some time to write something about the housing crisis.  After all, I worked for 17 years in the Council housing sector, then as a housing consultant, and later served as a member of a major city’s Housing Committee – so I ought to know something about it. However, it is now over 20 years since I ceased to be involved, so I find the current situation both unfamiliar and disturbing.  It is difficult to know where to start.

When should face coverings be worn?

The current controversy about face coverings for Covid19 has reminded me of the debate about women (or men) covering their faces for other reasons.  If it is OK for anybody to wear a face mask on public transport, why shouldn’t the niqab (Islamic face veil) be acceptable in normal public situations?