The former Chairman of the Culture, Media, and Sport Select Committee relates how they collaborated to win support for Britain’s Olympic bid.
On corruption, fragility, innovation, human capital, creditworthiness, GDP per head – all the measures that count for most – the country is, to put it politely, not in a great place.
As a measure of an administration, GDP has its limits. But clear evidence that we’re building a happier nation suggests the Government is on the right track.
We don’t yet know if Russia poisoned Sergei Skripal. But there was already more than enough reason not to take part in the Kremlin’s propaganda tournament.
There needs to be a paradigm shift in policy and culture. Our state should work to keep us healthy and allow us as individuals to be responsible for our actions.
This would surely encourage more participation amongst all age groups, by raising awareness of the benefits. The Commonwealth Games this year should spur us on.
It also boosts community spirit among adults.
To be told that next time he visited Arsenal he’d be “using the turnstiles and paying for the privilege” was a cruel humiliation unacceptable in a normal working environment.
Doomsday predictions remain overblown, but the real, specific concerns of business are worth listening to nonetheless.
Yes, Livingstone named him 12 times when interviewed by me this week. Plus: Saudi Arabia uncovered, Michael Howard unmuzzled. And: In memory of Helen Szamuely.
A third-rate leader like her – who can’t even run her schools properly – wants to make me a foreigner to my other half, and turn my home into “abroad”.
And there are other policies she could pursue. More nurseries in primary schools. Tougher school discipline. Longer sentences for child abuse.
This legislation runs against Scotland’s deep traditions of political pluralism and toleration.