The last thing we need in the fight against this virus is a Ministry of Supply

Johnson’s task is to hire the right people and back them as long as they are getting things done, no matter who they offend in the process.

We’re urged to revive the spirit of the Blitz. But the Britain of World War Two didn’t always pull together.

“Winston Churchill is a bastard” – criticism, scrutiny and vulgar abuse are part of living in a free country.

Lagarde, von der Leyen and Merkel have all failed to take charge of Europe’s response to the virus

Nation states can act decisively when they wish to do so: the EU seems paralysed.

Johnson’s critics will get nowhere by calling him a liar

Character assassination displaces comprehension, and so damages those who engage in it.

The Establishment hated Beaverbrook, Churchill needed him

A new biography of the ruthless, devious, vulgar, brilliant newspaperman who in 1940 became Minister of Aircraft Production.

For a really serious British foreign policy failure, look at Chamberlain’s attempt to appease Hitler

Tim Bouverie has written a fascinating account of the slide towards the Second World War.

Aitken on the meaning of Easter: “We can all have second chances, little resurrections in our lives.”

The former Cabinet minister, who went to prison for perjury, explains why, as a prison chaplain, he is happier than he has ever been.

Sheila Lawlor: This deal is a challenge to our historic freedoms

The principle of democracy has served us well for a very long time. Signing it away would be a dreadful mistake.

May’s Brexit deal helps to show that British politicians are more honourable and efficient than is claimed

There has been a tendency to suppose that because Britain’s power has declined in relative terms they must have become totally useless.

The unknown names that live for evermore

These acts of remembrance may in some slight measure salve grief, and enable those who have not had to endure such things to give thanks for those who do.

We think we know Churchill, but are constantly surprised by him

Andrew Roberts manages to bring the great man before us in all his variousness in just under a thousand pages.

The Khashoggi case shows that the UK’s alliance with Saudi Arabia serves neither our interests nor our values

For how much longer can Ministers continue to try to defend a relationship which has become increasingly indefensible?

Patriots first and foremost. The post-war Tories who showed that it is usual in politics to be baffled and indecisive.

In his new book,Richard Ritchie tells the story of the Progress Trust, an influential group of Tory backbenchers set up during the Second World War.

May’s courage, as she dances on, is admirable

The Prime Minister lacks panache, but it takes guts to keep going. Leadership requires the fortitude to cope with being weak.

Nicky Morgan: We all gain when our politicians have some time and space to think

It is madness to think that our leaders aren’t entitled to go on holiday and gain a bit of perspective.