Writing Worth Reading
Writing Worth Reading
"The Murdoch scandals are turning into a first-class disaster for the prime minister, David Cameron, and his party, while so far leaving Labour intact." It didn't have to be like this but Cameron's moral blindness has made it so
Thoughts on first resignation of a Conservative from British PM's cabinet. Liam Fox is first defence secretary forced by resign by scandal since Profumo. Does his departure say anything more deeply damaging about this government?
Tony Blair has an interlocking web of jobs, and professional and commercial interests. Among them, he works simultaneously for JP Morgan, his own consultancy and as a Middle East envoy. Whatever happened to "conflict of interest"?
Alexander Litvinenko died a horrible, painful death in London five years ago. The suspect, whom Britain wants to extradite, sits in Moscow. But is the British prime minister giving up the chase in favour of business and trade?
"The so-called feral youth seem oblivious to decency and morality. But so are the venal rich and powerful – too many of our bankers, footballers, wealthy businessmen and politicians." Culture of greed, impunity stretches a long way
Terrific denunciation of state of relations between over-mighty press and timorous politicians at Westminster. Much through the lens of the rise and fall of Rebekah Brooks, "one of the great adventuresses of her era"
Profile of the woman at eye of the tabloid phone-hacking storm. "She is not required to answer to anybody whose name is not Murdoch. When the old man enters a crowded room, Brooks is immediately at his side"
On Britain's phone-hacking scandal. Obviously, News of the World and News International are to blame. But so are politicians of both sides, for being frightened of Rupert Murdoch. And other newspapers, for keeping quiet about it
Reporter who interviewed Iraq weapons inspector, broke "sexed-up" dossier story says conspiracy theories about his source's death are just that. Have a proper inquest, if only to end this nonsense
Leaked memo tells British civil servants how to win confidence of new ministers. "More than three civil servants facing the Secretary of State in conversation risks diluting the rapport"
Retired British ambassador, moved by memory of gay colleague who committed suicide in 1989, delves into Foreign Office files to trace changes leading to official acceptance of gay diplomats in 1991. Fascinating
TV catches British MPs offering their services to fake lobbyist. Journalist who ran sting marvels at stupidity, cupidity of victims. How could they run a country, yet not see through a "thin spoof"?
Still taken from Halas and Batchelor's Animal Farm
