Peter Rhodes on a cold snap, a fallen minister and Donald Trump's view of Meghan Markle
The worst thing about this month is not the bitter chill creeping into every aching joint, nor the sleet-laden wind gusting like a malignant miasma into every corner of your house and freezing your pillows.
No, the worst thing about this month is knowing that when it's all over, some bright spark on your telly will be standing in front of a weather map and telling us that this month was the warmest February on record. Every time.
“I would not be surprised if, in the next week or two, Putin announced that his glorious 'special military operation' has succeeded in ridding Ukraine of Nazis and nationalists, and he is pleased to negotiate a compromise solution.”
A fine prediction, is it not? Sadly it appeared in this column in March 2022, and, like so many hopeful predictions for Ukraine, sank without trace. As we approach the third anniversary of the Russian invasion this month, forecasts are fewer and hope is on hold.
The rise and fall of health minister Andrew Gwynne raises one of the enduring questions in British politics, the eternal puzzle of how political parties manage to select so many duff candidates who are not only unsuited for public life, but must be aware of the skeletons in their own cupboards. The next General Election will be held no later than the summer of 2029 which surely gives the selectors time to discover the right sort. There are millions of good men and women out there. Find them.
We now learn, thanks to a Freedom of Information request, that Palestine supporters were planning demonstrations in London even as the terrorist slaughter of men, women and children was unfolding in Israel. Once again, the moral high ground turns out to be neither high nor moral. And do you wonder, too, how many of those demanding that Palestine is for the Palestinians are the same people who believe that anyone has the right to settle in Britain?
Donald Trump says he has no plans to deport Prince Harry because the lad has “got enough problems with his wife – she's terrible.” Own up. Don't you warm to the new president, just a little?
Comment Guidelines
Iconic Media encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.