Virginia Blackburn writes that she is firmly Team David and Victoria Beckham rather than Team Brooklyn, but insists the couple must learn to give their son space. Over Father's Day weekend, the Beckhams posted pictures of Brooklyn despite his repeated requests to be left alone. Blackburn says they are beginning to look like stalkers, not parents, and should let matters rest.
Meghan Markle's Father's Day omission
Blackburn also criticizes Meghan Markle for paying tribute to Prince Harry on Father's Day but ignoring her own father, Thomas Markle. She warns that when Meghan's children grow up and learn how she denied them their royal heritage, they might treat her similarly, calling it poetic justice.
Strange political alliances
The columnist notes the irony that trade unions, which helped Ed Miliband become Labour leader in 2010, now appear most likely to save the country from his Net Zero policies, which they say threaten jobs. She calls the situation strange.
Cheryl Tweedy's sound judgment
Blackburn praises Cheryl Tweedy for fighting to ensure that her late partner Liam Payne's £21 million fortune goes to their son Bear only when he turns 25. She cites an example of a wealthy man's son who never tried at school because of his father's money and ended up expelled for drug dealing, arguing that shielding Bear is wise.
Jeremy Clarkson and the BBC
The article highlights public sympathy for Jeremy Clarkson after his cancer diagnosis, contrasting it with the BBC's apparent disdain for him. Blackburn calls Clarkson the best of Britain: anti-political correctness, stoic, and fond of a pint. She suggests his influence may underlie Rachel Reeves's attack on farmers.
Keir Starmer's lonely exit
Blackburn expresses a hint of sympathy for Keir Starmer, calling him the worst Prime Minister ever (including Liz Truss), but noting he left with dignity. Only four Cabinet members saw him off, which she describes as rats leaving a sinking ship.
Sir Stephen Watson's approach
The columnist nominates Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson for Prime Minister after his statement that officers will not take the knee, wear rainbow lanyards, or dance with environmental protesters. She argues that if all police forces followed suit, the world would improve overnight.
Quote of the week
Blackburn quotes Aristophanes: "Youth ages, immaturity is outgrown, ignorance can be educated, and drunkenness sobered, but stupidity lasts forever."
Andy Burnham prophecy
She hopes she is wrong, but imagines Andy Burnham changing from a T-shirt into a suit in the lavatory of a delayed Avanti train from Manchester to London, symbolizing the country going down the pan.
