Monday: At Chequers last September, Donald Trump declared he had personally ended eight global conflicts, including a war between Azerbaijan and Albania. Keir Starmer nodded along. Either that war is the least reported in history or it was fiction. Now Trump claims to end a real war—the one he started with Iran. Peace depends on definition; missile strikes followed his peace deal announcement. Suspension of reality is required.
Sturgeon and Murrell
Peter Murrell pleaded guilty to embezzling over £400,000 from SNP funds. Questions remain: why did no one notice? Voters seemed unbothered. Nicola Sturgeon claims ignorance, but as leader responsible for accounts, she appears either dim or incurious. She thought Murrell was saving for a rainy day; his lavish spending on salt and pepper grinders (Peugeot £526, Lalique £2,618) and a Slouch Pouch Onesie (£75) went unquestioned. Their marital arrangement seems to have involved no awkward questions.
Burnout and Mental Health
Green MP Carla Denyer announced a leave of absence for burnout, facing online abuse from those who dismiss MPs' work. The author sympathises, having experienced burnout and depression. It creeps up gradually—anxiety, inability to get out of bed, then near breakdown. Sometimes the bravest thing is to stop.
Tony Blair's Savour Complex
In a Channel 4 documentary, Blair was asked about therapy. He looked awkward, saying he never considered it, preferring to look forward. This reveals his inability to accept responsibility for Iraq war deaths. His recent critique of Labour was similarly self-serving, aiming to make life difficult for Starmer and Burnham, effectively writing a manifesto for the Tories.
Friday: Missing Spurs' last game, listening on car radio was worse than being there. Tottenham finished 17th again, with a white-knuckle ride. Season ticket renewed despite no price reduction. Club apology from Peter Charrington rings hollow. Meanwhile, the World Cup starts 11 June; the author has a show in Leicester Square the day before—last chance to avoid football mania.
