I wish you a peaceful, healthy and prosperous 2017

As I get older, as, last year, a few dear friends slipped this mortal coil far too early but, in their desperately sad passing, gave us what Wordsworth called Intimations of Mortality, as I see so much hate and selfishness in this World yet also never cease to be amazed by the kindness of others, by the wonder of Nature, by the simple hope and flame of optimism of humanity, those words “peaceful, healthy and prosperous” take on greater significance and they are not passed on to you lightly.
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And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God Bless Us, Every One!….

Just before Christmas 1843, London publishers Messrs Chapman and Hall published a book that sold half a million copies (and sold out) by Christmas Eve; to great acclaim (and with, I guess, not a few gnawed-at consciences) Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” had arrived.
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At the end of the day, it all boils down to Tradeā€¦.

With the Supreme Court deliberating in the grandfather of all reality tv shows and with MPs apparently talking of little else as they selfishly seek party or individual political advantage (plus ca change…….!), one could be forgiven for thinking that Brexit and how it will all pan out is actually a Westminster Show.
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When will they ever learn….

“When will they ever learn?” sang the latest Nobel Laureate, Robert Dylan Esq; yes indeed Bob, “when will they ever learn?”
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An unpublished Letter to the Times on 7/11/16

The GRS (Great Remain Sulk) goes on!
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Don’t listen to what people say, watch what they do

As a lawyer many years ago, I had many clients who would say one thing, swearing blind they would follow a particular path, and then promptly walk off and do something entirely different. In my time as Director-General of the Confederation of British Industry so often I saw examples of those words in action. Sadly some ten years on, I still do.
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Strike a Blow for Freedom

There is something afoot my friends! In the bowels of democratic capitalism, all over the developed world, the people are on the move.
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