Author Archives: bernardporter2013

Britain can be a very cruel country. One current example of this is the continued incarceration of Julian Assange, about whom I have blogged at length in the past; based partly on my expertise in secret service history, and partly … Continue reading →

It looks as though the two main issues on which the Tories intend to fight the next UK election, whenever that is (the precise date is in the gift of the prime minister), are (1) cross-Channel refugee immigration – ‘Stop … Continue reading →

The USA is widely considered to be – or at least to have once been – an ‘imperialist’ power; and  deservedly so, as I’ve related in my book Empire and Superempire: Britain, America and the World (2006). This is despite … Continue reading →

According to his tax return, revealed yesterday (to show he was paying tax), Rishi Sunak earned £2.2 million last year. ‘Earned’? That seems an odd word to use, for an income coming mainly from investments; and taxed at a lower … Continue reading →

Well, I shouldn’t have worried. (See my previous post.) The book came through, and on the appointed day. Of course it may still have been the Israel/Palestine issue that very marginally delayed it; viz those ‘related items’. But I could … Continue reading →

Three days ago I ordered a book from Amazon UK, to be sent to me here in Stockholm. The transaction went through, and I was promised delivery on 6th February. This morning however I received a message informing me that … Continue reading →

What is the ‘great divide’ in British and other nations’ politics just now? It used to be Catholic vs. Protestant; then Monarchical vs. Republican; then Capitalist vs. Socialist – with doubtless other lesser ‘divides’ in between. You were either on … Continue reading →

Religion doesn’t always have to be maleficent. I’m sure it can be valuable when it preaches a ‘good’ morality, and as a comfort to those confused and distressed by the complexities of everyday human life, or by mere contemplation of … Continue reading →

Quite apart from its human and political aspects, now well known after the ITV drama-documentary series Mr Bates versus the Post Office – which incidentally I can’t get up here in Sweden (any ideas, anyone?), but fully expect SVT to … Continue reading →