Author Archives: bernardporter2013

If the ‘great man’ theory of history doesn’t quite work, not for serious historians anyway, the ‘absolutely f*cking useless man’ theory might still be worth considering. Boris Johnson seems to be showing the way in which idiots and amoralists can … Continue reading →

A whole programme on Swedish TV last night about Boris. Not complimentary, indeed the reverse, very mocking, quite humorous; but making the suggestion that laughter is a good way of easing in authoritarian rule. (The K-Y Jelly of politics?) Which … Continue reading →

I thought I’d finished with it for now; but I’m still having to work on ‘the book’, to get it ready for printing. Bloomsbury want a list of ‘high-profile’ historians they can send the proofs to in order to elicit … Continue reading →

Is this becoming the new face of Britain? https://inews.co.uk/news/rnli-lifeboat-blocked-protesters-opposed-rescuing-migrants-1328179 If so it is deeply shaming, especially after the terrible tragedy last week when 20-odd migrants – including children – drowned in the freezing waters of the English Channel: and in … Continue reading →

So this is how it ends – for the country of my birth, though not of my allegiance any more.  A proud history in some ways, a shameful one in others, but ‘distinguished’ in either case; sinking into sheer corruption … Continue reading →

So that’s done. ‘The book’ completed, given very flattering reviews by the publisher’s (anonymous) readers, all their suggestions incorporated into the text, and ready to be despatched to Bloomsbury on Monday.  Which is a month before their deadline. Next step: … Continue reading →

Speaking of ‘corruption’, can anyone think of a more suitable word to describe the present state of Britain’s national press? ‘Free’ it is supposed to be; but it appears only 33rd in global ‘free press’ rankings, behind the Czech Republic … Continue reading →

At Prime Minister’s Question Time yesterday Boris Johnson repeated his claim that Britain was not a ‘corrupt’ country, but on the contrary one of the least corrupt in the world. As I posted last Friday, that got me thinking about … Continue reading →

Busy re-writing just now, so little time for blogging. I’ll get back to that soon. In the meantime I thought I’d post this: my (draft only) Preface to the book. Just a taster. PREFACE First, and to clear up any … Continue reading →

‘I genuinely believe that the UK is not remotely a corrupt country, nor do I believe that our institutions are corrupt.’ That was an extraordinary statement for Britain’s prime minister to make on Wednesday; not so much because it’s untrue … Continue reading →