This may surprise you, but I don’t think Rishi Sunak’s biggest mistake was his decision to come home early from the D-Day commemorations. Of course, it has prompted a thousand memes and jokes. Yes it caused outrage, some of it genuine, some of it faux and it has definitely put his campaign on the back… Continue reading Rishi’s bigger mistake
Category: Opinion
Sunak v Starmer: The Election Debate and wearing your heart on your sleeve
Did you watch the election debate last night between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer? What did you make of it? Were you motivated to vote for either party or were you turne doff? I must admit I fell more into the latter camp and the result was that I literally turned off after a bit. … Continue reading Sunak v Starmer: The Election Debate and wearing your heart on your sleeve
Farage returns -what should we make of it?
So, what are we meant to make of that? It’s the start of week two of the General Election campaign and Nigel Farage has gone from insisting that he would not stand for Parliament this time round to not only standing in Clacton but being appointed leader of his party, Reform UK at an “emergency… Continue reading Farage returns -what should we make of it?
Russia-Ukraine and the elephant in the room
The Ukraine-Russia war rumbles on. In the early days, it looked like Ukraine might be quickly overrun. Then a gallant fightback and western support along with significant failings and weaknesses on the Russian side led to the balance shifting in Ukraine’s favour. However the counter offensive was largely ineffective and now, once again the balance… Continue reading Russia-Ukraine and the elephant in the room
Who are you appealing to?
What do Keir Starmer’s statement that he is “a socialist” and Conservative policy announcements including additional pension protection and reintroduction of National Service have in common? The answer is that in both cases, the intention seems more to reassure or shore up core support and motivate an activist base rather than appeal more broadly. For… Continue reading Who are you appealing to?
Keir Stamina?
One of the most ridiculous non-stories of the UK General Election campaign so far has been the attempt to focus on individual politicians’ (specifically Keir Starmer) physical stamina. The Tories have been trying to argue that the Labour Leader isn’t up to the hard slog of a six week campaign because of his age. Some… Continue reading Keir Stamina?
Rishi Corbyn?
The beginning of the Conservative campaign has been confusing to say the least. I’ve mentioned before the bizarreness of the decision to opt for an evening announcement in a deluge. It’s not just that the Prime Minister could have opted for an indoor press conference or had someone bring him an umbrella. It’s that he… Continue reading Rishi Corbyn?
Evangelical Unity
Here are some further thoughts on how we encourage Evangelical Unity. I remember a friend pointing out once that there will be different levels of fellowship and partnership and it is helpful not to have a one size fits all approach to relationships. His analogy was that there will be those you can embrace close,… Continue reading Evangelical Unity
Tim Keller’s legacy
We are coming up to the first anniversary of Tim Keller’s death and so this is perhaps a good opportunity to reflect on his life and contribution to the work of the Gospel. Keller planted a thriving church in New York before going on to develop a wider international speaking and writing ministry. I’m sure… Continue reading Tim Keller’s legacy
Can we appreciate Alpha?
Following Russell Brand’s baptism, there has been a lot of interest generated in the media about celebrities and evangelicalism including this rather sneering article in The Times. John Stevens, National Director of the FIEC (Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches) shared the link on Facebook and commented to the effect that whilst there is a tendency… Continue reading Can we appreciate Alpha?