Posts

Total Recall and VAR (lessons from Harry Kane’s penalty for cultural analysis)

In both of England’s recent Euro semi-finals, there’s been penalty controversy. Some pundits branded the decision in favour of Kane the other night “a disgrace.” At the time, I agreed with the VAR decision but have found the lively, good natured social media debate fascinating. Many England fans have argued that it should not have… Continue reading Total Recall and VAR (lessons from Harry Kane’s penalty for cultural analysis)

The future of the centre right

At the General Election, the Conservatives were reduced to a rump of 121 out of 650 MPs.  If we consider Reform, or at least their voters as belonging to the centre-right too, then we are still only looking at 126 seats.  However, that’s one part of the story.  Whilst barely 24% of the electorate voted… Continue reading The future of the centre right

The future of the centre-left

People are now beginning to develop their reflections and analysis from the recent General Election.  In terms of trying to piece together what went wrong and what they might need to change for the future, the big focus is on the Conservatives following their heavy landslaide defeat. So, it might seem strange to be asking… Continue reading The future of the centre-left

How accurate are our memories?

England are in the Euros’ semi-finals.  Apologies to Scottish and Welsh readers but I cannot help but link today’s blog with that fact. Of course, England being England, they’ve not made their route this far easy.  Southgate and the team have come under heavy pressure particularly about their performances. Pundits who never made it to… Continue reading How accurate are our memories?

We are not after your money …. or are we?

It’s quite common when churches have announcements about giving, whether or not a collection bag is sent round, for someone to say, almost apologetically “We don’t want/are not after your money.”  The sentiment is sound, too often religious groups are seen as primarily looking to get hold of people’s wallets. It is important, that a… Continue reading We are not after your money …. or are we?

The cost

Jesus famously said that those considering following him should first count the cost. His point was that they were going to face persecution and have to be willing to give up their life. They would lose friends and influence for the sake of the Gospel but the Gospel is worth it. Jesus’ words were not… Continue reading The cost

How did we get here and where next – preliminary reflections on the General election result

As I write, there are 5 seats left to declare.  Labour have won 411 and are expected to win a few more, the Conservatives have been reduced to a rump of 119 meaning they’ve performed even worse than the Exit poll projected though slightly better than some of the polls were suggesting they might.   The… Continue reading How did we get here and where next – preliminary reflections on the General election result