By Steve Parkhurst, Senior Editor, USDR.
Looking at the news and opinion out of London each day.
9-7-15
It’s easy to say that Aylan Kurdi died due to our lack of compassion. But the reality is far more complicated
Just a thought: what if Aylan Kurdi, the poor drowned three year old child whose picture changed Europe – we are told – when it comes to the fate of Syrian refugees, had been, say, Afghan rather than Syrian? Or Eritrean, or indeed Pakistani? Quite possible, you know. Perhaps half of the migrants coming to Europe across the Mediterranean are not actually Syrian.
The Assisted Dying Bill is an ethical muddle
It is more than 50 years in Britain since anyone was put to death by order of a court. Do we really need to go back to it
9-6-15
A guide to Jeremy Corbyn’s Britain (the Tories will be in charge)
Without borders in Europe, there is no hope of ending this migrant crisis
The principle of free movement cannot withstand this influx of refugees and the criminal efforts of people traffickers
David Cameron must balance head and heart in this refugee crisis
Our debased political culture has not kept pace with global change. The PM must show statesmanship
Hungary must look to its own history for migrant guidance
Once, the country was quite happy to send those it disliked to Germany…
Can we at least try talking to young people about sex?
Sajid Javid wants legislation to tackle sex offences in universities. But the real problem lies deeper
9-5-15
Published at last: the poems of Jeremy Corbyn
The Labour leadership favourite has revealed that he writes poetry. But what is it like? Wonder no longer…
How can Labour’s centrists survive?
Here’s how Jeremy Corbyn engaged Ukip voters without ever uttering a word against immigrants
Corbyn’s unexpected ascent in Britain is striking because it contains none of the divisive language that has been so popular in right-wing politics across Europe
What is the most effective way to help refugees?
Donations can be helpful but are unsustainable in this instance, whereas political action could bring about real change
9-4-15
Our immigration policy must be decided by reason – not by photos and hashtags
An increase in refugees should be mirrored by a reduction in other migration. This won’t happen – and the Government is showing that it buckles under pressure.
Westminster ‘Out’ campaign snaps up key eurosceptic MPs
A cross-party group of MPs, including Ukip’s only MP, is to formally join the Westminster-based ‘Out’ campaign, Coffee House has learned. An ‘exploratory committee’ of MPs which started discussing how to advance the case for ‘Out’ in June, will become the Parliamentary Planning committee for the Matthew Elliot-led Out group, which is to move into new offices in Westminster Tower later this month.
The Corbyn doctrine on war is a betrayal of what makes Britain great
Corbyn’s withdrawal from the world doesn’t just bring shame on him and the Labour Party but on the whole country
Plus: films that are so tasteful they’re hopelessly dull
9-3-15
To win the EU referendum, the Outers must woo Britain’s soft Eurosceptics
It won’t be easy, but broad appeal to centrist swing voters and a cross-party leadership can yet convince Britain that it is better off leaving the EU
If Britain is to be more generous to refugees, that has to be a British decision
There is no grand, overarching solution to the acute refugee crisis now afflicting Europe. Politicians in each country will have to carry their voters with them.
Here’s the answer to your migrant crisis, Mr Cameron
For all its difficulties, Europe is prosperous and safe: one of the best places on Earth. Many other societies have yet to achieve this happy state: some are murderous and poor. Two of the most troubled zones in the world are near Europe: the Middle East, and the Sahelian belt which spans northern Africa.