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166. John Swinney: An Independent Scotland Is An Open Scotland

What is the future of the Scottish independence movement? How does the SNP rebuild trust and support for independence after a series of bruising scandals? Why did the Scottish First Minister ... Continue

Two nice surprises, sad end to day

Two nice surprises yesterday, three if you include the speed with which The Spectator backed down and apologised, as per yesterday's blog. First, speaking at a conference I fully expected to be a bi... Continue

26 June 2009

Apology from the Spectator on Iraq boosts Henry Hodge fund

I have never been a fan of the libel laws, and contrary to the claims of some in the media, I rarely bother to complain about things written about me. Life is too short and in any event if people in o... Continue

25 June 2009

Thanks to Mr Harper on mental health, rebuttal of Mr Hague on Iraq

Given I left Downing Street in 2003, it's rare these days I get mentioned in Parliament. Then ... it's like waiting for a bus. Two mentions one after the other, first in Prime Minister's Questions, t... Continue

24 June 2009

Glad to find Eric Cantona in a quiet cinema …

Finally got to see 'Looking for Eric', the Ken Loach film starring football legend Eric Cantona as a fantasy life coach helping a struggling Manchester postman.  My son and I saw it in a near empty ... Continue

24 June 2009

By Dave’s friends shall we know him?

No doubt what the Westminster bubble, politicians and media alike, saw as the main political event yesterday, with hour after hour of live coverage on the election for the new Speaker, and reams abo... Continue

23 June 2009

The Speaker has to balance tradition and change – but defend Parliament

Whoever becomes Speaker today will start their tenure, as have their predecessors, by being 'dragged reluctantly' to the chair. One of those traditions. Like the Queen at Ascot, and rain at Wimbledon... Continue

22 June 2009

Less a blog than an apology for not having done one

Since starting this blogging malarkey some months back, I have done at least one every day. Obsessive, moi? This is really just a way of keeping up that record, though when we go away for our summer ... Continue

21 June 2009

The day Lions skipper Paul O’Connell took my trousers down

I thought that might grab some attention as Mr O'C prepares to lead out the Lions in South Africa, and I promise I will come on to the debagging incident in a moment. But first a brief message from J... Continue

20 June 2009

Alastair Campbell is a writer, communicator and strategist best known for his role as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s spokesman, press secretary and director of communications and strategy. Still active in politics and campaigns in Britain and overseas, he now splits his time between writing, speaking, broadcasting, charities and consultancy.