Published by The Independent (9th November, 2015) There can be no doubt that the daft war on drugs is devastating many of the world’s poorest countries, from Africa […]
Politics / United States / World
Transatlantic lessons from the Republican civil war
Published by The Independent (2nd November, 2015) Almost from the moment he became a senator four years ago, Marco Rubio has been marked out as a potential Republican […]
Africa / Ethiopia
Diplomatic impotence – or disregard for human rights
Published by The Independent (26th October, 2015) The visit of Xi Jinping was deemed a success on both sides. Our royal family ensured China’s president was pampered with immense […]
Europe / European Union / Politics
Want to avoid a Brexit? Then run a campaign of fear
Published by The Independent (19th October, 2015) There are about 60,000 colonies of great crested newts among the ponds of Britain, although even conservationists say they have no […]
Crime / Policy / Politics / United States / World
Could the Tories’ decade in power really be defined by prison reform?
Published by The Independent (12th October, 2015) Shortly after the Conservatives won their unexpected victory in the general election, I asked a Downing Street aide what he thought […]
European Union / Politics
Cameron should defines his legacy and seize the centre ground
Published by The Independent (6th October, 2015) As the Conservatives open their annual conference, David Cameron has confounded his many critics. From the start of his party makeover […]
Economics / Politics / United States / World
Forget the stereotypes – Britain could learn a lot from Texas
Published by The Independent (28th September, 2015) Texas has always divided opinions. It prides itself on being the best, brashest and most bloody-minded slice of America, a cowboy […]
United States / World
A broken system, angry electorate and uncertain future
Published by The Independent (21st September, 2015) I met Christopher last week in a café in central Texas, a smart young man with unfulfilled ambitions. ‘I’m basically a […]
Europe / Greece / Immigration / Policy
The big society bites back on refugees
Published by The Independent (7th September, 2015) Over the past five years I have spent much of my time covering the story of migration. I have met people […]
Africa / Aid / Eritrea / Europe / European Union / Immigration / Policy
Moving the goalposts to keep out refugees from repression
Published by The Independent (31st August, 2015) Eritrea is routinely called ‘Africa’s North Korea’ for its repression, restrictions on daily life and routine use of torture to crush […]
Disability / Health / Policy
Low pay for carers endangers the old, the sick and disabled
Published by The Independent (24th August, 2013) The care home was judged ‘inadequate’ for safety, leadership and effectiveness. The five residents were moved after it emerged they were […]
Education / Immigration / Policy
Help these smart students – don’t hinder them
Published by The Independent (18th August, 2015) Having worked hard at school, Emmanuel Opoku was rewarded with exceptional exam results and looking forward to university. Despite his tough background […]