What should we talk about today?
The world according to Kirkey
From experience once you reach a certain age social gatherings have a pattern of predictability. The preamble, usually with glass in hand, engages with an unspectacular icebreaker: “Tell me, what do you do?” Not wishing to offend these professionals too much, “I’m in IT, HR” or any other job that can be similarly abbreviated can … Read more
As I kid, I remember the double entendre placed upon the street signage: ‘Bill Stickers Will Be Prosecuted!’ under which was daubed, ‘Bill Stickers is innocent!’ A funny play on words but illustrative of the power of English language. Last night in Bristol a demonstration labelled ‘Kill the Bill’ reminded me of this flexibility of … Read more
The thing with opinions is that everyone has one. Even if you choose not to engage that is nonetheless a view. As the author of this piece, it shouldn’t be that shocking to note that there will be a clear bias towards my own judgements. If you weren’t moved in some way by the events … Read more
When the disappearance of Sarah Everard was reported I immediately thought of my own daughter. Not too dissimilar in age or beauty. As an ex-cop I instinctively knew that the probable outcome was bleak. As the full tragedy played out on the TV news bulletins, I heard the testimony of several women. One affirmed that … Read more
Being deceived, duped, conned, or shafted isn’t pleasant. But if you have been you are in damn good company. In 30 BC, according to Plutarch, Cleopatra misled her protector Epaphroditus and committed suicide. Prime Minister Anthony Eden was duped by Harold Macmillan during the Suez Crisis of 1956 resulting in the latter getting the top … Read more
As a rookie cop there were many times when I felt vulnerable. Pub fights, large scale public disorder and high-speed pursuits were the usual suspects. The first couple of events rarely had any rules and I was always mindful that an errant punch could deprive me of my prominent, but nonetheless cherished, front teeth. Having … Read more
As an ex-cop and having reviewed the televised account of Mr Cummings I am puzzled as to why, given his keenness to talk about the matter, he did not initially attend a local Metropolitan police station and offer an explanation? Out of force enquiries are not unusual and he would have been afforded all of … Read more