Matthew Parris

1 week ago | thetimes.com | Matthew Parris

2 weeks ago | spectator.co.uk | Matthew Parris

So far, so routine. Labour wants to update and if possible upgrade the United Kingdom’s arrangements with our immediate neighbour and by far our biggest trading partner, the European Union. As any new government would. The recent destabilisation of world trade adds urgency to the task. So our government goes to Brussels and (after the customary silly European ‘to the wire’ theatrics) hammers out what looks like a sensible improvement on the existing unnecessarily irksome restrictions and procedures.

2 weeks ago | spectator.com.au | Matthew Parris

So far, so routine. Labour wants to update and if possible upgrade the United Kingdom’s arrangements with our immediate neighbour and by far our biggest trading partner, the European Union. As any new government would. The recent destabilisation of world trade adds urgency to the task. So our government goes to Brussels and (after the customary silly European ‘to the wire’ theatrics) hammers out what looks like a sensible improvement on the existing unnecessarily irksome restrictions and procedures.

2 weeks ago | thetimes.com | Matthew Parris

3 weeks ago | thetimes.com | Matthew Parris

Some say we're heading for an official drought, hosepipe bans, media photographs of dry riverbeds, etc. I say "steady on". We're by no means there yet, or not in the north Midlands, anyway. How do I know? The moles have told me. Inspect any fresh example of my little friends' tireless labours to bring me good topsoil and you'll see that there's still plenty of wetness down there. Dig with a spade and six inches will bring you to moisture.