The traditional gift for a fifth anniversary is wood—an almost too-perfect symbol for the way successive UK governments have handled what could have been a transformative moment in national history: Brexit. Instead of shaping a prosperous future, their response has been as lifeless and rigid as a wooden post.

This lackluster approach has been thrown into sharp relief by the actions of a certain re-elected politician across the Atlantic. Despite the ill-timed and poorly judged remarks regarding the recent Washington plane tragedy, Donald Trump is at least a leader who pushes for action.

History will not look kindly on the group of politicians who obstructed and sabotaged Brexit progress. Their legacy is likely to be as tarnished as that of the ‘Rotten Parliament’ of the 1830s. The former Speaker, now reduced to making reality TV appearances while shouting “Order, order” on Italian television, and figures like the unbearably smug Dominic Grieve and the largely forgettable Sam Gyimah, embodied a bleak chapter for British democracy.

Given such a disastrous start, it’s hardly surprising that Brexit has been poorly executed so far—akin to a horse at the Grand National setting off well after the pack had reached the Canal Turn, and doing so while wearing blinkers.

Yet, the opportunity to make Brexit a success still exists. While the UK economy remains sluggish, it is outperforming many European nations, including Germany, once considered the EU’s economic engine but now in recession for two consecutive years. Moreover, Britain remains the second most attractive country for global investment—only behind the United States, rather than any EU member.

Across the Atlantic, the US economy is booming, stock markets are soaring, and consumer confidence is on the rise. In contrast, when Chancellor Rachel Reeves attempted a dose of American-style economic optimism last week, her delivery was so dreary that business leaders responded with puzzled silence.

Adding to the irony, on the same day Reeves promoted economic growth, Prime Minister Keir Starmer invoked the legacy of Margaret Thatcher. Yet, at a time when the UK desperately needs a decisive leader to harness Brexit’s potential, Starmer lacks the drive and vision of Thatcher. To borrow and rework a famous political put-down: "Sir Keir, I knew Margaret Thatcher. You are no Margaret Thatcher." In fact, at times, he barely measures up to Margaret Rutherford.

Meanwhile, the UK’s population is on track to increase by ten million over the next seven years, primarily due to immigration. That would bring the total to around 72.5 million—exceeding France, a country with more than twice the land area, which is projected to reach only 69 million.

Those in power must acknowledge the strain this places on hospitals, schools, roads, and even water supplies. And as for the oft-promised flights from Heathrow’s third runway within a decade? The phrase “pigs might fly” comes to mind.

Ladies, let's be honest , it's time to remember that great movie line "I'll have some of what she's having" when you study this picture.

Businesswoman Carole Middleton, mother to the Princess of Wales, mother-in-law to the next king and grandmother to the monarch after that, celebrated her birthday last Friday. So far, so what. But, when you learn it was the big "seven -oh" it takes on a different perspective.

This is a woman who has helped nurse her daughter through her battle with cancer, has, I'm prepared to bet, been a rock of support for her son in law Prince William and kept her counsel throughout.

While we rightly support the "frontline" of our Royal family, let's raise a cheer for some of the supporting acts and wish this woman the best for a landmark year.

Style seems to come so annoyingly effortlessly to the French, doesn't it? The Car of the Year for 2025 has just been awarded to the Renault 5 E-Tech. Like every other car, it comes with a range of optional extras - but one being a baguette holder for the side of the spare front seat.

Vive le difference!

The Home Office team that released a report stating fears over two-tier policing is merely "extreme Right wing narrative" seems a rum bunch. In 2023 they suggested TV shows such as Yes Minister and The Thick of It are "red flags" for hatred. They also labour under the sinister name of the "Research, Information and Communications Unit." The world of state surveillance portrayed by George Orwell gets ever closer.

The militant doctors' union, the British Medical Association, is calling for legislation allowing doctors to strike. Someone needs to tell them it's so damned difficult to get to see one, it's unlikely anyone would notice the difference.