177. Olaf Scholz: Putin, Power, and Far-Right Populism
23 February 2026
Post
13 March 2021
2. A year ago today, Boris Johnson threw a 'baby shower' party (almost certainly at public expense) for his partner.
3. A year ago today, President Macron announced the closure of all French schools and universities.
4. A year ago today, Boris Johnson was reported in the British press as saying 'we are not, repeat not, closing schools.'
5. A year ago today, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar closed all Ireland's education institutions.
6. A year ago today, the New York Times reported alarm among epidemiologists that the UK government was taking a different approach to the rest of Europe.
7. A year ago today, Germany closed all schools, nurseries and universities.
8. A year ago today, French horse Al Boum Photo won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in front of massive crowds.
9. A year ago today, France banned all large gatherings.
10. A year ago today, the Premier League asked for clear guidance about whether to cancel games. None was given. But they were told Cheltenham was going ahead without alarm. The Premier League made its own analysis, and cancelled all matches.
11. A year ago today, New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern cancelled a one-year anniversary commemoration service for the 51 people killed in a far right terror attack in 2019.
12. A year ago today, the UK death toll reached 20. Ministers said their 'thoughts and prayers' were with the loved ones of those who died.
13. A year ago today, WHO head Tedros Adhanom urged governments around the world" 'Do not just let this fire burn.'
14. A year ago today, Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance was reported explaining the role of herd immunity in controlling the virus.
15. A year ago today, Spain declared a national emergency, as the death toll hit 120.
16. A year ago today, the government changed its guidance on PPE, advising NHS staff that the strongest protective equipment was not required, expect in the most high-risk situations.
17. A year ago today, the German federal government and Länder met to agree they would impose border controls with Austria, Denmark, France, Luxembourg and Switzerland.
18. A year ago today, Boris Johnson lifted restrictions on people arriving from Wuhan, where the virus was first found, and Iran and Italy, previous and current epicentres.
19. A year ago today, the US banned travel from most of Europe.
20. A year ago today, Boris Johnson urged people with a bad cough to stay indoors.
One year on, we have the highest deaths per million rate of all large countries in the world.
177. Olaf Scholz: Putin, Power, and Far-Right Populism
Does the former German Chancellor think that Germany was wrong to rely on Russian gas in the run up to the war in Ukraine? What does Olaf Scholz think is behind the rise of the far-right Alternative f... Continue23 February 2026
Posted by Goalhanger
23 February 2026
Posted by Goalhanger
503. Andrew’s Arrest: What Next?
Why has the disgraced Andrew Mountbatten Windsor been arrested? How damaging is this unprecedented moment for the royal family? How effective was King Charles’ response? Join Alastair and the forme... Continue19 February 2026
Posted by Goalhanger
502. How Nigel Farage Gets Away With It (Question Time)
Why is Reform UK's leader not being properly challenged by the press, and how does he get away with it? What does this reveal about the international populist playbook? How can our democracies be bett... Continue19 February 2026
Posted by Goalhanger
176. How Close Are We To War With Iran? (Robert Malley)
How does the former US Special Representative for Iran think US-Iranian relations will improve? Is there a method to Trump’s madness when it comes to foreign policy? Why does Robert believe the “t... Continue16 February 2026
Posted by Goalhanger
501. Is Starmer Too Soft on Trump? Inside the Munich Security Conference
Why did Trump's Secretary of State Marco Rubio 'love bomb' Europe at the Munich Security Conference, and how did it compare to JD Vance's infamous 'enemy within' speech this time last year? Is Europe ... Continue16 February 2026
Posted by Goalhanger
13 February 2026
Posted by Goalhanger
500. Japan, China, and the Fight for Taiwan (Question Time)
Are Japan and China closer to conflict over Taiwan, after the landslide victory for Japan's 'Iron Lady', Sanae Takayichi? Does Trump’s crumbling American-Hispanic vote explain his extreme reaction t... Continue12 February 2026
Posted by Goalhanger
Thank you Alistair for reminding us all of these momentous events. Many of which I had forgotten about. I actually predicted Boris would be gone around this time, but so obviously wring. A real pity.
Thank you fir still caring .
#GrossNegligenceManslaughter and a photo of the morally-bankrupt disheveled lying charlatan, together with a request to retweet to all, needs to start trending on Twitter.
A year ago today, Sweden did f78k all and their figures are about the same as the UKs….so what is the point of the article?