A night-time crossing to the Hook of Holland I departed for the Stour estuary hoping to connect with the past. ‘Harwich For The Continent’ was the old slogan for the ferry port that for over a century was the principal …
The European Federation of Journalists annual meeting, Den Haag, Netherlands 11/12 May 2023 “Media self-censorship undermines press freedom”, Dutch Al-Jazeera correspondent Step Vaessen told delegates to the European Federation of Journalists annual meeting. She was addressing the gathering in The …
A Solent crossing conjures memories The umbilical link that once joined ferries and trains is obvious as you await passage to the Isle of Wight. Wightlink’s foot-passenger terminal forms part of Portsmouth Harbour station; in days past, porters heaved cases …
Peterborough’s outdoor aqua centre is a Spanish-themed treat Early on a crisp April morning Peterborough Lido is a shimmering dream. Cool air notwithstanding, sunbeams light the water, mature trees provide backdrop, and a handful of senior swimmers beat up …
In the Autumn of 2021 a shortage of lorry drivers in the UK sent hauliers wages spiralling and I considered a career change In my household, Britain’s HGV crisis has played out as a Dutch auction. A month ago my …
Bright winter sun lit the forest track I was following. In the distance, through the trees, I could see Tirana, miles below. I had the mountainside to myself – or so I thought. Then close behind me an angry shout …
WHY THE IFJ AND EFJ SHOULD REMAIN UNITED Last summer I participated in a Zoom call with several Ukrainian journalists who had been helped by an emergency fund established by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its regional group, …
People’s Parliament unites and empowers people with learning disabilities to fight for change – we must ensure its survival Article originally published in The Independent, 29 November 2022. Here is a chilling statistic. During the pandemic adults with learning disabilities …
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It is reassuring to witness John Edwards and Maurice Frankel share a platform and nod over shared understandings. Edwards is the recently-installed Information Commissioner, responsible, among other things, for regulating provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (2000). Frankel has …
Originally published in the October 2022 edition of InPublishing magazine. A bright future is within the grasp of the UK’s news media – but it is not assured. It requires imaginative cross-industry effort and resources: fail at this and a …
Better value journalists for a thriving news media Read more »