A duty to democracy
It is a dispiriting reflection on the state of American politics that the two candidates for the US presidency are Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
President Biden’s faltering and frail performance in the first TV debate of the contest confirmed what many had already concluded: he should not be standing for a second term.
Biden is understandably reluctant to leave the stage, but it is in his party’s interests and the country’s interests that he is persuaded to relinquish the Democrat nomination.
Concern about his age is the main barrier to people voting Democrat, and the main reason Trump is favourite. A second Trump term will endanger democracy, threaten Western support for Ukraine and put NATO at risk.
The Democrats must put forward a new candidate who commands voters’ confidence. President Biden can leave with dignity, knowing his final act was also his noblest.
Michelle Mone's husband gifted Tories 'over £171k' as Covid PPE row rumbles onNasty party
Nigel Farage has built his career by stoking hatred and division.s
The Reform Party leader has named Enoch Powell as his political hero, shared platforms with far-right politicians and demonised migrants and minorities.
Given his behaviour, it is no surprise Reform attracts the support of racists and bigots. The vile comments made by the party’s activists have rightly been condemned by Keir Starmer, Rishi Sunak and Ed Davey.
Though the Tory condemnation would carry more weight if the party had not accepted £10million from Frank Hester, whose remarks about Diane Abbott were also a disgrace. On July 4, voters should send a clear message to Farage: there is no place for your toxic brand of politics in Britain.
Not Slova yet
The Three Lions have yet to roar at the Euros so everyone hopes the real England turns up against Slovakia tomorrow. They have the talent, the tenacity and the belief. They just need the goals.