Julie Burchill

Criticism focuses on an NHS plan to reward people for daily walking, arguing it is patronising, poorly conceived and insensitive to disabled individuals unable to participate. Wastefulness within the NHS, including excessive bureaucracy and disposal of single‑use equipment, is highlighted as a more pressing issue. Leadership decisions are contrasted with the positive work of frontline staff. Discrepancies over who will fund the scheme and concerns about corporate involvement contribute to broader scepticism about the initiative’s priorities and fairness.

A writer reflects on aging, disability, and life in Hove, celebrating local culture and humor while mourning the loss of physical freedom that keeps her from enjoying the seaside as she once did. She expresses gratitude for past joys but describes the emotional difficulty of revisiting places tied to her former mobility, finding comfort instead in summer street life and the community around her.

A writer describes a severe period of physical pain, disability-related complications and suicidal thoughts following a spinal operation, reflecting on the emotional toll of chronic illness and dependence on medication. Attempts at self-harm, fears of worsening disability and warnings from medical friends contribute to despair, but faith becomes the central factor that restores her will to keep going. Gratitude for home, work and clarity about what she does not want in life help her regain perspective, and she concludes that faith provides the strength she needs.

Reflects on the tension between using a wheelchair for comfort and independence while feeling pressure to continue walking after an incomplete spinal injury. Describes fears of falling, attachment to the wheelchair, challenges of mobility, and the emotional weight of others’ hopes for recovery. Highlights the practical and psychological difficulties of disability and the choice to prioritize stability, creativity, and quality of life over strenuous rehabilitation.

A writer reflects on reactions she receives after becoming disabled, describing well‑intentioned but upsetting comments, frustrations with people who compare their minor issues to her challenges, and the hurt caused by those who express unrealistic hope about her recovery. She notes that disability has made her mentally tougher, and that misplaced optimism from loved ones affects her more than thoughtlessness or hostility from others.

A writer reflects on her strained friendships after becoming disabled, contrasting her own adaptation with author Will Self’s bitterness over illness and social withdrawal. Noting how ageing and sickness shift social dynamics and desirability, she argues that illness does not inherently drive people away but that behaviour and self-perception do. Inspired by the support shown to Hanif Kureishi and aware of mortality’s urgency, she resolves to welcome friends instead of avoiding them while she still can.

A woman in a long-term age-gap relationship reflects on how sudden disability shifted the dynamic between her and her younger husband. Once known for their energetic intimacy and playful defiance of stereotypes, they now navigate care needs while maintaining humour, closeness and acceptance of change. She rejects negative assumptions about age‑gap couples and values the nearly three decades of happiness they shared, emphasising that health challenges can alter any relationship regardless of age difference.

A writer reflects on her past arrogance and the loss of a disabled friend she once patronised, drawing parallels with her own current disability and the pity she now receives. She describes the physical and emotional challenges of life in a wheelchair, her discomfort with others’ reactions, and her questioning of whether her situation is punishment for past behaviour. Ultimately, she concludes that pity may be a form of kindness and something she must learn to accept.

A disabled writer reflects on the arrival of warmer weather, describing how the change of season intensifies her sense of loss after becoming a wheelchair user. Memories of past seaside activities in Brighton and Hove contrast sharply with the physical limitations and health issues she now faces. She recalls meaningful moments tied to the seafront, expresses frustration with local authorities’ handling of youth gatherings, and confronts the reality that she can no longer swim as she once did. Despite the sorrow, she looks for small pleasures, plans to enjoy the sun in her own way, and maintains hope in the companionship she still shares with her partner.

A personal account of becoming severely disabled and growing increasingly dependent on a husband who provides steady care and emotional support. The experience reshapes expectations of independence, deepens their bond, and highlights the strain, vulnerability and unexpected comfort that come with needing another person so completely.

The writer rejects claims that her disability is deserved, criticising the misuse of the concept of karma and highlighting how it is often invoked to justify others’ misfortunes. She recounts past public reactions to her personal tragedies, contrasts Western pop‑culture interpretations of karma with its religious origins, and critiques public figures who have invoked or popularised the concept. Reflecting on her own situation, she considers whether hardship may teach humility or patience but rejects the idea of cosmic punishment. She concludes by dismissing those who weaponise the idea of karma against others.

A writer recounts an unsettling encounter with a personal assistant whose behavior suggested a possible sexual attraction to disability, prompting reflections on the prevalence of disability-related fetishes and related online content. Despite enjoying the assistant’s company, the incident led to unease and ultimately a shift to a professional care agency. The narrative also touches on broader concerns about disability fetishes and ends with a humorous note about reclaiming personal habits after the assistant’s departure.

Argues that rising personal independence payment claims for mental health issues reflect exploitation of the welfare system and a cultural shift away from work. Suggests many anxiety‑related claimants could support themselves and contrasts this with the author’s own experience of working despite severe physical disability. Criticises the state for fostering dependency and contends that ordinary emotions should not qualify for benefits.

The author argues that pensioners deserve full state pension increases, citing decades of work, high tax contributions and significant personal health-related expenses. She criticizes claims that older generations cost too much and contrasts UK pension provision with more generous European approaches. She urges the government to tax wealthy middle‑aged groups instead of targeting pensioners.

Argues against introducing menopause leave or mandatory menopause action plans, framing such measures as unnecessary, counterproductive, and harmful to how older women are perceived in the workplace. Highlights concerns that additional leave would reinforce stereotypes of women as weaker or less reliable employees and contends that work provides purpose regardless of physical challenges. Calls on the government not to legislate menopause leave, warning it would infantilise women rather than support them.

A writer describes how becoming disabled has intensified her anxiety about personal hygiene and odor, reflecting on past associations with scent, the practical challenges of catheters and medical issues, and the loss of autonomy caused by her condition. Despite recognizing that immobility is a far greater loss than any potential smell, she admits the fear of appearing unkempt persists, highlighting deeper concerns about aging, vulnerability and dignity.

A writer describes becoming disabled after a spinal abscess and explains how the experience strengthened her determination to keep working. She criticises societal attitudes that devalue physically disabled people while overemphasising mental health complaints among the able-bodied. She reflects on the resilience required to navigate daily challenges, highlights the disproportionate violence and marginalisation faced by disabled people, and rejects pity or hostility directed at them. Drawing on conversations with another disabled friend, she concludes that happiness depends more on temperament than circumstance and expresses confidence in her own outlook despite physical limitations.

The Conservatives are depicted as weakened after the general election and unable to recover without forming an alliance with Nigel Farage and Reform UK, whose popularity is growing. Nigel Farage is portrayed as appealing to ordinary voters in ways Kemi Badenoch cannot match alone, and rejecting cooperation with him is argued to risk further electoral decline. The piece contends that partnering with Farage offers the Conservatives their best chance to regain public support and avoid long-term political marginalisation.

Argues that pensioners deserve the full value of the triple lock after decades of work and tax contributions, criticising generational stereotypes and highlighting the rising costs of ageing. Condemns Keir Starmer’s government for cutting the winter fuel allowance and framing pensioners as burdens, calling for recognition of older citizens’ contributions and their right to financial security.

Prince Harry’s legal battles with the press are framed as an unhealthy extension of his unresolved grief over Princess Diana’s death. The commentary contrasts Harry’s ongoing turmoil with Prince William’s ability to move forward, arguing that Harry’s fixation on the past exposes him to manipulation and prevents personal growth. His actions are portrayed as attempts to align himself with his mother and distance himself from his father, but ultimately as self‑destructive and unsustainable.

Facing the likelihood of permanent disability shifts long‑held attitudes toward New Year self‑improvement culture, prompting renewed appreciation for past experiences, mobility and relationships. The dramatic change brought by a spinal abscess highlights life’s fragility and the thin line between independence and dependence. Observations on the banality of lifestyle advice contrast with gratitude for previous freedoms and deepened emotional bonds. The piece ends with a reflection on accepting the present and valuing lived joy, accompanied by a Dryden poem on embracing the moment.

Argues that Keir Starmer’s rhetoric about supporting “working people” is insincere and that his policies and preferences reflect allegiance to wealthy elites rather than the working class. Criticizes Labour’s evolving definitions of “working people,” questions Starmer’s cultural alignment, and suggests he finds ordinary Britons troubling rather than relatable. Warns that Labour’s disconnect from its traditional base could lead to future backlash and electoral gains for Reform.

Julie Burchill reflects on her long career built on sharp-tongued writing and public feuds, celebrating the entertainment value of irreverent insults and referencing famous literary put-downs. She rejects the idea that nastiness stems from unhappiness, attributing her approach to personal disposition and influences like Dorothy Parker and Oscar Wilde. Emphasizing that she cares little for others’ opinions and views amusing people as a virtue, she embraces a philosophy that favors wit over niceness.

Reflects on a wave of sympathy for younger generations, arguing that Gen Z’s anxiety and self-restraint are driven largely by their dependence on social media. Contrasts contemporary self‑censorship with the greater cultural freedom of the 1980s and suggests young people long for that era’s openness. Highlights nostalgia for 80s culture and warns that without embracing freer expression, Gen Z risks remembering youth only for its constraints rather than its joys.

A writer reflects on a lifelong pattern of attention‑seeking, recounting experiences from her early career through public scandals and family tensions. She contrasts her upbringing with others who sought visibility for different reasons, acknowledges both the humorous and disruptive aspects of her behavior, and considers how notoriety shaped her relationships. Despite aging and occasional trouble, she concludes that her drive to entertain and provoke remains fundamental to her identity.

A rise in unruly or unconventional behaviour among older adults is linked to the formative influence of the 1960s and 1970s, producing pensioners who are more assertive, hedonistic and socially confident than previous generations. Their attitudes contrast sharply with the anxieties of younger people. While older citizens wield significant political power, they are portrayed as ill-suited for leadership, with ageing public figures cited as examples. The argument concludes that this generation is better left to enjoy themselves rather than guide national or global affairs.

Argues that oversharing is tolerable only when it is witty or shocking, criticising mundane or self‑pitying personal disclosures and contrasting them with more flamboyant forms of honesty. Draws on anecdotes, literary influences and personal experiences to suggest that emotional or humorous revelation is valuable only when delivered with skill, concluding that most oversharing leads not to shock but boredom.

Argues that children should not be allowed in upscale restaurants or adult-oriented public venues, criticising parents—particularly middle‑class ones—for allowing disruptive behaviour. Draws on personal experiences to contrast past expectations of children with contemporary norms and emphasises the impact of unruly behaviour on other patrons and waiting staff.

Recounts lifelong snoring and rejects pressure to medicalise ordinary behaviours or pursue treatments aimed at maintaining attractiveness in older age. Reflects on ageing, personal health, and societal expectations while contrasting her own pragmatic approach with growing trends toward wellness and medical intervention.

A personal reflection on reducing hard alcohol consumption after an accident leads to a newfound appreciation for red wine. Despite previously disliking wine due to class associations and perceived pretentiousness, it becomes a preferred drink as the author moderates stronger spirits. Declining interest in alcohol among Gen Z, along with concerns about social judgment, contrasts with the author's enjoyment of wine’s sociability. The piece concludes with a desire to continue enjoying wine responsibly while avoiding past excesses.

Warns that Keir Starmer may attempt to capitalise on the upcoming Oasis reunion to emulate past political image-making associated with Tony Blair. Argues that such attempts would appear inauthentic and risk further alienating the public, urging Starmer to avoid appearing at the events or trying to participate in the associated cultural moment. Highlights the broader cultural nostalgia surrounding the reunion and contrasts it with current political cynicism.

Reflects on the thin boundary between friendship and enmity, using reports of a renewed feud between Geri Halliwell and Melanie Brown as a springboard to explore how fading friendships can be revived through conflict. Describes personal patterns of intense but unstable relationships and recounts how a former adversary, Toby Young, became someone deeply admired. Suggests that strong emotional ties persist between people, whether as friends or foes, long after others fade from memory.