Nick Ferrari

The column attacks Andy Burnham and the UK government for failing to develop a coherent response to the rising number and size of small boats crossing the English Channel. It argues that record interceptions do not resolve the problem because migrants may attempt crossings again, and criticizes proposals to relocate migrants to wealthier areas as costly political dogma. The piece also condemns the slogan-driven approaches of Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer, highlights alleged institutional failures in the Simon Levy case, criticizes pressure for restrictions on rural shooting, and calls for better preparation of hospitals for increasingly severe summer heat.

The column condemns the decision to release Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were convicted over the 2019 killing of PC Andrew Harper, despite a review prompted by campaigning from Harper's widow and mother. It argues that Andy Burnham's exemptions for rapists and child groomers do not go far enough if police killers remain eligible for release, and rejects his claims that prison capacity leaves no other option. The piece also criticizes Keir Starmer's government over public sentiment, immigration and the cost of living; questions Kemi Badenoch's judgment after her support for a former neo-Nazi candidate; attacks the Bank of England over overseas working arrangements; and raises concerns about policing of a journalist investigating alleged plagiarism.

The column condemns the UK-France arrangement to address Channel crossings, arguing that more than £1 billion in British funding has produced poor value for money while French police allegedly allow migrants to depart. It highlights falling crossings as temporary and weather-related, criticizes Andy Burnham and the government for claiming the policy is working, and calls for action against the UK’s perceived pull factors. Additional commentary attacks Zak Polanski over a controversial Nigel Farage image, questions welfare spending and disability benefits, and criticizes BBC programming cuts while raising several lighter cultural and sporting complaints.

The column condemns the possible early release of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were convicted over the death of Thames Valley Police officer Andrew Harper, arguing that Andy Burnham should stop the scheme rather than merely review the case. It also criticizes the wider release of thousands of prisoners convicted of serious offences, Labour’s ministerial reshuffles, the BBC and Argentina’s conduct in recent sporting events. The writer separately defends Burnham’s wife Marie-France van Heel from personal criticism and wishes Harper’s younger brother-in-law, Sean McCann, success at the Commonwealth Games.

A set of ten recommendations calls for incoming prime minister Andy Burnham to take tougher positions on welfare spending, immigration control, government borrowing, economic growth, defence funding, net-zero policies, policing, judicial sentencing, NHS performance and support for children with special educational needs. The critique argues that Labour’s leadership has displayed economic mismanagement, weak law‑and‑order policies and misguided environmental priorities, urging Burnham to demonstrate firmness, reset national priorities and address failures across key public services.

Criticisms focus on Labour’s welfare and childcare proposals, arguing they incentivise unemployment and fuel rising benefit costs. Reports on increased disability benefit claims and escalating PIP spending are highlighted as evidence of systemic issues. Conservative figures warn of a growing welfare burden and youth unemployment. Additional commentary targets Prince Harry’s failed legal case, new gender-related school guidance, concerns over Donald Trump’s behaviour, and political perceptions of Nigel Farage’s resilience.

Criticism is directed at the government for failing to deport convicted child rapist Shabir Ahmed due to legal exemptions stemming from his pre-1971 arrival. The commentary argues that victims have been neglected and that the legal system prevents effective deportations. Andy Burnham is urged to take action once in government. Additional criticism targets government departments, Labour leadership, and recent defence spending announcements, while praise is offered for Queen Camilla’s meeting with JK Rowling and the values the writer associates with it.