Simon Jenkins

Simon Jenkins argues that Britain’s complex and poorly designed traffic laws encourage unsafe and frustrating behaviour by cyclists, drivers and pedestrians. Drawing on Hans Monderman’s shared-space principles and examples such as Exhibition Road, Seven Dials and northern European cities, he advocates fewer formal rules and greater mutual awareness. He admits to occasionally cycling through red lights when roads are clear, while suggesting that traffic signals should respond more quickly to cyclists and buses. Jenkins supports investment in London’s cycle network but distinguishes conventional bicycles from faster e-bikes and e-scooters, which he says require stricter controls, better parking and use of the roadway.

Modern aerial warfare is increasingly destroying not only lives and infrastructure but also the cultural identity and historical memory of targeted peoples. The column highlights damage to Ukrainian cathedrals and museums, Iranian monuments, Gaza’s mosques, churches, archives and museums, and Lebanese heritage sites, arguing that Russia, Israel, the United States and other combatants treat cultural heritage as expendable. International protections such as the Hague Convention and UNESCO documentation have had limited practical effect, while the World Monuments Fund offers a rare form of direct assistance to endangered sites.

Simon Jenkins defends “vertical drinking” as a vital form of informal sociability and argues that Westminster City Council’s proposed seating and table-service requirements for Soho pubs would undermine their community function. He portrays pubs as increasingly important meeting places amid the decline of churches, clubs, shops and other local institutions, as well as falling face-to-face interaction linked to smartphones and social media. Jenkins also highlights the wider pressures causing pub closures, including planning changes, higher business rates and employment taxes, and urges authorities to protect pubs rather than treat crowding and noise as grounds for restriction.

Andy Burnham’s first-week policies on homelessness, bus fares, pub business rates, social housing and a national care service are presented as evidence that his localist rhetoric has given way to centralised intervention. Simon Jenkins argues that rough sleeping, housing, transport and social care are better managed by locally accountable authorities, supported by national grants, than by Whitehall. He criticises regulation that could drive private landlords from the market, recalls the failures of the Pathfinder housing scheme, and questions the credibility and cost of a national care service. The column places Burnham’s approach within a broader pattern in which UK leaders promise devolution but retain or expand central control, contrasting Britain’s fiscal centralisation with more locally empowered systems in Germany, Spain and Nordic countries.

Nigel Farage’s political future is portrayed as increasingly untenable amid allegations involving major donors and intensifying public scrutiny. His tactical byelection move in Clacton is framed as an act of desperation, contrasting sharply with earlier moments when he displayed humility. The article argues that Reform UK is fracturing, lacks unity and depends heavily on Farage’s personal brand, which has weakened since Brexit. It places Farage among past political wildcards who could disrupt politics but ultimately failed to break the two‑party system. The piece concludes that Farage’s influence now primarily splits the right‑wing vote, inadvertently aiding Labour, and calls for broader constitutional reforms to address the instability of British politics.

Argues that Britain faces no imminent military threat justifying increased defence spending and criticises political, media and defence institutions for unchallenged assumptions about rising military budgets. Contends that resources would be better directed toward domestic priorities and highlights waste, inefficiency and flawed strategic thinking in recent UK defence policy, including costly equipment programmes and symbolic overseas deployments. Questions claims of Russian intent to attack Europe and cites realist thinkers who reject exaggerated threat narratives. Emphasises the need for affordable, modern systems such as drones rather than expensive legacy platforms and warns that proposed defence budgets will require cuts to major transport and energy projects.

Three Guardian columnists reflect on the decade since the Brexit vote, recounting the emotional, political and social divides that shaped the referendum and its aftermath. They criticise the lack of planning by Brexit leaders, the push for a hard Brexit and parliamentary failures that exacerbated national uncertainty. They assess evolving public attitudes toward the EU and immigration, noting persistent racial tensions and the rise of more extreme political rhetoric. Looking ahead, they debate whether the UK should work toward rejoining the EU or pursue incremental engagement, emphasising the need for clear economic analysis, public debate and a renewed positive case for European cooperation.

Keir Starmer’s removal is portrayed as a damaging rejection of the electorate and a destabilizing act of political ambition within Labour. Andy Burnham is criticized for lacking a substantive national programme, with doubts raised about his record as mayor and his suitability for No 10. Labour’s internal turmoil is contrasted with broader global strains on centrist politics. The piece concludes that the party has acted irresponsibly in ousting Starmer and that Burnham’s success will depend heavily on the experience of those he appoints.

The recent ceasefire agreement is framed as a strategic win for Iran, securing sanctions relief and a US commitment to non‑interference while exposing the failures of Donald Trump’s interventionist approach. Trump’s shift away from supporting Benjamin Netanyahu follows high civilian casualties and mounting criticism of Israel’s actions in Lebanon. The war is depicted as another misguided US attempt at regime change, driven by flawed intelligence and political motivations. The piece argues that sanctions lifting and economic opening offer the best path to liberalization in Iran and calls for abandoning the belief that bombing can achieve political outcomes, highlighting its historical ineffectiveness and devastating humanitarian toll.

The resignation of defence secretary John Healey and armed forces minister Al Carns exposes Keir Starmer’s vulnerability as rivals, including Andy Burnham, position for a potential Labour leadership challenge amid the upcoming Makerfield byelection. Despite a large parliamentary majority, Labour’s narrow share of the popular vote and frequent internal rebellions undermine Starmer’s stability. The article argues that British party politics allows small groups of members to depose leaders, producing instability seen in both Labour and Conservative history, and warns that replacing another prime minister so soon would be damaging for the country.

Concerns mount over the release of the Mandelson papers, which exposed private communications among senior officials and reignited debate over privacy in government. Leaks involving ministers and the prime minister’s auto-deleting WhatsApp messages highlight a growing culture of forced transparency that risks undermining candid discussion within government. The article warns that publishing confidential diplomatic assessments and internal deliberations weakens effective governance and erodes trust, arguing that officials need private channels to operate responsibly and without fear of constant public exposure.

Criticism is directed at the UK education system for prioritising exams and advanced maths over practical skills needed for modern life. While acknowledging Rishi Sunak’s call for financial literacy, the argument rejects extended compulsory maths in favour of a curriculum centred on health and wellbeing, civic responsibility and financial capability. The current system is portrayed as outdated, overly academic and disconnected from workplace needs, with insufficient support for young people transitioning into employment. Calls are made for core life skills to become compulsory and for a shift toward utility-focused education that better prepares students for adulthood.

HS2’s projected costs have risen to more than £100bn with services potentially delayed until 2039, prompting renewed criticism of the project’s purpose and management. Successive UK governments are blamed for failing to halt a scheme described as over‑engineered, poorly conceived, and increasingly wasteful. Despite more than £40bn already spent, no track has been laid and construction progress remains minimal. Cancelling HS2 is argued to be far cheaper and more beneficial than completion, freeing funds for hospitals, schools, urban transit and regional rail improvements. The article calls for immediate termination of the project and redirection of its budget to more urgent national needs.

Political instability within the Labour Party has intensified as Keir Starmer faces internal dissent, weakened public support and a loss of traditional Westminster cohesion. Rival figures such as Wes Streeting challenge his authority amid economic concerns and poor local election results. Longstanding interpersonal bonds that once stabilised British politics have eroded, leaving Starmer isolated and his government struggling for unity while key colleagues pursue personal ambition over collective responsibility.

Local road conditions, particularly potholes, ranked as the top concern for voters in local elections, yet national political issues dominated media coverage. Years of austerity-driven cuts to local council budgets led to deteriorating infrastructure, while subsequent attempts by central government to intervene further sidelined local democratic control. Efforts by leaders including Keir Starmer to centralise pothole management were portrayed as ineffective and dismissive of local authority responsibilities. The broader problem is tied to long-term centralisation and the erosion of local services, leaving national politicians attempting to claim credit for issues rooted in neglected local governance.

Argues that Wales’ economic stagnation results from poor governance rather than lack of funding and contends that Plaid Cymru offers the best route to change, particularly through pursuing independence. Highlights weak health and education outcomes, inefficient public spending, and overcentralization by UK governments. Suggests Wales could emulate Ireland’s transformation by embracing openness, investment, and EU membership, and urges Plaid Cymru’s leader Rhun ap Iorwerth to adopt a more confident pro-independence stance.

Argues that removing Keir Starmer over Peter Mandelson’s failed vetting and subsequent dismissal is disproportionate and symptomatic of Westminster’s dysfunctional tendency to oust leaders amid publicity storms rather than address substantive national issues. Criticises MPs for fixating on the Mandelson–Epstein scandal while neglecting systemic problems such as NHS failures and government performance. Warns that ongoing political hysteria risks forcing out a sitting prime minister unnecessarily and calls for parliament to redirect its attention toward genuine policy challenges.

Western sanctions against Iran, Russia and other authoritarian states consistently fail to achieve regime change while inflicting economic damage on countries such as the UK. Instead of weakening targeted governments, sanctions erode internal opposition by driving out educated and professional classes and strengthening anti‑western alliances such as Brics. Historical evidence and current outcomes show sanctions to be ineffective, counterproductive and often harmful to civilians. Durable political change requires engagement, academic and cultural exchange, and the rebuilding of natural affinities rather than isolation and economic punishment.

Plans to install more than a hundred large wind turbines across the Cambrian mountains are criticized as environmentally destructive, requiring major infrastructure, heavy materials and intrusive pylons. Local environmental groups warn of damage to wilderness areas and infringements on a Unesco biosphere, while opposition is limited by sparse local population. The projects are presented as unnecessary for Wales, which already exports energy, and as primarily serving the rest of the UK. The initiative is portrayed as driven by national political decisions at the expense of Wales’s landscape.

Argues that Donald Trump’s actions in escalating conflict with Iran stem from personal vanity and lack of institutional restraint, leaving the US constitution and its political checks unable to contain him until midterm elections shift congressional power. Warns that his impulsive threats and inconsistent strategy risk further escalation, while allies should avoid provocation and wait for the limits of presidential terms to restore stability. Emphasizes that repairing global relationships will require significant effort but is achievable once Trump leaves office, and urges Europe to strengthen collective action and cooperation.

Argues that the escalating conflict between the US, Israel and Iran is driven by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, and urges Keir Starmer to keep the UK out of involvement. Warns that Britain’s security is not threatened, and parallels are drawn to past misjudged interventions such as Iraq and Suez. Criticises Trump’s justifications for war as false and cautions that the UK risks repeating strategic mistakes by supporting US military actions. Concludes that the bombing must stop and that Britain should not legitimise US aggression, including through a planned royal visit.

Argues that King Charles’s planned state visit to the United States should proceed despite widespread opposition to Donald Trump’s war on Iran. Cancelling the visit would damage long‑standing Anglo‑American ties and risk appearing politically motivated within the UK. Emphasizes that the monarchy represents cultural and historical bonds rather than current government policy, and suggests the visit could elevate relations above present conflicts while expressing sympathy for Americans navigating Trump’s leadership.

Argues that Donald Trump initiated an unnecessary and deceitfully justified war against Iran, driven partly by Israeli influence, and that the conflict is widely unpopular in both the US and the UK. Criticises UK Conservative leaders for backing the campaign and urges Prime Minister Keir Starmer to keep Britain out of further involvement. Highlights the historical failures of British military interventions and warns against repeating them, asserting that the conflict serves no UK defense interest and reflects dangerous egotism among global leaders.

Public figures are increasingly depicted in docudramas that blur fact and fiction, eroding the presumption of innocence and encouraging media intrusion. Peter Mandelson’s brief police detention, amplified by gossip and Epstein-related frenzy, highlights how speculation can overtake verified fact. Recent television dramas about royalty, crime and public scandals freely merge invention with reality, leaving viewers unsure what is true. Such productions assume celebrities and officials must tolerate distortion, despite the serious consequences for those portrayed. While failures in institutions like the Post Office or water companies warrant scrutiny, the use of dramatization risks misleading the public. The widespread publication of Epstein’s emails is condemned as an alarming violation of privacy that may unjustly damage numerous individuals. A functioning liberal society, the piece argues, must safeguard innocence until proven guilty, judged by courts rather than screenwriters or sensational media.