Monday

Grief is the Thing with Fur. Herbert Hound, our beloved companion, passed away peacefully in our arms at home on Sunday, April 6, at precisely 4:11 PM, surrounded by love and sunlight. Despite our hopes that he would linger longerperhaps until the end of summerhis battle with prostate cancer took a rapid turn for the worse. Just days before his passing, Herbert struggled to relieve himself and had lost interest in food, with only a few nibbles of ham enticing him. All he seemed to want was the comfort of rest, lying beside us as we stroked his fur and whispered words of love.

We made the effort to take him for one last walk in his favorite area of Tooting Bec Common, a place enriched with the scents and sounds he cherished. The outing was less about exercise and more about soaking in the familiar environment he loved so dearly. For the remainder of the day, we cradled him in our arms, showering him with affection and gratitude as he slipped away. The vet arrived promptly at 4 PM to administer the necessary injections, and we held him close for an hour before the cremation team arrived to take away his body.

This experience of losing a pet is profoundly painful, distinct from the grief I experienced upon losing my mother. The sorrow of losing a parentespecially one who suffered from Alzheimersmarks a final separation in a life replete with goodbyes. With Herbert, our bond was uncomplicated and pure; we shared a deep connection with little room for regrets. His presence was a pure form of unconditional love, uplifting not just my spirits but also those of everyone he encountered, even individuals who typically shied away from dogs. The emptiness in our home is palpable without him. I often find myself glancing towards his favored spot at the bottom of the stairs, momentarily hoping to catch a glimpse of him. A recent encounter with his towel buried at the bottom of the laundry basket sent me into tears once again. The tears have flowed freely since his departure. I also have an event at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London next Thursday, where a few tickets remain. I sincerely invite anyone interested to attend, though I anticipate it will be a challenge to hold back tears during the event.

Tuesday

This past week was punctuated by a rather peculiar event that looked like a scene ripped from a moviean 11-minute joyride on the worlds most extravagant toy, Jeff Bezoss superyacht, followed by a space excursion aboard his Blue Origin rocket. With celebrities like Lauren Snchez, Katy Perry, and Gayle King among the six "astronauts," the trip was termed by some as a significant milestone for women, an expression of the feminist spirit. Yet, a deeper look raises questions about the value of such a journey.

None of the six individuals on this automated spacecraft had undergone any rigorous selection process; their only qualification appeared to be their close personal relationship with Bezos. This excursion seemed entirely recreational, devoid of any scientific achievement or exploratory purpose, almost reminiscent of a day at an amusement park rather than a pioneering endeavor in space travel.

As the rocket ascended to a height of 66 miles above Earths surface, one of the passengers expressed her affection for Jeff over the radio, saying, I love you, Jeff Bezos. Such sentiments hardly align with traditional feminist ideals. In contrast, Gayle King later shared that her highlight of the experience was Katy Perry singing What a Wonderful World. It begs the question: why not simply enjoy that moment on solid ground? Snchez expressed pride in the crew's achievementthough it ultimately amounted to sitting back and gazing out at the cosmos. Perry added that she had prepared for the trip by studying string theory, a pursuit not many can claim to understand fully. She whimsically connected her interest in astrology to her experience, suggesting perhaps that Scorpios might make the best astronauts. Bezos surely enjoyed the spectacle, counting his profits as his celebrity guests basked in their moment of fame.

Wednesday

Last Friday saw a surprising government announcement that Parliament would be recalled from recess for the first time since the Falklands War in 1982, catching many off guard, including myself. This unexpected urgency prompted me to hastily adjust my weekend plans to ensure I could be present in the press gallery as emergency legislation was rapidly pushed through Parliament. The Labour benches were brimming with members, whereas the Conservative side saw a scant turnout, with only around 20 MPs returning from their holidays to address what many seemed to view as a Labour concern.

In addition to this unexpected parliamentary recall, it was disclosed that the government had secured funding for the fuel necessary to keep the Scunthorpe furnaces operational, at least for now. The future of British Steel seemed momentarily secure. However, I find it perplexing that such emergency measures were needed, especially given that the government had prior warning about the impending crisis at British Steel. In the weeks leading up to the Easter break, multiple urgent questions had been raised in Commons concerning the Scunthorpe steelworks, yet the government remained optimistic, claiming it had made a generous offer that they believed the Chinese owners, Jingye, would deem irrational to refuse. Yet, several MPs had cautioned that Jingye might have ulterior motives, potentially viewing the closure of British steel production as beneficial to their strategic interests. It wasn't until after Parliament adjourned for Easter that the business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, acknowledged the validity of these concerns.

Thursday

Forgive me for my sense of skepticism regarding recent statements made by JD Vance, who indicated a strong likelihood of a US-UK trade deal in the near future. His remarks suggested a deep admiration for the UK from President Biden, especially in light of the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the transition to King Charles III. However, I have my doubts about the sincerity of this relationship. While Charles may exhibit diplomatic grace, the reality of navigating this state visitderisively dubbed a "fest" by Donald Trumpmay be burdensome for him.

Several media outlets have reported that a deal could potentially be finalized within a matter of weeks. However, its crucial to temper our expectations, as this deal may not afford us the preferential treatment we hope for. The UK will likely be placed at the end of the queue after negotiations with Japan, India, and South Korea. Additionally, concerns loom over whether any concessions on tariffs will be offered, particularly as Trump is unlikely to rescind the 10% tariff imposed on all goods exported to the US. If we are fortunate, he may reduce some steel tariffs, but that still leaves a host of uncertainties regarding the overall deal.

Moreover, potential complications arise if we align with the EU on carbon levies, which could provoke Trumps ire. Additionally, British farmers would rightfully oppose any agreement that might allow lower-quality imported food products into the UK market.

The prospect of a UK-US trade deal may not be the transformative opportunity it has been touted as, especially considering the unpredictable nature of Trumps negotiating style. Just weeks ago, Brexit supporters were celebrating the UK facing a 10% tariffon par with lesser economieswhile the EU enjoyed a reduced tariff rate. Then, almost overnight, Trump equalized tariffs with the EU. The lack of consistency in his dealings raises doubts about his commitment to a fair trade agreement.

Friday

Until last night, the most engaging aspect of Tottenham Hotspur's season had been the drama off the pitch. In recent weeks, manager Ange Postecoglou stirred conversation by claiming that details from team meetings had been leaked to the media. The burning question remained: what exactly did he believe should have remained confidential? Given the team's lackluster performance, one would presume tactics would be at the forefront, though it appears none exist beyond aimless wandering, a sentiment shared by long-suffering season ticket holders.

With relegation no longer a threat, the players seem to have lost interest in competing, underscoring the dispiriting atmosphere surrounding the club this season. Nevertheless, last night proved that Spurs can perform when motivated, as they triumphed over Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, securing a spot in the semi-finals of the Europa League. This surprising display of skill stands in stark contrast to their league struggles, igniting a glimmer of hope that a trophy could finally grace the club after a 15-year drought. While any silverware would be welcomed, it cannot obscure the myriad issues plaguing the club. Having attended matches at White Hart Lane for decades, I can confidently say this has been one of the most joyless seasons I have ever experienced. To put it bluntly, enduring relegation back in the 1970s felt more enjoyable than this.