Here is a selection of links to the articles I have written in various UK papers in recent times which have struck a chord with me, and with readers.
Independent 14/1/2011
Sarah Palin's reference to 'blood libel', when presenting herself as a victim of the Tuscon gun attack, took us back to the darkest days of the Middle Ages, and was odious and wrong-headed.
Daily Telegraph 30/5/2010
The death of Rod Smyth, my best friend from childhood, after a long and brave wait for a kidney transplant, forced me to reconsider my hitherto casual attitude to carrying a donor card.
Independent on Sunday 4/04/2010
Interviewing your heroes can be disappointing - feet of clay and all that. But Billy Bragg was inspiring when I caught up with him as he prepared to make his London theatrical debut.
Guardian 17/4/2010
On taking my children on pilgrimage (without letting on what it was), on religious education and the controversy caused by faith schools.
Independent on Sunday 04/10/09
A visit to one of Britain's most troubled schools, St George's, Maida Vale, to see how a new team is turning round a comprehensive best remembered for the murder of its headteacher at the front gate.
Independent 8/03/09
Grendon is the only therapeutic prison in Britain's overcrowded system - and its success rate is high. A visit to find out why it works
Independent 24/11/07
On going home to Liverpool to look at preparations for the launch of European Capital of Culture 2008 and the wider renaissance in the city
Daily Telegraph 12/11/2007
A rare interview with Patricia Scotland, the Attorney-General, in which she talks about the racial prejudice she faced in her rise to attending Cabinet meetings.
