Shropshire Star

Peter Rhodes on a Budget for the young and our leaky NHS

RESEARCHERS in Edinburgh say they can find no scientific reason for humans to live beyond the age of 50 and no biological explanation for the existence of grandparents. Well, somebody's got to watch Countdown.

Published
Philip Hammond – fair deal?

CHANCELLOR Philip Hammond says "intergenerational fairness" will be the keynote of his Budget next month. Three tips. Don't be old. Don't pay higher-rate tax. Don't drive a diesel.

PLANS have been announced for Yorkshire to be granted devolution, becoming a "country within a country." This has led to much speculation about flags, anthems and potential Yorkshire-born celebrities who might become head of state. For the record, as a Tyke from Skipton, I declare here and now that I will never be a citizen of any state led by Geoffrey Boycott. Or Jeremy Clarkson.

THE NHS has a duty to provide for all, regardless of sexual orientation. As a self-identifying quasi-lesbian and Jedi knight, I understand its need for information, as proposed by NHS England. But I also understand why some people would be unwilling to answer the doctor's question. It's because when it comes to confidentiality, the NHS is about as leakproof as a string bag. Over the years dozens of readers have told me how a visit to the surgery or hospital has been followed by unsolicited phone calls - everything from stairlift makers to disability-bath installers and double-glazing firms. Incidentally, that bit about being a Jedi. Just between you and me, okay?

REJOICE, for we have found the bad apple, lanced the boil, drained the swamp and achieved all sorts of other metaphors. The great thing about the Harvey Weinstein affair, and others like it, is that we can kid ourselves that some great evil has been detected and fixed. The truth is that sexual exploitation happens, and has always happened, wherever youthful ambition and naivety encounter cynical old power. Some activities, notably showbiz, sport and religion, could have been purpose-designed for gropers, groomers and rapists.

AND do not believe the suggestion that these terrible incidents were a product of their times and things are much better now. We all know that, while you are reading this, somewhere in an arts centre, swimming pool, vestry or boss's office, a frightened and confused young person is being pressured to do something they know is wrong. And I bet the worst is yet to come. Harvey Weinstein is a fat, stubbly and aggressive bully. He is deliciously easy to hate. But as this affair deepens and the Hollywood swamp is really drained, don't be surprised if some of your favourite stars turn out to be wading in the ooze.

JOSHUA Boyle, released after being held for five years by Taliban associates in Afghanistan, denounces his captors as "stupid". Well, it takes one to know one. Boyle, who calls himself a "pilgrim," entered the Afghanistan war zone into a Taliban-controlled area with his heavily pregnant wife. So who do you think was the really stupid person in this tragedy?

AND don't you get the impression that if the terrorists had beheaded Joshua Boyle, his IQ would have stayed much the same?