World in emotion
Football and politics do mix when FIFA awarded the most controversial World Cup in history to Qatar, an authoritarian Gulf state accused of buying the tournament to whitewash its reputation.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino's meltdown might be funny if abuse of migrants, safety of LGBT fans and persecution of dissenters were not serious issues that deserve to be tackled.
Infantino can shut his eyes, put fingers in his ears and follow a code of omerta if that is how he wishes to play but everybody else is entitled to say what they think.
Supporters back home or the few in Qatar are equally entitled to get behind their teams and England and Wales will enjoy noisy, vibrant enthusiasm when they kick off today against Iran and the USA respectively.
Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions taking the knee at the match against Iran, a team with members who have voiced solidarity with women treated monstrously by a violent theocracy, is another sign that football and politics mixing can send a positive signal.
Cure the NHS
Nurses and other NHS staff who are quitting the health service for better paid jobs in shops and the hospitality industry is a brain drain that is crippling care.
Until the PM, Chancellor and Health Secretary come up with a proper plan to retain and attract workers, our precious NHS will be in permanent crisis.
Fundamental issues pre-date Covid and, as soaring inflation eats into budgets, record waiting lists will lengthen.
Failing to pay fair and treat staff with respect is sick from the UK Conservatives.
Earth matters
People living on the moon within eight years is one of those goals that makes you wonder about the here and now.
Surely ending homelessness and the scandal of a two-year-old boy dying from mould should be the down-to-earth priorities.
