I have had one of those days so far … an in-tray that started quite light suddenly became a lot heavier and instead of having around a dozen things on my immediate ‘to do’ list I had a lot more, and it means...
Read MoreAs regular readers will know by now, I don’t read any of the Mail papers, or allow them in the house, but the online revolution being what it is, every now and then some of its bile slips through the net as people send me...
Read MoreSorry for giving away a Loose Ends trade secret by tweeting that I was recording it this morning. I think it used to be done live but what with live bands in the studio and stuff, it probably got a bit complicated, so you can...
Read MoreFirst of all, a memo to all media outlets (I know that sounds a bit grand and lahdidah but they have been phoning, texting and emailing all day, first to ask if I will talk about TB at the Iraq Inquiry and then, in greater...
Read MoreEd Miliband made much during the Labour leadership election of saying we had to ‘learn the lessons’ of why we lost power. Correct. However, we must also learn the lessons of why we won power, and won three general...
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by
"Your country needs you. Your world needs you. Your time is now."
Our politics is a mess. We have leaders who can't or shouldn't be allowed to lead. We endure governments that lie, and seek to undermine our democratic values. And we are confronted with policies that serve the interests of the privileged few. It's no surprise that so many of us feel frustrated, let down and drawn to ask, 'But what can I do?' That question is the inspiration behind this book. It's a question regularly posed to Alastair Campbell, not least in reaction to The Rest is Politics, the chart-topping podcast he presents with former Tory Cabinet minister Rory Stewart. His answer, typically, is forthright and impassioned. We cannot afford to stand on the sidelines. If we think things need to change, then we need to change them, and that means getting involved. But What Can I Do? provides each of us with the motivation and the tools to make a difference. Opening with an acute analysis of our polarised world and the populists and extremists who have shaped it, it goes on to show how we help transform it. It explains how we can develop our skills of advocacy and persuasion. It draws on Alastair’s long experience, as well as on role models and lessons from history, to offer practical tips on starting and leading a campaign. It offers advice on developing confidence and coping with criticism and setbacks. And it sets out the practical steps by which we can become political players ourselves. Part call to arms, part practical handbook, But What Can I Do? will prove required reading for anyone who wants to help change things for the better.