There are a number of stories worthy of comment today, and given time, I hope to give readers their money’s worth, in abundance. But by far the most important is that today Sir Keir Starmer will make his parliamentary début as leader of HM’s Opposition.  And will begin, God willing, to hold the most appalling government in living memory to account.

And one thing Sir Keir might like to consider is the extraordinary fiasco around the UK’s failure to participate in an EU scheme for bulk purchase of personal protective equipment.  Yesterday, Sir Simon McDonald, permanent secretary at the Foreign Office, stated this was the result of a political – Brexit driven – decision.  He said: “It was a political decision. The UK mission in Brussels briefed ministers about what was available, what was on offer, and the decision is known.”  That was then denied by the Health Secretary, following which Sir Simon withdrew his remark, and said “Ministers were not briefed by our mission in Brussels about the scheme and a political decision was not taken whether or not to participate.”  That is the most humiliating and self-abasing “correction” I have ever read.  Civil Servants are not infallible, but they are not fools.  It is inconceivable that Sir Simon made the mistake he says he did: which then raises the question of what pressure has been brought to bear on which of his tender parts.  Methinks that before too long Pee-pee Patel may not be the only minister to face accusations of bullying.  More details available here McDonald

But I digress.   To return for a moment to Sir Keir, the amount that is riding on the shoulders of this one politician, experienced prosecutor as he is, is awesome.  It is not just a matter of party politics.  He, it is, who must demand the answers, the honesty and integrity, that we all depend on for our very lives.