Michael Deacon

On Monday, Bafta announced on social media that it was “saddened to learn of the passing of Dame Penelope Keith”. Among those who read these words was Kirstie Allsopp. And she was appalled.

Anyone in Britain who protests against illegal immigration is automatically described as “far-Right” . Take, for example, the people who protested

Refugees Are Welcome Here. Left-wing activists love to chant this stirringly selfless slogan. There's just one tiny thing that puzzles me.

We can all understand why Left-wing politicians are so anxious to take down Nigel Farage. In the past year, however, some of their attempts have seemed just a teensy bit on the desperate side.

Founded as the party of the working class, Labour is now the party of the non-working class.

Founded as the party of the working class, Labour is now the party of the non-working class. Anyone who tries to deny it should be helpfully reminded of the telltale recent admission by a senior Labour minister. In a private message to Peter Mandelson, uncovered last month, Pat McFadden complained that “every meeting” he has with Labour MPs consists of them asking: “Who can we tax in order to pay benefits to others?”

No, it’s got nothing to do with sexism. The truth is rather more awkward

Andy Burnham’s favourite poet, we’ve been repeatedly told, is Philip Larkin. Our new Prime Minister will be well aware, therefore, of a certain poem that Larkin wrote exactly 60 years ago, in 1966. Friday Night at the Royal Station Hotel is a hauntingly vivid sonnet – and it happens to be about a real hotel in Hull. I’m sure Mr Burnham knows this. But does he know what that beautiful hotel is used for today?

We caffeine addicts have had a bewildering week. According to reports, scientists have found that drinking five cups of black coffee a day could help reduce your risk of high blood pressure.

If you're wondering what sort of direction this country is headed in, consider the following fact.