Barry Speker's Comment

It is premature to imagine that the dust has settled on the notorious interview. There is further material 'in the can' still to be released, as well as leaks about 'unproductive' conversations between Harry and the Palace.

Added to this, there is the campaign of Meghan for President and the departure of Piers Morgan from Good Morning Britain in the repercussions from his strident incredulity about Meghan’s complaints. Controversy has frequently arisen from interviews long before Bashir and Princess Diana, Prince Andrew, David Frost and Richard Nixon, Clive Anderson and the Beegees or Michael Parkinson with Muhammad Ali- and even Emu! Opinions may vary as to styles of interview including the robust, challenging and searching in order to inform, entertain or hold to account. The sycophancy and feigned Gosh expressions from Oprah Winfrey neither increased credulity nor enhanced the reputation of the world’s greatest chat show host. She will shrug and, like Alfred E Newman, say ‘What Me Worry?’ I may be a pedant but there is concern as to Oprah asking Meghan about ‘Your Truth’. This was even before the retort of ‘Recollections may vary’. The truth is what it is. When in court, witnesses testify to tell ‘the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth’. Not their truth but THE truth. As to Morgan’s sudden departure from GMB during the furore about his typically outspoken criticism of Meghan, there were indeed many complaints from the social media army (including from the Duchess herself). But the impetus for him to stand and leave came not from challenge by a high power personage or politician but from weatherman Alex Beresford who was invited to give his views. His criticisms seemed to be the final straw, Piers had had enough and stormed off. Did the meteorological office predict this storm?

The lamentable performance of the EU over vaccination in general and the Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccine in particular has turned may remainers into leavers. Had we been locked into the EU it would have been impossible to deliver the successful vaccination programme and we would also have suffered from EU vaccination scepticism led by several European leaders. Too worried to put the vaccine in their arms but trying to interrupt our supplies. How many more deaths have occurred as a result?

Note the increasing wave of infections in Europe. Covid will mark a move from globalisation and increase concentration on national interest, the first duty of every government. For the future we need to consolidate manufacture here rather than in Europe, USA or India to ensure our autonomy and avoid the impact of protectionism.

Another anniversary worthy of recognition has occurred. A time to issue a commemorative postage stamp (if anyone uses them)? It is 70 years since Dennis The Menace, the World’s naughtiest boy, appeared in The Beano, and then became its cover star in place of Biffo the Bear. I hear you ask – what about Denise the Menace?

Woke attitudes continue to cause dismay. Elizabeth Heverin 19, a student at Aberdeen University has been banned from the student Union for two weeks. Her offence? She defended the University Army Corps recruiting on campus and in a chat wrote ‘Rule Britannia’. This was found to be ‘potentially discriminatory’ and possibly racist. Will there be a campaign again to ban it from the Proms?

Now BBC Breakfast presenters Charlie Stadt and Naga Munchetty have mocked Government minister Robert Jenrick for proudly displaying a Union Jack and a picture of the Queen in his office whist being interviewed online. Why it is thought acceptable to mock patriotism or loyalty in this way, is troubling. Most countries find our national tendency to satirise and ridicule any expression of national pride incomprehensible. Try behaving in this manner in China, although that may not be the best test.