Both singing from same hymn sheet

CONSIDER the following statements: “We are planning for every outcome and we will find any necessary funding and we will only spend it when it is responsible to do so.” And: “Where money needs to be spent it will be spent.”

What is the difference between “we will find any necessary funding” and “where money needs to be spent it will be spent”? No, I can’t spot it either but apparently these two statements are indicative of a massive clash between Theresa May and Philip Hammond over the most important negotiations this country has faced for 50 years.

The Prime Minister and the Chancellor deserve better and if the antics of the Tory Parliamentary Party are childish and irresponsible, the antics of some commentators are even more so.

If I were advising May and Hammond I would suggest that they make a point of referring to each other’s observations. If May had said “as the Chancellor has made clear, where money needs to be spent it will be spent”, the opportunity for mischief would have been obviated. It ain’t political rocket science.

HM is gently letting Charles take on more

IT does feel a bit like the end of an era with the Queen pulling out of cenotaph duties and indeed I suspect this is the beginning of a path which will lead to a regency when Her Majesty is the age Prince Philip is now. Gradually we will see Prince Charles doing more as his mother does less but it will be a gentle, incremental process.

As Charles takes on more duties we shall see him doing what he will one day do as King and of course Camilla will be at his side as the Duke has been at the Queen’s. I have a feeling that when the sad day comes in which Elizabeth II passes into history we will already think of Charles and Camilla as King and Queen.