Beginning of the Brexit endgame and new start for schools
Some normality will return to the world next week as children go back to school and MPs file back into Parliament for what looks set to be one of the most arduous/entertaining (depending on your point of view) periods in British politics.
While parents across the country will no doubt be breathing a collective sigh of relief at the thought of not having to entertain/fund their little ones during the school summer break, MPs will be preparing to cross swords over the final stages of Brexit. Will the UK crash out of the European bloc without a deal? Will Theresa May survive to see the process through? Will former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson keep his powder dry?
One thing is certain: the winds are already gusting in the English Channel, as French and English fishermen get their lines tangled over what has already been dubbed the ‘scallop war’ but which is, in essence, the outer edge of the fast-approaching Brexit hurricane.
With MPs back on deck and the Government at the helm (allegedly), expect Brexit bias, expect Nigel Farage, expect more mutinous talk of making Prime Minister Theresa May walk the plank and the resplendently verbose and eminently distracting punditry of Tory backbench MP (and chair of the European Research Group) Jacob ReesMogg.
Is it too early to talk about Christmas? Not if you’re in marketing and specifically not if you’re M&S, which will stage its Christmas Press Show at One Adelphi, Adephi Terrace, London on Thursday at 2pm. The high street department store will be getting “beautifully and deliciously festive” as it unveils a sneaky preview of its festive offerings. Whether you think it’s a bit early or not, rest assured, in warehouses across the country, stacks of mince pies will already be being put onto lorries to be sent out for delivery.
Today sees the resumption of the inquiry into the Grenfell fire disaster, with a short procedural hearing – no more than 90 minutes – where counsel to inquiry and counsel for the Crime Prosecution Service can make brief statements. Firefighter evidence will resume at 11am and is expected to last for most of September.
On Tuesday, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will attend the annual WellChild Awards. The awards celebrate the inspiring qualities of some of the country’s seriously ill young people and the dedication of those who go the extra mile to keep children healthy and happy. The event will take place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.
Then, on Thursday, the couple will attend a music evening marking the centenary of the end of the First World War. Presented by the Royal Armouries, the one-off concert will be an evening of music and reflection in aid of three charities Help for Heroes, Combat Stress and Heads Together. During the intermission, Harry and Meghan will meet some of the evening’s performers during a reception in the Presidents Room, as well as representatives from the three charities, and the Royal Armouries’ Trustees and Sponsors. Central Hall, Westminster. Youki Crump, Royal Communications.
Anyone who listens to Radio 1’s drive time show will notice a change from today as host Greg James has swapped jobs with breakfast show jock Nick Grimshaw. Wednesday will see the GQ Men of the Year Awards at Tate Modern, while Saturday will see classic cars and motor racing at the Goodwood Motor Circuit, Chichester.