In his fortnightly column MARK SEDDON reflects on the death of Major Oak and why such ancient trees matter to us
LAST week French President Emmanuel Macron chose the Berlin Global Dialogue meeting to argue for an even more deregulated European Union.
France and Germany were traditionally united in insisting on a level playing field and competition rules to prevent the weaker and less industrialised economies of the EU from “unfairly” competing on pay, conditions and labour standards.
Only an ambitious programme of state-led investment can restore growth and improve living standards, argues MICHAEL BURKE
The defence secretary’s resignation reveals not a split over principle but a dispute over pace of military spending, as Britain’s political Establishment unites behind deeper Nato commitments, argues NICK WRIGHT
US tariffs have had Von der Leyen bowing in submission, while comments from the former European Central Bank leader call for more European political integration and less individual state sovereignty. All this adds up to more pain and austerity ahead, argues NICK WRIGHT
Starmer sabotaged Labour with his second referendum campaign, mobilising a liberal backlash that sincerely felt progressive ideals were at stake — but the EU was then and is now an entity Britain should have nothing to do with, explains NICK WRIGHT


