Friday Thought: Vertical farming, benefits without sacrifice

I’m taking a break from my Next Gen Democracy series this week to talk about the future of the food chain, in particular the role vertical farming has to play in that future. My hometown, Lydney in Gloucestershire, is about to be home to the world’s largest vertical farm. The multi-million pound ‘Garden of England’,

Friday Thought: Next Gen Democracy Part 2, a cabinet of expertise

Today’s Friday Thought is part of a series titled Next Gen Democracy, focusing on the state of UK democracy and ideas for its evolution. You can read last week’s post on the House of Lords here. Cabinet Ministers are responsible for specific areas of policy and running Government departments. They’re appointed by the Prime Minister from

Friday Thought: Next Gen Democracy Part 1, replacing the House of Lords

I’ve been thinking a lot about the way our democracy functions recently, how out of date it is and how undemocratic. Four of the five elements that make up our government are not directly elected by the public. The House of Commons is but the House of Lords, the Head of State, the Executive and

Friday Thought: IKEA Architecture, the birth of no place in particular

When you think of a city, or country, one of the first things that pops into your head is its architecture. Rome, London, Paris, Japan, Russia… they all have buildings and structures that take centre stage on their map, and in the brand they present to the world. These landmarks will likely never go away,

Friday Thought: National Mourning, no room for dissent

On Monday, Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral will finally take place. It’s been a week since she passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. That week has been… interesting, to say the least.  If you’ve been watching the rolling news coverage, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the entire country is in a deep state of

Friday Thought: Queen Elizabeth II, the end of an Elizabethan age

My thoughts are with the Royal Family at this difficult time and with all who are mourning. For ten days, the country mourns. After that, with the final pillar of stability of seventy years no longer with us, the United Kingdom, the monarchy and the Commonwealth are heading for a turbulent period ahead.

Friday Thought: Beyond Entertainment, the true power of the arts

The creative arts aren’t merely something to keep you entertained. They are fundamental in creating shared experiences, developing ideas and progressing society. This production demonstrates this perfectly, and in a beautifully minimalist way.