The JSPrice Perception

Cristiano Ronaldo is a big hit in Saudi Arabia (Image: ZAWYA) If I were to summarise 2023 in a few words, on a personal level, I can describe the year as being very busy, ploughing through a never-ending to-do list with little sparks of fun in between. Somewhat most poignantly, I feel I have a clearer sense of what I want (and need) to do over the coming months. However, I also feel that I haven't moved forward as much as I would have liked, leaving this year as I started it. That being said, I sense a very productive and constructive 2024. When it comes to more global affairs, I suppose scenarios are pretty similar across the scale. Countries who were in conflict in January remain in that state to this day, world average temperatures continue to concern experts, and oppression and poverty in many nations show no signs of heading to the right direction. But the lack of progression this year could open the door to potential for significant and intriguing changes over the coming 12 m...

Harry and Meghan at the Invictus Games earlier this year (Image: Us Weekly) I couldn't help but roll my eyes the other weekend while flicking through The Sunday Times. Traditionally shying away from tabloid-style celebrity gossip, it dedicated more than half a page wondering what happened to Meghan Markle , the Duchess of Sussex. Usually, it is a story I would forget quickly after reading, but since then, and bolstered by a certain book, it had suddenly been difficult to ignore the fact she has been forced to the front and centre of the news agenda once more. The past twelve months has been quite the rollercoaster for the actress-turned-royal-turned- possible-actress-again . The year started with the ripple effects of the hugely successful Netflix documentary series  about the recent journey of her and her husband, Prince Harry, and then the publication of Harry's autobiography in January, bought by millions within days of release. Both of which ruffled the feathers of any roy...

Rishi Sunak and Benyamin Netanyahu (Image: Al-Monitor) I've been gravely concerned about the political narrative in reaction to the latest conflict between Israel and Hamas. Those across the globe who follow the news, online or offline, will have found it nearly impossible to escape hearing or watching the horrors that have taken place in Israel and Gaza in recent days. For the latter, innocent Palestinians have faced threats, intimidation and suffocation - both figuratively and literally - something they're far too familiar with. For the former, the attacks the country endured last Saturday (7th October) was something they'd never seen of that scale for a very, very long time. There has been a lot to digest in this short period of time, and many of us have struggled to get the full, true picture of what happened then and what's happening now. The basic facts are bleak enough. Hamas, listed as a terrorist organisation by the UK government in 2001 (proscribed fully in ...

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman (Image: iNews) I am often baffled when people in Britain are critical of multiculturalism and then use racist rhetoric when describing or coming across unfamiliar cultures. There is a sense of unblissful ignorance when it comes to learning something new about others. It doesn't help that individuals in power fuel this narrative just so that they can get the backing from those who go out of their way to judge others for no reason than being close-minded when defining what 'British culture' is. The individual in power mentioned above is Suella Braverman, the UK government's Home Secretary. She delivered a speech in Washington DC coming up with wild claims that not only multiculturalism has 'failed' but also that LGBT+ refugees shouldn't be allowed to come to Britain on the basis of their sexuality or change of gender identity . These were to argue that, therefore, the UK should prepare for life away from the reli...

Mark Drakeford with Keir Starmer (Image: Daily Express) I have been rather critical of the Labour Party lately, in my view with good reason. For example, I was not a fan of the way leader Keir Starmer mishandled - and continues to do so - the fate of his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn as a Labour MP. Apparently, Corbyn is to run for London Mayor which I don't think will happen if he knew it would impact Sadiq Khan's chances of being re-elected. You can't take Labour out of the man. I've also argued that Starmer should embrace closer ties between the UK and the European Union, just like, ironically, ardent 'leave' voting current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who announced Britain's re-involvement in a crucial European science research programme . And I won't get over the fact Starmer recently allowed  Rosena Allin-Khan  to return to the backbench. She's a terrific communicator and a future leader in my eyes - a big loss to the shadow cabinet. Don't wor...

Countess of Chester Hospital at the heart of the latest NHS scandal (Image: Deeside.com) As a collective, the UK has an unhealthy obsession towards its National Health Service. Whether campaigners feel it should be protected it with all one's might by giving it unlimited resources to cover every gap, or critics strongly suggest the private sector should take over because the NHS in its current form is damaged beyond repair, our views are wide ranging. And as everyone in Britain can use the health service at the point of delivery, there is a sense of entitlement, in that we need to loudly express our appreciation and disdain over our treatment or the treatment of loved ones. The noise, however, no matter how positive or negative, combined with the government's erratic approach to the NHS, is bringing a proud sector to its knees. How the NHS is run and its future is under scrutiny practically every second of the day, regardless of which UK nation you live in (for those who don...

Time to scrutinise and take conspiracy theories seriously (Image: Kellogg Insight - Northwestern University) When it was announced Martin Tyler was to leave Sky Sports after 33 years as the chief football commentator, like Henry Winter of The Times , I thought it was a pity. He's a master of his craft, a sincere loss for the broadcaster. However, judging by the online reactions - which we should always take with a pinch of salt - Tyler's departure is only a good thing. He'd been accused of all sorts, mostly of being supposedly biased against all our favourite clubs (he's both pro and anti -Liverpool, apparently). Suddenly everyone's a mind reader and a body language expert as he doesn't express every goal, red card or corner kick with his famous enthusiastic tones. I mean, you don't expect a 77-year-old to sound the same as when that same person was 44, do you? But, of course, Tyler dedicated his many years as one of football's greatest narrators hopin...

Flag that represents the trans community (Image: The Age) The 'transgender debate' has been hard to escape in recent years. It's impacting many areas of our lives, including in schools , work and sport . Sadly, the media narrative of these stories has made it impossible to rationally discuss how to best support people who have decided to make this life-changing decision, or how to assure their 'opponents' that they aren't being cast aside, or their rights have been taken from them. I'll try and analyse this as level-headed as possible and conclude what we (UK as a whole) should be doing, as a way of being a world leader on what is seen as a divisive matter, where it ought not to be. The current narrative is arguably led by two very different sides - one, the so-called 'pro-trans' groups, who combatively argue that people who want to transition should have easy access to basically everything; from legally changing their gender, to requiring advanced ...

Nicola Sturgeon (Image: Sky News) When a politician lasts a long time in their role as MP or government minister, it's hard to ignore their legacy. Their belief systems, presence and politics tend to stand the test of time. Whether this is a 'good' thing or not, I'll leave that for you to decide. Whether they're 'good' politicians or not, again, people will have their own opinions. For example, when Nigel Lawson  passed away earlier this month, while many looked back at his time as UK Chancellor between 1983 and 1989 with some disdain, it's hard to deny his longevity at arguably one of the country's toughest jobs - and his form of Conservatism is still very much alive to this day. Of course, he never pleased everyone, and many corners of British society still haven't quite recovered from his, or then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's, policies. The Iron Lady could have still gone through a handful of chancellors instead of sticking with La...