The JSPrice Perception

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Joe Biden (Image: Politico) The invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces has been going on for two months now - of course, two months too long. Thousands from both sides have lost lives and it sadly doesn't appear to end any time soon. Despite attempts to agree ceasefires  and a  peace process , these are often overshadowed by threats and ultimatums . Ukraine don't trust Russia and Russia is frustrated by the Ukrainian resistance. While events on the frontline continue to dominate headlines, political leaders are trying to steer the narrative. Russia's Vladimir Putin is doing an excellent job in manipulating his people (both in government and the public) into thinking that they're they victims and that this invasion is justified. Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy is desperate for physical resources. From his pleas, he's expressed frustration with  Europe for not supplying , but praised Boris Johnson for 'helping more' and the US for g...

Dan Walker and Louise Minchin among those leaving BBC. Which fresh faces can take over? (Image: Irish Mirror) Another day, another earthquake has hit the British broadcasting industry. The BBC is currently undergoing a major on and off-air personnel shake-up while Channel 4 could change beyond recognition as its set for privatisation - and elsewhere, there's a new controversial channel set to launch with a similar 'straight talking' agenda that GB Views - sorry, I mean News - promised almost this time last year. Shake ups in the world of television aren't new, and perhaps not as big of a turning point for the sector as we're seeing analysed. Of course, they're significant developments, but on the other hand, we've seen them coming. Speculation had been rife for some time. Yet, the changes we're witnessing now, which continues from last year with GB News' launch, is due to a culture shift from some corners of society who feel they've been 'si...

Fracking is back on the political agenda (Image: Sky News) I recently returned from a wonderful three-night stay in Milan. I had been looking forward to the trip for months but felt a little nervous weeks before I packed my suitcase. Up until 28th February, it was a legal requirement for fully vaccinated travellers from the UK to produce both proof of Covid vaccination status and a negative test. Thankfully, four days before I set foot at Bristol Airport, the latter wasn't needed. I say 'thankfully', because that would've cost me more than the return flight ticket. Over the past two years, the Italian government has consistently introduced stricter restrictions compared to the UK. For example, I don't know how the British public would have felt they were told they had to wear an FFP2 face mask outdoors as well as indoors, the way Italians were required to. Italy only lifted that restrictions a few short weeks ago , and by 31st March, look to remove the 'state o...

Vladimir Putin (Image: CNN) It's difficult to offer an alternative perspective to what's going on in Ukraine right now. The widespread anger and anguish over the attacks in the eastern European country by Russian forces are views I share deeply. But I want to have a go, at least, in offering alternative solutions so the nation can reach a state of equilibrium once more. At the moment, world leaders are busy questioning how we got here and in doing so, are scratching heads and slapping wrists. It's easy to argue that there's nothing more they can do, however, there probably is.  I start with where I feel the responsibility lies. On the one hand, the European Union hadn't done enough to boot Russia out of a key financial system despite warnings of growing hostility by Putin's government. Yet, the UK and US are being criticised for not doing enough to deter Russia from its plans to invade. I truly believe the entire West were in utter denial; surely, they thought...

Molly-Mae Hague (Image: Kiss.ie) Molly-Mae Hague first graced our screens in 2019 coming second in the hit ITV2 show Love Island, but since used her time to lucrative effect - amassing millions of followers on social media and being offered sponsorship deals for eye-watering amounts. Now at 22 years of age, she has profitable businesses in her portfolio and is seen as a future force for economic good in the fashion and beauty industries. After appearing on a popular reality contest, it's easy to sit back, relax and reap the benefits doing supposedly little. Many have, therefore, rightly praised Hague for her savviness - using her 'name' to helping others look and feel good. But it's her recent comments that have divided opinion. She appeared on a podcast hosted by Dragon's Den investor Steven Bartlett talking about 'how to get what you want', among other topics. Hague, using her personal experiences, stated - and I paraphrase - that we're all given the ...

Keir Starmer has two years to inspire Labour to victory (Image: BBC) If you believe in today's polls , Sir Keir Starmer would be the UK's next Prime Minister in the event of a general election, should one take place tomorrow. At the latter stages of 2021, the Liberal Democrats enjoyed a mini-renaissance, winning the last by-election at a seat the Conservatives had held for almost 200 years. Dozens of Tory back-bench members are rebelling against the government over Covid-19 measures. With all this talk, there's little wonder why some commentators are whispering rumours about a premature general election. In my eyes, a general election is the last thing Labour needs right now. It's clear Starmer isn't seeking a general election so soon, neither is he going strong on calling on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to resign - despite presenting an alternative vision of 'security, prosperity and respect'. Both thoughts mentioned here are logical. The pandemic isn...

Jackie Weaver (Image: This is Money) It's been another year where we've seen more drama in real life than a standard Christmas episode of a soap opera. Rules brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic changed every five minutes, and even as I write this, what we can and can't do continues to be high on the political agenda thanks to new variants; we don't know whether we're coming or going. While I stick to my guns on why the pandemic is still dominating our livelihoods, we cannot underestimate how well we've done to adapt since March 2020, and we'll continue to do so over the coming months. I share the frustration that the British government's direction may not match what we think is going on. We're all keen to get on with our lives and actually treat Covid like the seasonal flu , as Health Secretary Sajid Javid had once promised - of course, we've never locked down because of flu before. I know we will one day and I'll look forward to that moment...