Hague’s suprisingly supportive statement on Egypt

Watching William Hague’s latest statement on Egypt I felt it was surprisingly supportive of the protesters. While he obviously didn’t advocate the cause of revolution he accepted those on the streets had “legitimate economic and political grievances.” He also stressed that the British government had a relationship with Egypt not with the government and condemned the repressive measures used in the country.

Why I am beginning to believe in the Egyptian revolution

Earlier today I went to the Egyptian Embassy in London to view the protests against the Mubarak regime. I have only limited knowledge about Egypt so I cannot talk with much authority about the forces within the country but I was impressed with the turnout in London – especially considering it was a cold, wet Tuesday afternoon.

Front pages reviewed at midnight: Thursday 6 January 2011

The Mail continues its government waste season with a scoop about the UK Trade and Investment, The Times congratulates itself on last night’ good story, The Telegraph reports on limited numbers of flu vaccinations and the Indy focuses on the UN Index of Food prices.

FIFA World cup hosts: a victory for dictatorships

This is what tomorrow’s Independent front page should read. “FIFA world cup results: a victory for dictatorships.”

How cutting budgets might improve foreign news coverage

Last night I went to see the multi-award winning journalist Michela Wrong talk about working in sub-Saharan Africa. Chatham House Rules applied (i.e. everything was off the record and no quotes) but one thing she said got me thinking.

She mentioned that the serious cutbacks in foreign news reporting meant papers, broadcasters and agencies were no longer sending in Western correspondents but instead using local journalists. This, she said, might actually make the coverage better as they could provide local knowledge that the Westerner never can.