Titbits

I read today of Johnson strutting his stuff at Biarritz. One wonders how much he has set the other, more seasoned leaders wondering whether this is going to be his first and last performance; whether he is coming on a bit strong for a newbie.

While I read at reference 1 that:

'The President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, decided  to profoundly overhaul the format and ambitions of the G7 around  a central goal set out in his speech before the 73rd session  of the United Nations General Assembly: combating inequality. There are three dimensions  to this decision.

Taking the initiative to transform the G7 to restore its relevance and effectiveness, in the spirit of strong multilateralism, with no second thoughts about shaking up working habits and opening it up to key partners: African countries and four other major democracies, with which the Biarritz agenda has been prepared throughout the year.

Addressing the great global challenges of inequality, protection of the planet, and defence of democratic freedoms, through tangible commitments and building on expanded partnerships and coalitions of stakeholders such as civil society which provide direction.

Addressing crucial subjects, the importance of which is immediately clear to our citizens: international security and crisis management, the challenge of digital transformation for our democratic societies, climate crises and biodiversity. Responding to these issues is urgent'.

All good stuff  - if both confused and stuffy in tone (perhaps it was originally drafted in pompous French and then worked over by numerous committees) - but no China, India or Russia - which might improve cosiness and coherence - but does it get results? What sort of a discussion can you have when half the world is missing? What will Johnson decide to do if it ever gets to be his turn? Do the Tories really believe in addressing inequality?

I could not find the caption to the snap from reference 1 included above, but presumably it is the seafront at Biarritz. I would have expected serious waves rather than a flat calm, but perhaps this last was better suited Johnson's morning dip. Did he do a Sanditon for the assembled press corps?

More important, earlier today, I was moved to nip up to the tip on the Longmead Estate here at Epsom, there having been rumours of it being shut for today's bank holiday. I am pleased to be able to report that at 0930 it was open, although there was new queue on what ought to have been a gala day, with queues stretching down at least as far as Screwfix. Will they bother for the next bank holiday?

Reference 1: https://www.elysee.fr/admin/upload/default/0001/05/808379a5c67e61b03c3e899f98c59c2937df9b70.pdf.