Fownhope’s Heart of Oak Society traces its roots to the age of friendly societies, when communities provided their own safety net. Its anniversary celebrations reveal a tradition still very much alive, says MARK SEDDON
The old aphorism had it that the Daily Express is read by those who think the country should be run like it used to be run; the Daily Telegraph by those who think the country still is run like it used to be run; the Times by those who actually do run the country; the Daily Mail by the wives of those who run the country; the Guardian by those who think that they should run the country and the Financial Times by those who own the country.
Unfair and ruder things were said, respectively, about the Morning Star and the Sun.
But the truth about the Financial Times endures, although those who rule the country on behalf of its owners read that paper every day as well. They are not interested in reading the crude, lying propaganda that is fed to the masses by the gutter press. They want facts — about the economy, business, trade, commerce, finance, energy, the environment, markets, politics and power — and well-informed, perceptive analysis and comment.
Starmer sabotaged Labour with his second referendum campaign, mobilising a liberal backlash that sincerely felt progressive ideals were at stake — but the EU was then and is now an entity Britain should have nothing to do with, explains NICK WRIGHT
Deep disillusionment with the Westminster cross-party consensus means rupture with the status quo is on the cards – bringing not only opportunities but also dangers, says NICK WRIGHT
In the run-up to the Communist Party congress in November ROB GRIFFITHS outlines a few ideas regarding its participation in the elections of May 2026


