Simon Heffer's Blog, page 56

Michael Kennedy: a music critic worth his weight in gold

He wanted to be known as the only Englishman who understood Richard Strauss - but Michael Kennedy has far better claims to renown, says Simon Heffer.

Fix local government - start sacking

Public services now exist far more for the benefit of those who work in them than those they are supposed to service, writes Simon Heffer.

AV is a recipe for coalitions - reason enough to vote 'No'

David Cameron has more pressing issues at the moment than his sop to the Lib Dems, writes Simon Heffer.

Decimalisation picked our pockets of truly beautiful coins

Before decimalisation, Britons were still carrying great works of art around
in their small change, says Simon Heffer.

How to destroy our universities

The drive by Vince Cable and his hapless puppet Nick Clegg to impose quotas of
state school pupils on universities verges upon the wicked, says Simon
Heffer.

Conservative MPs are biting their tongues - but for how much longer?

The lack of a growth strategy, and no progress in curbing EU powers top the
list of complaints, writes Simon Heffer.

A Tony Palmer season should be music to the ears of classical fans

The BBC seems to have woken up the appeal and talent of Tony Palmer. It's
about time, too, writes Simon Heffer.

All that's growing is Nick Clegg's stupidity

There can be no growth without an increase in consumption, says Simon Heffer.

Tired old Britain has put its feet up and withdrawn from the world

Despite the enterprise and valour of our citizens, our leaders seem set only
on managing the country's decline, writes Simon Heffer.

What we can learn from unheard music

The 'new' piece by Vaughan Williams that's been lying in a Cambridge
University archive since 1899 is said to be 'really amazingly good' k,
writes Simon Heffer.