Ask me anything: 2,000 subscribers edition
Current affairs, books, politics, education, films...
I feel incredibly grateful and privileged that so many of you continue to read what I write - and a particular welcome to all of those of you who have subscribed over the last month.
I’ve been holding an Ask Me Anything at major subscriber milestones - and hitting 2000 means another one is definitely due.
So ask me anything. It can be on any subject you like - current affairs, books, politics, education, films, favourite pizza1 - and I will do my best to answer insightfully, concisely or, failing that, entertainingly.
To ask a question, just leave a comment and I’ll do another post answering as many questions as I can next week.
Ask away! No question too out there! And remember, please do share this blog with those you think would like it - I rely on word of mouth for my audience and personal recommendations are a core part of that.
FAQ
What’s off limits?2
Not much. I won’t answer a question if:
It would breach a confidence that’s not mine to share;
It’s so taboo that just writing about it can get you in trouble;
It’s anything directly to do with my current job.
I’m happy to answer most personal questions within reason, but there may be the odd one which I’ll skirt around.
Can I ask you about something you know nothing about?
Yes, but don’t be surprised if the answer is very short!
How long will each answer be?
I’m anticipating one to three paragraphs, but I reserve the right to vary this.
How many questions will you answer?
Probably around 8-10. If I get more than that, I’ll answer those I think people will find most interesting, or that I most want to answer.
Can I ask more than one question?
Yes, but I won’t answer more than one question from any given person.
How do I ask my question?
Please write it as a comment below this post.
Pepperoni and black olive
Yes, I lied in the title: ‘Anything’ doesn’t quite mean ‘anything’.
In the engineering community around HS2, it is widely though that some of the greatest problems with the project have been, at least in part, caused by excessive meddling by the government, and the lack of enough ambition to invest in the long term capacity to deliver such projects more cheaply in the future. One of the most radical solutions to this, and other infrastructure problems, which I have seen is to abolish the Treasury (assumedly meant more as a way to stimulate conversation than a firm proposal). As someone involved in the civil service, what are your thoughts on this?
To what extent will the UK be able to remain as a highly-developed state, given the coming demographic crisis?