A Chaotic World in May 2025, My Retinal Tear

May 2025 was another fast-paced ever changing month on planet earth. From Trump's tariff swings and the ensuing chaos, through more failed peace talks on the Russian invasion of Ukraine to multiple new trade deals closer to home, it feels like a new unexpected event is lurking around every corner. And regular talk of a new Hamas-Israel ceasefire while the carnage continues.

My blog this month covers a few comments that caught my eye away from the mainstream global chaos.

The Surge of The Reform Party in the local elections

"Reform UK's voter base is characterized by older, male voters, residing outside major urban centers, with a history of Conservative voting and strong views on immigration and national identity."

Gemini AI, 11th May 2025

New Labour Government EU-UK post Brexit deal

Boris Tax: cost to UK taxpayer:

The British Ports Association (BPA), which represents ports that facilitate 86 per cent of the UK’s trade, including the overwhelming majority that handle EU traffic, estimated the total cost to the industry at over £120 million. 

The National Audit Office estimated last year that the government had spent more than £4.7 billion on implementing post-Brexit border arrangements. At the same time, it repeatedly postponed imposing full controls on EU imports.

With the new UK-EU agreement, it seems that these preparatory measures are now largely redundant resulting in more waste of taxpayer resources.

UK Trade Deals in May

India, USA, EU. Three new trade deals. None is particularly great, but each lays the groundwork for expansion over time. Better UK-EU relations and freer two way trade is almost certainly the most significant.

My Retinal Tear

I made an appointment to see my local optician as I felt that my left eye was not right (!). Using his advanced retinal imaging equipment, Rashpal Sidhu discovered a tear in my retina and referred me immediately to the John Radcliffe Eye Hospital where I was seen immediately. Laser Photocoagulation surgery was performed on my eye to create scarring which will hopefully contain the tear and prevent any further damage.

I would like to thank Rashpal and all of the NHS doctors and nurses who looked after me at the JR. They almost certainly saved my eye and they were all extremely professional and courteous, despite that day being one of the busiest ever experienced.

Quotes for the Month

"Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies."

Nelson Mandela

"Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die" 

Buddha 

“Macron, Merz, Starmer, and Tusk were supposed to discuss peace in Kiev (sic). Instead, they are blurting out threats against Russia … You think that’s smart, eh? Shove these peace plans up your pangender arses.”
9th May 2025, Dmitry Medvedev, former President of Russia, responded on X to Western ceasefire proposals.