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New Statesman
11-06-2025
- Business
- New Statesman
Inside Trump's Oval Office
Donald Trump with the British ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, in the Oval Office. Photo by Jim Watson / AFP via Getty Images To foreign visitors, walking into President Trump's Oval Office has become akin to entering the Colosseum. My fellow ambassadors spend days trying to persuade the White House to allow their incoming head of government to forgo the thrill of the Oval media spray, or at least have the closed-door lunch beforehand as an early barometer of what may be on the president's mind. None succeed. The president is eager for the fray, and the visitor's secret of success is to leave him to it, stay relaxed, speak when spoken to and never take the bait. Keir Starmer's Oval appearance is viewed across Washington's diplomatic corps as the model. It's just a shame that not all of them have a popular king from whom to deliver a state visit invitation. Art of the deal The US-UK trade deal was smart, nimble diplomacy by my embassy and London officials – met by an equal measure of professionalism and goodwill from President Trump's team. When I entered the anything-can-happen Oval Office and picked my way past the Churchill bust and gilt adornments to take my place behind the Resolute desk for the trade deal's launch, the White House protocol officer issued me with clear instructions to stand behind the president and say nothing. I was there in a purely supporting capacity, while the Prime Minister was poised to be dialled in from Jaguar Land Rover's West Midlands HQ to give his endorsement to the VE-Day deal. President Trump was enjoying himself. The conversation and the cameras rolled on, and I was gazing around, soaking in the atmosphere when suddenly he looked over his shoulder and asked if I had anything to say. Luckily my political skills kicked in, my Rolls-Royce gag worked, and I was praised for my 'beautiful accent'. More than an hour (which seemed like a week) later, the press were herded out. The president brandished his trademark Sharpie and presented me with a signed copy of his talking points, plus a stash of signed Maga caps for my staff. They had earned them. No contest My conclusion from listening to the president on this and other occasions is that the secret of his political success is that he always knows what he wants to say, means it when he says it and is never lost for words. He is not gun-shy. The discipline of the administration – Elon Musk notwithstanding – is impressive. Compared with Trump 1, when freelancing secretaries and congressional revolts were widespread in the party, Republicans now are remarkably careful not to show any difference from the president. I regularly commute to the Hill to see House and Senate members, who may not all be cut from the same Trumpian cloth, but have nonetheless heard the views of their electoral base. The Maga movers and shakers who were instrumental to the Trump victory, and now form the DC establishment, are not ideologues. Nonetheless, like Trump and his forceful vice-president, JD Vance, they have clearly formed instincts and deeply held beliefs. They want to see these reflected in pioneering, radical domestic and foreign policies, unfettered by more conventionally minded civil servants and others they refer to as 'the Deep State'. They are impatient and ruthless, and leave those with more moderate politics flailing, unable to decide whether to stick up for their centrism or outflank them to the left. Democrats are, so far, at a loss to know how to oppose Trump. They hold on to the hope that history rhymes, the pendulum will swing and they will regain the House, if not the Senate, in the 2026 midterms. They may well be right, but hope, as they say, is not a strategy. Dog days There is no doubt that for my husband, Reinaldo, and me, living in a historic residence with such a beautiful garden is both a privilege and hard work, with all the hosting and entertaining that comes with the job. It is expected that 18,000 visitors will join us at receptions, events, dinners, salons and roundtables this year. Unfortunately, I cannot compete with my predecessors who conducted a lot of their diplomatic work on the residence's tennis court, but I do have another asset: Jock, the universally popular Ambassa-Dog, who is shortly to make his Instagram debut. He has all the wonderful qualities you associate with a collie and visitors queue up to throw his ball for him, which he retrieves and leaves at other guests' feet. But he is best not startled after he has turned in for the night, as Dame Emily Thornberry, the warm and redoubtable chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, discovered when she strayed into our flat rather than her bedroom when returning to the residence after an evening of networking on the Hill. [See also: How Russia became a franchise of the Wagner Group] Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe Related
Otago Daily Times
21-05-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Surgeon a pioneer of treating burns
With VE-Day's 80th anniversary being marked worldwide this month, it is an opportunity to celebrate a locally-born pioneer who helped soldiers rebuild their lives. Archibald Hector McIndoe was born in Dunedin on May 4, 1900, to artist Mabel McIndoe and printer and bookbinder John McIndoe, of St Clair. After graduating in medicine from the University of Otago, the 24-year-old won a fellowship to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota in the United States. His innovative surgical work caught the eye of Lord Moynihan, president of the Royal College of Surgeons in England, who urged him to move to London. In London, Sir Archibald linked up with his cousin, Sir Harold Gillies, another Dunedin native who had pioneered plastic surgery for wounded World War 1 soldiers. General Medical Council spokesman Paul Reynolds said in 1938, on the eve of war, Sir Archibald was appointed plastic-surgery consultant to the Royal Air Force, a role his cousin had previously held. When war began in September 1939, Sir Archibald was posted to Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, where he devised new ways to treat wounded airmen. At a time when there were only four trained plastic surgeons in Britain, Sir Archibald swiftly developed treatments for burns and other severe injuries. Observing that pilots rescued from the sea healed faster, he introduced saline baths and frequent dressing changes to speed recovery. He developed techniques for facial reconstruction, including a tube pedicle technique initially performed by his uncle. The procedure took a skin flap from chest or leg, stitched it into a tube, then gradually moved the living tissue over weeks to the damaged face. He also refined skin-graft techniques for improved rebuilding of hands and faces. His vision extended beyond surgery, recognising that recovery had psychological as well as physical dimensions. At at time when society usually shunned the disfigured, he urged patients to visit shops, go to the cinema and enjoy pubs and restaurants. In 1941, some of his patients formed the Guinea Pig Club, a nod to Sir Archibald's description of them as guinea pigs for his new techniques. Membership was limited to air force men "mashed, boiled or fried" in service then treated at Queen Victoria Hospital. Club members became a familiar sight in East Grinstead, which gained a reputation as the town that did not stare. Many went on to marry local women and remained in the district for life. Mr Reynolds said the many patients who led full active lives after the war were a testament to Sir Archibald's work, defying contemporary expectations. Sir Archibald carried on in plastic surgery and was knighted in 1947. He remained a staunch supporter of the Guinea Pig Club until his death, aged 59, in 1960, Mr Reynolds said.
The Province
13-05-2025
- General
- The Province
New Westminster Heritage Homes Tour explores private residences and wartime spaces
Event highlights Second World War legacy through local homes and landmarks New Westminster's Galbraith House -- an example of late Victorian architecture -- will be showcased in this year's New West Heritage Homes Tour on May 25. Photo by Paul Fuoco Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. During the Second World War, New Westminster became a hub for soldiers from all over the country waiting to be transferred to other bases or shipped overseas. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Heritage New West is celebrating this legacy, and honouring the 80th anniversary of VE-Day on May 8, with On the Homefront theme for this year's New Westminster Heritage Homes Tour on May 25. Stories of local soldiers who died or were killed during the war will be showcased in the homes that they grew up in. Soldiers like the brothers Mayo and Bruce Barber, who were raised on Hamilton Street. 'It's very poignant,' says Catherine Hutson, director of Heritage New West. 'There wasn't any thought but, 'We're going to sign up and do this.' And a lot of them didn't come back. The war changed the dynamics of neighbourhoods for years to come.' The tour features both privately owned heritage homes and wartime spaces. The latter include the Armoury, the Royal Westminster Regiment Museum (formerly the Gun Room at the Armoury), and Westminster Club, now Galbraith House. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'The Westminster Club was this amazing Victorian house from the 1890s,' Hutson says. 'It was a destination for returning soldiers. They could have coffee, play pool, unwind. It was just down the street from the Armoury, which was one of the busiest depots in Western Canada.' Exhibits at the Royal Westminster Regiment Museum will include photographs, uniforms, medals, weapons, and rare artifacts alongside a memorial case honouring fallen soldiers, and profiles of seven local soldiers. The tour takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at several heritage locations across New Westminster. A ticket guidebook — serving as a tour passport and map — is required for entry and must be picked up in advance at Royal City Colours (700 Twelfth Street, New Westminster). Tickets are $45 and available via Eventbrite Proceeds from the tour support local heritage initiatives. More info: Read More Vancouver Canucks National News Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver Sun
12-05-2025
- General
- Vancouver Sun
New Westminster Heritage Homes Tour explores private residences and wartime spaces
During the Second World War, New Westminster became a hub for soldiers from all over the country waiting to be transferred to other bases or shipped overseas. Heritage New West is celebrating this legacy, and honouring the 80th anniversary of VE-Day on May 8, with On the Homefront theme for this year's New Westminster Heritage Homes Tour on May 25. Stories of local soldiers who died or were killed during the war will be showcased in the homes that they grew up in. Soldiers like the brothers Mayo and Bruce Barber, who were raised on Hamilton Street. 'It's very poignant,' says Catherine Hutson, director of Heritage New West. Stay on top of the latest real estate news and home design trends. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Westcoast Homes will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'There wasn't any thought but, 'We're going to sign up and do this.' And a lot of them didn't come back. The war changed the dynamics of neighbourhoods for years to come.' The tour features both privately owned heritage homes and wartime spaces. The latter include the Armoury, the Royal Westminster Regiment Museum (formerly the Gun Room at the Armoury), and Westminster Club, now Galbraith House. 'The Westminster Club was this amazing Victorian house from the 1890s,' Hutson says. 'It was a destination for returning soldiers. They could have coffee, play pool, unwind. It was just down the street from the Armoury, which was one of the busiest depots in Western Canada.' Exhibits at the Royal Westminster Regiment Museum will include photographs, uniforms, medals, weapons, and rare artifacts alongside a memorial case honouring fallen soldiers, and profiles of seven local soldiers. The tour takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at several heritage locations across New Westminster. A ticket guidebook — serving as a tour passport and map — is required for entry and must be picked up in advance at Royal City Colours (700 Twelfth Street, New Westminster). Tickets are $45 and available via Eventbrite Proceeds from the tour support local heritage initiatives. More info:
Hamilton Spectator
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
‘Watch, hear and feel' iconic military vehicles at Canadian Tank Museum's 80th anniversary celebration of VE-Day
What may be one of the loudest museums in the country is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Allied forces' victory in Europe this weekend. The Canadian Tank Museum in Oshawa's May 10 Tank Saturdays event will celebrate VE-Day with live vehicle demonstrations and rides. 'Watch, hear and feel the live vehicle demonstration as we parade the most iconic military vehicles from the Canadian Campaign in Europe in our Tank Arena,' a description of the event said. Vehicle rides will be available in Leopard 1A5 main battle tank, M113 APC armoured personnel carrier, and the M548, which is described as a 'Battle Bus.' The live vehicle demonstration, including a tank-on-tank battle presentation, happens at 1 p.m. Museum hours on Saturday are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is located at 1000 Stevenson Rd. N., Oshawa . Admission on Tank Saturdays costs $25 for adults, $15 for students, seniors and children under 12, and free for military personnel and veterans. More information is available at .
