Bunhill: Frequency of television appearances
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE distressing frequency of Ken Clarke's television appearances has fostered a heartfelt nostalgia in Great George Street for the old practice of 'purdah' - the period of Trappist silence endured by Treasury ministers as they fine-tuned their Budget measures.
Even the Chancellor, who is notorious for his inability to turn down an invitation to appear on the box, is apparently distressed that he only has to say 'good morning' for reporters to dissect his intonation for clues to the fate of mortgage tax relief.
And as his every appearance seems to push business and consumer confidence lower, both officials and ministers are beginning to wonder whether the end of purdah as part of the Treasury's so-called 'openness' campaign may be more trouble than it's worth.
The odds are shortening daily on it going the way of the Treasury Bulletin, another piece of openness that has since closed.
(Photograph omitted)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments