My writing is about politics, sport and education – sometimes all three at once. Whether it’s my books, articles or blogposts, it’s unapologetically left wing. I hope some of it’s funny too. I’m always happy to hear readers’ reactions and I’ll respond unless you’re demonstrably in need of professional help.
My latest book, Brutish Necessity tells the forgotten story of the last man to be hanged in my native city of Birmingham in 1962. His name was Oswald Grey, a 20-year-old Jamaican immigrant. The book reveals the prevailing social and political attitudes of the time, explaining the roots of contemporary racism. It’s a fascinating piece of history stemming from a boy’s life that seemed dispensable and not worth commemorating – until now. You can hear an interview, recorded on BBC Radio WM in January 2023 by clicking here starting at 1.42.32. You can watch a clip from the launch during Black History Month here.
My blog, updated every month or so, is a five-minute read about whichever current issue merits a poke in the eye. Here, too, you can respond in any intelligent way that you feel is appropriate.