There was a debate on in the House of Commons. There were perhaps a dozen or so attending at any one time. It’s strange how self-absorbed we are. 100,000 dead perhaps in the last year but once this year when we were discussing Murdoch, the House was absolutely packed, seething with anger, interest, and excitement. I had to shout to make myself heard – indeed, drew attention to it.

Nothing changes. Apparently when in the 1930s, they were discussing the future shape of the government of India and that led to hundreds of thousands dying, the House was almost completely empty: just Churchill and a few “die-hards” and one or two enthusiasts on the other side.