A monumental week of mile stones and celebration
One of those week’s that unites our fair nation.
It started with the Queen and her ninetieth year
With artillery salutes, pomp and three cheers.
To sum up the Queen’s life would be futile in rhyme
It would take far, far more than my pithy lines.

Next came William Shakespeare four hundred years on
The poet whose talents are etched in prose, sonnet, song.
Tragedy and comedy, Shakespeare’s quotes still hold power so raw.
His command of our language so graceful, his observations so sure.
It has often struck me that this quintessential English laureate
Died on St. George’s day…which seems most appropriate.

Speaking of George, our new young Prince had a meeting
In Kensington Palace – a Presidential greeting.
President Obama was here to celebrate both the Queen and the bard
To meet the Prime Minster (old friends), to show his regards.
But the meat of the visit was to encourage a “remain” in the referendum
It was to raise the tempo (in what feels likes Neverendum).

The Panama Papers are a leak of millions of files of data
From now infamous law firm Mossack Fonseca.
National leaders, politicians, celebrities now entangled
Caught in this pants down global tax scandal.

Do not be quick to confuse tax planning with tax evasion
What seems a shady place may be a prudent tax haven.
The world is overdue cross border cooperation and international tax schemes;
Complex tax resolutions require patience – it’s much harder that it seems.

Tata Steel wants to sell its works in South Wales
The future of Port Talbot is on the proverbial rails.
One million pounds are lost, so they say
In that plant, employing thousands, every day.

In 1875 Britain produced forty percent of global steel
Industrial revolution, Empire, unrivalled confidence and zeal.
Today that number is a mere one percent
Self-reliance, nostalgia for industry – we all lament.

In China a ton of cabbages costs more than a ton of steel
Subsidies from Beijing, nationalised enterprise, no level trade deal.
Alas short term over supply may cull centuries of British expertise
And when our skills are gone, we’ll have to rely on those from overseas.