Preferable to Starmer he may be, but there is scant sign of a sharp political break in Burnham’s policies so far — while left challenges aren’t making much of a running either, finds ANDREW MURRAY. How can socialism be put back on the map?
YOU probably already guessed that Frosty won’t be writing much about the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this year. I might return to her favourite son, Andrew, aka the defendant, aka the dirty old Duke of York, but not much about old Queenie herself.
However, I have got a bit of space to mention one thing that is happening to mark 70 years on the throne. The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is a tree planting initiative created to mark the anniversary.
All across the country, we are all being encouraged to plant one or more trees and that has to be a good thing. Working with many commercial sponsors and the Woodland Trust local groups and organisations can even apply for free trees and planting kits.
Millions of elms were wiped out by Dutch elm disease in the 20th century, transforming the landscape forever – yet pockets of hope are keeping this beloved tree alive. MARK SEDDON explains
JAN WOOLF relishes an extensive history of our long relationship to trees in Britain that underlines the current emergency
MAT COWARD takes a look at some of the options for keen gardeners as we enter 2026
Commiserations if you failed this year, MAT COWARD offers six points which, if followed religiously, will ensure you succeed next year



