Ian Birrell
Ian Birrell was deputy editor of The Independent and worked as a speech writer for David Cameron in the run up to the 2010 election campaign. He has written for a number of national titles including The Economist, Financial Times and The Times and has reported extensively from Africa and the Middle East.
Updated: 18 January 2017
As the UK goes back to work after its two-week holiday soaking up a little international kudos, Prime Minister David Cameron could well be wishing a little Olympic spirit was enough to solve the nation’s problems, starting with the economy, believes columnist Ian Birrell.