The UK’s dental industry has evolved significantly in the last 20 years. From being a nation that was typically known for having bad teeth, today shows a huge shift in attitudes towards oral health, largely driven by digital developments and the rising demand for cosmetic dentistry.
Britons today are very heavily influenced by the dream smiles they see on TV, film and social media, which largely consist of straight and white teeth, both connected to the rise in teeth whitening solutions and invisible braces such as Invisalign that are readily available.
Many will take this desire for the perfect smile too far, by ‘over-doing’ the look with teeth that are too white and unnatural in their look.
We speak to some dentists and industry experts, some of whom have been practising for more than 30 or 40 years, to understand how they believe dentistry has changed in Britain in the last two decades.
Changing Attitudes
Practising dentistry for 20 years, Dr Samantha Koch of QAD Dental, a dentist in Hemel Hempstead, commented:
“During my career, the biggest change in dentistry has been the attitudes of the patients. We have more patients that come in saying that they want to look like a certain individual or celebrity, or saying that they saw a procedure on social media.
“When I started out, patients came in more to treat their pain or for check-ups, but today a large portion may not have pain at all and are coming in for cosmetic reasons.
“Other changes have been the rise of things like Turkey teeth, where people feel that they can get veneers and bright white teeth overseas for a discounted price. British dentists have been able to respond by offering more flexible finance options and 0% interest repayments for cosmetic procedures as a standard thing.”
Dr Shahab Ghassemi, lead dentist at Chase Lodge, a private dentist in Mill Hill, explains:
“Modern dentistry has transitioned from a reactive ‘treatment only’ concept to a proactive philosophy of prevention, prioritising long-term oral health over repetitive intervention. This evolution is driven by state-of-the-art digital technology, where 3D scanners and high-precision workflows have replaced traditional, invasive methods to improve both diagnostic accuracy and patient comfort.
“Above all, the clinical approach is now deeply patient-centred; the modern experience is defined by an empathetic environment where care is no longer ‘one-size-fits-all’, but is instead strictly bespoke and personalised to the individual’s unique needs.”
Rise in Digital Technology in Dentistry
Neville Bass of Bass Orthodontics, a Harley Street practice which celebrated its 50th year, highlighted the rise of digital technology in cosmetic dentistry:
“Digital scanners, digital X-rays and photography, 3D software, 3D printers and remote monitoring have changed the way patients are diagnosed, planned and treated. A digital scanner is essentially a small camera which is scanned over the surfaces of the teeth, creating a very accurate 3D digital model. This has almost completely replaced traditional impressions and plaster-cast models.
“Brace systems are also constructed from the digital models using 3D printers, including clear ‘invisible’ aligners, orthopaedic braces and traditional fixed braces.
“For aligner construction, the orthodontist can straighten the teeth in the aligner software, which then generates a series of digital models. These are 3D printed to make actual models of the teeth, which are used to make the aligners.”
Increase in Regulation
Erika Schoeman, who has been running Elegance Dental for 31 years, explained:
“Over the last 20 years, dentistry in Britain has changed significantly, both clinically and culturally. One of the biggest shifts has been increased regulation, with much stricter standards around compliance, patient safety, documentation, and continuing professional development. Dentistry today is far more regulated and patient-focused than it was two decades ago.
“There has also been a major change in how patients access and pay for dental care. As NHS dentistry has become more limited, many practices have introduced payment plans and membership schemes, allowing patients to spread the cost of treatment and access more preventative and comprehensive care.
“Perhaps the biggest change overall has been patient attitudes. Dentistry has evolved from being largely reactive and problem-focused to a more preventative, patient-centred, and experience-driven profession, with patients placing far greater value on long-term oral health, aesthetics, and quality of care.”
Dr Harpreet Varaitch of Gabriel’s Hill Dental Maidstone agrees and adds:
“Infection control has definitely heightened, with bacteria and viruses in the mainstream media and the challenges that we faced during Covid. We now have far more rigorous protocols and procedures to maintain health and safety for all, along with a lot more record keeping.
“This is along with more policies in patient care, from vulnerable adults and children, from neglect to abuse, and patient communication. As a dentist, we may be the first point of detection, and again such cases in the mainstream media have brought all this into play.”
Dentistry is Part of Maximising Appearance
“Having beautiful white teeth is now considered a key part of someone’s overall look,” explains Lizzie Bell of fitness boutique The 1PC.
“For long, Britain has been at the end of all jokes for having bad teeth — and this is steeped in Britain’s history.
“Whilst we have celebrities, influencers and everyday people coming into our studio, it is also extremely evident that they are having cosmetic dental work done as well, with Invisalign trays often on display.
“For those looking to improve their confidence, appearance and physique, having the teeth and smile is very much part of the process.”
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Wellington is finally catching up with the realities of the digital gambling market. The government is moving away from the loosely controlled offshore environment and toward a structured, locally regulated system. For you, that signals a clear shift: the unregulated “Wild West” phase is coming to an end as stricter advertising rules begin to take hold.
For a long time, offshore operators have dominated your screen space with aggressive promotions. That is starting to change.
The new framework introduces firm boundaries to reduce exposure to unchecked marketing and to create a system in which operators must follow New Zealand’s rules. If you choose to play, the expectation is simple: you’ll be doing so in a market that answers to local standards.
The End of the Offshore Free-for-All
For years, offshore gambling platforms have operated beyond the reach of New Zealand law, yet they have actively targeted local users. According to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), New Zealanders spend around $450 million each year on these overseas sites, as reported in the July 2024 regulatory impact statement.
That figure highlights just how significant the offshore presence has been.
The introduction of a domestic licensing system changes that balance. Operators will now need to comply with local regulations, contribute tax and meet consumer protection standards. More importantly, this gives you a level of recourse that did not previously exist.
If something goes wrong, such as withheld winnings, you are no longer dealing with an unreachable entity. Instead, you have the backing of New Zealand consumer law.
Navigating the New Promotional Landscape
Even as advertising rules tighten, the core appeal of online platforms remains. People still look for low-risk ways to explore what’s available. That is where offers like no deposit free spins NZ continue to attract attention, giving you a way to try out games without committing your own money upfront.
These offers are not disappearing under the new system, but how they are presented is changing. The updated rules require clearer communication, particularly around terms and conditions.
Instead of dense legal wording, operators must explain requirements in plain English. This shift makes it easier for you to understand exactly what you are agreeing to before engaging with any platform.
A Satirical Look at “Protection”
There is a noticeable shift in tone from major gambling companies. Messaging that once leaned heavily on urgency and constant engagement is being replaced with more measured language. You may start to see fewer aggressive prompts and more reminders to stay in control.
The contrast is hard to miss. Companies that once optimised their platforms to keep you engaged for as long as possible are now required to highlight moderation. While that change is driven by regulation, it does not remove the need for personal awareness.
It is still important to approach every offer with a critical mindset, treating it as a commercial transaction rather than something designed purely for your benefit.
Understanding Your Worth as a Player
As regulations increase, competition among licensed operators is expected to intensify. That puts you in a stronger position. Instead of navigating a market dominated by offshore platforms, you will be comparing options within a regulated environment.
Looking at different online casino bonuses becomes a more meaningful exercise under these conditions. These offers, whether matched deposits or loyalty-based rewards, must now be presented transparently. That means you can better assess their actual value before making a decision, rather than relying on unclear or incomplete information.
Practical Steps for the Modern Gamer
You do not need to rely entirely on regulation to stay in control, but the new system gives you better tools to do so. As the market evolves, a few practical habits can help you navigate it more confidently.
Start by checking whether a platform holds a valid New Zealand license. Licensed operators are required to clearly display this, making it easier to confirm their legitimacy. You should also make use of built-in limit tools, which are now mandatory. These allow you to manage spending and time more effectively from the outset.
It is also worth reviewing how your data is handled. Licensed platforms must meet specific security standards, giving you more assurance around your personal and financial information. At the same time, some offshore advertising may still appear, so using ad blockers or filtering tools can help reduce unnecessary exposure.
The Real Cost of Regulation
From a government perspective, the shift is expected to generate around $35 million in annual tax revenue, according to the Treasury’s Budget 2024 forecasts. While that financial return matters at a national level, the more immediate impact is on how the market functions for you.
A regulated environment changes the relationship between player and operator. Instead of interacting with largely unaccountable offshore platforms, you are dealing with businesses that must meet defined standards. The focus is not on eliminating gambling but on creating conditions where participation is more transparent and controlled.
Ultimately, the experience becomes less about navigating uncertainty and more about making informed choices. The risks tied to gameplay remain, but concerns about platform integrity and fairness are reduced. That shift marks a significant change in how online gambling will operate in New Zealand moving forward.
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Since the UK’s digital identification framework moved from a hesitant pilot to hard legislation this week, there has been a noticeable change in the atmosphere in the Westminster tea houses. Although the government first presented the 1.0 Trust Framework as a simplified answer for the current economic climate, the situation in early March 2026 is turning out to be far more difficult than what the PowerPoint presentations implied.
The Data (Use and Access) Act was waved through by backbenchers last year, and now they are receiving a barrage of irate letters from people who believe the digital dragnet is finally tightening. Convenience was promised, yet as the UK CertifID mark becomes a daily need, the outcome resembles a digital checkpoint society more and more.
The crux of the current controversy centres on the newly empowered Office for Digital Identities and Attributes (OfDIA). This body, now fully operational, holds the keys to the kingdom regarding who gets to be a certified provider of identity services. While the government argues that a trust mark is essential for consumer confidence, privacy advocates see the architecture of a national identity card system being built by the back door. The concern is not just about the data held by the government, but the data sharing protocols mandated between private companies and state registers.
Legislation passed last year strengthened this structure, but the implications are only now becoming clear to the wider public. The Data (Use and Access) Act received Royal Assent on 19 June 2025, creating the statutory framework for Digital Verification Services that was previously operating as a pilot.
This move effectively deputised private tech firms to act as gatekeepers for essential services. Critics argue that by standardising these checks, the government has created a single point of failure and a tempting target for hackers, all while eroding the anonymity that has traditionally characterised British civic life.
Perhaps the most immediate consequence of this heavy-handed approach is the unintended distortion of consumer markets. When the barrier to entry for legal services becomes too high, users naturally drift toward the path of least resistance. This phenomenon is playing out in real-time across the digital leisure sector, where strict affordability checks and invasive identity verification requirements are pushing legitimate customers toward the grey market. It is a classic case of the state tightening its grip until the sand slips through its fingers.
When the bureaucracy demands intrusive documents just to place a simple wager or access age-restricted content, punters inevitably vote with their feet. For instance, UK casino sites without KYC checks allow users to sign up without the tedious sign-up processes. The punter connects a self-custodial wallet. The smart contract on the casino site sees the wallet address and the balance. The “identity” is just the wallet. As long as the wallet has funds, the bet is placed. No utility bills, no passport scans, no KYC.
The UK government, via the FCA and HMRC, is aggressively moving to end this “wallet-only” anonymity. Their goal is to ensure that no wallet is “unhosted” or “unidentified” when interacting with a service. Under the Cryptoasset Reporting Framework (CARF) and the Travel Rule, which saw major updates in early 2026, any UK-regulated gateway or service must now “tag” a real human name to every wallet address. The government wants to force a link between your Digital ID (UK CertifID) and your Crypto Wallet. If they succeed, the “wallet” is no longer a mask; it’s just another digital account tied to your verified identity.
The irony is that by making official digital IDs so intrusive, the government is inadvertently subsidising the decentralisation movement. Essentially, this example shows that punters aren’t just ‘skipping’ KYC; they are migrating to a similar financial ecosystem where the ‘wallet’ is the only ID, an ecosystem that the 2026 ‘Travel Rule’ updates are desperately, and perhaps fruitlessly, trying to map.
The technology sector itself is sounding the alarm about the stifling effect of compliance costs. Startups that drove the initial wave of innovation in 2024 are now finding themselves bogged down in certification paperwork.
The market is becoming increasingly concentrated among a few large players who can afford the regulatory overhead, squeezing out smaller, agile competitors who might offer better privacy solutions but lack the resources to navigate the OfDIA’s labyrinthine requirements.
The composition of the market reveals a hesitancy to fully embrace the government’s vision of reusable digital identities. At least 69% of digital identity providers are involved in identity or attribute verification, while just over half issue reusable digital identities.
This suggests that businesses are treating verification as a one-off compliance hurdle rather than a genuine value-add for customers. If the tech industry views these checks merely as a box-ticking exercise, the government’s dream of a seamless, interoperable digital economy remains a distant fantasy.
Faced with mounting pressure from both civil liberties groups and industry lobbyists, there are whispers in Westminster of a potential pause or “review period” for the next phase of rollout. Ministers are particularly sensitive to accusations that the system excludes vulnerable groups who may lack traditional digital footprints. The rush to digitise has arguably outpaced the infrastructure needed to support those on the wrong side of the digital divide, creating a two-tier society of the verified and the unverified.
Progress is being made, but perhaps not at the speed the Treasury would like. Monitoring reports indicate that 60% of organisations offering digital verification services now adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 (AA) or higher, up from 54% in 2024.
While this upward trend is positive, it still leaves a significant portion of the market falling short of inclusivity standards. As 2026 progresses, the government faces a stark choice: push ahead with a flawed system and risk a political disaster, or accept a humiliating delay to fix the major flaws in their digital masterplan.
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There is a palpable shift in the air around Westminster, and it smells distinctly of red tape. For years, the narrative surrounding internet regulation was framed as a necessary shield for the vulnerable, a way to protect users from the darker corners of the web. But as we settle into 2026, that shield has morphed into a sprawling net that catches everything from financial services to casual entertainment. The government’s appetite for control has outgrown its original mandate, transforming the UK’s digital landscape into one of the most heavily policed environments in the Western world.
The cornerstone of this new era is, of course, the enforcement of the Online Safety Act. While the legislation was debated for years, the rubber truly hit the road last year when the grace periods expired. The focus in Whitehall has been absolute compliance, with regulators showing little patience for companies that fail to tick every bureaucratic box. This obsession with safety protocols has created a culture where risk aversion trumps user experience, leading to a sanitised internet that treats everyone like they need supervision.
This paternalistic approach often ignores the reality that consumers are quite capable of doing their own due diligence without the state holding their hand. In many sectors, market-led solutions have already solved the problems that politicians are still debating. For instance, users looking for secure betting sites can already view a full list of licensed operators to ensure they are engaging with compliant businesses with security measures in place to protect their funds, proving that transparency tools are often more effective than heavy-handed legislation.
Despite these existing solutions, the government pressed ahead with strict deadlines. Service providers were required to complete their illegal content risk assessments by 16 March 2025, with protective measures mandated immediately thereafter. The message from the top was clear: the era of self-regulation is over, and the state is now the ultimate arbiter of online risk.
The economic fallout of this regulatory expansion is becoming impossible to ignore. It is not just the tech giants in Silicon Valley who are feeling the pinch; British startups and mid-sized enterprises are drowning in compliance paperwork. The cost of doing business in the UK’s digital sector has skyrocketed, as companies are forced to hire armies of lawyers and compliance officers just to keep the lights on. This diverts capital away from product development and innovation, effectively placing a tax on growth.
The numbers paint a grim picture of the burden placed on the private sector. Recent analysis suggests that the cumulative weight of these rules is acting as a handbrake on the economy. Government estimates have placed the annual compliance costs for businesses as high as 3-4% of GDP, equating to roughly £70 billion annually. For a nation desperate to jumpstart economic growth, draining billions from the most dynamic sectors of the economy seems like a counterintuitive strategy.
This regulatory creep extends well beyond social media. The financial sector, particularly the emerging crypto and digital asset markets, faces a similar squeeze. By applying traditional financial frameworks to decentralised technologies, regulators risk driving innovation offshore. The irony is that in trying to make the UK a “safe” place for digital business, the government is making it an expensive and unattractive one.
In response to this legislative pressure, the market has seen a surge in verification and transparency tools. If the government demands accountability, businesses are responding by building digital paper trails. We are seeing a shift towards “radical transparency,” where platforms are forced to verify user identities and monitor interactions to a degree that would have been unthinkable a decade ago. While this satisfies the regulators, it raises serious questions about privacy and the anonymity that was once a hallmark of the internet.
Consumers are now navigating a web of “know your customer” (KYC) checks for services that used to be frictionless. Whether signing up for a new app or accessing age-restricted content, the friction has increased significantly. This has led to a boom in third-party verification services, which act as intermediaries between the user and the platform. While these tools help companies meet their legal obligations, they also create vast new databases of personal information, which in turn become new targets for cybercriminals.
The drive for transparency is also reshaping how media is consumed. With the Media Act now influencing video-on-demand services, the distinction between traditional broadcasting and online streaming is vanishing. The same strict codes that govern television are being applied to the internet, homogenising content and limiting the diversity of voices available to British audiences.
If we think the current wave of regulation is intrusive, the next wave promises to be even more comprehensive. The government’s gaze has firmly shifted toward Artificial Intelligence. Having established the AI Safety Institute, the ambition is now to move beyond voluntary codes of conduct. The plan for 2025 and beyond involves making voluntary agreements with AI developers legally binding, effectively bringing the development of machine learning under direct state supervision.
This suggests that the “digital nanny state” is not a temporary phase but a long-term political project. The trajectory is clear: more rules, more enforcement, and less freedom for both businesses and consumers. As Westminster tightens its grip, the UK risks becoming a digital fortress—safe, perhaps, but isolated and stagnant. The challenge for the coming years will be determining whether there is any political will left to reverse course, or if we are destined to live in an online world permanently curated by the state.
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UK ministers have been facing increasing pressure to reduce the number of gambling advertisements shown to the public in 2026, but opinions remain divided as to whether this is the right call. On one hand, a series of polls suggests that the UK public is in support of tougher restrictions, yet the popularity of safe gambling options in the UK tells a different story.
Gambling has seen a rapid increase in popularity in the UK over recent years, especially after the development and evolution of online casino gaming options. Many gamblers are able to access a variety of trusted and verified operators, both operating within the UK and overseas. Some of these are even classed as crypto casinos, enabling players to wager and withdraw funds using the popular payment method of cryptocurrency and enjoy the plethora of benefits, such as high security and fast transaction speeds that come with doing so. Others are known to provide several bonuses and rewards to both new and seasoned players, and all implement safer gambling tools to ensure play is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
That being said, there have been several restrictions placed on the gambling sector within the UK, including higher taxes and lower stake limits and now the push to restrict advertisement could make a real dent in the industry should it be passed in law. Many gamblers enter into casino sites for the first time due to the advertisements they see and the bonuses they promote, and taking this away could have a seriously negative effect on casino businesses and those employed by them.
Still, the concerns about the effect these advertisements might have on those subject to them are regularly being voiced, and numerous surveys conducted by More in Common, which was supported by an anti-gambling Campaign by the name of Ending a Losing Streak, revealed that 70% of people questioned said that they were in favour of stricter gambling advertisement regulations. This is a concerning number, yet the accuracy of the polls may not be an accurate reflection of the greater UK public, and the confirmation bias that may have arisen from the anti-gambling campaign’s involvement should not be ignored.
It should also be noted that the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) have assured the public that money spent on gambling promotions has been declining anyway and that all that do exist must follow strict guidelines to ensure they promote safe play that is enjoyable for all. They also drew attention to recent research that failed to find any link between gambling advertisements and problem gambling.
It is difficult to know what the right course of action is here, and at this moment in time, the future actions of ministers on this topic remain murky. On one hand, everyone wants gambling to be a safe and enjoyable pastime, much like gaming, that is done as a leisure activity and not a cause for stress; on the other hand, questions must arise as to whether it is fair to restrict gambling advertisements in such a way without valid scientific research that it is having a negative effect on the public.
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Medical cannabis sits in an awkward space in UK policy. It is legal, tightly controlled, and still politically uneasy. Behind the headlines and arguments sit patients, clinics, and regulators navigating a system shaped as much by government caution as by medical evidence.
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK for several years, yet it remains poorly understood. Public debate often collapses complex regulation into slogans about liberalisation or prohibition. In practice, cannabis-based medicines operate inside a narrow clinical framework, shaped by licensing rules, specialist oversight, and ongoing political scrutiny. Understanding how clinics function, how treatments are categorised, and how policy shapes access helps clarify where medical cannabis actually fits in British healthcare.
The Intricacies behind Reviews and Oversight, And How Clinics Are Scrutinised
Patients exploring specialist treatment often encounter comparisons between providers based on reported experiences and service standards. Mamedica reviews commonly reference how clinics handle consultations, communication, follow-up scheduling, and administrative processes rather than promising outcomes or making clinical claims. The emphasis tends to fall on clarity, responsiveness, and how structured the patient journey feels from first contact onward.
In a sector where prescribing is limited to specialist doctors, transparency matters. Clinics are judged on governance, responsiveness, and how closely they follow regulatory expectations. Clear communication around eligibility, assessment, and ongoing review helps reinforce trust and manage expectations. For patients, this scrutiny offers reassurance that treatment pathways are structured and accountable. For policymakers and commentators, it underlines that medical cannabis operates within healthcare systems rather than outside them. This level of scrutiny reflects the heightened sensitivity surrounding regulated treatments and the expectation that standards remain consistent across providers.
Where National Health Policy Draws the Line
UK health policy defines strict limits around cannabis-based medicines. The NHS makes clear that prescribing is restricted to specific circumstances and specialist settings, with uneven evidence across conditions. This cautious position reflects concern about long-term data, consistency of outcomes, and public expectation.
NICE guidance reinforces these boundaries, outlining when such treatments may be considered and when conventional therapies remain preferred. Together, these frameworks keep medical cannabis within evidence-led medicine. The result is a system designed to minimise risk, prioritise oversight, and resist pressure to expand prescribing beyond what current evidence supports.
This restraint also reflects wider concerns about precedent. Expanding prescribing without stronger evidence would have implications for regulation, funding, and clinical responsibility. By maintaining narrow criteria, health authorities preserve a clear distinction between experimental interest and treatments that meet established medical thresholds.
Strains and Classifications in the Clinical Environment
Public discussion often treats strains as lifestyle categories, but clinical practice works differently. Educational material on medical cannabis strains explains how prescribing focuses on cannabinoid profiles, formulation, and consistency rather than branding or reputation.
Doctors assess how specific medical cannabis strains interact with a patient’s condition, medication history, and tolerance. Products are selected for predictability and control, not novelty. This approach strips away much of the mythology around strain selection and replaces it with clinical reasoning. For patients, understanding this distinction helps reset expectations. Strain information exists to support safe prescribing decisions, not to invite experimentation or consumer choice.
It also reflects the realities of supply and regulation. Clinicians work within approved product lists and consistent manufacturing standards, ensuring continuity of treatment over time. This further limits variation and reinforces that prescribing decisions are shaped by safety, availability, and clinical reliability rather than preference.
The Business Of Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis also sits squarely in political debate. An examination of the UK medical cannabis business shows how regulation, export licensing, and prescribing limits shape the market. Despite being a major exporter, domestic access remains constrained, creating tension between economic opportunity and clinical caution.
This environment influences how clinics operate and how patients experience care. Regulatory complexity, cost pressures, and policy hesitation all feed into the system. The result is neither a free market nor a closed door, but a tightly managed space where healthcare decisions remain subject to political and regulatory oversight.
The Reality of Regulated Care
Directories listing medical cannabis clinics illustrate how private providers fit within UK healthcare. These clinics operate under clinical governance, with specialist doctors responsible for assessment, prescribing, and review. Eligibility decisions consider diagnosis, treatment history, and potential risk rather than demand.
Care continues beyond an initial appointment. Follow-up, monitoring, and adjustment form part of ongoing management. This structure reinforces that medical cannabis is treated like any other specialist intervention. For patients, it means engagement with a medical process rather than access to a product. For regulators, it maintains accountability and consistency within a closely watched field.
Medical cannabis remains politically sensitive, clinically narrow, and tightly controlled. Its legal status does not signal openness, but regulation. Clinics, clinicians, and patients operate within boundaries shaped by evidence, guidance, and policy debate. Understanding those limits matters. It keeps expectations realistic, protects patient safety, and grounds discussion in how the system actually works rather than how it is often portrayed.
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Lord Khan in the Telegraph: “I hope, and I say this in a non-pompous way, that the public service I do will bring rewards in this world and the hereafter,” he says. “I’m hoping the work I do is earning me Brownie points.”