Simon Hill

International Politics & Public Money

Simon Hill follows international politics, budgets, and the public money underneath diplomatic smiles. He asks who benefits, who pays, and which cost vanished from the communique. He brings a calculator to a geopolitical knife fight.

Articles By Simon Hill

86 published articles

Democrawonk — A bank executive stamps 2 DAYS on four weekly calendar rows as a toy commuter train passes coin slots; an older calendar shows two marked days.

NatWest Changes The Unit. Workers Change Their Lives.

BusinessOctober 20, 2026 at 1:43 PM EDTBy Simon Hill

Two days per month becomes two per week. The bank has edited a phrase; workers have a longer assignment.

Democrawonk — Cartoon of a minister at a lectern fitted with a pink life ring beside a hanging rain poncho, overalls and gloves.

The Protective Ring Was Not Available In Your Size

PoliticsOctober 20, 2026 at 10:59 AM EDTBy Simon Hill

The Covid inquiry documents care staff improvising protective equipment while the government described a protective ring.

Democrawonk — A complacent official in a dry office admires a torn paper umbrella beside a window showing rain over houses.

Ukraine Cannot Shelter Under A Readiness To Help

PoliticsOctober 20, 2026 at 6:28 AM EDTBy Simon Hill

After deadly Russian attacks, the useful measure of promised support is what reaches the people who need protection.

Democrawonk — An official sorts pink envelopes in front of a cabinet containing miniature playground equipment, including one swing frame with no seat.

Childhood Has Been Sorted By Postal Code

PoliticsOctober 19, 2026 at 9:19 PM EDTBy Simon Hill

Six days in one place, 118 in another. England has made childhood an exercise in choosing the right address before you are born.

Democrawonk — A relaxed official removes pages from a huge calendar marked LATER while a suitcase waits beside an empty chair.

Permission To Stay, Until The Government Finds A Calendar

PoliticsOctober 19, 2026 at 7:20 PM EDTBy Simon Hill

Ukraine and Sudan TPS holders retain protection. Washington has left the duration to a later announcement.