HM Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022

Her Majesty the Queen has died aged 96. We knew it was going to happen at some point, but it is still a deeply sad moment.

For many, she was the symbol of Britain and the Commonwealth. The most travelled, the most photographed, the most chronicled. Seventy years of devoted service to her people, a reign of record length for this country. A woman of deep faith as well.

She was by many, many millions, even hardened republicans.

She will be deeply missed and we will never see her like again.

Rest in Peace, Your Majesty.

Mikhail Gorbachev 1931-2022

The former Soviet leader, who died earlier this week, has a decidedly mixed legacy. His actions in ending the Cold War and allowing the Soviet bloc to peacefully break away made the world a safer place. A different leader would have fought a lot harder, and things might have been even worse.

However, he wasn't a perfect man and some of his actions are more questionable - the Soviet action in Afghanistan, even if he did eventually withdraw, played a large part in creating the conditions that allow that country to be a hotbed of extremism. He did also use force on a few occasions against independence movement.

Unfortunately for him and the world, much of the positive work he did has been completely undone by Putin and we are dealing with the consequences.

Liz Truss

This woman is likely to be the next PM, something that should be confirmed tomorrow. She's got a very tough inbox to deal with and I'm not exactly sure she's going to be up to the job based on her past record, which hasn't filled me with confidence.

We shall see.