Jasmine Spring

The fragrant Jasmine flower with its almost overwhelming scent is not producing the political results we would all like to see. Gaddafi is still in power in Libya, Assad in Syria and Ali Saleh in Yemen. Perhaps we should describe the 'uprisings' in all these countries as part of an uncertain spring since it seems likely that even Gaddafi will remain in power for some time to come. One result of all the turmoil in the Middle East/North Africa though is the upsurge of interest in the London buy to rent market. So much so that flats with relatively short leases are being sold at significant prices. I heard today of a small two bedroom flat in Redcliffe Square which is being sold for £1.2 million. The buyer's idea is to let the flat out to wealthy Arabs and North Africans who have fled from their homelands in fear of their lives. Truly an ill wind blows no one any good - unless you are in the buy to rent business. One can but hope that these visitors to our shores come with plenty of money in their pockets and are able to afford everything their hearts desire and boost our economy to boot. We need as many boosts to our economy as we can get what with our deficit getting bigger by bailing out Portugal.