Contributors
Thank you for your interest in Comment Central.
We only accept original comment pieces and ask that all submissions comply with the following guidelines:
- Pieces should not exceed 750 words
- Spell out names rather than using acronyms
- Links to further reading are permissible provided they are not commercial in nature
- Generic press releases are not accepted
- Product promotion is not accepted
- Comments about events, such as budgets, sporting occasions and international gatherings, need to be submitted during or very shortly after those events to be considered
What topics do Comment Central cover?
We are keen to hear a wide range of views and are particularly interested in comment pieces on the following topics:
- Politics and current affairs
- Environment
- Health and social care
- Education
- Business & technology
Author biography
- All submissions should be attached with your full name, headshot and a short biography
- We are happy to link to a personal or organisation website in the biography
All submissions should be sent to our Editorial team: editor@commentcentral.co.uk
Douglas Ricardo Beattie, born 13 October 1965, is a Northern Irish Independent Unionist politician and former British Army officer who has served as a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for Upper Bann since 2016. He led the Ulster Unionist Party from 27 May 2021 until 28 September 2024, during which time he sought to position the party along progressive and moderate unionist lines. Beattie resigned his UUP membership in May 2026 and now sits as an independent representative.
Throughout his political career, Beattie has been characterised as a progressive and moderate voice within Northern Irish unionism, drawing on his military background and constituency experience to shape his approach to policy and governance. His leadership of the UUP marked a significant period in the party's recent history as it navigated the evolving political landscape of Northern Ireland. Doug Beattie writes commentary for Comment Central.
Dr Andrew Smith is a British Labour Party politician who represented Oxford East in Parliament for three decades, serving as the constituency's Member of Parliament from 1987 until his retirement at the 2017 general election. During his long parliamentary career, he held two significant Cabinet positions under the Labour government. He served as Chief Secretary to the Treasury from 1999 to 2002, where he was responsible for public expenditure control and management across government departments. He subsequently took on the role of Secretary of State for Work and Pensions from 2002 to 2004, overseeing welfare policy and employment programmes during a period of significant reform. His ministerial experience gave him extensive knowledge of fiscal policy, public spending, and social security matters. After stepping down from the Commons in 2017, he has continued to contribute to political discourse, drawing on his decades of experience in economic and social policy. Dr Smith now writes commentary for Comment Central.
Dr Andy Cope is the Director of Evidence and Insight at Sustrans, the charity making it easier for everyone to walk, wheel and cycle.
Dr. Avi Hari Narayanan is a Clinical Research Physician at Re:Cognition Health, UK, specialising in pharmaceutical medicine and working at the cutting edge of clinical neuroscience and dementia research.
Dr Beccy Cooper MP is a British politician and public health consultant who has represented Worthing West in Parliament since July 2024. Before her election to Westminster, she served as leader of Worthing Borough Council from 2022 to 2024, where she gained experience in local governance and community health initiatives.
As a public health consultant, Dr Cooper brings specialist expertise in health policy to her parliamentary work. Her background in public health has informed her approach to both local and national policy challenges. Since entering Parliament in 2024, she has focused on health-related matters drawing on her professional experience in the field. Dr Cooper writes commentary for Comment Central, sharing her insights on public health policy and political developments.
Dr Benjamin Caswell is a Senior Economist working in the Macroeconomic team at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research.
Dr Dan Boucher is a former member of the Conservative Party and Conservative Parliamentary candidate in Wales. He left the Party over the Protocol and moved to Northern Ireland where he now works as Senior Researcher to Jim Allister, the MP for North Antrim and Leader of the TUV.
Dr David Aikman is an American author, journalist and foreign policy consultant born in 1944. Throughout his distinguished career, he has established himself as a respected voice on international affairs and global politics, combining his expertise in journalism with deep knowledge of foreign policy matters.
As a consultant, Aikman has provided strategic counsel on international relations whilst maintaining an active writing career that spans both journalism and authorship. His professional experience encompasses extensive work analysing global events and political developments, particularly in the realm of foreign affairs. His insights draw upon decades of observation and reporting on international issues. Dr Aikman now contributes commentary to Comment Central, offering readers his seasoned perspective on political and policy matters.
