Monthly Archives: October 2010
Social care – should we take Osborne’s remarks at face value?
When George Osborne announced to the House of Commons that social care would recieve an addtional average of £2bn year on year, I was sceptical to say the least. During the comprehensive spending review address he stated that; “Some in local government have … Continue reading
The Browne report makes little economic sense
For just about everything the coalition wants to do, we are assured that it is all to do with “the current economic climate”, and with reducing the supposedly awe-inspiringly huge deficit. Without each and every act of Government policy, so … Continue reading
Filed under British Politics, Browne report, Coalition government, Education, Politics, Tuition fees, Vince Cable
The myths behind the cuts
George Osborne’s statement in the House of Commons yesterday did not appear to offer many new ideas. Most of it had been leaked or previously discussed in the public domain. There can be no doubt that cutbacks are needed, but … Continue reading
Filed under Austerity, British Politics, Coalition government, Cuts, Economy, George Osborne, Politics
Are we really all “in this together”?
The letter from Conservative high command via 35 of the UK’s leading businessmen was clearly given to the media to coincide with Alan Johnson’s first appearance as shadow chancellor. It was not just the timing that was a little petulant. … Continue reading
Pointless quote of the day
“Most national security threats arise from actions by others: states or non-state actors, who are hostile to our interests.” William Hague’s national security strategy. I wonder what it takes to work in the Foreign Office these days…?
Filed under British Politics, Politics, William Hague
Browne – right for the wrong reasons
Realists would suggest that the Browne report has some desirable consequences, but you are hard pressed to try and justify the means by which the report intends to achieve them. Whilst Browne advocates a free market approach to tuition fees, … Continue reading
Shad cab surprise
Did anyone foresee Alan Johnson as shadow chancellor? I thought, and hoped Yvette Cooper might get the job, but eventually she was seen as too close to her husband, Ed Balls. Although Ed Balls was hotly tipped too, the perception … Continue reading
Filed under British Politics, Ed Miliband, Politics, Shadow cabinet
Tuition fees fiasco – latest in distasteful ideological agenda
Vince Cable’s stance on tuition fees is laughable. Some months ago, in what David Lammy MP brought to my attention as a choreographed stunt; Cable thrust his weight behind the concept of a graduate tax, as a fairer and progressive … Continue reading
Tories identify deserving poor
It seems the Tories have chosen to pick on a group in society that cannot answer back - children. The message is simple, Hunt suggests that the government will withdraw state support, or cap it in line with the median household … Continue reading
Filed under British Politics, Coalition government, Jeremy Hunt, Politics
Who are you kidding Mr Cameron?
A party political broadcast from the party of government attacking the party in opposition is not standard practice. This is not the first time, that as a party of government, the Tories have dedicated time and resources to an out … Continue reading
Filed under British Politics, Coalition government, David Cameron, Ed Miliband, Politics
