Tag Archives: UK Politics
The best arguments for and against AV
The public ‘debate’on the referendum for the alternative vote has been shameful. Red herring and dishonest arguments have been pushed by both sides. I’d have rather they kept the debate on the following terms: The best case for the YES … Continue reading
Filed under Election, Politics, UK, UK Politics
Interns: The Whole System is Wrong
One of the more worrying American imports in recent years is the so-called ‘internship’. Nick Clegg launched an attack on them yesterday, and has opened himself up to ‘hypocrite’charges as a result. For anyone with no idea what a internship … Continue reading
Filed under Economy, UK, UK Politics
The Daily Cost of Servicing Our Debt
This diagram graphically represents the size of our daily spending on servicing our debt in comparison with our daily spend on other areas. It is a sobering reminder ahead of today’s budget of why eliminating the structural deficit must … Continue reading
Filed under Economy, UK, UK Politics
“1.6 Million Children in the UK Live in Severe Poverty”. Erm. Really?
Today there has been an alarming headline that 1.6 million children in the UK live in ‘severe poverty’. Examples of the reportage can be seen at the BBC and Guardian. Every now and again a news stat sets off … Continue reading
Filed under Center right, Centre Right, Economy, Politics, UK, UK Politics, Uncategorized
Ed Balls: The Return of Brownite Economics
Let’s face it: Ed Balls was to Gordon Brown as Laurel was to Hardy. His return will no doubt lead to ‘another fine mess’. This surprise reshuffle does change the calculus of Labour’s electability. When Ed Milliband decided not … Continue reading
Filed under Economy, Politics, UK, UK Politics
Put the armour on. 2011 is going to Hurt
Happy New Year. Or is it? The reality is that 2011 is going to be pretty miserable for the whole country. Any honeymoon period for the Coalition (if there was one) is up. The reality of austerity measures are kicking-in. … Continue reading
Filed under Economy
The Worrying Rise of Lefty Internet Activism
Tim Montogomerie’s reflections on Iain’s Dale’s departure from the blog world got me thinking. Tim says the right previously enjoyed being in front on web campaigning but now risk falling behind if they haven’t already. He points particularly at … Continue reading
Filed under Politics, UK Politics
Insider View of Coalition Negotiations
On Tuesday I attended a fascinating seminar at Portcullis House on the nuts and bolts of the Coalition negotiations in May. The speakers were Lib Dem David Laws and Tory MP Rob Wilson, both of whom are peddling their respective … Continue reading
Filed under Centre Right, Politics, UK, UK Politics
Does the Irish bailout teach the UK anything about austerity measures?
Ireland has bowed to the inevitable and accepted the necessity of a bailout. There will be a lot written about the causes and blame for the sorry state of affairs. Take your pick: Reckless bank lending, reckless corporate and individual … Continue reading
Filed under Centre Right, Economy, Politics, UK, UK Politics
Sir Philip Green: Great Report – Wrong Conclusion
We don’t need a Ministry of Paper-Clips, Open Data is the Answer. Sir Philip Green’s report on government spending is now online. Unlike most Government reports it’s a succinct thirty page slide deck in big print that can be read … Continue reading
Filed under Economy, Politics, UK, UK Politics, Uncategorized
