Intergenerational equity and the perils of groupthink

As the implications of what it appears that the coalition is about to do in the upcoming budget sinks in, I have to admit to growing increasingly concerned. No-one – outside of the Labour leadership contest anyway – denies that the structural deficit needs to be tackled or that we don’t face some unpleasant spending… Continue reading Intergenerational equity and the perils of groupthink

Has David Willetts really thought through his pro-tuition fees argument?

I really am starting to wonder if the Tories get economics at all (on a related note, see my latest article on the Social Liberal Forum). In a fascinatingly revealing intemperate rant to the Guardian, David Willetts has described students as a “burden on the taxpayer” and that “the so-called debt [students] have is more… Continue reading Has David Willetts really thought through his pro-tuition fees argument?

Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones: victim or player of the race card?

Back in September last year, I wrote about Chippenham Tory candidate Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones and specifically about his claim that the Lib Dems’ criticism of him not being local had racist undertones (declaration: his rival Duncan Hames is a friend of mine). I suggested that this was a case of the Tories getting their excuses in… Continue reading Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones: victim or player of the race card?