Writing Worth Reading
Writing Worth Reading
David Cameron hand-picked a crew of 30- and 40- somethings as his Tory back-benchers. And got more than he bargained for. They don't toe the line like party hacks. Their rebellions are putting some life back into parliament
David Cameron's "no" to a new European treaty was a negotiating tactic that backfired. He meant to bluff, his bluff got called. Now Britain stands alone. No special relationship with the US, and a dwindling one with the EU ($)
Thoughts on first resignation of a Conservative from British PM's cabinet. Liam Fox is first defence secretary forced by resign by scandal since Profumo. Does his departure say anything more deeply damaging about this government?
Superb, highly readable essay on commercialisation of Britain's national health service. And that's not something I thought I'd ever write. But it's a fascinating story from the pioneers of hip replacement ops to lobbyists of today
Bagehot marks one year of coalition government with a very acute description of Nick Clegg, the velcro man to whom calamities stick, as exasperated by the public's hostility. Don't blame voters, warns Bagehot: just find new ones
Assessment from within the Conservative fold of David Cameron's first year as British prime minister. A "lucky general" and he saw off the danger of the electoral reform referendum. His party still don't trust him though
Superb profile of UK's enigmatic chancellor of the exchequer. On how he has failed to become Britain's most hated man, despite his aristocratic Tory background and savage spending cuts: "I hadn't reckoned on Nick Clegg"
Coalition ends long history of adversarial politics in Britain. Steady shift towards European-style consensual politics begins. "Something important and good is happening"
Whether it succeeds or not, Tories' deal with Lib-Dems is historic moment for Britain comparable to Peel's repeal of Corn Laws, or first-ever Labour government in 1924
Six texts to help new Conservative-Lib-Dem government find narrative drawing on ideas that Cameron, Clegg have in common, while respecting party distinctions
Short, useful check-list of mechanical and legal points (as opposed to policy points) needed for coalition agreement, based on New Zealand experience
