Published on
8 April 2011
Posted in British Politics
The first of a two-part series looking at issues surrounding the UK-wide referendum on the electoral system on 5 May 2011. The second part, No to AV: The Case Against Electoral Reform, has now been published and can be found here. As a Cornishman I am sometimes tempted to feel sorry for supporters of the […]
Published on
30 March 2011
Posted in Big Society, British Politics, Culture, Human Rights, Moral Philosophy, Public Policy, Virtue
We reported here recently on the case of Bed & Breakfast owners sued by a same-sex couple for refusing to allow them to share a double-bed at their Cornish hotel. It now emerges that the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), who funded the claim, are investigating gay hotels for possible unlawful discrimination against heterosexuals. […]
Published on
10 March 2011
Posted in British Politics, Christianity, Civil Liberties, Conscience, Culture, Europe, Islam, Liberty, Public Policy, Religion
Guidelines have now been published for the implementation of France’s much-publicised ban on the wearing of full face-coverings in public places, which will come into force next month. The Guardian reports that – with more than a slight reminder of Communist Vietnam – women caught wearing the burka will be ‘given a citizenship class to […]
Published on
23 February 2011
Posted in British Politics, Marriage & Family, Political Economy, Public Policy
It seems only reasonable that, when there is no paid work to be had in one area, people should seek employment elsewhere. Recently, when asked whether the unemployed of Merthyr Tydfil should look elsewhere for work, Lord Tebbit (of ‘on yer bike’ fame) replied: ‘Yes, people do have to get up and go… People do […]
Published on
17 February 2011
Several media outlets over the weekend reported that the British Government is poised to allow civil partnership ceremonies to be held in places of worship and to include religious elements. Under current legislation, ceremonies are forbidden to include religious readings, music, or symbols. A spokesman for the Home Office said that ‘the government is currently […]
Published on
11 January 2011
Posted in British Politics, Culture, Education, Marriage & Family, Public Policy
Frank Field, the MP chosen to be the government’s so-called ‘poverty czar’, has recommended, in his much-anticipated report on poverty and life chances, that schools should offer parenting GCSEs in an attempt to curb widespread family breakdown in the UK. Readers may feel that this is a faintly ridiculous suggestion, or perhaps a step too […]
Published on
15 November 2010
Posted in British Politics
A draft Bill to complete the reform of the House of Lords is currently being worked on by an all-party parliamentary group. Many of a conservative bent view the prospect of Lords reform with horror as the final nail in the coffin of an ancient British (or English) Constitution. Those of a more progressive persuasion […]
Published on
27 October 2010
Posted in British Politics, Culture
Alongside the stories of swingeing cuts to the budgets of various departments, a number of news sources have picked up on a story about royal finances. For the first time since 1740, a proportion of the revenue generated by the Crown Estate will be given to the reigning monarch, as Chancellor George Osborne announced his […]