Published on
4 April 2011
Posted in Big Society, Culture, Music & Art, Political Economy, Public Policy
From a Guest Blogger: Painters, writers, musicians, dancers and curators have now been put out of their anxious expectation and into the misery they foretold. The arts are being slashed and there is nothing, it seems, they can do about it. On the lips of so many public servants of all (non-creative) stripes is the […]
Published on
1 April 2011
Posted in Europe, Ireland, Political Economy, Public Policy, World Affairs
From a guest blogger: For anybody who follows Irish politics, the recent general election, in the wake of Ireland’s financial crisis, represents a remarkable change in the Irish political landscape, but is also instructive about the underlying dynamics of Ireland’s relationship with the European union (EU). The centre-right party that has long dominated Irish politics […]
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
8 March 2011
Posted in Ethics in Business, Europe, Human Rights, Legal Affairs, Public Policy, Social Commentary
From a guest blogger: If I were to describe a friend as possessed of ‘discriminating taste’ many would think I had proffered a compliment. Images of a man who knows his Virgil from his Wagner come to mind, not to mention the knowledge that ‘V’ and ‘W’ in those names should be pronounced in the […]
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
9 February 2011
Posted in Europe, Political Economy, Public Policy, World Affairs
From a guest blogger who is a Swedish National: What is so fascinating about the Nordic countries, besides their natural beauty, polar lights, and, allegedly beautiful blondes? To the foreign observer, the region seems to be filled with tranquil mystery churning out high-tech goods, economic growth and happy people. As The Economist rightly notes, this […]