Does the government need a 'Plan B'?‏

A lot of this is clearly speculative, but I did tell (everyone) so.
Taking demand out of the economy has seen a slowing of the economy. The stimulus package kept the economy going reasonably but the cuts have begun to hit it, and hard. Another problem is confidence as if people think there will be a recession then it is far more likely to happen.
Aside from my gloating, there are some pretty serious issues here. I feel the economic problems with my inability to get a decent job or even security in the shitty one I have.
The political bits of this really are not as important to me as the effects on my life and prospects, but this would be hugely damaging to both coalition parties if the economy tanks. If that's the case Labour will have an open goal for 5/10 years. And given Ed miliband's performances I think we might need it. Ed Balls is a heavy weight so might add something there but has the potential to fuck everything up and piss everyone off.
What matters to me is my job and lively hood, my prospects in the short, medium and long term. The inside of the Westminster bubble does not greatly concern me at the moment

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/nickrobinson/2011/02/does_the_govern.html

priorities

I'm just listening to the Guardian politics podcast and they went from talking to the economy to talking civil liberties. in all honesty, the economy is far more important. at the end of the day, i care about having a job and a decent standard of living far more than the civil rights of suspected terrorists. i would imagine most people are the same.
with growth stallling and inflation rising i'm worried about my job, i'm worried about my medium to long term prospects too and the idea of getting blown up doesn't help on that.
as someone who thinks terrorism is a terrible thing i'm not entirely sympathetic even though i'm a big believer in personal freedom and liberty

Pat McFadden

I thought Pat McFadden has just been very good on Pienaar's Politics. He made some very good points without being off-putting, good work.

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Inflation hits 3.7% after record monthly increase

I find this interesting because as a working man I am feeling the effects of this on my day to day living rather than just from an academic point of view. My monthly travel card is up by 5%, and with food costs rising too my wages are coming under greater pressure. The thing is that my wages have not increased to compensate for the rising costs of living. I hope that the Bank and government get a handle on this because it's a worry. As a saver I am also concerned about the low interest rates which would have some small compensatory pressure by helping my savings. There is clearly a moral hazard issue here, but I am far more concerned about the money in my bank account than the moralities, but when the actions of some well rewarded financial services types adversely impact my living standards it's not abstract

"I'm sure we'll be advised that holding wages down while the cost of living rises is the highest form of social responsibility. But with CEOs' salaries rising at record rates, with the Forbes Rich List collective value rising by a record 40% last year, it doesn't sound as if this advice is being applied universally.

In fact, it sounds like outright economic class war: senior posts in all institutions now are being paid top-rate salaries in return for reducing costs and salaries among the lower-paid. I work in a university and the above applies there in spades"

Excellent point
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/jan/18/inflation-december-2010-record-monthly-increase

Baroness Warsi says Muslim prejudice seen as normal‏

I think she may well have a point about it being the last acceptable prejudice.
For me personally, I don't care much for any religion. I do, however, believe that people can be divided into moderates and extremists. But for me the most important division is into terrorists and not, those who use violence to gain their political ends and those who don't. I'm on the side of those who use democracy to reach political goals and against those who use violence. In that case, faith doesn't come into it.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12235237

The Speaker: Bercow's boundaries | Editorial

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/jan/20/the-speaker-bercow
"Some, like Lady Boothroyd, regret his informality of dress"
I personally see that as a positive. I personally think all the pomp and ceremony of parliament really detracts from the work it does.


"It would not be hard to be better than Speaker Martin - but Speaker Bercow has made a consistently positive difference to the standing and work of the Commons. He is a reformer at a time when a reformer has been needed. He is a good communicator."
I agree with these. I think he's pretty decent, and the fact that Nadine Dorries hates his guts means he's probably doing something right. Aside from the enemy of my enemy being my friend, I think he's doing well and making a stand on issues that are important.

"On what subjects should a Speaker be heard if not on the role and credibility of the chamber he chairs?"
Can't argue with that

NHS reform: 7 in 10 pen pushers will keep jobs despite 'biggest shake up ever'

Some very interesting bits in the comments section. I thought they were anti-Labour at the Daily Heil, but it seems they are opposed to these reforms. Having said that, I wouldn't be surprised if they were just anti-everything

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1348613/NHS-reform-7-10-pen-pushers-jobs-despite-biggest-shake-ever.html

Reality bites for coalition government

The vast inequalities are really quite staggering, and I'd like to think that people won't stand for them. But I don't hold my breath, Jordan's on the front page somewhere.
The huge bonuses and huge cut to charity go against one of the things I was often told in favour of right-ist solutions: that letting people have their own money means they will give more to charity. Now this is a one off case, but it's pretty fucking disgusting none the less
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/blog/2011/jan/20/reality-bites-coalition-government-promises

Alan Johnson's resignation

I obviously don't know any details but it's sad to see him go.
I thought he did a decent job in the face of the most incredible snobbery about his background and education.
All the best AJ

UK unemployment inches below 2.5m

I now believe unemployment to be an issue of the highest importance. It's a personal tragedy to be unemployed and government, for me, should do all it can to try to ensure people are in jobs.
It is by having people in work that the economy will be strong, in addition to any things about personal development or stuff like that. money in the pocket, stability and security flow from having a job and for that it is vital.

Also, it shows how badly the Tories botched up our economy in the 80s with 3 million out of work. The population is higher now yet we have less people out of work than we did then
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/jan/19/uk-unemployment-claimant-count-drops-ons