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Patently Absurd
Despite world-class universities and a strong science base, Britain produces fewer patents per person than most major economies. More concerning still, innovation in Britain is declining at the same time as it is accelerating in other global markets.
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Left Home: the Myth of Tory Assentation’s in the Election of 1997
The Conservative Party is about to undertake a comprehensive review of its philosophy and policies. That quest should be primarily shaped by considerations of intellectual integrity. It is, though, both inevitable and proper that matters of political calculation might conceivable enter the equation.
Federal Britain: No longer unthinkable?
FEDERAL BRITAIN ARGUES THAT Tony Blair’s Government is destabilising the political and constitutional framework of the United Kingdom, by devolutionary shreds and patches.
Electoral Reform: The Risks of Unintended Consequences
The Independent Commission on the Voting System is required by its terms of reference to observe four principle conditions. These are “broad proportionality” in any scheme proposed; “the need for stable government”; “an extension of voter choice”; and “the maintenance of a link between MPs and geographical constituencies”. It is highly unlikely that any voting scheme can at once and the same time meet all these criteria.
Further Considerations on the EMU: It will create instability and destroy employment
In the UK, a large number of banks and building societies compete to take deposits and to lend. In consequence any British company or family which can offer adequate security can obtain all the finance it requires at interest rates close to the rate the Bank of England establishes.
Britain’s Final Choice: Europe or America?
I want to thank the Centre for Policy Studies for this distinguished invitation. It would always be a privilege to speak to an organisation founded and inspired by Keith Joseph and Margaret Thatcher.
A Market under Threat: How the European Union could destroy the British Art Market
A large and important British industry is under threat; not from competitive pressures, but from a hostile tax regime imposed by the European Union
Who do we think we are?
Conservative MP for Havant and Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Employment, David Willets looks at how the Conservative Party has consistently characterised the nation.
One Year On: The ‘new politics’ and Labour
David Selbourne investigates the first twelve months of the ‘new’ Labour Government and the contradictions at the heart of their politics.
A Better Deal for London
Jeffrey Archer looks at London, and argues that more investment should be going into the capital rather than using it to subsidise the rest of the UK.
Change and Tradition: Thinking creatively about the Constitution
Conservative Party leader William Hague MP delivers a speech to the Centre for Policy Studies on Constitutional change and tradition.
Britain’s Place in the World: Time to Decide
Britain’s relationship with Europe since 1945 has been an agony of compromise. An active British involvement in a European political identity was being considered as early as 1947-8 by Ernest Bevin with his short-lived flirtation with the notion of Britain leading a global ‘third force’. And, since 1961, successive governments have sought qualified involvement with ‘the European project’.
Value for Money in LEA Schools
It is generally agreed that, whatever other outcomes may be desirable for schools to foster – and there are many of them -, the standards achieved are the most important. It is also accepted that the funds available for education are finite – and that it is essential that what money is available is spent effectively.
The Ghost of Toryism Past: the Spirit of Conservatism Future
I was delighted to be asked by the Centre for Policy studies to give this lecture. But as a member of the Cabinet which led the Conservative Party to its greatest ever defeat, and as a former Member of Parliament who lost to Labour on a 17% swing, you will understand that I am not here to lecture anyone.
The Dearing Report on Higher Education: A Personal Response
This pamphlet considers the report of the National Committee on Higher Education, Higher Education in the Learning Society (‘the Report’ or ‘Dearing’). This Committee, under the Chairmanship of Sir Ron Dearing, was set up by Mrs Shephard as Secretary of State for Education and Employment in 1996, jointly with her then shadow David Blunkett.
The Creation and Destruction of EMU
It is becoming clear that the United Kingdom will be fortunate not to be a founder member of the EMU when it is launched on 1 January 1999. Once they have embarked, all those countries which do join will have the same short-term interest rates – yet the representatives of each country will only have the influence of a single voter over their determination.
Class on the Brain: The cost of a British obsession
Twenty years after the first edition of this pamphlet appeared, it remains part of contemporary political folklore that a restrictive and diverse class system is the bane of this country. The system is supposed to be a major barrier to economic progress in Britain and also a significant source of justified social discontent. This is untrue.
