We will all suffer if Cameron’s brand of Conservatism fails
Jenni Russell, writing in the Guardian, says that the Conservatives’ policies on the Database State are preferable to Labour’s:
Cameron has set the broad parameters, redefining his party as one that cares about being green and socially just, protecting civil liberties and devolving power. Beyond that, the leadership are openly canvassing for ideas. They recognise that if they are to change Britain, particularly at a time of economic implosion, they need to consult widely because they can’t afford to squander resources or time. They know there are holes in some of their policies – particularly the absence of a convincing narrative on the economy. That’s why they are mulling over ideas as radical as red Toryism, which advocates a living rather than a minimum wage, and putting capital in the hands of the poor.
Critics dismiss this sort of thing, like Cameron’s Davos speech – in which he called for markets to serve society – as sheer posturing. It can’t all be shrugged off. It is true there are glaring inconsistencies in policy. Cutting inheritance tax makes no sense if the wider aim is to reduce inequality, and though Tories deplore increasing poverty they offer no financial mechanism to raise the income of the poor.
But some policies are much more progressive than Labour’s. The pupil premium, which gives most money to the most disadvantaged children, is startlingly redistributive. Prison plans put rehabilitation at the centre of criminal justice. The Tories are much stronger on civil liberties and reining in the database state. And they intend to free public services from the target culture straitjacket.
March 8th, 2009 at 20:50
You really think a weathervane like David Cameron can be trusted with civil liberties? So answer me this one… did he strongly support David Davies when he forced a by-election on the issue of civil liberties or was he clearly aghast? And even if he declaims occasionally on the issue like one of the ‘good guys’, might I refer you to his prior record on honouring his understakings when he has got what we wants? When he speaks to the Adam Smith Institute, he is pro-free trade and light government, when he speaks to a Guardian journalist, he is green, pro-regulation and ’socially aware’. It does not matter if you agree with him or not on a given policy issue but has his sudden changed stance on Europe once he won the Tory leadership vanished down the memory hole? A trust worthy man, eh? Oh please.
The notion Cameron is meaningfully different to current shower is laughable.
March 9th, 2009 at 21:09
Much though we would like to hear something positive about civil liberties, it is unrealistic to expect “Call me Dave” to say much now. He has everything to lose and very little to gain. Whatever he says about civil liberties or the economy or foreign affairs can all be attacked from another perspective. He will sit on the fence for as long as he can whilst occasionally throwing some policy titbit to the press.
There may be a strong pro-police agenda in the Conservatives which I do not like, but I do not believe there is support for a systematic undermining of general civil liberties like there is with Labour. Labour believes the Government always knows best, and that has lead them down the path that they have taken. This is largely missing amongst Conservatives.