conservativehome--2020-07-13--Introducing Johnson, Hancock and Cummings’ new Red Wall-friendly, Labour-style NHS

At the end of May , NHS England announced that dentists could re-open as of the start of next week .
The decision was not made by Ministers .
It was not even cleared by them .
Almost immediately , dentists themselves began to protest that they didn ’ t have the personal protective equipment necessary in the time of Coronavirus .
But NHS England didn ’ t get the consequent kick in the teeth .
Ministers did , because they ’ re held responsible for what happens to health services , regardless of whether or not they have decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hancock and Dominic Cummings have had enough of it .
Stand ready for the most remarkable change in NHS policy for over 30 years – and a U-turn on what has been the trend in healthcare policy-making during that period .
Its core principle has been to stress competition rather than co-operation .
Enter the first of the three main actors : Ken Clarke .
In 1988 , with the health service ’ s finances , as so often , in deep trouble , the then new Health Secretary came up with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putting purchasing power in the hands of doctors themselves .
He drove GP fundholding through his party and Parliament .
Travel on to the New Labour era , and meet our second player : Alan Milburn .
A Blairite reformer , he adapted the concept of foundation hospitals from Spain , envisaging NHS trusts with managerial and financial freedoms .
The Coalition abolished their private patients income cap , but they must do most of their wok for the NHS .
That era brings us to our third figure : Andrew Lansley .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary would deliver evolutionary change .
Instead , he aimed for radical reform : “ a reorganisation so big you can see it from outer space , ” as David Nicholson , then NHS Chief Executive , put it .
Despite a Liberal Democrat revolt and a humiliating “ pause ” to his legislation , Lansley got much of what he wanted – including the elements that now so frustrate Johnson and Hancock .
The former Health Secretary envisaged politicians removed from the day-to-day management of the NHS .
Hence NHS England , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – and the dentists ’ episode that we report above : only one instance of many in which Ministers feel they have been let down by NHS institutions during the Covid-19 outbreak , especially over a quick national roll-out of testing .
But it ’ s important to grasp that the frustration of Ministers with the system hasn ’ t simply been sparked by the Coronavirus .
Jeremy Hunt presaged their discontent – operating with an A1 piece of paper pinned to his office wall detailing that week ’ s NHS “ never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that should never have been made .
Hunt had an activist view of the Health Secretary ’ s role , writing on this site three years ago about how he introduced a programme of “ Ofsted-Style ratings and special measures into the NHS ” .
But he was forced to operate within the framework that Lansley had established .
Then came Hancock .
His period at the Department of Health has been so consumed by the virus that it ’ s easy to forget he was there before it came – indeed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December ’ s election .
Which is when he took up the Health Select Committee ’ s cry of “ collaboration not competition ” .
Hancock threw his support “ behind an integrated commissioning framework which prioritises collaboration rather than choice and competition ” , according to one report last October .
“ We have to make it easier for people to work together across the siloes , ” he said .
So there is a bit of recent history to reports that the Prime Minister wants Ministers to “ regain much of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost in 2012 ” – in other words , as a consequence of the Lansley reform .
A taskforce is meeting .
A Bill is planned .
Even foundation status may go .
We doubt that last will happen – but Johnson , Hancock and Cummings will want to get a move on .
The fear in Number Ten is that the Coronavirus will ebb during the summer , but return during the winter – and that the Government will once more get it in the neck , as they see it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Bevan said that ‘ the sound of a dropped bedpan in Tredegar should reverberate around the Palace of Westminster ’ .
But the problem is that when NHS England drops it , Ministers get the blame , ” one source told ConservativeHome .
That suggests legislation fast .
This site is all for public service reform – a theme absent , on a large scale at least , from Michael Gove ’ s recent speech about change among civil servants and Ministers .
But it would come in this case with at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will attack any significant change as “ Tory privatisation of the NHS ” .
Never mind that Milburn ’ s changes were written up at the time as “ a sort of halfway house between the public and private sectors ” .
Or that the reforms the Government wants sounds suspiciously like…Jeremy Corbyn ’ s manifesto .
“ We will repeal the Health and Social Care Act and reinstate the responsibilities of the Secretary of State to provide a comprehensive and universal healthcare system , ” it declared .
But what Johnson actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A Bill will also risk hostility from the doctors ’ trade union , the British Medical Association .
Second , major structural reform of the system , entirely absent from last year ’ s Conservative Manifesto , will also come under fire from the Prime Minister ’ s right – at least if it is structured in the way that the leaks and briefings from government suggest .
Central control of the system is the problem , not the solution , the right-wing thinks will queue up to argue .
And they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want a more responsive healthcare system , don ’ t we need a more mixed , better funded , locally-led one – like Germany ’ s , Andrew Gimson has argued on ConservativeHome .
Back in Downing Street , Johnson and Cummings won ’ t mind at all if free marketeers , libertarians and classical liberals line up to roast their ideas .
For if the Government becomes seen as the champion of the NHS , they will think , so much the better for its electoral prospects .
More money for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system , and tax cuts for lower paid workers have long been a Cummings triple theme , together with more funding for the police .
Not to mention a curb on abuses of security and control claimed in the name of human rights and delivered by judicial review .
Johnson ’ s own recent health history , suffering with Covid-19 in an intensive care ward , sets him up credibly as a defender of the Bevan ’ s creation .
The claim that the Conservatives are reinventing themselves a populist , Brexity Hezza-type @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Here is the latest manifestation of taking back control .

At the end of May, NHS England announced that dentists could re-open as of the start of next week. The decision was not made by Ministers. It was not even cleared by them. Almost immediately, dentists themselves began to protest that they didn’t have the personal protective equipment necessary in the time of Coronavirus.
But NHS England didn’t get the consequent kick in the teeth. Ministers did, because they’re held responsible for what happens to health services, regardless of whether or not they have decision making-powers. And Boris Johnson, Matt Hancock and Dominic Cummings have had enough of it.
Stand ready for the most remarkable change in NHS policy for over 30 years – and a U-turn on what has been the trend in healthcare policy-making during that period. Its core principle has been to stress competition rather than co-operation.
Enter the first of the three main actors: Ken Clarke. In 1988, with the health service’s finances, as so often, in deep trouble, the then new Health Secretary came up with the idea of dividing the two, and putting purchasing power in the hands of doctors themselves. He drove GP fundholding through his party and Parliament.
Travel on to the New Labour era, and meet our second player: Alan Milburn. A Blairite reformer, he adapted the concept of foundation hospitals from Spain, envisaging NHS trusts with managerial and financial freedoms. The Coalition abolished their private patients income cap, but they must do most of their wok for the NHS.
That era brings us to our third figure: Andrew Lansley. David Cameron thought that his first Health Secretary would deliver evolutionary change. Instead, he aimed for radical reform: “a reorganisation so big you can see it from outer space,” as David Nicholson, then NHS Chief Executive, put it.
Despite a Liberal Democrat revolt and a humiliating “pause” to his legislation, Lansley got much of what he wanted – including the elements that now so frustrate Johnson and Hancock. The former Health Secretary envisaged politicians removed from the day-to-day management of the NHS.
Hence NHS England, its powerful Chief Executive, Simon Stevens – and the dentists’ episode that we report above: only one instance of many in which Ministers feel they have been let down by NHS institutions during the Covid-19 outbreak, especially over a quick national roll-out of testing.
But it’s important to grasp that the frustration of Ministers with the system hasn’t simply been sparked by the Coronavirus. Jeremy Hunt presaged their discontent – operating with an A1 piece of paper pinned to his office wall detailing that week’s NHS “never events”: serious mistakes with patients that should never have been made.
Hunt had an activist view of the Health Secretary’s role, writing on this site three years ago about how he introduced a programme of “Ofsted-Style ratings and special measures into the NHS”. But he was forced to operate within the framework that Lansley had established.
Then came Hancock. His period at the Department of Health has been so consumed by the virus that it’s easy to forget he was there before it came – indeed, that he was in place before last December’s election. Which is when he took up the Health Select Committee’s cry of “collaboration not competition”.
Hancock threw his support “behind an integrated commissioning framework which prioritises collaboration rather than choice and competition”, according to one report last October. “We have to make it easier for people to work together across the siloes,” he said.
So there is a bit of recent history to reports that the Prime Minister wants Ministers to “regain much of the direct control over the NHS they lost in 2012” – in other words, as a consequence of the Lansley reform. A taskforce is meeting. A Bill is planned. Even foundation status may go.
We doubt that last will happen – but Johnson, Hancock and Cummings will want to get a move on. The fear in Number Ten is that the Coronavirus will ebb during the summer, but return during the winter – and that the Government will once more get it in the neck, as they see it, for mistakes not of their making.
“Bevan said that ‘the sound of a dropped bedpan in Tredegar should reverberate around the Palace of Westminster’. But the problem is that when NHS England drops it, Ministers get the blame,” one source told ConservativeHome.
That suggests legislation fast. This site is all for public service reform – a theme absent, on a large scale at least, from Michael Gove’s recent speech about change among civil servants and Ministers. But it would come in this case with at least two consequences.
First, Labour will attack any significant change as “Tory privatisation of the NHS”. Never mind that Milburn’s changes were written up at the time as “a sort of halfway house between the public and private sectors”. Or that the reforms the Government wants sounds suspiciously like…Jeremy Corbyn’s manifesto.
“We will repeal the Health and Social Care Act and reinstate the responsibilities of the Secretary of State to provide a comprehensive and universal healthcare system,” it declared. But what Johnson actually does will make next to no difference. A Bill will also risk hostility from the doctors’ trade union, the British Medical Association.
Second, major structural reform of the system, entirely absent from last year’s Conservative Manifesto, will also come under fire from the Prime Minister’s right – at least if it is structured in the way that the leaks and briefings from government suggest.
Central control of the system is the problem, not the solution, the right-wing thinks will queue up to argue. And they will have a point. If we want a more responsive healthcare system, don’t we need a more mixed, better funded, locally-led one – like Germany’s, Andrew Gimson has argued on ConservativeHome.
Back in Downing Street, Johnson and Cummings won’t mind at all if free marketeers, libertarians and classical liberals line up to roast their ideas. For if the Government becomes seen as the champion of the NHS, they will think, so much the better for its electoral prospects.
More money for the health service, an Australian-style immigration points system, and tax cuts for lower paid workers have long been a Cummings triple theme, together with more funding for the police. Not to mention a curb on abuses of security and control claimed in the name of human rights and delivered by judicial review.
Johnson’s own recent health history, suffering with Covid-19 in an intensive care ward, sets him up credibly as a defender of the Bevan’s creation. The claim that the Conservatives are reinventing themselves a populist, Brexity Hezza-type, Red Wall-friendly party needs no introduction. Here is the latest manifestation of taking back control.


conservativehome--2020-07-13--Neil O’Brien: No, more economic prosperity doesn’t depend on more social liberalism

Danny Finkelstein took issue with Boris Johnson ’ s idea of “ levelling up ” in the Times the other day .
He reviewed the work of Richard Florida , a thinker dubbed the “ patron saint of avocado toast ” for highlighting the role of bohemian urbanites in driving economic regeneration .
Danny concludes from his work that , “ Social liberalism and economic prosperity go together.
” He argues that : “ in order to match the success and power of metropolitan areas , non-metropolitan places need to become more… metropolitan .
The problem with the metropolitan “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is too much of it .
It ’ s that there aren ’ t enough members of it , drawn from a wide enough background and living in enough places.
” I hesitate to disagree with one of the smartest columnists on the planet .
But economic growth and social liberalism don ’ t always go together .
What about the Victorians , combining breakneck growth with a religious revival and tightened public morals ?
What about Japan during their postwar decades of blistering growth and conservative “ salaryman ” culture ?
Over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become more socially liberal as our growth rate has slowed .
Even in Britain today , it ’ s highly questionable .
London is the richest and fastest growing part of the UK .
But where is opposition to homosexuality and pre-marital sex strongest ?
London .
Where is support for censoring offensive speech highest ?
London .
The capital mixes liberal metropolitan graduates with religious immigrants .
Its success is shaped by both .
Danny ’ s other argument has more important implications .
Is it really the case other places must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital cities across Europe , London has grown faster than the rest of the country since the 1980s .
The shift to an economy based on “ office jobs ” over has favoured the centres of larger cities .
But we shouldn ’ t get too carried away by the idea that hipster-powered megacities are sweeping all before them .
For starters , there are successes elsewhere .
Cheshire has high tech in a rural setting , with productivity and wages above the national average .
Milton Keynes likewise , because it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Preston has grown faster than average because it ’ s a transport hub with advanced manufacturing .
On the surface , large cities outside London have done well .
Since 1997 , our 16 largest cities grew their GDP faster than their surrounding areas : Leeds grew faster than West Yorkshire , Manchester faster than Greater Manchester , and so on .
But on average , those cities saw also slower growth in income per head than their surrounding areas .
In other words , people became more likely to work in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fuelled by people commuting in from smaller places around them .
Their growth has been powered more by smalltown commuters than flat-cap wearing uber-boheminans .
It ’ s right that there are cities outside London that have things in common with it , and might benefit from similar investments .
Lawyers in London will soon get Crossrail .
So why have lawyers in Leeds waited 20 years for a tram ?
But too often Richard Florida ’ s work leads politicians to focus on shiny cultural facilities .
A cool art gallery in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pop music in Sheffield .
It ’ s not just that these projects flop and close .
It ’ s that they distract from two bigger issues .
First , most people aren ’ t graduates – so we need a plan to raise their productivity and wages too .
Second , places outside urban centres are perfectly capable of attracting high-skill , high income people – with the right policies .
Britain ’ s economy is unusually unbalanced compared to other countries .
Pre-tax incomes in Greater London are nearly 60 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but more than 20 per cent below average in Yorkshire , the North East , Wales and Northern Ireland .
These imbalances mean our economy is overheating in some places and freezing cold in others , slowing growth overall .
There are no major economies that are richer per head than Britain which have a more unbalanced economy .
But these imbalances don ’ t represent pure free market outcomes .
It ’ s true that low-skill , low wages places can get stuck in a vicious circle .
True that some places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nonetheless , the British state doesn ’ t do much to stop that – in fact it does a lot to unbalance growth .
Consider how we spend money .
Capital spending on transport infrastructure in London is nearly three times the national average .
Research funding per head is nearly twice the national average .
Nearly half the core R & D budget is spent in Oxford , Cambridge and London .
Spending on housing and culture per head in London is five times the national average .
We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We ’ ve rehearsed these problems for years , but not fixed them .
Instead of chasing flat white drinkers , we need to find a cool £4 billion a year to level up R & D spending in other places to the levels London enjoys .
Fancy coffee can come later .
Consider our tax system .
Overall , the tax rate on business in the UK is about average .
But we combine the lowest headline rate in the G20 with the lowest capital allowances .
The combined effect of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intensive sectors , particularly manufacturing .
That in turn has a regional impact , hurting places more dependent on making things : manufacturing accounted for only five per cent of London ’ s productivity growth since 1997 , but nearly 50 per cent in the north west .
A hostile tax system is one reason Britain has deindustrialised more than any other G20 country since 1990 , and why manufacturing ’ s share of the economy is half that in Germany or Japan .
Manufacturing should be a key part of levelling up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not city centre locations .
In English regions outside London , wages in manufacturing are about nine per cent higher than in services , and manufacturing productivity grows faster than the economy as a whole .
But Britain ’ s excessive focus on professional services makes it harder to grow high-wage employment in non city-centre locations .
Consider where we put our key institutions .
In Germany the political capital was Bonn , and is now Berlin .
The financial capital is Frankfurt .
The Supreme Court is in Karlsruhe .
The richest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are major corporate HQs spread across the country .
TV production is dispersed because central government is banned from running it .
In Britain , all these things happen in just one city .
We ’ ve talked about this for years , but made little progress .
In recent years , we managed to move one chunk of Channel 4 to Leeds , and a bit of the BBC to Manchester .
But that ’ s about it .
Whitehall only wants to move low-end jobs .
The debate on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know some things work , but we don ’ t do them .
“ Regional Selective Assistance ” boosted investment in poor places with tax breaks and subsidies .
Thanks to evidence from natural experiments , we know it boosted growth .
Yet it was allowed to wither .
I don ’ t want us to be just another government promising the world , then not delivering .
Politically , it ’ s vital we deliver .
Lots of people who haven ’ t voted Conservative before put their trust in us last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the centre point of the seats we won is just outside Sheffield .
We won on a manifesto combining centrist economics , ( 50,000 more nurses ) mild social conservatism , ( ending auto early release ) and national self-confidence ( Getting Brexit Done ) .
Levelling up is central to all this .
We promised voters steak and chips .
We could serve up avocado toast instead , but we shouldn ’ t be surprised if the voters don ’ t thank us .

Neil O’Brien is MP for Harborough.
Danny Finkelstein took issue with Boris Johnson’s idea of “levelling up” in the Times the other day. He reviewed the work of Richard Florida, a thinker dubbed the “patron saint of avocado toast” for highlighting the role of bohemian urbanites in driving economic regeneration.
Danny concludes from his work that, “Social liberalism and economic prosperity go together.” He argues that: “in order to match the success and power of metropolitan areas, non-metropolitan places need to become more… metropolitan. The problem with the metropolitan “elite” isn’t that there is too much of it. It’s that there aren’t enough members of it, drawn from a wide enough background and living in enough places.”
I hesitate to disagree with one of the smartest columnists on the planet. But economic growth and social liberalism don’t always go together.
What about the Victorians, combining breakneck growth with a religious revival and tightened public morals? What about Japan during their postwar decades of blistering growth and conservative “salaryman” culture? Over the last 70 years, Britain has become more socially liberal as our growth rate has slowed.
Even in Britain today, it’s highly questionable. London is the richest and fastest growing part of the UK. But where is opposition to homosexuality and pre-marital sex strongest? London. Where is support for censoring offensive speech highest? London. The capital mixes liberal metropolitan graduates with religious immigrants. Its success is shaped by both.
Danny’s other argument has more important implications. Is it really the case other places must emulate London to succeed? Like other capital cities across Europe, London has grown faster than the rest of the country since the 1980s. The shift to an economy based on “office jobs” over has favoured the centres of larger cities.
But we shouldn’t get too carried away by the idea that hipster-powered megacities are sweeping all before them. For starters, there are successes elsewhere. Cheshire has high tech in a rural setting, with productivity and wages above the national average. Milton Keynes likewise, because it’s easy to build there. Productivity in Preston has grown faster than average because it’s a transport hub with advanced manufacturing.
On the surface, large cities outside London have done well. Since 1997, our 16 largest cities grew their GDP faster than their surrounding areas: Leeds grew faster than West Yorkshire, Manchester faster than Greater Manchester, and so on.
But on average, those cities saw also slower growth in income per head than their surrounding areas. In other words, people became more likely to work in city centres, but that growth was fuelled by people commuting in from smaller places around them. Their growth has been powered more by smalltown commuters than flat-cap wearing uber-boheminans.
It’s right that there are cities outside London that have things in common with it, and might benefit from similar investments. Lawyers in London will soon get Crossrail. So why have lawyers in Leeds waited 20 years for a tram?
But too often Richard Florida’s work leads politicians to focus on shiny cultural facilities. A cool art gallery in West Brom. A national museum of pop music in Sheffield. It’s not just that these projects flop and close. It’s that they distract from two bigger issues.
First, most people aren’t graduates – so we need a plan to raise their productivity and wages too.
Second, places outside urban centres are perfectly capable of attracting high-skill, high income people – with the right policies.
Britain’s economy is unusually unbalanced compared to other countries. Pre-tax incomes in Greater London are nearly 60 per cent higher than the national average, but more than 20 per cent below average in Yorkshire, the North East, Wales and Northern Ireland. These imbalances mean our economy is overheating in some places and freezing cold in others, slowing growth overall. There are no major economies that are richer per head than Britain which have a more unbalanced economy.
But these imbalances don’t represent pure free market outcomes. It’s true that low-skill, low wages places can get stuck in a vicious circle. True that some places on the periphery have very deep problems. Nonetheless, the British state doesn’t do much to stop that – in fact it does a lot to unbalance growth.
Consider how we spend money. Capital spending on transport infrastructure in London is nearly three times the national average. Research funding per head is nearly twice the national average. Nearly half the core R&D budget is spent in Oxford, Cambridge and London. Spending on housing and culture per head in London is five times the national average. We’re “levelling up” the richest places.
We’ve rehearsed these problems for years, but not fixed them. Instead of chasing flat white drinkers, we need to find a cool £4 billion a year to level up R&D spending in other places to the levels London enjoys. Fancy coffee can come later.
Consider our tax system. Overall, the tax rate on business in the UK is about average. But we combine the lowest headline rate in the G20 with the lowest capital allowances. The combined effect of this is a huge bias against capital intensive sectors, particularly manufacturing.
That in turn has a regional impact, hurting places more dependent on making things: manufacturing accounted for only five per cent of London’s productivity growth since 1997, but nearly 50 per cent in the north west. A hostile tax system is one reason Britain has deindustrialised more than any other G20 country since 1990, and why manufacturing’s share of the economy is half that in Germany or Japan.
Manufacturing should be a key part of levelling up outside cities: it needs space, not city centre locations. In English regions outside London, wages in manufacturing are about nine per cent higher than in services, and manufacturing productivity grows faster than the economy as a whole. But Britain’s excessive focus on professional services makes it harder to grow high-wage employment in non city-centre locations.
Consider where we put our key institutions. In Germany the political capital was Bonn, and is now Berlin. The financial capital is Frankfurt. The Supreme Court is in Karlsruhe. The richest place is Wolfsburg, home of Volkswagen. There are major corporate HQs spread across the country. TV production is dispersed because central government is banned from running it.
In Britain, all these things happen in just one city. We’ve talked about this for years, but made little progress. In recent years, we managed to move one chunk of Channel 4 to Leeds, and a bit of the BBC to Manchester. But that’s about it. Whitehall only wants to move low-end jobs.
The debate on levelling up is frustrating, because we know some things work, but we don’t do them. “Regional Selective Assistance” boosted investment in poor places with tax breaks and subsidies. Thanks to evidence from natural experiments, we know it boosted growth. Yet it was allowed to wither.
I don’t want us to be just another government promising the world, then not delivering. Politically, it’s vital we deliver. Lots of people who haven’t voted Conservative before put their trust in us last year. It’s telling that the centre point of the seats we won is just outside Sheffield.
We won on a manifesto combining centrist economics, (50,000 more nurses) mild social conservatism, (ending auto early release) and national self-confidence (Getting Brexit Done). Levelling up is central to all this. We promised voters steak and chips. We could serve up avocado toast instead, but we shouldn’t be surprised if the voters don’t thank us.


conservativehome--2020-07-13--Judy Terry: West Suffolk is showing the way on apprenticeships

Judy Terry is a marketing professional and a former local councillor in Suffolk .
Journalists are cynics , but every once in a while you meet someone who restores your faith in strong , inspirational , leadership ; someone exuding confidence and commitment , as well as charm and humour , who gets results .
Dr. Nikos Savvas , a Particle Physicist , and Chief Executive of West Suffolk College ( WSC ) in Bury St Edmunds , and Suffolk Academies Trust that includes One sixth form college in Ipswich and Abbeygate sixth form college in Bury St Edmunds is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last seven years , he has developed a series of advanced full and part time training courses , tailored to the needs of local businesses , to make West Suffolk College the largest apprenticeship provider in the region with over 2,000 apprenticeship students .
Winning over 50 awards , and holding 369 major events to engage with prospective students and employers , promoting opportunities to develop specialist skills as an alternative to – or a route to – a degree , the College is earning a prized reputation for excellence at a time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rightful place in the education system .
He admits to “ being inspired by a disadvantaged young woman who dropped out of education at 14 , and then went on to College .
It made me want to teach , making a difference to young lives , giving them aspiration and ambition.
” His enthusiasm is infectious , as evidenced by his loyal and talented 1000-strong team supporting delivery , imparting their knowledge and expertise , in a happy and proactive learning environment .
In the last two years alone , Dr. Savvas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and improved facilities .
He has forged strong relationships to support science , technology and engineering skills development across the East , working closely with Cambridge University , the University of East Anglia ( UEA ) and the National Skills Academy for Nuclear on innovative projects as well as achieving ‘ Computer Hub ’ status in order to upskill teachers across the region .
A joint needs analysis with the business community has built working relationships with BT , Marshalls Aerospace and EDF ( for the existing work at Sizewell B and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Elstree film studios , using students ’ film and creative media expertise on the James Bond franchise and Star Wars .
Across the four campuses the College delivers training in all the Humanities , Health and the Arts , together with Animal and Equine Management , Veterinary Nursing , Beauty Therapy , Hairdressing and Fashion , Building and Construction , Law , Motor Vehicle skills , Performing Arts , Music and Photography , and Graphic Design .
Their Hospitality students are trained to a Michelin standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Highly Commended ’ restaurant but in industry Last year the College opened a new 90,000 sq .
ft STEM Innovation Centre for Science , Technology and Innovation which , partly funded by the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership ( NALEP ) , helps train students design computer games , explore robotic innovations , and scope for new prosthetics enabling rehabilitation for amputees .
The College hopes to create a small-business hub for new enterprises alongside this facility , taking mentoring to a new level , sharing experiences as they grow .
Part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provides “ outstanding vocational and academic ” post-16 education from Colchester to Norwich , Ipswich to Cambridge for over 12,000 students .
The College has also sponsored the creation of a new 6th form college – Abbeygate Sixth Form College , which is now under construction on the Bury St. Edmunds site , for an autumn 2020 opening .
Dr. Savvas explains “ for me , education and removing the barriers preventing anyone from achieving their true potential is essential if we are to lead fulfilling lives , having jobs with real purpose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to renew their careers , is another priority .
“ There is a lot of hidden talent , and we must draw that out.
” WSC is committed to giving students support , including financial , for course materials , as well as welfare support for activities inside and outside the College .
This approach enhances mutual respect , with students feeling valued , rather than ‘ cash cows ’ , which is the case in some universities , where lecturers ’ strikes leave students without vital tutorials , feeling especially vulnerable as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Our priorities are to support the character strengths evident in every successful individual : qualifications are , of course , high on the agenda , but resilience , curiosity , confidence , ambition and respect are equally important .
Businesses want optimistic , self-disciplined recruits with good communication , who are creative , with a ‘ get up and go ’ mentality , ready and willing to adapt to change.
” Raising awareness of all the opportunities , under normal circumstances , means holding open days at the college , with tours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as going into primaries , and secondary schools , to enthuse youngsters – and their teachers – from an early age , with a particular focus on science , engineering , computer technology .
Praised by Ofsted , this approach is supported by the County and District Councils and business community .
The annual Festival of Learning is a fixture for the first Friday in July , attracting 1,500 teachers , educational experts and business leaders , but cancelled this year Spending a few hours walking round the site , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students and lecturers , and chatting with Dr. Savvas ( who stopped every few yards , to pick up litter dropped by the students ) was a lesson in how such passion can be transformative .
Having three young daughters , he is conscious of the need for equal opportunities for everyone , challenging all forms of discrimination , whether based on sexuality or disability : “ Students are at the heart of what we do , they are drawn to us for our inclusivity and outstanding education , focused on each individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
They never cease to amaze me with their determination and willingness to strive for , and exceed , what we expect of them .
“ We believe that our responsive curriculum and collaborative approach with employers and local communities is a catalyst for prosperity across the wider region , as our reputation for excellence spreads nationally , and even internationally.
” He has certainly spread the word widely overseas , being invited to foreign institutes , and Apple in the United States .
Meanwhile , West Suffolk Council ’ s ambitious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complex , alongside the WSC site , is already attracting investment , with some big names planning further expansion , expressing significant interest in developing close partnerships with the College .
“ We are proud of how West Suffolk College is contributing to the local economy , with its diverse range of career training opportunities , adding to the vibrancy of our region .
We want to attract and retain talent , giving everyone the right career choices .
Technology , in particular , moves at such a pace , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for appropriately qualified recruits across all industries , and the College does just that.
” It also undoubtedly helps with securing diverse sources of income from the private and public sectors to ensure its financial stability and sustainability into the long term .
As Gavin Williamson , the Education Secretary , refocuses on the benefits of Higher Education , as an alternative to university , West Suffolk College deserves to be acknowledged as an innovative and dynamic provider , with a commitment to developing students to meet the demands of careers across a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what businesses want , if the economy is to recover .

Judy Terry is a marketing professional and a former local councillor in Suffolk.
Journalists are cynics, but every once in a while you meet someone who restores your faith in strong, inspirational, leadership; someone exuding confidence and commitment, as well as charm and humour, who gets results.
Dr. Nikos Savvas, a Particle Physicist, and Chief Executive of West Suffolk College (WSC) in Bury St Edmunds, and Suffolk Academies Trust that includes One sixth form college in Ipswich and Abbeygate sixth form college in Bury St Edmunds is just such a person.
Over the last seven years, he has developed a series of advanced full and part time training courses, tailored to the needs of local businesses, to make West Suffolk College the largest apprenticeship provider in the region with over 2,000 apprenticeship students.
Winning over 50 awards, and holding 369 major events to engage with prospective students and employers, promoting opportunities to develop specialist skills as an alternative to – or a route to – a degree, the College is earning a prized reputation for excellence at a time when Technical Colleges are finally regaining their rightful place in the education system.
He admits to “being inspired by a disadvantaged young woman who dropped out of education at 14, and then went on to College. It made me want to teach, making a difference to young lives, giving them aspiration and ambition.”
His enthusiasm is infectious, as evidenced by his loyal and talented 1000-strong team supporting delivery, imparting their knowledge and expertise, in a happy and proactive learning environment.
In the last two years alone, Dr. Savvas has attracted millions to invest in new and improved facilities. He has forged strong relationships to support science, technology and engineering skills development across the East, working closely with Cambridge University, the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the National Skills Academy for Nuclear on innovative projects as well as achieving ‘Computer Hub’ status in order to upskill teachers across the region.
A joint needs analysis with the business community has built working relationships with BT, Marshalls Aerospace and EDF (for the existing work at Sizewell B and the planned Sizewell C nuclear project) as well as The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Elstree film studios, using students’ film and creative media expertise on the James Bond franchise and Star Wars.
Across the four campuses the College delivers training in all the Humanities, Health and the Arts, together with Animal and Equine Management, Veterinary Nursing, Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing and Fashion, Building and Construction, Law, Motor Vehicle skills, Performing Arts, Music and Photography, and Graphic Design. Their Hospitality students are trained to a Michelin standard not only in their inhouse ‘AA Highly Commended’ restaurant but in industry
Last year the College opened a new 90,000 sq. ft STEM Innovation Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation which, partly funded by the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (NALEP), helps train students design computer games, explore robotic innovations, and scope for new prosthetics enabling rehabilitation for amputees. The College hopes to create a small-business hub for new enterprises alongside this facility, taking mentoring to a new level, sharing experiences as they grow.
Part of the Eastern Colleges Group, WSC also provides “outstanding vocational and academic” post-16 education from Colchester to Norwich, Ipswich to Cambridge for over 12,000 students. The College has also sponsored the creation of a new 6th form college – Abbeygate Sixth Form College, which is now under construction on the Bury St. Edmunds site, for an autumn 2020 opening. Dr. Savvas explains “for me, education and removing the barriers preventing anyone from achieving their true potential is essential if we are to lead fulfilling lives, having jobs with real purpose and prospects.”
Retraining older workers wishing to renew their careers, is another priority. “There is a lot of hidden talent, and we must draw that out.” WSC is committed to giving students support, including financial, for course materials, as well as welfare support for activities inside and outside the College. This approach enhances mutual respect, with students feeling valued, rather than ‘cash cows’, which is the case in some universities, where lecturers’ strikes leave students without vital tutorials, feeling especially vulnerable as they approach their final year exams.
“Our priorities are to support the character strengths evident in every successful individual: qualifications are, of course, high on the agenda, but resilience, curiosity, confidence, ambition and respect are equally important. Businesses want optimistic, self-disciplined recruits with good communication, who are creative, with a ‘get up and go’ mentality, ready and willing to adapt to change.”
Embedding good timekeeping is essential.
Raising awareness of all the opportunities, under normal circumstances, means holding open days at the college, with tours and introductions to tutors and existing students, as well as going into primaries, and secondary schools, to enthuse youngsters – and their teachers – from an early age, with a particular focus on science, engineering, computer technology. Praised by Ofsted, this approach is supported by the County and District Councils and business community.
The annual Festival of Learning is a fixture for the first Friday in July, attracting 1,500 teachers, educational experts and business leaders, but cancelled this year
Spending a few hours walking round the site, visiting the various training hubs to meet students and lecturers, and chatting with Dr. Savvas (who stopped every few yards, to pick up litter dropped by the students) was a lesson in how such passion can be transformative. Having three young daughters, he is conscious of the need for equal opportunities for everyone, challenging all forms of discrimination, whether based on sexuality or disability:
“Students are at the heart of what we do, they are drawn to us for our inclusivity and outstanding education, focused on each individual to get the very best out of them. They never cease to amaze me with their determination and willingness to strive for, and exceed, what we expect of them.
“We believe that our responsive curriculum and collaborative approach with employers and local communities is a catalyst for prosperity across the wider region, as our reputation for excellence spreads nationally, and even internationally.” He has certainly spread the word widely overseas, being invited to foreign institutes, and Apple in the United States.
Meanwhile, West Suffolk Council’s ambitious strategy to develop a leisure and business complex, alongside the WSC site, is already attracting investment, with some big names planning further expansion, expressing significant interest in developing close partnerships with the College.
John Griffiths, the Council Leader, says:
“We are proud of how West Suffolk College is contributing to the local economy, with its diverse range of career training opportunities, adding to the vibrancy of our region. We want to attract and retain talent, giving everyone the right career choices. Technology, in particular, moves at such a pace, it’s essential to keep up with the demand for appropriately qualified recruits across all industries, and the College does just that.”
It also undoubtedly helps with securing diverse sources of income from the private and public sectors to ensure its financial stability and sustainability into the long term.
As Gavin Williamson, the Education Secretary, refocuses on the benefits of Higher Education, as an alternative to university, West Suffolk College deserves to be acknowledged as an innovative and dynamic provider, with a commitment to developing students to meet the demands of careers across a broad range of sectors. This is what businesses want, if the economy is to recover.


conservativehome--2020-07-13--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Trustees of the National Citizen Service –

Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Trustees of the National Citizen Service – and more

Eight years ago , the TaxPayers ’ Alliance reported that “ in the last year , five times more Labour people were appointed to public bodies than Tories ” .
It currently reports that almost half of avowedly political appointees last year owed their allegiance to Labour Party , compared to less than a third for the Conservatives .
Despite the selection of some Party members or supporters to fill important posts , over time , the Conservatives have punched beneath their weight when it comes to public appointments .
One of the reasons seems to be that Tories simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number as Labour supporters .
To help remedy this , each week we put up links to some of the main public appointments vacancies , so that qualified Conservatives can be aware of the opportunities presented .
“ The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is looking to make two Non-Executive Director ( NED ) appointments to NHS England .
NHS England leads the National Health Service in England and sets its priorities and direction .
It is responsible for arranging the provision of health services and for more than £150 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Non-Executive Directors is , as a team , to lead in developing the strategy for , and overseeing the work of NHS England by participating fully in the work of the board , both in the context of the board meetings themselves , and more widely .
Non-Executive Directors also play a part in representing NHS England externally , alongside the Chief Executive , the Chair and the wider Executive team.
” “ The Scottish National Investment Bank Act ( ‘ the Act ’ ) received Royal Assent in February 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a public limited company and public body accountable to Scottish Ministers who own and set its strategic missions .
The Act sets out how the Bank should operate in order to meet missions which will be set by Scottish Ministers as the sole-shareholder .
In response to these missions the Bank is required to develop an Investment Strategy which will help create and shape future markets , spark innovation and tackle socio-economic challenges in Scotland .
Additionally , the Bank will have a key role to play in Scotland ’ s emerging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 25 days per annum .
“ The TRA as a statutory body would perform an independent function , investigating and recommending to Ministers when to impose trade remedies measures in response to injury caused by unfair trading practices , such as dumping , subsidies , or unforeseen surges in imports .
Ministers would decide whether to agree the TRA ’ s recommendations .
The TRA will also carry out reviews of those existing EU measures transitioned into the UK system to ensure that they are specific to the UK market , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will also be responsible for providing support and assistance to DIT on trade… The TRA Board sets the strategic direction and priorities of the organisation , monitoring its performance against its objectives and holding the Chief Executive and executive team to account.
” Remuneration : £15,000 per annum ( additional £3,000 for the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee ) .
“ The chair is responsible for leading and managing the Panel .
They must lead development and implementation of a strategic vision for the Panel and ensure the reviews under their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should make to better safeguard and promote the welfare of children…Successful applicants will demonstrate the ability to : provide strong strategic leadership ; chair high level meetings ; effectively manage team dynamics and maintain the confidence of others , including child safeguarding professionals , Ministers and the public .
The right candidate will also demonstrate a strong understanding of multi-agency child safeguarding arrangements , policy and frontline delivery.
” “ The Chair of the College of Policing is appointed by the Home Secretary to ensure the long-term success of the College .
Together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chair ( who must not have a background in operational policing ) will set the College ’ s strategic direction and aims against budgets and priorities .
They will provide the College Chief Executive and team of Executive Directors with the necessary leadership , support and monitoring that will help them to meet the College and Home Secretary ’ s goals .
The College plays a critical role in helping to increase the diversity within the police to reflect the communities they serve.
” “ The Secretary of State for International Trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking a strong , strategic leader who will continue to develop the Equality and Human Rights Commission ( EHRC ) and set the Commission ’ s overall direction to reflect its crucial role as an equality body and National Human Rights Institution .
This appointment fulfils the requirement of the Equality Act 2006 that the Secretary of State should appoint a Chair to the Commission .
Although the Commission is an independent organisation , the Chair is accountable to the above sponsoring Minister .
You will develop and maintain high-value relationships with Ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and abroad , opinion formers , industry and others , demonstrating judgment , integrity and resilience in the face of challenge.
” “ National Citizen Service ( NCS ) is a youth programme that runs across England and Northern Ireland .
We exist to engage , unite and empower young people , building their confidence so they can go out there and achieve their dreams , no matter where they ’ re from or what their background is .
Our programme is managed and supported by NCS Trust , our central team who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliver the most impactful experience we can to as many young people as possible .
National Citizen Service is seeking three Trustees with experience and skills at a senior level in the following areas : experience and demonstrable senior leadership in the parliamentary/public sector ( 1 Trustee ) ; human resources specialist with commercial experience and a particular focus on people strategy , culture and coaching high performance teams ( 1 Trustee ) ; [ and ] an education leader with strong links to schools and young people ( 1 Trustee ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commissioner role aims to promote police compliance with the rules on the collection and retention of DNA , fingerprints and surveillance cameras respectively .
The roles were created by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 ( POFA ) , which set out the regime for police use of DNA , fingerprints and the regulation of surveillance cameras .
We have decided to appoint a single person to both roles because of the confluence of existing and emerging regulatory issues around police use of automated facial recognition .
The post will cover the duties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Camera Commissioner , while the Government is considering reforms in this area .
”

Eight years ago, the TaxPayers’ Alliance reported that “in the last year, five times more Labour people were appointed to public bodies than Tories”.
It currently reports that almost half of avowedly political appointees last year owed their allegiance to Labour Party, compared to less than a third for the Conservatives.
Despite the selection of some Party members or supporters to fill important posts, over time, the Conservatives have punched beneath their weight when it comes to public appointments. One of the reasons seems to be that Tories simply don’t apply in the same number as Labour supporters.
To help remedy this, each week we put up links to some of the main public appointments vacancies, so that qualified Conservatives can be aware of the opportunities presented.
– – – – – – – – – –
NHS England – Non-Executive Directors
“The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is looking to make two Non-Executive Director (NED) appointments to NHS England. NHS England leads the National Health Service in England and sets its priorities and direction. It is responsible for arranging the provision of health services and for more than £150 billion of funds. The primary role of Non-Executive Directors is, as a team, to lead in developing the strategy for, and overseeing the work of NHS England by participating fully in the work of the board, both in the context of the board meetings themselves, and more widely. Non-Executive Directors also play a part in representing NHS England externally, alongside the Chief Executive, the Chair and the wider Executive team.”
Time: 2-3 days per month.
Remuneration: £7,883 (£13,137) per annum.
Closes: 16 July
– – – – – – – – – –
Scottish National Investment Bank – Non-Executive Directors
“The Scottish National Investment Bank Act (‘the Act’) received Royal Assent in February 2020, paving the way to establish the Bank as a public limited company and public body accountable to Scottish Ministers who own and set its strategic missions. The Act sets out how the Bank should operate in order to meet missions which will be set by Scottish Ministers as the sole-shareholder. In response to these missions the Bank is required to develop an Investment Strategy which will help create and shape future markets, spark innovation and tackle socio-economic challenges in Scotland. Additionally, the Bank will have a key role to play in Scotland’s emerging economy post Covid-19.”
Time: Up to 25 days per annum.
Remuneration: £21,250 per annum.
Closes: 24 July
– – – – – – – – – –
UK Trade Remedies Authority – Non-Executive Directors
“The TRA as a statutory body would perform an independent function, investigating and recommending to Ministers when to impose trade remedies measures in response to injury caused by unfair trading practices, such as dumping, subsidies, or unforeseen surges in imports. Ministers would decide whether to agree the TRA’s recommendations. The TRA will also carry out reviews of those existing EU measures transitioned into the UK system to ensure that they are specific to the UK market, in line with WTO rules. The TRA will also be responsible for providing support and assistance to DIT on trade… The TRA Board sets the strategic direction and priorities of the organisation, monitoring its performance against its objectives and holding the Chief Executive and executive team to account.”
Time: Approx. 15-20 per annum.
Remuneration: £15,000 per annum (additional £3,000 for the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee).
Closes: 24 July
– – – – – – – – – –
Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel – Chair
“The chair is responsible for leading and managing the Panel. They must lead development and implementation of a strategic vision for the Panel and ensure the reviews under their supervision identify improvements safeguarding partners or others should make to better safeguard and promote the welfare of children…Successful applicants will demonstrate the ability to: provide strong strategic leadership; chair high level meetings; effectively manage team dynamics and maintain the confidence of others, including child safeguarding professionals, Ministers and the public. The right candidate will also demonstrate a strong understanding of multi-agency child safeguarding arrangements, policy and frontline delivery.”
Time: 6-8 days per month.
Remuneration: £500 per diem.
Closes: 31 July
– – – – – – – – – –
College of Policing – Chair
“The Chair of the College of Policing is appointed by the Home Secretary to ensure the long-term success of the College. Together with the College Board of Directors, the Chair (who must not have a background in operational policing) will set the College’s strategic direction and aims against budgets and priorities. They will provide the College Chief Executive and team of Executive Directors with the necessary leadership, support and monitoring that will help them to meet the College and Home Secretary’s goals. The College plays a critical role in helping to increase the diversity within the police to reflect the communities they serve.”
Time: 1-2 days per week.
Remuneration: £135,000 pro rata.
Closes: 03 August
– – – – – – – – – –
Equality & Human Rights Commission – Chair
“The Secretary of State for International Trade and Minister for Women and Equalities is seeking a strong, strategic leader who will continue to develop the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and set the Commission’s overall direction to reflect its crucial role as an equality body and National Human Rights Institution. This appointment fulfils the requirement of the Equality Act 2006 that the Secretary of State should appoint a Chair to the Commission. Although the Commission is an independent organisation, the Chair is accountable to the above sponsoring Minister. You will develop and maintain high-value relationships with Ministers, influential partners, governments at home and abroad, opinion formers, industry and others, demonstrating judgment, integrity and resilience in the face of challenge.”
Time: 1-2 days per week.
Remuneration: £500 per diem.
Closes: 03 August
– – – – – – – – – –
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport – National Citizen Service Trustees
“National Citizen Service (NCS) is a youth programme that runs across England and Northern Ireland. We exist to engage, unite and empower young people, building their confidence so they can go out there and achieve their dreams, no matter where they’re from or what their background is. Our programme is managed and supported by NCS Trust, our central team who are constantly working to make sure we deliver the most impactful experience we can to as many young people as possible. National Citizen Service is seeking three Trustees with experience and skills at a senior level in the following areas: experience and demonstrable senior leadership in the parliamentary/public sector (1 Trustee); human resources specialist with commercial experience and a particular focus on people strategy, culture and coaching high performance teams (1 Trustee); [and] an education leader with strong links to schools and young people (1 Trustee).”
Time: 5-10 days per week.
Remuneration: “Reasonable expenses”.
Closes: 09 August
– – – – – – – – – –
Home Office – Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner
“The Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner role aims to promote police compliance with the rules on the collection and retention of DNA, fingerprints and surveillance cameras respectively. The roles were created by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (POFA), which set out the regime for police use of DNA, fingerprints and the regulation of surveillance cameras. We have decided to appoint a single person to both roles because of the confluence of existing and emerging regulatory issues around police use of automated facial recognition. The post will cover the duties of the Biometrics Commissioner and the Surveillance Camera Commissioner, while the Government is considering reforms in this area.”
Time: Full-time.
Remuneration: £125,000 per annum.
Closes: 09 August


conservativehome--2020-07-13--Gove is right: face masks should be about common sense

Over the last few months , the Government has been repeatedly quizzed about whether it will more strictly enforce face masks .
While it ’ s compulsory to wear them on public transport , there have been calls to extend the rules to all indoor spaces .
Writing for the FT , Nick Boles , the former MP for Grantham and Stamford , said that it ’ s “ dangerously lax ” to not use them in further settings , and others have unfavourably compared England to Scotland , where masks are mandatory in shops .
Criticisms heightened this weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of mixed messages on the subject .
On Friday , Boris Johnson said that a “ stricter ” approach was needed on wearing masks in shops , and indicated that he and other advisers would be looking into the guidance .
Two days later , while interviewed by Andrew Marr , Michael Gove said that wearing a mask in a shop was “ basic good manners ” , but that coverings should not be mandatory .
Then today Robert Buckland , the Justice Secretary , said that mask-wearing “ isn ’ t just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about “ consumer confidence ” .
The Government is under even more pressure to rethink its position on masks as the scientific case for them appears to have advanced .
New research from the Royal Society Data Evaluation and Learning for Viral Epidemics initiative suggests that their “ use could reduce onward transmission by asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic wearers if widely used in situations where physical distancing is not possible or predictable ” .
It points out that 40 to 80 per cent of infections occur from individuals without symptoms ; that respiratory droplets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that face masks reduce droplet dispersal .
While ConservativeHome supported the initial emergency measures to control the pandemic , including lockdown , this site is not convinced that the state should further mandate face masks , and rather agrees with Gove ’ s common sense approach .
During the start of the pandemic , given the amount of unknowns about Coronavirus , the Government was left with little choice but to increase its powers , lest there was civil disobedience and the virus was passed about .
But it should be increasingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make safe decisions .
Not least because we could be living with Covid-19 for a very long time .
This is not only a philosophical position ; the Conservatives also need to be realistic about how Brits would respond to being told to wear face masks in shops when they are already doing this on public transport .
The more rules , the less people may comply with the existing ones – especially when they are worn out by lockdown .
Additionally , polling by Ipsos-MORI has shown that Brits are one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is not only because they have never faced a health crisis of this sort – in the way China and Hong Kong have ( post-SARS ) , making masks more routine – but they tend to think the measure is over-cautious .
Indeed , the RC ’ s Science in Emergencies Tasking group found in April that the UK had 25 per cent compliance for face masks compared to 83 per cent in Italy , 66 per cent in the US and 64 per cent in Spain .
Intriguingly , data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leave voters and men are some of the least likely to wear them .
Some have suggested that “ moral framing ” is what could encourage more mask wearing ; in other words , pointing out the altruistic benefits of wearing them .
This seems quite sensible ; it is much better for the Government to demonstrate the statistical evidence for them ( if there is enough ) rather than force compliance , which should be avoided as much as possible .
Mandating health activities , like lockdown , has always been treated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sadiq Khan and Nicola Sturgeon clearly believe that telling people to wear face masks gives them the moral high ground .
But my personal view , having had to sport one in London most days , is that it ’ s infantilising and a state overreach – to be told to wear them in announcements .
The Conservatives , if they ever do mandate face masks , will struggle to impose them anyway , as they have been so inconsistent in their messaging .
There ’ s also no way shop staff in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But ultimately Tories must not forget their fundamental principles ; individual responsibility is paramount , even in a pandemic .

Over the last few months, the Government has been repeatedly quizzed about whether it will more strictly enforce face masks. While it’s compulsory to wear them on public transport, there have been calls to extend the rules to all indoor spaces. Writing for the Financial Times, Nick Boles, the former MP for Grantham and Stamford, said that it’s “dangerously lax” to not use them in further settings, and others have unfavourably compared England to Scotland, where masks are mandatory in shops.
Criticisms heightened this weekend after the Government sent out a series of mixed messages on the subject. On Friday, Boris Johnson said that a “stricter” approach was needed on wearing masks in shops, and indicated that he and other advisers would be looking into the guidance.
Two days later, while interviewed by Andrew Marr, Michael Gove said that wearing a mask in a shop was “basic good manners”, but that coverings should not be mandatory. Then yesterday, Robert Buckland said that mask-wearing “isn’t just an act of courtesy”, but about “consumer confidence”. Now Matt Hancock is apparently to announce that wearing them is to become compulsory in shops.
The Government has been under even more pressure to rethink its position on masks as the scientific case for them appears to have advanced. New research from the Royal Society Data Evaluation and Learning for Viral Epidemics initiative suggests that their “use could reduce onward transmission by asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic wearers if widely used in situations where physical distancing is not possible or predictable”.
It points out that 40 to 80 per cent of infections occur from individuals without symptoms; that respiratory droplets are a major mode of transmission, and that face masks reduce droplet dispersal.
While ConservativeHome supported the initial emergency measures to control the pandemic, including lockdown, Gove’s common sense approach looks like the right one to take.
During the start of the pandemic, given the amount of unknowns about Coronavirus, the Government was left with little choice but to increase its powers, lest there was civil disobedience and the virus was passed about. But it should be increasingly withdrawing these now, empowering individuals to make safe decisions. Not least because we could be living with Covid-19 for a very long time.
This is not only a philosophical position; the Conservatives also need to be realistic about how Brits would respond to being told to wear face masks in shops when they are already doing this on public transport. The more rules, the less people may comply with the existing ones – especially when they are worn out by lockdown.
Additionally, polling by Ipsos-MORI has shown that Brits are one of the most sceptical nations about face masks. This is not only because they have never faced a health crisis of this sort – in the way China and Hong Kong have (post-SARS), making masks more routine – but they tend to think the measure is over-cautious.
Indeed, the RC’s Science in Emergencies Tasking group found in April that the UK had 25 per cent compliance for face masks compared to 83 per cent in Italy, 66 per cent in the US and 64 per cent in Spain. Intriguingly, data has shown that Northerners, Conservatives, Leave voters and men are some of the least likely to wear them.
Some have suggested that “moral framing” is what could encourage more mask wearing; in other words, pointing out the altruistic benefits of wearing them. This seems quite sensible; it is much better for the Government to demonstrate the statistical evidence for them (if there is enough) rather than force compliance, which should be avoided as much as possible.
Mandating health activities, like lockdown, has always been treated as the honourable thing to do. Sadiq Khan and Nicola Sturgeon clearly believe that telling people to wear face masks gives them the moral high ground. But my personal view, having had to sport one in London most days, is that it’s infantilising and a state overreach – to be told to wear them in announcements.
The Conservatives will struggle to impose masks anyway, as they have been so inconsistent in their messaging. There’s also no way shop staff in busy stores can impose the rule. But ultimately Tories must not forget their fundamental principles; individual responsibility is paramount, even in a pandemic.


conservativehome--2020-07-14--Andy Street: Innovation and investment are turning the Black County blue

Andy Street is Mayor of the West Midlands , and is a former Managing Director of John Lewis .
Today , July 14 , is the date on which a pivotal moment in British history occurred – a flash of brilliance in the West Midlands that set us on the road to the world we know today .
Yet this date , the day in 1712 that the first steam engine hissed into operation , isn ’ t widely known across the UK .
It ’ s only in the Black Country , where that engine was built , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And today , the people of this proudly independent and unique place will celebrate its role in sparking the Industrial Revolution , in our annual Black Country Day festivities .
I want to use this column to explain how the Black Country continues to quietly influence the national agenda by pioneering new technology , attracting global recognition from UNESCO – and being at the heart of the political change that smashed Labour ’ s red wall .
People sometimes think I am Mayor of Birmingham – I am not .
The Black Country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City ; a cultural and historic union of four of the West Midlands Combined Authority ’ s seven constituent boroughs in Dudley , Sandwell , Walsall and Wolverhampton .
It is set apart from its West Midlands neighbours by a strong and distinctive identity , great traditions and a lyrical dialect that is only confused with ‘ Brummie ’ by people not from these parts .
But while proud of its past , this is an area forging a better future through the innovation and invention that has always burned there .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England ’ , sitting at the heart of the nation .
And it is also now at the heart of the Government ’ s agenda as we look to kickstart the economy and reawaken industry .
The Prime Minister chose Dudley as the setting to make the keynote speech in which he revealed his New Deal – focusing on infrastructure and construction to drive the UK ’ s recovery .
Why Dudley ?
Dudley is a brilliant example of how innovation , ambition and investment in infrastructure are already reawakening the local economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Appropriately , he chose the site of Dudley College ’ s Technology Institute to outline his vision , a new facility that will create the local engineers and innovators of the future .
Dudley ’ s town centre is on the cusp of a new future too , as the region ’ s Metro tram system extends to provide vital connectivity to the rest of the West Midlands , with 17 new stops along the way .
In May , Cavendish House , a huge derelict office block that had been a symbol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for years , was torn down .
The energy driving Dudley ’ s re-emergence is reflected across the Black Country , where innovation and investment are making a real difference in housing and transport .
Most notably , the Black Country is pioneering the reclamation of former brownfield industrial sites to help tackle the housing crisis , while protecting the environment .
The Black Country will lead the way on this , through a new £24 million National Brownfield Institute in Wolverhampton , as we invest to regenerate more derelict eyesores .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – it ’ s already happening .
In Wolverhampton the first homes have gone on sale at Steelhouse Lane , a former industrial eyesore , while in Walsall sites like the old Caparo engineering works and the Harvestime bakery have got the green light to be used for new housing .
In West Bromwich the biggest brownfield site development of all – Friar Park – will see a former sewage works , bigger than 30 football pitches , become a 750-home community .
The Black Country also provides evidence of how investment in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This year we have seen diggers in the ground – delivering schemes that have been talked about for years .
On the railways , phase one of the new Wolverhampton city centre station has now opened – proudly decked out in yellow and black to reflect the Old Gold of Wolverhampton Wanderers .
Plans are steaming ahead to reopen old railway stations linking Walsall to Wolverhampton , boosting public transport in communities that haven ’ t had a rail service for decades .
The Black Country ’ s tradition of invention lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dudley council has partnered with the Warwick Manufacturing Group , with plans to create a Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre , assembling prototype vehicles and training engineers .
In Cradley , Walsall and Smethwick local firms are breaking new ground with modular home construction .
Wolverhampton boasts two sites building state-of-the-art aerospace systems .
One brilliant piece of news that may help bring more people to the Black Country was its official recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark , which was revealed last week .
This means Dudley , Sandwell , Walsall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Beaujolais , Vietnam ’ s Dak Nong , and only seven other UK Geoparks including the Scottish Highlands on this prestigious global list .
This UNESCO honour recognises that behind the industrial and manufacturing might of this remarkable place lies a strong and proud culture , and a people with their own distinct character .
Like all Midlanders , they offer quiet confidence and self-effacing humour in place of swagger and bluster – but they value hard work , encourage ambition and inspire ideas .
They are also resilient .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that local character shone through as manufacturers turned over their machinery to make PPE and volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help the vulnerable and isolated .
Black Country folk get things done .
As the people who built that first steam engine , they also embrace a clear , decisive vision that powers progress .
That ’ s why , I believe , the Black Country turned blue in the general election , with five Conservative gains making ten MPs across an area previously considered to be a Labour heartland .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have outlined above is evidence of ‘ levelling up ’ in action .
As we celebrate Black Country Day , this remarkable area and its people are once again showing how investment and innovation can drive real change .

Andy Street is Mayor of the West Midlands, and is a former Managing Director of John Lewis.
Today, July 14, is the date on which a pivotal moment in British history occurred – a flash of brilliance in the West Midlands that set us on the road to the world we know today. Yet this date, the day in 1712 that the first steam engine hissed into operation, isn’t widely known across the UK.
It’s only in the Black Country, where that engine was built, that July 14 is marked each year. And today, the people of this proudly independent and unique place will celebrate its role in sparking the Industrial Revolution, in our annual Black Country Day festivities.
I want to use this column to explain how the Black Country continues to quietly influence the national agenda by pioneering new technology, attracting global recognition from UNESCO – and being at the heart of the political change that smashed Labour’s red wall.
People sometimes think I am Mayor of Birmingham – I am not. The Black Country is just as big as the Second City; a cultural and historic union of four of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s seven constituent boroughs in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
It is set apart from its West Midlands neighbours by a strong and distinctive identity, great traditions and a lyrical dialect that is only confused with ‘Brummie’ by people not from these parts. But while proud of its past, this is an area forging a better future through the innovation and invention that has always burned there.
The Black Country is quite literally ‘Middle England’, sitting at the heart of the nation. And it is also now at the heart of the Government’s agenda as we look to kickstart the economy and reawaken industry.
The Prime Minister chose Dudley as the setting to make the keynote speech in which he revealed his New Deal – focusing on infrastructure and construction to drive the UK’s recovery. Why Dudley? Dudley is a brilliant example of how innovation, ambition and investment in infrastructure are already reawakening the local economy and bringing tangible, visible change.
Appropriately, he chose the site of Dudley College’s Technology Institute to outline his vision, a new facility that will create the local engineers and innovators of the future. Dudley’s town centre is on the cusp of a new future too, as the region’s Metro tram system extends to provide vital connectivity to the rest of the West Midlands, with 17 new stops along the way. In May, Cavendish House, a huge derelict office block that had been a symbol of decay on Dudley’s skyline for years, was torn down.
The energy driving Dudley’s re-emergence is reflected across the Black Country, where innovation and investment are making a real difference in housing and transport.
Most notably, the Black Country is pioneering the reclamation of former brownfield industrial sites to help tackle the housing crisis, while protecting the environment. The Black Country will lead the way on this, through a new £24 million National Brownfield Institute in Wolverhampton, as we invest to regenerate more derelict eyesores.
However, these are more than just blueprints – it’s already happening. In Wolverhampton the first homes have gone on sale at Steelhouse Lane, a former industrial eyesore, while in Walsall sites like the old Caparo engineering works and the Harvestime bakery have got the green light to be used for new housing. In West Bromwich the biggest brownfield site development of all – Friar Park – will see a former sewage works, bigger than 30 football pitches, become a 750-home community.
The Black Country also provides evidence of how investment in transport infrastructure can get local economies moving. This year we have seen diggers in the ground – delivering schemes that have been talked about for years.
On the railways, phase one of the new Wolverhampton city centre station has now opened – proudly decked out in yellow and black to reflect the Old Gold of Wolverhampton Wanderers. Plans are steaming ahead to reopen old railway stations linking Walsall to Wolverhampton, boosting public transport in communities that haven’t had a rail service for decades.
The Black Country’s tradition of invention lives on with technology powering business success. Dudley council has partnered with the Warwick Manufacturing Group, with plans to create a Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre, assembling prototype vehicles and training engineers. In Cradley, Walsall and Smethwick local firms are breaking new ground with modular home construction. Wolverhampton boasts two sites building state-of-the-art aerospace systems.
One brilliant piece of news that may help bring more people to the Black Country was its official recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark, which was revealed last week. This means Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton join the French wine region of Beaujolais, Vietnam’s Dak Nong, and only seven other UK Geoparks including the Scottish Highlands on this prestigious global list.
This UNESCO honour recognises that behind the industrial and manufacturing might of this remarkable place lies a strong and proud culture, and a people with their own distinct character. Like all Midlanders, they offer quiet confidence and self-effacing humour in place of swagger and bluster – but they value hard work, encourage ambition and inspire ideas.
They are also resilient. In the last few months, as Coronavirus hit, that local character shone through as manufacturers turned over their machinery to make PPE and volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help the vulnerable and isolated. Black Country folk get things done.
As the people who built that first steam engine, they also embrace a clear, decisive vision that powers progress. That’s why, I believe, the Black Country turned blue in the general election, with five Conservative gains making ten MPs across an area previously considered to be a Labour heartland.
The fact is, the local investment I have outlined above is evidence of ‘levelling up’ in action. As we celebrate Black Country Day, this remarkable area and its people are once again showing how investment and innovation can drive real change.


conservativehome--2020-07-14--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Trustees of the National Citizen Service –


conservativehome--2020-07-14--Gove is right: wearing face masks should be voluntary

Over the last few months , the Government has been repeatedly quizzed about whether it will more strictly enforce face masks .
While it ’ s compulsory to wear them on public transport , there have been calls to extend the rules to all indoor spaces .
Writing for the Financial Times , Nick Boles , the former MP for Grantham and Stamford , said that it ’ s “ dangerously lax ” to not use them in further settings , and others have unfavourably compared England to Scotland , where masks are mandatory in shops .
Criticisms heightened this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series of mixed messages on the subject .
On Friday , Boris Johnson said that a “ stricter ” approach was needed on wearing masks in shops , and indicated that he and other advisers would be looking into the guidance .
Two days later , while interviewed by Andrew Marr , Michael Gove said that wearing a mask in a shop was “ basic good manners ” , but that coverings should not be mandatory .
Then yesterday , Robert Buckland said that mask-wearing “ isn ’ t just an act of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidence ” .
Now Matt Hancock is apparently to announce that wearing them is to become compulsory in shops .
The Government has been under even more pressure to rethink its position on masks as the scientific case for them appears to have advanced .
New research from the Royal Society Data Evaluation and Learning for Viral Epidemics initiative suggests that their “ use could reduce onward transmission by asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic wearers if widely used in situations where physical distancing is not possible or predictable ” .
It points out that 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from individuals without symptoms ; that respiratory droplets are a major mode of transmission , and that face masks reduce droplet dispersal .
While ConservativeHome supported the initial emergency measures to control the pandemic , including lockdown , Gove ’ s common sense approach looks like the right one to take .
During the start of the pandemic , given the amount of unknowns about Coronavirus , the Government was left with little choice but to increase its powers , lest there was civil disobedience and the virus was passed about .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , empowering individuals to make safe decisions .
Not least because we could be living with Covid-19 for a very long time .
This is not only a philosophical position ; the Conservatives also need to be realistic about how Brits would respond to being told to wear face masks in shops when they are already doing this on public transport .
The more rules , the less people may comply with the existing ones – especially when they are worn out by lockdown .
Additionally , polling by Ipsos-MORI has shown that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nations about face masks .
This is not only because they have never faced a health crisis of this sort – in the way China and Hong Kong have ( post-SARS ) , making masks more routine – but they tend to think the measure is over-cautious .
Indeed , the RC ’ s Science in Emergencies Tasking group found in April that the UK had 25 per cent compliance for face masks compared to 83 per cent in Italy , 66 per cent in the US and 64 per cent in Spain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northerners , Conservatives , Leave voters and men are some of the least likely to wear them .
Some have suggested that “ moral framing ” is what could encourage more mask wearing ; in other words , pointing out the altruistic benefits of wearing them .
This seems quite sensible ; it is much better for the Government to demonstrate the statistical evidence for them ( if there is enough ) rather than force compliance , which should be avoided as much as possible .
Mandating health activities , like lockdown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing to do .
Sadiq Khan and Nicola Sturgeon clearly believe that telling people to wear face masks gives them the moral high ground .
But my personal view , having had to sport one in London most days , is that it ’ s infantilising and a state overreach – to be told to wear them in announcements .
The Conservatives will struggle to impose masks anyway , as they have been so inconsistent in their messaging .
There ’ s also no way shop staff in busy stores can impose the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forget their fundamental principles ; individual responsibility is paramount , even in a pandemic .


conservativehome--2020-07-14--The Moggcast: Rees-Mogg on reversing Lansley’s NHS reforms – “the people who are held to account” sh

The Moggcast: Rees-Mogg on reversing Lansley’s NHS reforms – “the people who are held to account” should “make the decisions”

You can also listen and subscribe to the Moggcast on iTunes , through our YouTube channel , or through the @ @ @ @ @ well as on Spotify , Alexa and via numerous leading podcast services .

You can also listen and subscribe to the Moggcast on iTunes, through our YouTube channel, or through the RSS feed here, as well as on Spotify, Alexa and via numerous leading podcast services.