conservativehome--2020-03-02--The Patel backlash has a sexist undercurrent

On Saturday , in a move that stunned the media and politicians alike , the permanent secretary of the Home Office , Sir Philip Rutnam held a press conference in which he resigned , singling out Priti Patel as the main reason for his departure .
He pledged to bring a case of constructive dismissal against the government , claiming that the Home Secretary had orchestrated a “ vicious ” 10-day briefing campaign against him .
Furthermore , he alleged that she had shouted , sworn at and belittled other staff – as well as “ making unreasonable and repeated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ created fear and needed some bravery to call out.
” Rutnam said he had asked Patel to “ change her behaviours ” , but it appears she thought little of this advice – and thus he felt no option but to walk out .
These accusations should be listened to .
None of us are privy to the everyday operations of the civil service , or know what went on with Patel and Rutnam , so we can only speculate on who ’ s right .
But the criticism aimed at Patel has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexist edge .
It ’ s the wording of the accusations that are telling , which one suspects would not be considered so damning – or , indeed , noticed – if applied to a man .
Now I am not one to cry sexism usually , which has rendered almost meaningless as a term by the Left , nor a fan of quotas or sympathy .
Yet it struck me as odd that Patel was condemned for making “ unreasonable demands ” as Home Secretary .
What boss hasn ’ t done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high standards and challenging employees – even to the point where they ’ re exhausted – is what leaders do , especially in stressful environments .
And let ’ s face it , many would see Patel as weak if she displayed the opposite .
Other complaints against Patel came from a whistleblower in The Sunday Times , who told the paper “ there were a number officials she did not get on with ” and “ [ N ] othing was ever good enough and she would be quite rude and aggressive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not suggesting that Patel has displayed any of these behaviours of which she has been accused .
She may be entirely innocent and many have testified to her good character .
But it does beg the question why people find it so shocking for a Home Secretary to be demanding and sometimes fall out with people .
Could it be because she is female ?
Some reading this may say , “ hang on , there – we ’ ve had female home secretaries before ” – and they had better tenures at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s famously successful time , of course… ) .
But Patel is one of the most dynamic – male or female – in a long while .
She ’ s strong , resilient and trying to push through huge changes .
It ’ s inevitable that she will rub some people up the wrong way .
The liberal press hate her policies ; The Guardian has accused her of being “ out of her depth ” and showing “ ineptitude ” .
Interestingly , “ inept ” has been identified as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workplace , with Harvard Business School finding that female leaders were more likely to be assigned negative attributes such as this and “ selfish ” , “ vain ” and “ temperamental ” , Men , on the other hand , were ascribed positive terms , including “ analytical ” , “ level-headed ” and “ logical ” .
Patel has also been called “ aggressive ” , which HBS similarly discovered gets overwhelmingly applied to women in performance reviews .
This is why we should all pause about the wording of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she should “ change her behaviours ” .
It ’ s all a little bit too “ sit on the naughty step ” .
Like I say , his complaints should be taken seriously , especially given his long career in the civil service .
We must all listen to allegations of bullying , which has deeply traumatic effects , and can be done by anyone – male or female .
Patel , of course , is incredibly resilient , and does not need me or anyone else standing up for her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open our eyes to how the language used against her comes across .
It ’ s patronising and a symptom of the fact society is still getting used to women in high positions of power .
As with Ken Clarke once calling Theresa May a “ bloody difficult woman ” , these terms are simply never applied the other way round .
One is consoled , at least by the suspicion that the voting public cares little of these accusations against Patel ; if “ demanding ” gets Brexit done , demanding it @

On Saturday, in a move that stunned the media and politicians alike, the permanent secretary of the Home Office, Sir Philip Rutnam held a press conference in which he resigned, singling out Priti Patel as the main reason for his departure.
He pledged to bring a case of constructive dismissal against the government, claiming that the Home Secretary had orchestrated a “vicious” 10-day briefing campaign against him.
Furthermore, he alleged that she had shouted, sworn at and belittled other staff – as well as “making unreasonable and repeated demands”, which had apparently “created fear and needed some bravery to call out.”
Rutnam said he had asked Patel to “change her behaviours”, but it appears she thought little of this advice – and thus he felt no option but to walk out.
These accusations should be listened to. None of us are privy to the everyday operations of the civil service, or know what went on with Patel and Rutnam, so we can only speculate on who’s right.
But the criticism aimed at Patel has struck me as having something of a sexist edge. It’s the wording of the accusations that are telling, which one suspects would not be considered so damning – or, indeed, noticed – if applied to a man.
Now I am not one to cry sexism usually, which has rendered almost meaningless as a term by the Left, nor a fan of quotas or sympathy.
Yet it struck me as odd that Patel was condemned for making “unreasonable demands” as Home Secretary. What boss hasn’t done this, after all? Surely having high standards and challenging employees – even to the point where they’re exhausted – is what leaders do, especially in stressful environments. And let’s face it, many would see Patel as weak if she displayed the opposite.
Other complaints against Patel came from a whistleblower in The Sunday Times, who told the paper “there were a number officials she did not get on with” and “[N]othing was ever good enough and she would be quite rude and aggressive at times.”
Again, so?
Incidentally, I am not suggesting that Patel has displayed any of these behaviours of which she has been accused. She may be entirely innocent and many have testified to her good character.
But it does beg the question why people find it so shocking for a Home Secretary to be demanding and sometimes fall out with people. Could it be because she is female?
Some reading this may say, “hang on, there – we’ve had female home secretaries before” – and they had better tenures at the Home Office (like Amber Rudd’s famously successful time, of course…).
But Patel is one of the most dynamic – male or female – in a long while. She’s strong, resilient and trying to push through huge changes. It’s inevitable that she will rub some people up the wrong way.
The liberal press hate her policies; The Guardian has accused her of being “out of her depth” and showing “ineptitude”.
Interestingly, “inept” has been identified as a word disproportionately applied to women in the workplace, with Harvard Business School finding that female leaders were more likely to be assigned negative attributes such as this and “selfish”, “vain” and “temperamental”, Men, on the other hand, were ascribed positive terms, including “analytical”, “level-headed” and “logical”.
Patel has also been called “aggressive”, which HBS similarly discovered gets overwhelmingly applied to women in performance reviews.
This is why we should all pause about the wording of these attacks. Even Rutnam’s advice that she should “change her behaviours”. It’s all a little bit too “sit on the naughty step”.
Like I say, his complaints should be taken seriously, especially given his long career in the civil service.
We must all listen to allegations of bullying, which has deeply traumatic effects, and can be done by anyone – male or female.
Patel, of course, is incredibly resilient, and does not need me or anyone else standing up for her.
But I do hope we can open our eyes to how the language used against her comes across.
It’s patronising and a symptom of the fact society is still getting used to women in high positions of power.
As with Ken Clarke once calling Theresa May a “bloody difficult woman”, these terms are simply never applied the other way round.
One is consoled, at least by the suspicion that the voting public cares little of these accusations against Patel; if “demanding” gets Brexit done, demanding it is…


conservativehome--2020-03-03--WATCH: “Keeping the country safe is the Government’s overriding priority”- Prime Minister’s statemen

WATCH: “Keeping the country safe is the Government’s overriding priority”- Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus

“ I fully understand public concern , your concern about the global spread of the virus and it is highly @ @ @ @ @ a growing number of UK cases ” UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson sets out the @ @ @ @ @ coronavirushttps : //t.co/pHUimFiIOR # coronavirusuk pic.twitter.com/rOR6qOdSBt

“I fully understand public concern, your concern about the global spread of the virus and it is highly likely that we will see a growing number of UK cases”
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson sets out the government’s plan for coronavirushttps://t.co/pHUimFiIOR #coronavirusuk pic.twitter.com/rOR6qOdSBt
— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) March 3, 2020


conservativehome--2020-03-03--WATCH: Trump – “I’m the youngest person. I am a young, vibrant man.”

The President , 73 , on the prospect of an election contest against Joe Biden , 77 .
Mind you @ @ @ @ @ riposte when compared to a younger candidate : see below .

The President, 73, on the prospect of an election contest against Joe Biden, 77.
Mind you, Ronald Reagan had a riposte when compared to a younger candidate: see below.


conservativehome--2020-03-03--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct A

Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority – 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 Office of the Children ’ s Commissioner is a dynamic and creative place to work .
It is a small organisation , but it has a loud voice and is highly respected .
The Children ’ s Commissioner ’ s Advisory Board exists to provide advice and challenge to the Children ’ s Commissioner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Commissioner is now inviting applications from exceptional individuals , with a wide breadth of experience , to join this Board , which meets quarterly in London .
Candidates need not have previous experience of working with children but should demonstrate an interest in policy issues affecting children , particularly the most vulnerable , and be interested in the role of the Commissioner and able to offer a different perspective on her work.
” “ We are seeking high-calibre Non-Executive Directors ( NEDs ) with substantial experience of leading complex , delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary in the realisation of her ambitious agenda .
Non-Executive Directors provide a key role in diversifying and strengthening the strategic and operational leadership of the Home Office .
They complement the skills and experience of Government Ministers and officials by bringing constructive challenge and advice to the Department ’ s work through a fresh , independent , and external perspective .
You will work closely with ministers and officials to support the delivery of a portfolio of priorities linked to key departmental commitments.
” “ Robert Chote will be stepping down as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after 10 years in post .
We are seeking a successor with deep expertise in economic and fiscal analysis who can lead the BRC and provide intellectual leadership to the OBR ’ s staff .
This is a high profile and influential role , requiring outstanding communication skills and integrity .
Candidates must command broad respect for their objectivity in dealing with issues of political sensitivity .
Appointments to the BRC are for a five-year term .
There is the possibility of reappointment at the end of the term and members can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This post can be undertaken on either a part or full-time basis.
” “ The Office for Nuclear Regulation ( ONR ) is a Public Corporation responsible for the regulation of nuclear safety and security across the UK .
Its vision is to be an exemplary regulator that inspires respect , trust and confidence .
ONR is sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) who have principal responsibility for governance , finance and its performance in relation to conventional Health and Safety .
The Department for Business , Energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accountable for the UK civil nuclear regulatory framework and policies and for appointing a Security Non-Executive Director ( NED ) to the ONR Board.
” “ This is an opportunity to take on an intellectually demanding role at the heart of international financial services , leading a sizeable and complex organisation .
There is a requirement for strong leadership in a challenging environment to undertake a critically important role .
Under Andrew Bailey , the FCA has formulated a transformation programme , to equip the organisation for the next phase of its development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skills to rapidly identify harm across an exceptionally broad range of firms of all sizes exploiting fast-moving changes in technology and distribution to target consumers ; enhance employee capabilities and processes to act swiftly on the harms identified ; [ and ] and with a regulatory framework which is appropriate following the completion of EU withdrawal , and which takes advantage of the opportunities for better and more efficient regulation brought by technology and behavioural science.
” “ The Coast to Capital Strategic Board comprises private sector and local authority Members , setting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic prosperity for all in the Coast to Capital area , including through Government funding of projects through the Local Growth Fund .
They are accountable to the LEP Board and for the proper governance of the LEP .
Coast to Capital is seeking an influential and persuasive senior business figure from the C2C area to help lead the region and meet the ambitious vision set out in its strategic plan .
Currently chaired by Tim Wates , who will be stepping down in July 2020 , the Board brings together a diverse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politicians and leaders from Universities and Further Education .
”

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.
– – – – – – – – – –
Children’s Commissioner’s Office – Advisory Board Member
“The Office of the Children’s Commissioner is a dynamic and creative place to work. It is a small organisation, but it has a loud voice and is highly respected. The Children’s Commissioner’s Advisory Board exists to provide advice and challenge to the Children’s Commissioner in the exercise of her statutory functions. The Commissioner is now inviting applications from exceptional individuals, with a wide breadth of experience, to join this Board, which meets quarterly in London. Candidates need not have previous experience of working with children but should demonstrate an interest in policy issues affecting children, particularly the most vulnerable, and be interested in the role of the Commissioner and able to offer a different perspective on her work.”
Time: 3-4 meetings per year.
Remuneration: Reasonable expenses.
Closes: 03 March
– – – – – – – – – –
Home Office – Non-Executive Directors
“We are seeking high-calibre Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) with substantial experience of leading complex, delivery focused organisations, to support the Home Secretary in the realisation of her ambitious agenda. Non-Executive Directors provide a key role in diversifying and strengthening the strategic and operational leadership of the Home Office. They complement the skills and experience of Government Ministers and officials by bringing constructive challenge and advice to the Department’s work through a fresh, independent, and external perspective. You will work closely with ministers and officials to support the delivery of a portfolio of priorities linked to key departmental commitments.”
Time: “3 years”.
Remuneration: £15,000.
Closes: 08 March
– – – – – – – – – –
Office for Budget Responsibility – Chair
“Robert Chote will be stepping down as Chair of the BRC later this year, after 10 years in post. We are seeking a successor with deep expertise in economic and fiscal analysis who can lead the BRC and provide intellectual leadership to the OBR’s staff. This is a high profile and influential role, requiring outstanding communication skills and integrity. Candidates must command broad respect for their objectivity in dealing with issues of political sensitivity. Appointments to the BRC are for a five-year term. There is the possibility of reappointment at the end of the term and members can serve a maximum of two terms. This post can be undertaken on either a part or full-time basis.”
Time: Full- or part-time.
Remuneration: £158,762 per annum (FTE).
Closes: 19 March
– – – – – – – – – –
Office for Nuclear Regulation – Security Non-Executive Director
“The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is a Public Corporation responsible for the regulation of nuclear safety and security across the UK. Its vision is to be an exemplary regulator that inspires respect, trust and confidence. ONR is sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) who have principal responsibility for governance, finance and its performance in relation to conventional Health and Safety. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is accountable for the UK civil nuclear regulatory framework and policies and for appointing a Security Non-Executive Director (NED) to the ONR Board.”
Time: Approx. 30 days per annum.
Remuneration: £15,000 plus expenses.
Closes: 22 March
– – – – – – – – – –
Financial Conduct Authority – Chief Executive
“This is an opportunity to take on an intellectually demanding role at the heart of international financial services, leading a sizeable and complex organisation. There is a requirement for strong leadership in a challenging environment to undertake a critically important role. Under Andrew Bailey, the FCA has formulated a transformation programme, to equip the organisation for the next phase of its development: a data strategy and enhanced analytical skills to rapidly identify harm across an exceptionally broad range of firms of all sizes exploiting fast-moving changes in technology and distribution to target consumers; enhance employee capabilities and processes to act swiftly on the harms identified; [and] and with a regulatory framework which is appropriate following the completion of EU withdrawal, and which takes advantage of the opportunities for better and more efficient regulation brought by technology and behavioural science.”
Time: Full-time.
Remuneration: Competitive.
Closes: 27 March
– – – – – – – – – –
Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (C2C LEP) – Chair
“The Coast to Capital Strategic Board comprises private sector and local authority Members, setting a vision for and overseeing delivery of economic prosperity for all in the Coast to Capital area, including through Government funding of projects through the Local Growth Fund. They are accountable to the LEP Board and for the proper governance of the LEP. Coast to Capital is seeking an influential and persuasive senior business figure from the C2C area to help lead the region and meet the ambitious vision set out in its strategic plan. Currently chaired by Tim Wates, who will be stepping down in July 2020, the Board brings together a diverse mix of regional business leaders alongside senior politicians and leaders from Universities and Further Education.”
Time: Four days per month, three-year term.
Remuneration: £20,000 per annum.
Closes: 30 March


conservativehome--2020-03-03--Our survey. Almost half of Party members believe that human activity is driving global warming. Almo

Our survey. Almost half of Party members believe that human activity is driving global warming. Almost a third don’t.

So almost half of Party members , if our survey is right , are in line with the party political consensus – that human activity is driving global warming .
Roughly a third believe that global warming is happening , but not that human activity is driving it .
They presumably place greater stress on the role of “ natural forces such as the sun , cosmic rays , clouds and the oceans ” , to quote Andrew Turnbull .
And one in ten think that global warming isn ’ t happening at all .
The percentage which says that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bit higher than this site expected ; that saying that it isn ’ t a bit lower , and the proportion saying it isn ’ t happening a bit lower again .
Having said that , our sense is that Conservative MPs will be very roughly where our panel is – although we have to admit that we ’ ve no evidence for that .
But if roughly a third , say , believe that human activity doesn ’ t drive global warming we can add that much less than a third @ @ @ @ @

So almost half of Party members, if our survey is right, are in line with the party political consensus – that human activity is driving global warming.
Roughly a third believe that global warming is happening, but not that human activity is driving it. They presumably place greater stress on the role of “natural forces such as the sun, cosmic rays, clouds and the oceans”, to quote Andrew Turnbull.
And one in ten think that global warming isn’t happening at all.
The percentage which says that human activity is driving global warming is a bit higher than this site expected; that saying that it isn’t a bit lower, and the proportion saying it isn’t happening a bit lower again.
Having said that, our sense is that Conservative MPs will be very roughly where our panel is – although we have to admit that we’ve no evidence for that. But if roughly a third, say, believe that human activity doesn’t drive global warming we can add that much less than a third are vocal about it.


conservativehome--2020-03-03--The Moggcast Returns. “Wash your hands for one verse of the National Anthem” – “we can all play our

The Moggcast Returns. “Wash your hands for one verse of the National Anthem” – “we can all play our part” against Coronavirus.

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.


conservativehome--2020-03-03--John Bald: Copying is not an effective way for pupils to learn

John Bald is a former Ofsted inspector and has written two books on the history of writing and spelling .
He is Vice President of the Conservative Education Society .
Three long-standing educational issues over the past week – marking , copying , and phonics .
As an inspector , I liked marking and saw its frequent absence as evidence of neglect .
In some cases , books would not even be looked at for months at a time , resulting in incomplete work , full of errors , and showing no progress .
Pointing this out could provoke a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ academics who , said the schools , didn ’ t believe in marking either , and on one occasion leading to an official complaint .
I took more notice of comments from my pupils .
“ They don ’ t look at the books much , ” said one rather depressed 13-year-old , whose maths book and attempts to write in French showed that he had not understood anything about either .
His “ outstanding ” school had ignored an action point from Ofsted to do something about it and complained to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s time .
During Labour ’ s coursework era , we had the opposite , with teachers pressured into “ deep ” marking that amounted to rewriting work for the pupils to copy out and obtain a fake grade .
But Michaela , whose results are stratospheric , does not mark books , a fact that I had overlooked when praising its pupils ’ astonishing progress in writing during my visit .
Geoffrey Main drew my attention to this in discussion of his application to found a free school , and their approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s chapter in Battle Hymn of the Tiger Teacher .
It is anything but neglect .
Rather than correcting individual errors , teachers analyse them and use them as a basis for teaching , so that pupils learn to adjust their thinking and avoid them .
The school ’ s use of setting according to abilities and learning needs makes this possible , as the teacher is not obliged to try to teach too many things at once .
I used a similar approach with FE students , some of whose writing was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or more errors in every sentence .
I would type the original into a word processor , discuss and review it with them , and we would agree on a final version , which we would print off .
Michaela shares pupils ’ work using a visualiser , a device that will project any text onto a screen .
I still take issue with the title of the chapter – “ Marking is Futile ” – as marking is the quickest and most effective way to provide feedback on some types of work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acting on , as well as reading .
Copying is an easier target .
Jerking back and forth from the original to one ’ s own version breaks the process of writing down to the number of letters a person can hold in their head .
Over 40 years ago , HMI described the illusion of copying for weak pupils in secondary school , whose copied work , letter by letter , masked a lack of knowledge and understanding that became clear once they tried to write without prompts .
Copying has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – it was the main method of teaching Babylonian cuneiform – and , despite denials , is still used today in secondary schools , particularly in languages .
Now that we know that learning is based on the formation and consolidation of neural networks , which can not benefit from these constant switches in attention , the time is right for a concerted effort to get rid of it .
And so to phonics .
Since the 1970s , I ’ ve argued that phonics , the relationships between letters and sounds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alphabetic language .
I supported pioneering schools and teachers , including Jerwood Award winner St Clare ’ s Birmingham , and helped restore them to the national curriculum before they were replaced by the Searchlights approach in Labour ’ s disastrous strategies .
Most recently , a phonic approach has been endorsed by the French neuroscientist Stanislas Dehaene , despite the fact that phonics in French are complicated by its extensive use of silent letters at the ends of words for grammatical purposes .
The alternatives to phonics , variations on the theme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole language ” , are unreliable , as they involve guesswork and are not consistent with the way we process the information from print as we read , tracking every word and every letter closely .
The conflict between these approaches , from around 1970 onwards , became known as the reading wars .
The phonics revival , which began in the 1990s , has driven the guessing game theorists back into their heartlands in teacher education , but phonics has itself developed a purist variation that attempts to present the whole of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , dressed up with Greek terminology such as “ phoneme ” ( sound ) “ grapheme ” ( letter or group of letters representing a sound ) , backed by charts listing every possible way of representing a sound , sometimes expecting children to learn every variation before they start to read .
The trouble with this is that letters do not always represent the sound we expect , or indeed the small variations in sounds that characterise English .
Some children pick these variations up for themselves , as indeed some learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whatever instruction they receive .
Others become confused in the face of any ambiguity , for example finding it very difficult to adjust from the idea of t as in top or cat , to representing a different sound when followed by h , as in this , or think .
Presenting the language as a chart of sound correspondences does not explain why things are as they are – th is a Norman invention , to replace the Anglo-Saxon letter thorn , þ , as Norman scribes did not like anything Anglo-Saxon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many other stumbling blocks , and prepares children for other letter patterns that don ’ t do as we might expect .
Presenting all of the variations to them in a chart , an approach that I call “ whole phonics ” , does not , and causes confusion to a significant minority of children.. To carry the phonics revolution through , and tackle the more advanced reading issues identified by the recent GL Assessment report , we need to teach English as it is , explain how things have come to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reinforce this knowledge in everything a school does .

John Bald is a former Ofsted inspector and has written two books on the history of writing and spelling. He is Vice President of the Conservative Education Society.
Three long-standing educational issues over the past week – marking, copying, and phonics. As an inspector, I liked marking and saw its frequent absence as evidence of neglect. In some cases, books would not even be looked at for months at a time, resulting in incomplete work, full of errors, and showing no progress. Pointing this out could provoke a furious response, backed by reference to academics who, said the schools, didn’t believe in marking either, and on one occasion leading to an official complaint. I took more notice of comments from my pupils.
“They don’t look at the books much,” said one rather depressed 13-year-old, whose maths book and attempts to write in French showed that he had not understood anything about either. His “outstanding” school had ignored an action point from Ofsted to do something about it and complained to the local paper about Ofsted wasting everyone’s time. During Labour’s coursework era, we had the opposite, with teachers pressured into “deep” marking that amounted to rewriting work for the pupils to copy out and obtain a fake grade.
But Michaela, whose results are stratospheric, does not mark books, a fact that I had overlooked when praising its pupils’ astonishing progress in writing during my visit. Geoffrey Main drew my attention to this in discussion of his application to found a free school, and their approach is set out in Jo Facer’s chapter in Battle Hymn of the Tiger Teacher. It is anything but neglect. Rather than correcting individual errors, teachers analyse them and use them as a basis for teaching, so that pupils learn to adjust their thinking and avoid them.
The school’s use of setting according to abilities and learning needs makes this possible, as the teacher is not obliged to try to teach too many things at once. I used a similar approach with FE students, some of whose writing was so weak that there would be three or more errors in every sentence. I would type the original into a word processor, discuss and review it with them, and we would agree on a final version, which we would print off. Michaela shares pupils’ work using a visualiser, a device that will project any text onto a screen. I still take issue with the title of the chapter – “Marking is Futile” – as marking is the quickest and most effective way to provide feedback on some types of work, but this chapter is well worth acting on, as well as reading.
Copying is an easier target. Jerking back and forth from the original to one’s own version breaks the process of writing down to the number of letters a person can hold in their head. Over 40 years ago, HMI described the illusion of copying for weak pupils in secondary school, whose copied work, letter by letter, masked a lack of knowledge and understanding that became clear once they tried to write without prompts. Copying has been prevalent in education since the ancient world – it was the main method of teaching Babylonian cuneiform – and, despite denials, is still used today in secondary schools, particularly in languages. Now that we know that learning is based on the formation and consolidation of neural networks, which cannot benefit from these constant switches in attention, the time is right for a concerted effort to get rid of it.
And so to phonics. Since the 1970s, I’ve argued that phonics, the relationships between letters and sounds, are the basis of reading in an alphabetic language. I supported pioneering schools and teachers, including Jerwood Award winner St Clare’s Birmingham, and helped restore them to the national curriculum before they were replaced by the Searchlights approach in Labour’s disastrous strategies. Most recently, a phonic approach has been endorsed by the French neuroscientist Stanislas Dehaene, despite the fact that phonics in French are complicated by its extensive use of silent letters at the ends of words for grammatical purposes. The alternatives to phonics, variations on the theme of whole word reading, or “whole language”, are unreliable, as they involve guesswork and are not consistent with the way we process the information from print as we read, tracking every word and every letter closely. The conflict between these approaches, from around 1970 onwards, became known as the reading wars.
The phonics revival, which began in the 1990s, has driven the guessing game theorists back into their heartlands in teacher education, but phonics has itself developed a purist variation that attempts to present the whole of the language in terms of sound-symbol correspondence, dressed up with Greek terminology such as “phoneme” (sound) “grapheme” (letter or group of letters representing a sound), backed by charts listing every possible way of representing a sound, sometimes expecting children to learn every variation before they start to read. The trouble with this is that letters do not always represent the sound we expect, or indeed the small variations in sounds that characterise English. Some children pick these variations up for themselves, as indeed some learn almost the whole system for themselves, whatever instruction they receive. Others become confused in the face of any ambiguity, for example finding it very difficult to adjust from the idea of t as in top or cat, to representing a different sound when followed by h, as in this, or think. Presenting the language as a chart of sound correspondences does not explain why things are as they are – th is a Norman invention, to replace the Anglo-Saxon letter thorn, þ, as Norman scribes did not like anything Anglo-Saxon.
Telling the story unlocks this and many other stumbling blocks, and prepares children for other letter patterns that don’t do as we might expect. Presenting all of the variations to them in a chart, an approach that I call “whole phonics”, does not, and causes confusion to a significant minority of children.. To carry the phonics revolution through, and tackle the more advanced reading issues identified by the recent GL Assessment report, we need to teach English as it is, explain how things have come to be as they are, and then develop and reinforce this knowledge in everything a school does.


conservativehome--2020-03-04--Two in three Party members support the 2050 zero carbon target

Almost half of Party members believe that human activity is driving global warming .
And even more think that the @ @ @ @ @ the 2050 net zero carbon emissions target .
Note , though , that two in @ @ @ @ @ wrong to set that target into law .
And that a third are opposed to @ @ @ @ @ the same people who hold that human activity is not driving global warming .
Taken @ @ @ @ @ moderately encouraging for Boris Johnson and his team as they head towards this autumn ’ @ @ @ @ @ .

Almost half of Party members believe that human activity is driving global warming. And even more think that the Government is right to set the 2050 net zero carbon emissions target.
Note, though, that two in five say that it is wrong to set that target into law. And that a third are opposed to it altogether – presumably much the same people who hold that human activity is not driving global warming.
Taken together, these results are moderately encouraging for Boris Johnson and his team as they head towards this autumn’s COP26 summit in Glasgow.


conservativehome--2020-03-04--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct A


conservativehome--2020-03-04--Coronavirus 1) We should ease the rules that restrict volunteering

The Government ’ s “ battle plan ” to fight the coronavirus is well and truly underway , with ministers drawing up a number of dramatic steps to protect the country .
Boris Johnson will be given sweeping powers to create no-go zones in affected areas , border officials will be allowed to deny entry to Britain to anyone suspected of the virus , and already the NHS has bumped up its 111 helpline , with 500 more staff on board .
One of the most crucial plans the government has is to use an army of NHS volunteers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helplines , deliver supplies and cover childcare for staff in case of a serious outbreak .
They are relying , specifically , on the enthusiasm and skills of retired doctors and nurses , whom they hope will fill in the gaps .
The flaw in this strategy – and apologies for the morbidness to follow – is that retired people are some of the most likely to be affected by coronavirus .
We know that its impact affects everyone differently depending on age , health and sex ( men are slightly more susceptible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In fact , an analysis of 44,000 cases from China showed that the death rate was ten times higher in the very elderly compared to the middle-aged , with incidences beginning to increase noticeably around the 50-years mark .
On the other hand , death rates were lowest for the under 30s , with eight deaths in 4,500 cases .
In conclusion , the government would be wrong to depend too much upon retired workers to deal with the crisis – who may very well be the ones needing medical support ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministers , in fact , need to establish how to tap into a much younger workforce .
But herein lies another issue ; young people are some of the most reluctant to volunteer .
This may be hard to believe , as with their wokeness , activism and interest in social responsibility , it ’ s easy to think whippersnappers permanently reside in charity shops .
But 25-34-year-olds are the least likely group to volunteer .
So what do we do about this ?
It strikes me that the approach to volunteering in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long time , and now is the time to have a rethink .
Some might say that things are fine – 20.1 million people volunteered at least once between 2017 and 2019 – but we do have to ask how to improve the youth uptake .
As a 31-year-old who volunteered in her twenties , what always irked me was the amount of admin involved – it ’ s easy to forget you ’ re actually trying to help , as you feel almost punished for doing so .
Of course , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – children and adults – meaning that there needs to be a degree of checks involved .
But some of these come across as completely excessive .
For instance , while searching for volunteering jobs in my area , I found an advert for a “ Digital Champion ” – which involves teaching people how to use computers – that required a criminal record ( DBS ) check .
Friends who have volunteered recently tell me that the DBS forms ( CRB checks in my day ) are easy to use , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still – they cost £23 each time .
Most employees for full-time jobs do not ask for DBS checks , so why are they inordinately required for charity shops and other fairly safe work Add to that , they often want references on top – which is especially difficult for young men and women , who are trying to gain work experience through volunteering .
Elsewhere on the volunteering website I find an advert for a “ Travel Buddy ” , a role which involves helping children learn about their local area and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as asking for a DBS and references , it promises that the volunteer will get a full induction into the service as well as professional Child Safeguarding Training and a handbook “ full of useful information ” .
Isn ’ t it obvious how this is offputting to the young ?
The rationale for the huge amount of inductions , and references , and criminal record checks is , of course , fear around being sued and other safeguarding issues .
Yet it seems to me we have gone a bit too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s no surprise that young people – used to technology and fast information – are the least attracted to such pursuits .
Even someone who fancies a cup of tea with an elderly person once a week might find applying for this role feels like being vetted for the army – the processes have simply gone too far .
Other generations survived without so many certificates .
Generally , we ’ ve become incredibly risk averse as a nation .
In the last few weeks , for instance , children under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heading footballs during training .
But we forget that there are costs to trying to reduce risk – if people don ’ t want to volunteer because of forms , that leaves us with a smaller workforce to help the elderly , and a growing loneliness crisis .
In essence , it ’ s time for a rethink about our volunteering workforce – and how we can widen access to it .
With 30 days to go before a serious outbreak of the coronavirus could occur , there ’ s no time for @ @ @

The Government’s “battle plan” to fight the coronavirus is well and truly underway, with ministers drawing up a number of dramatic steps to protect the country.
Boris Johnson will be given sweeping powers to create no-go zones in affected areas, border officials will be allowed to deny entry to Britain to anyone suspected of the virus, and already the NHS has bumped up its 111 helpline, with 500 more staff on board.
One of the most crucial plans the government has is to use an army of NHS volunteers, who would be called in to man helplines, deliver supplies and cover childcare for staff in case of a serious outbreak.
They are relying, specifically, on the enthusiasm and skills of retired doctors and nurses, whom they hope will fill in the gaps.
The flaw in this strategy – and apologies for the morbidness to follow – is that retired people are some of the most likely to be affected by coronavirus. We know that its impact affects everyone differently depending on age, health and sex (men are slightly more susceptible), with older generations more affected.
In fact, an analysis of 44,000 cases from China showed that the death rate was ten times higher in the very elderly compared to the middle-aged, with incidences beginning to increase noticeably around the 50-years mark. On the other hand, death rates were lowest for the under 30s, with eight deaths in 4,500 cases.
In conclusion, the government would be wrong to depend too much upon retired workers to deal with the crisis – who may very well be the ones needing medical support (again, excuse my morbidness). Ministers, in fact, need to establish how to tap into a much younger workforce.
But herein lies another issue; young people are some of the most reluctant to volunteer. This may be hard to believe, as with their wokeness, activism and interest in social responsibility, it’s easy to think whippersnappers permanently reside in charity shops. But 25-34-year-olds are the least likely group to volunteer. So what do we do about this?
It strikes me that the approach to volunteering in this country has been pitiful for a long time, and now is the time to have a rethink. Some might say that things are fine – 20.1 million people volunteered at least once between 2017 and 2019 – but we do have to ask how to improve the youth uptake.
As a 31-year-old who volunteered in her twenties, what always irked me was the amount of admin involved – it’s easy to forget you’re actually trying to help, as you feel almost punished for doing so.
Of course, so much volunteering involves looking after vulnerable groups – children and adults – meaning that there needs to be a degree of checks involved. But some of these come across as completely excessive.
For instance, while searching for volunteering jobs in my area, I found an advert for a “Digital Champion” – which involves teaching people how to use computers – that required a criminal record (DBS) check.
Friends who have volunteered recently tell me that the DBS forms (CRB checks in my day) are easy to use, and take a couple of weeks, but still – they cost £23 each time.
Most employees for full-time jobs do not ask for DBS checks, so why are they inordinately required for charity shops and other fairly safe work?Add to that, they often want references on top – which is especially difficult for young men and women, who are trying to gain work experience through volunteering.
Elsewhere on the volunteering website I find an advert for a “Travel Buddy”, a role which involves helping children learn about their local area and how to use public transport.
As well as asking for a DBS and references, it promises that the volunteer will get a full induction into the service as well as professional Child Safeguarding Training and a handbook “full of useful information”.
Isn’t it obvious how this is offputting to the young?
The rationale for the huge amount of inductions, and references, and criminal record checks is, of course, fear around being sued and other safeguarding issues.
Yet it seems to me we have gone a bit too far on bureaucracy front, and it’s no surprise that young people – used to technology and fast information – are the least attracted to such pursuits.
Even someone who fancies a cup of tea with an elderly person once a week might find applying for this role feels like being vetted for the army – the processes have simply gone too far. Other generations survived without so many certificates.
Generally, we’ve become incredibly risk averse as a nation. In the last few weeks, for instance, children under the age of 12 have been banned from heading footballs during training.
But we forget that there are costs to trying to reduce risk – if people don’t want to volunteer because of forms, that leaves us with a smaller workforce to help the elderly, and a growing loneliness crisis.
(If children have too many rules around their sports, they may not want to play football – and the obesity crisis could worsen, too.)
In essence, it’s time for a rethink about our volunteering workforce – and how we can widen access to it.
With 30 days to go before a serious outbreak of the coronavirus could occur, there’s no time for long forms.


conservativehome--2020-03-04--Coronavirus 2) Ryan Bourne: Beware it being used as a cover for promoting socialism and protectionis

Coronavirus 2) Ryan Bourne: Beware it being used as a cover for promoting socialism and protectionism

Ryan Bourne holds the R Evan Scharf Chair in Public Understanding of Economics at the Cato Institute .
“ You never want a serious crisis to go to waste.
” “ Only a crisis‐actual or perceived‐produces real change.
” Rahm Emmanuel , Barack Obama ’ s Chief of Staff , and Milton Friedman , the libertarian economist , had different political ambitions .
But they both understood how crises can facilitate radical economic and political change .
The coronavirus , or Covid-19 , now risks becoming one such crisis .
Ascendant political ideas do not bode well for its consequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near-term economics .
Disruption to global supply chains , including lost production in China and consequent knock-on effects on shipping , could restrict the availability of certain goods , acting as an adverse supply-side shock .
That will put upward on prices , which central banks would be wise to ignore .
Purer “ panic ” risks sapping the demand-side of economies too , thus constraining output further .
Restrictions on , or fears about , socialising , could induce short-term consumption contractions , most of which will bounce back later , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses and liquidity-constrained households .
Tanking markets reflect both such effects but , as Tyler Cowen notes , the market reaction is bigger than these imply , suggesting investors are passing judgment on political reactions too .
The overall GDP impact depends on infection and death rates , the length and severity of containment , and consumers ’ spending responses .
Even with a death rate of one per cent , widespread infection could significantly affect output .
School closures for a month , as seen in Japan , might multiply any economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the worst case , flights might be grounded , sporting events cancelled , and more .
As Paul Goodman outlined last week , the Health Secretary must tread carefully between accusations of complacency or needless panic .
Ministers are reportedly “ considering the trade-off between allowing an acute outbreak , from which the economy would rebound more quickly , or trying to save more lives by imposing restrictions… ” Recognising trade-offs is welcome , but given the international nature of the problem and awful worst-case scenarios ( widespread infection of health professionals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without the virus ) , health concerns must dominate here , particularly to protect the elderly .
Nevertheless , one understands why the economics spooks politicians .
A 2009 paper by Simon Wren-Lewis , and Oxford University economist , modelled an influenza pandemic .
Assuming a three month flu similar to that seen in 1957 and 1968/69 , with 35 per cent to 50 per cent of people affected , and those infected taking five to seven days off work , it assessed various lengths of school closures , the possibility of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ types of consumption .
In the best-case UK GDP was projected to fall by 1.2 per cent in the quarter , with the year fall in GDP just 0.2 per cent as most consumption then rebounded .
A more extreme scenario , with one per cent of the working population dying , school closures for 13 weeks , and four weeks pre-emptive absenteeism , would have seen GDP contract by 4.5 per cent over the year .
If consumers really change their spending habits , that rises to circa six per cent – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
Now , that ’ s a severe scenario .
But it ’ s worth bearing in mind given how much the financial crisis changed politics .
Even a more muted impact could have profound consequences , once political opportunism kicks in .
The most obvious could be how a U.S. downturn affects their Presidential race , particularly with Bernie Sanders still in the hunt for the Democratic nomination to face Donald Trump .
Goldman Sachs estimates the coronavirus could shave a percentage point off GDP growth this year .
No post-war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growth that weak .
Though yesterday ’ s Democratic primary results were positive for Joe Biden , an escalating epidemic could rapidly change that race again .
And with stories of U.S. citizens avoiding seeking medical treatment through fear of out-of-pocket costs , a crisis will allow Sanders to denounce a healthcare system that Biden helped create , pushing Sanders ’ proposed socialisation of healthcare ( so-called “ Medicare-for-all ” ) to the forefront of the campaign , ahead of a Trump showdown .
Sanders ’ supporters certainly still smell blood .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chain disruptions like China has had , a related stock market decline ( already underway ) , and other adverse economic impacts , how voters , as taxpayers , weigh the costs versus benefits of ‘ Medicare for all ’ proposals could easily change , ” said Steve Early , a co-founder of “ Labor for Bernie.
” Remember that Sanders ’ economic platform is more radical than Corbyn ’ s Labour – combining protectionism , a massive expansion of the welfare state , and a guaranteed well-paid public sector job for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Land of the Free turns in a radically different economic direction , institutional constraints notwithstanding .
This would not be unusual .
History shows crises invariably grow government , with emergency measures , new spending , and trade and social restrictions never quite normalising .
Even if the U.S. avoids a socialist president , the coronavirus is already emboldening protectionists , particularly with regard interdependence with China .
Donald Trump ’ s son ( Don Jr ) retweeted approvingly , for example : “ For people worried about the economic impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just imagine if we *didn ’ t* have a president in the White House who spent the past three years encouraging American companies to reduce their dependence on China.
” Trump will use a potential pandemic to push reshoring , tighter borders , and immigration restrictions .
Environmentalists concerned about carbon emissions will use it too to advocate for less international travel .
Historians have pointed out that pandemics tend to occur after long periods of trade growth and integration , because of this sort of reaction .
It ’ s not escaped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – Jeremy Warner , Iain Martin , and Andrew Neil – have all downplayed supply chains ’ longevity , as part of the government ’ s hubristic desire to “ reshape the economy.
” We will see further anti-market sentiment when prices of certain goods rise through trade disruption too .
There ’ s nothing like a shortage of hand sanitiser or certain foods to cause people to give up on supply and demand and denounce “ greedy profiteering.
” An anti-market , anti-free trade turn would be a disaster , though , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interconnectivity and travel raises risks associated with pandemics , requiring contingencies .
But free trade and interconnectedness also raises prosperity , providing more resources to deal with crises when they arise .
A home-focused industrial policy hardly saved China from this epidemic .
And it ’ s precisely trade openness and markets that ensure diversity of supply – particularly in medicine and food .
If you think the UK or the US are vulnerable to lost production from Covid-19 now , imagine if everything was produced domestically and a pandemic hit here hardest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emanuel and Friedman knew , the chaos provides opportunities for ascendant ideas currently waiting in the wings .
Neo-socialism and protectionism are today ’ s fashionable “ novel ” opinions .
Covid-19 could have a legacy much greater than any initial economic drag .

Ryan Bourne holds the R Evan Scharf Chair in Public Understanding of Economics at the Cato Institute.
“You never want a serious crisis to go to waste.” “Only a crisis‐actual or perceived‐produces real change.” Rahm Emmanuel, Barack Obama’s Chief of Staff, and Milton Friedman, the libertarian economist, had different political ambitions. But they both understood how crises can facilitate radical economic and political change. The coronavirus, or Covid-19, now risks becoming one such crisis. Ascendant political ideas do not bode well for its consequences.
Much has been written on the near-term economics. Disruption to global supply chains, including lost production in China and consequent knock-on effects on shipping, could restrict the availability of certain goods, acting as an adverse supply-side shock. That will put upward on prices, which central banks would be wise to ignore.
Purer “panic” risks sapping the demand-side of economies too, thus constraining output further. Restrictions on, or fears about, socialising, could induce short-term consumption contractions, most of which will bounce back later, but which will put near-term pressure on many businesses and liquidity-constrained households. Tanking markets reflect both such effects but, as Tyler Cowen notes, the market reaction is bigger than these imply, suggesting investors are passing judgment on political reactions too.
The overall GDP impact depends on infection and death rates, the length and severity of containment, and consumers’ spending responses. Even with a death rate of one per cent, widespread infection could significantly affect output. School closures for a month, as seen in Japan, might multiply any economic drag by a factor of three. In the worst case, flights might be grounded, sporting events cancelled, and more.
As Paul Goodman outlined last week, the Health Secretary must tread carefully between accusations of complacency or needless panic. Ministers are reportedly “considering the trade-off between allowing an acute outbreak, from which the economy would rebound more quickly, or trying to save more lives by imposing restrictions…”
Recognising trade-offs is welcome, but given the international nature of the problem and awful worst-case scenarios (widespread infection of health professionals, causing knock-on consequences for those sick without the virus), health concerns must dominate here, particularly to protect the elderly.
Nevertheless, one understands why the economics spooks politicians. A 2009 paper by Simon Wren-Lewis, and Oxford University economist, modelled an influenza pandemic. Assuming a three month flu similar to that seen in 1957 and 1968/69, with 35 per cent to 50 per cent of people affected, and those infected taking five to seven days off work, it assessed various lengths of school closures, the possibility of people proactively taking time off, and adjusting types of consumption.
In the best-case UK GDP was projected to fall by 1.2 per cent in the quarter, with the year fall in GDP just 0.2 per cent as most consumption then rebounded. A more extreme scenario, with one per cent of the working population dying, school closures for 13 weeks, and four weeks pre-emptive absenteeism, would have seen GDP contract by 4.5 per cent over the year. If consumers really change their spending habits, that rises to circa six per cent – a similar near-term recession to the financial crisis.
Now, that’s a severe scenario. But it’s worth bearing in mind given how much the financial crisis changed politics. Even a more muted impact could have profound consequences, once political opportunism kicks in.
The most obvious could be how a U.S. downturn affects their Presidential race, particularly with Bernie Sanders still in the hunt for the Democratic nomination to face Donald Trump. Goldman Sachs estimates the coronavirus could shave a percentage point off GDP growth this year. No post-war incumbent has won a Presidential election with growth that weak.
Though yesterday’s Democratic primary results were positive for Joe Biden, an escalating epidemic could rapidly change that race again. And with stories of U.S. citizens avoiding seeking medical treatment through fear of out-of-pocket costs, a crisis will allow Sanders to denounce a healthcare system that Biden helped create, pushing Sanders’ proposed socialisation of healthcare (so-called “Medicare-for-all”) to the forefront of the campaign, ahead of a Trump showdown.
Sanders’ supporters certainly still smell blood. “If America ends up with major supply chain disruptions like China has had, a related stock market decline (already underway), and other adverse economic impacts, how voters, as taxpayers, weigh the costs versus benefits of ‘Medicare for all’ proposals could easily change,” said Steve Early, a co-founder of “Labor for Bernie.”
Remember that Sanders’ economic platform is more radical than Corbyn’s Labour – combining protectionism, a massive expansion of the welfare state, and a guaranteed well-paid public sector job for all who want one. If he wins, the Land of the Free turns in a radically different economic direction, institutional constraints notwithstanding.
This would not be unusual. History shows crises invariably grow government, with emergency measures, new spending, and trade and social restrictions never quite normalising. Even if the U.S. avoids a socialist president, the coronavirus is already emboldening protectionists, particularly with regard interdependence with China. Donald Trump’s son (Don Jr) retweeted approvingly, for example: “For people worried about the economic impact of #coronavirus and #StockMarketCrash2020 – just imagine if we *didn’t* have a president in the White House who spent the past three years encouraging American companies to reduce their dependence on China.”
Trump will use a potential pandemic to push reshoring, tighter borders, and immigration restrictions. Environmentalists concerned about carbon emissions will use it too to advocate for less international travel. Historians have pointed out that pandemics tend to occur after long periods of trade growth and integration, because of this sort of reaction.
It’s not escaped my notice that three well-plugged-in UK journalists – Jeremy Warner, Iain Martin, and Andrew Neil – have all downplayed supply chains’ longevity, as part of the government’s hubristic desire to “reshape the economy.” We will see further anti-market sentiment when prices of certain goods rise through trade disruption too. There’s nothing like a shortage of hand sanitiser or certain foods to cause people to give up on supply and demand and denounce “greedy profiteering.”
An anti-market, anti-free trade turn would be a disaster, though, and economically short-sighted. Yes, global interconnectivity and travel raises risks associated with pandemics, requiring contingencies. But free trade and interconnectedness also raises prosperity, providing more resources to deal with crises when they arise.
A home-focused industrial policy hardly saved China from this epidemic. And it’s precisely trade openness and markets that ensure diversity of supply – particularly in medicine and food. If you think the UK or the US are vulnerable to lost production from Covid-19 now, imagine if everything was produced domestically and a pandemic hit here hardest.
When crises hit though, as Emanuel and Friedman knew, the chaos provides opportunities for ascendant ideas currently waiting in the wings. Neo-socialism and protectionism are today’s fashionable “novel” opinions. Covid-19 could have a legacy much greater than any initial economic drag.


conservativehome--2020-03-04--Daniel Hannan: How the Conservatives rushed to condemn a Conservative conference – at the Left’s bid

Daniel Hannan: How the Conservatives rushed to condemn a Conservative conference – at the Left’s bidding

Daniel Hannan is a writer and columnist .
He was a Conservative MEP from 1999 to 2020 , and is now President of the Initiative for Free Trade .
I used to chair a cross-party group made up of those extremely rare MEPs who had doubts about a United States of Europe .
When , as sometimes happened , we succeeded in blocking or delaying some egregiously federalist proposal , we would hold a press conference to explain our actions .
At these press conferences , the stringer for the Financial Times would always ask the same question : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jean-Marie Le Pen ?
” Ah , guilt by association .
Where would lazy commentators be without it ?
You don ’ t need to show that Person A has anything in common with Person B .
You simply have to find some way to get them both into the same story , and then rely on your readers ’ prejudice .
Prejudice is the apt word here .
Guilt by association addresses our instincts , not our intellect .
It works on the primitive idea of moral contamination , itself a form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sir James George Frazer , called “ sympathetic magic ” .
Here is how he put it in The Golden Bough : “ If we analyse the principles of thought on which magic is based , they will probably be found to resolve themselves into two : first , that like produces like , or that an effect resembles its cause ; and , second , that things which have once been in contact with each other continue to act on each other at a distance after the physical contact has been severed.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting hold of someone ’ s hair or nail clippings can give you control over that person .
Others believe that yellow sap might cure jaundice , or that a rhino horn ( or other phallic shape ) might reverse impotence .
If you think that modern Westerners have moved beyond such superstitions , just read the newspapers .
A Guardian article last weekend argued , in effect , that an interest in classical architecture was suspect , because it recalled the Nazi aesthetic .
Ronald Sullivan , a black law professor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harvard dean because he was on Harvey Weinstein ’ s defence team .
( Imagine how Atticus Finch , the attorney hero of To Kill a Mockingbird , would fare under our present ethical code : instead of automatically believing the woman in the story , Finch stood stubbornly by the presumption of innocence . )
Closer to home , Noah Carl , a mild-mannered and thoughtful academic , had his offer of a fellowship at St Edmund ’ s College Cambridge revoked , not because of anything he had said or written @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same conferences as scientists whose views on the heritability of intelligence were considered unacceptable .
Jordan Peterson , the Canadian professor , also had a Cambridge post rescinded because he had appeared in a photograph with someone wearing an Islamophobic tee-shirt .
To see the scale of the problem , look at Toby Young ’ s new initiative , the Free Speech Union – and do , please , consider joining .
Guilt by association is not new , of course .
It is rooted in human nature , the product of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the current fad for it has two striking features .
First , the supposed contamination is usually to do with identity politics .
You will rarely be no-platformed , let alone visited by the cops , for being an ultra-libertarian , or a Stalinist , or an admirer of Putin or of Kim Jong-un .
But we have sacralised certain values , notably those to do with gender , sexual preference and , above all , race .
By “ sacralised ” , I mean we have placed them beyond the rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a dissenting opinion is not to engage but to exorcise .
Second , it is concentrated in the last place we ought to find it , namely on campus .
Universities are supposed to promote reason , empiricism and the scientific method .
Yet , just as , centuries ago , they managed to think of themselves as defenders of the Enlightenment while barring those who failed to meet their religious tests , now they apply the same doublethink to the quasi-religion of identity politics .
Here ’ s the thing about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the victim believes in it .
A shaman ’ s incantation depends on an acceptance that he is invoking metaphysical powers ; otherwise it becomes a stream of gibberish .
Many conservatives struggle with this point .
Consider , for example , the anathematisation of Daniel Kawczynski , the Polish-born MP for Shrewsbury , after he attended a conference in Rome called “ God , Honour , Country : President Ronald Reagan , Pope John Paul II , and the Freedom of Nations ” .
As you would expect at such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of delegates – though almost all were sympathetic to the notion of national sovereignty .
The chief organiser was Yoram Hazony , who runs the Herzl Centre in Jerusalem .
You can find comprehensive reports of the event here and here .
The Guardian decided that we ought to be upset about some of the delegates – including representatives of the governing parties of Poland and Hungary .
They were supposedly xenophobic and homophobic and anti-semitic and whatnot .
That the paper illustrated its own story with a photograph of Kawcynski ( who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaking in front of the Star of David that represents the Herzl Centre did not seem to give anyone pause for thought .
Incredibly , a Conservative spokesman responded to the article declaring that Kawczynski ’ s attendance was “ unacceptable ” .
What exactly was “ unacceptable ” was never specified , but that did not stop the Board of Deputies from rushing out a condemnation of the imagined anti-semitism .
Again : the prime mover behind the event was Hazony , a patriotic Israeli Bible scholar .
Without these panicky condemnations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not work .
But , now that the Conservatives have declared the conference unacceptable , Leftist newspapers can run versions of the same story in perpetuity .
“ Disgust as Sir Bufton Tufton meets with group declared ‘ unacceptable ’ by his own party , ” etc .
It is worth reiterating three fundamental truths .
First , people can share a platform without agreeing .
Second , there is a difference between disagreeing with something and shunning it .
Third , hostile newspapers don ’ t get to tell a political party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is worth noting , en passant , that the Guardian spent years claiming that leaving the European People ’ s Party would mean abandoning the mainstream and sitting with unacceptable far-Right parties , yet now makes the same claim about the EPP ’ s Hungarian party , Fidesz . )
Those truths don ’ t lose any of their force simply because a journalist is demanding an instant response .
Guilt by association is a game you can ’ t win .
Don ’ t play it .

Daniel Hannan is a writer and columnist. He was a Conservative MEP from 1999 to 2020, and is now President of the Initiative for Free Trade.
I used to chair a cross-party group made up of those extremely rare MEPs who had doubts about a United States of Europe. When, as sometimes happened, we succeeded in blocking or delaying some egregiously federalist proposal, we would hold a press conference to explain our actions. At these press conferences, the stringer for the Financial Times would always ask the same question: “So does this mean you voted with Jean-Marie Le Pen?”
Ah, guilt by association. Where would lazy commentators be without it? You don’t need to show that Person A has anything in common with Person B. You simply have to find some way to get them both into the same story, and then rely on your readers’ prejudice.
Prejudice is the apt word here. Guilt by association addresses our instincts, not our intellect. It works on the primitive idea of moral contamination, itself a form of what the nineteenth-century Scottish anthropologist, Sir James George Frazer, called “sympathetic magic”. Here is how he put it in The Golden Bough:
“If we analyse the principles of thought on which magic is based, they will probably be found to resolve themselves into two: first, that like produces like, or that an effect resembles its cause; and, second, that things which have once been in contact with each other continue to act on each other at a distance after the physical contact has been severed.”
Thus, some societies believe that getting hold of someone’s hair or nail clippings can give you control over that person. Others believe that yellow sap might cure jaundice, or that a rhino horn (or other phallic shape) might reverse impotence.
If you think that modern Westerners have moved beyond such superstitions, just read the newspapers. A Guardian article last weekend argued, in effect, that an interest in classical architecture was suspect, because it recalled the Nazi aesthetic.
Ronald Sullivan, a black law professor, was forced to stand down as a Harvard dean because he was on Harvey Weinstein’s defence team. (Imagine how Atticus Finch, the attorney hero of To Kill a Mockingbird, would fare under our present ethical code: instead of automatically believing the woman in the story, Finch stood stubbornly by the presumption of innocence.)
Closer to home, Noah Carl, a mild-mannered and thoughtful academic, had his offer of a fellowship at St Edmund’s College Cambridge revoked, not because of anything he had said or written, but because he had gone to the same conferences as scientists whose views on the heritability of intelligence were considered unacceptable. Jordan Peterson, the Canadian professor, also had a Cambridge post rescinded because he had appeared in a photograph with someone wearing an Islamophobic tee-shirt.
To see the scale of the problem, look at Toby Young’s new initiative, the Free Speech Union – and do, please, consider joining.
Guilt by association is not new, of course. It is rooted in human nature, the product of a faulty bit of neural wiring. But the current fad for it has two striking features.
First, the supposed contamination is usually to do with identity politics. You will rarely be no-platformed, let alone visited by the cops, for being an ultra-libertarian, or a Stalinist, or an admirer of Putin or of Kim Jong-un. But we have sacralised certain values, notably those to do with gender, sexual preference and, above all, race. By “sacralised”, I mean we have placed them beyond the rules of normal discourse so that the response to a dissenting opinion is not to engage but to exorcise.
Second, it is concentrated in the last place we ought to find it, namely on campus. Universities are supposed to promote reason, empiricism and the scientific method. Yet, just as, centuries ago, they managed to think of themselves as defenders of the Enlightenment while barring those who failed to meet their religious tests, now they apply the same doublethink to the quasi-religion of identity politics.
Here’s the thing about magic, though. It only works if the victim believes in it. A shaman’s incantation depends on an acceptance that he is invoking metaphysical powers; otherwise it becomes a stream of gibberish.
Many conservatives struggle with this point. Consider, for example, the anathematisation of Daniel Kawczynski, the Polish-born MP for Shrewsbury, after he attended a conference in Rome called “God, Honour, Country: President Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul II, and the Freedom of Nations”.
As you would expect at such a conference, there was a wide diversity of delegates – though almost all were sympathetic to the notion of national sovereignty. The chief organiser was Yoram Hazony, who runs the Herzl Centre in Jerusalem. You can find comprehensive reports of the event here and here.
The Guardian decided that we ought to be upset about some of the delegates – including representatives of the governing parties of Poland and Hungary. They were supposedly xenophobic and homophobic and anti-semitic and whatnot. That the paper illustrated its own story with a photograph of Kawcynski (who is both an immigrant and bisexual) speaking in front of the Star of David that represents the Herzl Centre did not seem to give anyone pause for thought.
Incredibly, a Conservative spokesman responded to the article declaring that Kawczynski’s attendance was “unacceptable”. What exactly was “unacceptable” was never specified, but that did not stop the Board of Deputies from rushing out a condemnation of the imagined anti-semitism. Again: the prime mover behind the event was Hazony, a patriotic Israeli Bible scholar.
Without these panicky condemnations, the witchdoctor’s juju would not work. But, now that the Conservatives have declared the conference unacceptable, Leftist newspapers can run versions of the same story in perpetuity. “Disgust as Sir Bufton Tufton meets with group declared ‘unacceptable’ by his own party,” etc.
It is worth reiterating three fundamental truths. First, people can share a platform without agreeing. Second, there is a difference between disagreeing with something and shunning it. Third, hostile newspapers don’t get to tell a political party who its allies should be. (It is worth noting, en passant, that the Guardian spent years claiming that leaving the European People’s Party would mean abandoning the mainstream and sitting with unacceptable far-Right parties, yet now makes the same claim about the EPP’s Hungarian party, Fidesz.)
Those truths don’t lose any of their force simply because a journalist is demanding an instant response. Guilt by association is a game you can’t win. Don’t play it.


conservativehome--2020-03-04--Kris Wilson: People in Nuneaton and Bedworth are desperate for change

Cllr Kris Wilson is the Leader of the Conservative Group on Nuneaton and Bedworth Council .
On Saturday , the Nuneaton and Bedworth Conservatives launched our manifesto for the local elections .
We were extremely fortunately to be joined at our launch by our new Chairman of the Party , Amanda Milling , together with our local MPs and Police and Crime Commissioner .
Before the General Election and since , we have been out on the doorsteps .
We have listened to the concerns of local residents about the direction our towns have been taken in , after 44 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nuneaton and Bedworth are desperate for change , and this Saturday we have launched our vision to deliver that change .
Our manifesto focuses on the peoples ’ priorities : • – Under Labour , our towns have seen massive decline .
Residents deserve strong and decisive leadership to transform them .
The Conservative Government has already pledged up to £50 million to regenerate Nuneaton , but Labour can not be trusted to deliver .
They overspent by £2 million on a new council depot – how can they transform Nuneaton ?
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward Transforming Bedworth as an equal priority in the next round of the Future High Streets Fund .
• – We will cut Labour ’ s Green Bin Tax , which they introduced after the last election , despite promising not to do so .
• – We will ensure that our town centres are deep cleaned at least twice a year and purchase additional mobile CCTV to catch and deter fly-tippers who blight our borough .
• – We will work with our Police and Crime Commissioner , Philip Seccombe – to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-social behaviour and bring more criminals to justice in Nuneaton and Bedworth .
• None Building the right homes in the right places – We will review Labour ’ s unfair local plan , which has seen thousands of unwanted extra homes planned for our borough to deal with neighbouring Labour local authorities inflated housing targets .
We will also introduce a Local Authority Mortgage Scheme designed specifically for local first time buyers to help them get onto the first rung on the housing ladder .
To read our manifesto in full click @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results at the General Election a few months ago .
But we mustn ’ t be complacent or rest on our laurels .
A lot of hard work has been done , but there is plenty more to do .
Labour have hardly been seen anywhere in Nuneaton or Bedworth over the last few months , whereas we have been out and about all over the Borough .
But , we have to fight for every vote to ensure that we turn Nuneaton and Bedworth – the only Labour authority left in Warwickshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If anyone wants to come and join us in this fight for the future of Nuneaton and Bedworth , please get in touch with us : office @ nuneatonconservatives.org.uk and we can point you to campaigning in either Nuneaton or Bedworth .

Cllr Kris Wilson is the Leader of the Conservative Group on Nuneaton and Bedworth Council.
On Saturday, the Nuneaton and Bedworth Conservatives launched our manifesto for the local elections. We were extremely fortunately to be joined at our launch by our new Chairman of the Party, Amanda Milling, together with our local MPs and Police and Crime Commissioner.
Before the General Election and since, we have been out on the doorsteps. We have listened to the concerns of local residents about the direction our towns have been taken in, after 44 years of Labour control. People across Nuneaton and Bedworth are desperate for change, and this Saturday we have launched our vision to deliver that change.
Our manifesto focuses on the peoples’ priorities:
Transforming our town centres – Under Labour, our towns have seen massive decline. Residents deserve strong and decisive leadership to transform them. The Conservative Government has already pledged up to £50 million to regenerate Nuneaton, but Labour cannot be trusted to deliver. They overspent by £2 million on a new council depot – how can they transform Nuneaton? We will lobby our Conservative Government to put forward Transforming Bedworth as an equal priority in the next round of the Future High Streets Fund.
– Under Labour, our towns have seen massive decline. Residents deserve strong and decisive leadership to transform them. The Conservative Government has already pledged up to £50 million to regenerate Nuneaton, but Labour cannot be trusted to deliver. They overspent by £2 million on a new council depot – how can they transform Nuneaton? We will lobby our Conservative Government to put forward Transforming Bedworth as an equal priority in the next round of the Future High Streets Fund. Cutting tax and stopping waste – We will cut Labour’s Green Bin Tax, which they introduced after the last election, despite promising not to do so.
– We will cut Labour’s Green Bin Tax, which they introduced after the last election, despite promising not to do so. Cleaning up our Borough – We will ensure that our town centres are deep cleaned at least twice a year and purchase additional mobile CCTV to catch and deter fly-tippers who blight our borough.
– We will ensure that our town centres are deep cleaned at least twice a year and purchase additional mobile CCTV to catch and deter fly-tippers who blight our borough. Making our streets safer – We will work with our Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Seccombe – to deliver additional mobile CCTV cameras to deter anti-social behaviour and bring more criminals to justice in Nuneaton and Bedworth.
– We will work with our Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Seccombe – to deliver additional mobile CCTV cameras to deter anti-social behaviour and bring more criminals to justice in Nuneaton and Bedworth. Building the right homes in the right places – We will review Labour’s unfair local plan, which has seen thousands of unwanted extra homes planned for our borough to deal with neighbouring Labour local authorities inflated housing targets. We will also introduce a Local Authority Mortgage Scheme designed specifically for local first time buyers to help them get onto the first rung on the housing ladder.
To read our manifesto in full click here.
Nuneaton and Bedworth had fantastic results at the General Election a few months ago. But we mustn’t be complacent or rest on our laurels. A lot of hard work has been done, but there is plenty more to do.
Labour have hardly been seen anywhere in Nuneaton or Bedworth over the last few months, whereas we have been out and about all over the Borough. But, we have to fight for every vote to ensure that we turn Nuneaton and Bedworth – the only Labour authority left in Warwickshire – blue, come 7 May 2020.
If anyone wants to come and join us in this fight for the future of Nuneaton and Bedworth, please get in touch with us: office@nuneatonconservatives.org.uk and we can point you to campaigning in either Nuneaton or Bedworth.


conservativehome--2020-03-04--WATCH: “Nobody should be penalised for doing the right thing” – Johnson announces urgent reform of s

WATCH: “Nobody should be penalised for doing the right thing” – Johnson announces urgent reform of sick leave to slow pandemic

“ Today we ’ re announcing that people self-isolating will get Statutory Sick Pay from the first day off work @ @ @ @ @ in emergency coronavirus legislation.
” — PM @ BorisJohnson pic.twitter.com/v8rxS1oj6J

“Today we’re announcing that people self-isolating will get Statutory Sick Pay from the first day off work. This will be included in emergency coronavirus legislation.” — PM @BorisJohnson pic.twitter.com/v8rxS1oj6J
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) March 4, 2020


conservativehome--2020-03-04--Andrew Gimson’s PMQs sketch: Johnson advocates hand-washing but keeps Pontius Pilate out of it

Boris Johnson has a new and more severe haircut .
It is the least he can do as he adopts the solemn tone in which it is incumbent upon him to discuss the coronavirus .
Richard Graham ( Con , Gloucester ) invited him to agree that “ now is the time to wash our hands and pull together ” .
Johnson resisted the temptation to refer to Pontius Pilate , an Establishment figure famous for washing his hands , and agreed with Graham .
Would Jeremy Corbyn pull together too ?
This was the tricky question facing the Leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had adopted a statesmanlike tone , one can not help feeling that Johnson , brought up since earliest youth to puncture any hint of pomposity , might have cracked .
But Corbyn instead referred to “ our part-time Prime Minister ” – a low blow , indicative of a desire to pull Johnson apart .
The Prime Minister continued to strike an elevated note .
He contended that although the Government “ is not at the point yet where we ’ re asking large numbers of people to self-isolate…nobody should be penalised for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cavil .
He wished to know whether the statutory sick pay to which the Prime Minister had referred would “ apply to all claimants ” .
Having captured the moral high ground , Johnson proceeded to entrench himself there .
He suggested it was “ common ground between us all , that we want to do everything we can to avoid penalising those who are doing the right thing ” .
The Leader of the Opposition remained grumpy .
Perhaps he detected in the Prime Minister ’ s reply a faint suggestion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the greater good of mankind .
For whatever reason , Corbyn resorted once more to the expression “ our part-time Prime Minister ” .
This was overdoing it , for Johnson had as recently as yesterday produced a battle plan to deal with coronavirus .
Corbyn switched to the bullying charges made against the Home Secretary , Priti Patel , who was sitting beside the Prime Minister .
Corbyn tried to make Patel unsafe .
He said there are now “ further allegations ” against her which show “ a shocking and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what is more , public money has been “ spaffed up the wall ” to buy the silence of various people .
No more need for statesmanship from Johnson .
He said he would “ take no lessons about bullying ” from a “ a full-time neo-Marxist who has failed to stamp out bullying in his own party ” .
Corbyn had attempted to fulfill the duty of the Leader of the Opposition , which is to oppose , but had somehow failed to lay a glove on Johnson .
Immediately after PMQs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a statement , even though she had been sacked rather than resigning from the Government .
She spoke at length in a tone of syrupy self-congratulation which made people want to flee the Chamber .

Boris Johnson has a new and more severe haircut. It is the least he can do as he adopts the solemn tone in which it is incumbent upon him to discuss the coronavirus.
Richard Graham (Con, Gloucester) invited him to agree that “now is the time to wash our hands and pull together”.
Johnson resisted the temptation to refer to Pontius Pilate, an Establishment figure famous for washing his hands, and agreed with Graham.
Would Jeremy Corbyn pull together too? This was the tricky question facing the Leader of the Opposition.
If he too had adopted a statesmanlike tone, one cannot help feeling that Johnson, brought up since earliest youth to puncture any hint of pomposity, might have cracked.
But Corbyn instead referred to “our part-time Prime Minister” – a low blow, indicative of a desire to pull Johnson apart.
The Prime Minister continued to strike an elevated note. He contended that although the Government “is not at the point yet where we’re asking large numbers of people to self-isolate…nobody should be penalised for doing the right thing.”
Corbyn continued to cavil. He wished to know whether the statutory sick pay to which the Prime Minister had referred would “apply to all claimants”.
Having captured the moral high ground, Johnson proceeded to entrench himself there. He suggested it was “common ground between us all, that we want to do everything we can to avoid penalising those who are doing the right thing”.
The Leader of the Opposition remained grumpy. Perhaps he detected in the Prime Minister’s reply a faint suggestion that he, Corbyn, should self-isolate for the greater good of mankind.
For whatever reason, Corbyn resorted once more to the expression “our part-time Prime Minister”. This was overdoing it, for Johnson had as recently as yesterday produced a battle plan to deal with coronavirus.
Corbyn switched to the bullying charges made against the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, who was sitting beside the Prime Minister.
Johnson retorted: “She is keeping the public safe.”
Corbyn tried to make Patel unsafe. He said there are now “further allegations” against her which show “a shocking and unacceptable pattern of behaviour”, and what is more, public money has been “spaffed up the wall” to buy the silence of various people.
No more need for statesmanship from Johnson. He said he would “take no lessons about bullying” from a “a full-time neo-Marxist who has failed to stamp out bullying in his own party”.
Corbyn had attempted to fulfill the duty of the Leader of the Opposition, which is to oppose, but had somehow failed to lay a glove on Johnson.
Immediately after PMQs, the Speaker allowed Andrea Leadsom to make a statement, even though she had been sacked rather than resigning from the Government.
She spoke at length in a tone of syrupy self-congratulation which made people want to flee the Chamber.