conservativehome--2020-06-29--Cummings makes the weather as a hard rain falls on Sedwill

When a speech makes a case , and isn ’ t simply a wordcloud of soundbites ; when it is elegantly written ; when its grand sweep includes Gramsci , the politics of the Netherlands , W.H.Auden , the Monte Carlo Method ( no , you ’ ve never heard of it either ) , Robert J.Gordon and the media phone-tapping saga ; and when it admits fault ; in other words , when its author is Michael Gove , there ’ s a temptation to give it a standing ovation .
Especially if it coincides with a change at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main subject of Gove ’ s speech – which corrects a mistake that should never have been made .
For whatever one thinks of the appointment of David Frost as National Security Adviser , it was never a good idea to have one person serving simultaneously in that post and as Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service , too .
Even Mark Sedwill ’ s most fervent defenders aren ’ t contesting that point .
But that Frost ’ s reputation as one of the few Eurosceptics to have come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a powerful sense on the Right that the civil service has become the BBC of British administration , ought not to lull us into giving Gove ’ s speech a free pass .
What does he want and is it right ?
Stripped of its historical , scientific , and literary front , the essence of his argument was : the civil service needs to focus on results ; decentralise its operations ; use data more rigorously ; understand mathematical reasoning ; rotate staff less often ; produce more experts and , startlingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this is familar .
For example , Jonathan Powell , Tony Blair ’ s Chief of Staff , once said that “ the system is stacked against civil servants who might want to get things done .
There is very little upside gain for an official who succeeds in resolving a problem and a huge downside risk for permitting something to go wrong ” .
We know this because it was quoted by Francis Maude , Gove ’ s predecessor in the Cabinet Office under David Cameron , in a speech reproduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s praise of learning from innovation comes from the Maude playbook .
Indeed , he piloted “ what I wasn ’ t quite brave enough to call the Francis Maude award for failure ” .
We suspect that Maude will be back to help try more reform , including at the Cabinet Office , which we identified last month as being in the dock for Covid-19 failures .
His return would mark another attempt to push the boulder of civil service reform uphill .
At any rate , what Gove wants seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to mention well-ventilated .
Can it be delivered ?
That question can ’ t be attempted without , as he himself suggested , considering the Government that is overseeing it .
Two points ( at least ) emerge .
Gove referred to the first himself , though he didn ’ t spend long on it .
Namely , that it ’ s no use having first-rate civil servants and third-rate politicians .
Or , as he put it : “ It is important that those of us who are politicians have the knowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be able to ask the right questions and understand the answers ” .
And , yes , that Government would be stronger were some of its top Ministers to be able to rub shoulders with Bayesian statistics .
But it ’ s no use grasping the mathematical language of probability if one can ’ t master the political art of decision-making .
In other words , the politicians who leave their mark on events , rather than vice-versa , tend to have an “ irreducible core ” of prejudices , beliefs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roll out .
For example , what marked Margaret Thatcher most wasn ’ t her training as a chemist but her belief in freedom .
So what the Government needs at present isn ’ t so much Ministers with different academic qualifications but Ministers with more political weight – who know their minds ; aren ’ t just acting on instruction , and have Conservative beliefs that they want to put into effect .
Boris Johnson needs a reshuffle to promote some and bring others in .
The second point is that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil servants and third-rate public services , either .
Gove ’ s speech engaged in some of the reform detail – the Gangs Taskforce , free schools , National Citizen Service – but tended to steer clear of painting a big picture .
The reason can only be that it isn ’ t at all clear where this Government stands on reform , for understandable reasons .
Last December ’ s Conservative Manifesto was concentrated on getting Brexit done and , unlike its disastrous predecessor of 2017 , taking no risks at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was promised to fund 50,000 more nurses , 50 million extra GP appointments a year , 20,000 more police , and “ millions more invested each week ” in science , schools , apprenticeships and infrastructure .
But where will the money for all this , and post-Coronavirus tax cuts and spending increases , come from , if there ’ s low growth ?
And how can the public services that we spend those tax receipts on deliver value for money – or even prosper and survive at all – if the Thatcher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t blow through Whitehall ?
How can we sustain the growing proportion of spending , now over half the total , that goes on pensions , health and welfare ?
Some are claiming this morning that to approach Gove ’ s speech , and Sedwill ’ s departure , in this way is to miss the deeper significance of both – which is that the voice may be the voice of Gove , or even Boris Johnson , but the hands are the hands of Dominic Cummings , set on politicising , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But that ’ s to presume that it is neutral and impartial in the first place .
Our take is that it is indeed neutral , if by that one means that it has no instrinic party political preference .
But it isn ’ t impartial , strictly speaking – and can ’ t be , because the way we live , and what we are , could never have it so .
Human beings must have some value system to steer by .
And the civil service has by and large been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or so , to a kind of lowest common demoninator one – to a certain ease with such features of the landscape as the mixed economy , NATO , human rights , EU membership .
Put it like that , and the comparison with the BBC returns .
At its best , the corporation is providing outstanding broadcasting and information , just as the best of the civil service is still providing outstanding public service .
But too often , it is ill at ease with today ’ s Britain , because those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So on human rights , for example , a great swathe of voters is enraged when an ambulance-chasing business springs up dedicated , say , to targeting members of the armed forces .
Consider the case of Phil Shiner .
Then , to take the biggest instance of all , there is Brexit .
The top echelons of the civil service shouldn ’ t have to support it .
But they should at least be comfortable working for a country that is now an self-governing one .
If the changes Gove yearns for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants , and it ’ s this one , that ’ s no bad thing .
His “ hard rain ” is beginning to fall .

When a speech makes a case, and isn’t simply a wordcloud of soundbites; when it is elegantly written; when its grand sweep includes Gramsci, the politics of the Netherlands, W.H.Auden, the Monte Carlo Method (no, you’ve never heard of it either), Robert J.Gordon and the media phone-tapping saga; and when it admits fault; in other words, when its author is Michael Gove, there’s a temptation to give it a standing ovation.
Especially if it coincides with a change at the top of the civil service – the main subject of Gove’s speech – which corrects a mistake that should never have been made.
For whatever one thinks of the appointment of David Frost as National Security Adviser, it was never a good idea to have one person serving simultaneously in that post and as Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, too. Even Mark Sedwill’s most fervent defenders aren’t contesting that point.
But that Frost’s reputation as one of the few Eurosceptics to have come from among our former Ambassadors, and a powerful sense on the Right that the civil service has become the BBC of British administration, ought not to lull us into giving Gove’s speech a free pass. What does he want and is it right?
Stripped of its historical, scientific, and literary front, the essence of his argument was: the civil service needs to focus on results; decentralise its operations; use data more rigorously; understand mathematical reasoning; rotate staff less often; produce more experts and, startlingly, risk failure by innovating.
Much of this is familar. For example, Jonathan Powell, Tony Blair’s Chief of Staff, once said that “the system is stacked against civil servants who might want to get things done. There is very little upside gain for an official who succeeds in resolving a problem and a huge downside risk for permitting something to go wrong”.
We know this because it was quoted by Francis Maude, Gove’s predecessor in the Cabinet Office under David Cameron, in a speech reproduced in full on this site. Gove’s praise of learning from innovation comes from the Maude playbook. Indeed, he piloted “what I wasn’t quite brave enough to call the Francis Maude award for failure”.
We suspect that Maude will be back to help try more reform, including at the Cabinet Office, which we identified last month as being in the dock for Covid-19 failures. His return would mark another attempt to push the boulder of civil service reform uphill.
At any rate, what Gove wants seems reasonably clear and pretty sensible, not to mention well-ventilated. Can it be delivered? That question can’t be attempted without, as he himself suggested, considering the Government that is overseeing it. Two points (at least) emerge.
Gove referred to the first himself, though he didn’t spend long on it. Namely, that it’s no use having first-rate civil servants and third-rate politicians. Or, as he put it: “It is important that those of us who are politicians have the knowledge, skills, and indeed humility, to be able to ask the right questions and understand the answers”.
And, yes, that Government would be stronger were some of its top Ministers to be able to rub shoulders with Bayesian statistics. But it’s no use grasping the mathematical language of probability if one can’t master the political art of decision-making.
In other words, the politicians who leave their mark on events, rather than vice-versa, tend to have an “irreducible core” of prejudices, beliefs, instincts and attitudes – which they then roll out. For example, what marked Margaret Thatcher most wasn’t her training as a chemist but her belief in freedom.
So what the Government needs at present isn’t so much Ministers with different academic qualifications but Ministers with more political weight – who know their minds; aren’t just acting on instruction, and have Conservative beliefs that they want to put into effect. Boris Johnson needs a reshuffle to promote some and bring others in.
The second point is that there’s no gain from having first-rate civil servants and third-rate public services, either. Gove’s speech engaged in some of the reform detail – the Gangs Taskforce, free schools, National Citizen Service – but tended to steer clear of painting a big picture.
The reason can only be that it isn’t at all clear where this Government stands on reform, for understandable reasons. Last December’s Conservative Manifesto was concentrated on getting Brexit done and, unlike its disastrous predecessor of 2017, taking no risks at all with the voters.
So more money was promised to fund 50,000 more nurses, 50 million extra GP appointments a year, 20,000 more police, and “millions more invested each week” in science, schools, apprenticeships and infrastructure. But where will the money for all this, and post-Coronavirus tax cuts and spending increases, come from, if there’s low growth?
And how can the public services that we spend those tax receipts on deliver value for money – or even prosper and survive at all – if the Thatcher and late Blair spirit of reform doesn’t blow through Whitehall? How can we sustain the growing proportion of spending, now over half the total, that goes on pensions, health and welfare?
Some are claiming this morning that to approach Gove’s speech, and Sedwill’s departure, in this way is to miss the deeper significance of both – which is that the voice may be the voice of Gove, or even Boris Johnson, but the hands are the hands of Dominic Cummings, set on politicising, commandeering and degrading the civil service.
But that’s to presume that it is neutral and impartial in the first place. Our take is that it is indeed neutral, if by that one means that it has no instrinic party political preference. But it isn’t impartial, strictly speaking – and can’t be, because the way we live, and what we are, could never have it so.
Human beings must have some value system to steer by. And the civil service has by and large been committed, over the past 50 years or so, to a kind of lowest common demoninator one – to a certain ease with such features of the landscape as the mixed economy, NATO, human rights, EU membership.
Put it like that, and the comparison with the BBC returns. At its best, the corporation is providing outstanding broadcasting and information, just as the best of the civil service is still providing outstanding public service. But too often, it is ill at ease with today’s Britain, because those assumptions are no longer automatically held.
So on human rights, for example, a great swathe of voters is enraged when an ambulance-chasing business springs up dedicated, say, to targeting members of the armed forces. Consider the case of Phil Shiner.
Then, to take the biggest instance of all, there is Brexit. The top echelons of the civil service shouldn’t have to support it. But they should at least be comfortable working for a country that is now an self-governing one. If the changes Gove yearns for take place within a framework that Cummings wants, and it’s this one, that’s no bad thing. His “hard rain” is beginning to fall.


conservativehome--2020-06-29--Neil O’Brien: The New Puritans want to tear down our liberal settlement. Here’s what they think – an

Neil O’Brien: The New Puritans want to tear down our liberal settlement. Here’s what they think – and why they must be resisted.

JK Rowling criticised the expression “ people who menstruate , ” leading to accusations of “ transphobia ” , numerous authors quitting her literary agency , and staff at her publisher refusing to work on her new book .
Various controversies have followed the Black Lives Matter protests .
Liverpool University will rename a building named after Gladstone .
UKTV deleted an episode of Fawlty Towers making fun of a racist character .
The RFU is reviewing the singing of “ Swing Low , Sweet Chariot ” .
These stories illuminate a new division in our politics .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is uniting conservatives and liberals against something new , which we need to give a name to .
“ Woke ” is the most common term , and laughing at its excesses is part of the cure .
But we also need to take it seriously .
Paul Staines calls it “ Neo-puritanism ” , which captures the absolutist , quasi-religious nature of it – the urge to “ police ” others behaviour .
Like puritanism , it ’ s strongest in America , but powerful here .
So what is Neo-puritanism ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ balance between free speech and censoring offensive speech .
The embodiment of liberalism is the slogan : “ I disapprove of what you say , but I will defend to the death your right to say it.
” Neo-puritans feel a duty to “ call people out ” , often pressing for people to be sacked or shunned .
Don ’ t debate JK Rowling – “ cancel ” her .
They see debate not as a chance to test and exchange ideas , but as unwelcome , wearying , maybe impossible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech .
Like Amber Rudd being “ no platformed ” by Oxford students .
The NUS trying to block Peter Tatchell from speaking .
A school dropping plans to name a house after JK Rowling .
A DJ sacked ( now reinstated ) for denying he has “ white privilege.
” An Oxford professor given security guards after threats from transgender activists .
Sheffield University paying students to police “ micro-aggressions ” .
Hundreds of Guardian employees attacking Suzanne Moore ’ s “ transphobia ” for writing : “ Female is a biological @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ hard ” quotas and targets .
Conservatives and liberals often support increasing numbers of women or ethnic minorities in certain roles .
They favour outreach programmes , mentoring , open days , etc .
Neo-puritans want quotas and sex/racially defined scholarships which other groups can ’ t enter .
For example , Reni Eddo-Lodge argues that “ when there are no hard targets for programmes of positive discrimination , they will always run the risk of looking like they ’ re doing something without achieving much at all.
” Examples include Cambridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £18,000 a year ) solely for black British students and Oxford ’ s Arlan Hamilton scholarships for Black undergraduates .
UCL has scholarships for BME postgraduate students .
The Bank of England has scholarships for African Caribbean students .
Third , Neo-puritans ( i ) think people are defined by their group , ( ii ) say people have “ false consciousness ” about our society and ( iii ) attack the liberal idea that people can be neutral .
A wave of bestselling books by Neo-puritan authors ramp up the importance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about “ White supremacy ” , “ White privilege ” , or “ White Fragility ” , it ’ s not that some people are racist , but society .
For Neo-puritans , not only are people defined by their race , but race is defined by behaviour in an almost mystical way .
The founder of “ decolonise the curriculum , ” Pran Patel , said : “ Priti Patel is the perfect example of whiteness inhabiting a different coloured vessel ” .
Dr Priyamvada Gopal , a Cambridge academic , tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter .
As white lives ” and “ Abolish whiteness.
” This isn ’ t just divisive and unhelpful .
The concept of “ whiteness ” – that there are certain ways of behaving that are “ white ” – is intrinsically racist .
This explains why Neo-puritans think it ’ s OK to attack Conservative MPs from ethnic minorities as “ coconuts ” or “ bounty bars ” Robin DiAngelo argues there is deep false consciousness in our society : “ Our racial socializatition sets us up to repeat racist behaviour regardless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ colour-blind ” ideals of liberals as part of this false consciousness .
Reni Eddo-Lodge argues : “ Colour-blindness is used to silence talk about structural racism while we continue to fool ourselves with the lie of meritocracy.
” A headteacher in Sheffield agrees , writing to parents : “ Our society is built upon white supremacy… the world ’ s systems and structures are built on this bias , and this therefore creates White Privilege.
” Finally , Neo-puritans have a particular take on history , with the emphasis on criticism .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ BLM protests says Churchill ’ s statue is offensive and should be taken down .
A university lecturer argues : “ Churchill must fall ” , because he was an “ imperialist racist , ” “ hated ” by the working class .
Maya Goodfellow argues : “ The way Churchill is remembered in the UK has always been tied up with ideas of white superiority.
” Nor is it just Churchill .
Take the student union leader who vowed to paint over a First World War memorial : “ Mark my words @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mural of white men in the uni Senate room , even if I have to paint over it myself.
” Or the Oxford lecturer who hopes Oxford researchers don ’ t invent a coronavirus vaccine first because : “ it will be used as it has been in the past , to fulfil its political , patriotic function as proof of British excellence.
” So what ’ s the problem with Neo-puritanism ?
First , I worry hard quotas lead to resentment ; undermine those who succeed ( am I only here because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; and lead to unfair , arbitrary decisions : can a scholarship for black students be awarded to a mixed-race person ?
Second , there ’ s an abuse of language here .
Apartheid South Africa and the Confederacy were states with an ideology of “ White Supremacy ” .
Britain isn ’ t .
Third , relentless emphasis on group membership plus tighter boundaries on speech will lead to a society not at ease with itself .
Instead of the colour-blind world liberals hope for , we ’ ll end up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more and more we ’ ll see each other primarily as members of groups .
Fourth , I worry about the counter-productive effects of this conversation .
If the “ core function ” of the police is racism , why should anyone non-white join up ?
A 13 year old boy recently pleaded guilty to kicking a police officer on the head as he lay on the ground because of protests he ’ d seen on TV .
Ideas have consequences .
If you claim our society is built on “ white supremacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some people with fragile mental health .
I know of a case of a young person who feels oppressed by all around her , seeing offers of friendship and help from white people as disguised attempts to hurt her .
Compared to a world in which you tell kids – ‘ you ’ re all just the same , you just have different coloured skin ’ it makes it more difficult to have natural relationships , and friendships without hangups .
Overemphasis of group differences is disempowering .
Katharine Birbalsingh , head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performing state schools says it : “ undermines much of the work we do at school in trying to empower our children to take personal responsibility and grab life by the horns.
” Finally , healthy countries need a balance of self-criticism and self-confidence .
Self-loathing is unattractive , but might also have bad practical consequences .
People are often called on to do things for the greater good of the nation , from paying tax to fighting for their country .
If Britain is basically shameful , why bother ?
Neo-puritans sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is more to do , the big picture is one of progress .
Sexism is down , racist attitudes are declining and ethnic minorities are steadily getting better off .
Neo-puritanism won ’ t accelerate that , but instead risk a whole set of new divisions .

Neil O’Brien is MP for Harborough.
Consider recent news.
JK Rowling criticised the expression “people who menstruate,” leading to accusations of “transphobia”, numerous authors quitting her literary agency, and staff at her publisher refusing to work on her new book.
Various controversies have followed the Black Lives Matter protests. Liverpool University will rename a building named after Gladstone. UKTV deleted an episode of Fawlty Towers making fun of a racist character. The RFU is reviewing the singing of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”.
These stories illuminate a new division in our politics. It’s not left vs. right, but is uniting conservatives and liberals against something new, which we need to give a name to.
“Woke” is the most common term, and laughing at its excesses is part of the cure. But we also need to take it seriously. Paul Staines calls it “Neo-puritanism”, which captures the absolutist, quasi-religious nature of it – the urge to “police” others behaviour.
Like puritanism, it’s strongest in America, but powerful here.
So what is Neo-puritanism?
First, Neo-puritans want to change the balance between free speech and censoring offensive speech.
The embodiment of liberalism is the slogan: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
Neo-puritans feel a duty to “call people out”, often pressing for people to be sacked or shunned.
Don’t debate JK Rowling – “cancel” her. They see debate not as a chance to test and exchange ideas, but as unwelcome, wearying, maybe impossible.
Neo-puritanism has tightened the boundaries of free speech. Like Amber Rudd being “no platformed” by Oxford students. The NUS trying to block Peter Tatchell from speaking. A school dropping plans to name a house after JK Rowling. A DJ sacked (now reinstated) for denying he has “white privilege.” An Oxford professor given security guards after threats from transgender activists. Sheffield University paying students to police “micro-aggressions”. Hundreds of Guardian employees attacking Suzanne Moore’s “transphobia” for writing: “Female is a biological classification.”
Second, Neo-puritans believe in “hard” quotas and targets.
Conservatives and liberals often support increasing numbers of women or ethnic minorities in certain roles. They favour outreach programmes, mentoring, open days, etc.
Neo-puritans want quotas and sex/racially defined scholarships which other groups can’t enter. For example, Reni Eddo-Lodge argues that “when there are no hard targets for programmes of positive discrimination, they will always run the risk of looking like they’re doing something without achieving much at all.”
Examples include Cambridge University’s scholarship scheme (worth £18,000 a year) solely for black British students and Oxford’s Arlan Hamilton scholarships for Black undergraduates. UCL has scholarships for BME postgraduate students. The Bank of England has scholarships for African Caribbean students.
Third, Neo-puritans (i) think people are defined by their group, (ii) say people have “false consciousness” about our society and (iii) attack the liberal idea that people can be neutral.
A wave of bestselling books by Neo-puritan authors ramp up the importance of group differences Whether we’re talking about “White supremacy”, “White privilege”, or “White Fragility”, it’s not that some people are racist, but society.
For Neo-puritans, not only are people defined by their race, but race is defined by behaviour in an almost mystical way. The founder of “decolonise the curriculum,” Pran Patel, said: “Priti Patel is the perfect example of whiteness inhabiting a different coloured vessel”.
Dr Priyamvada Gopal, a Cambridge academic, tweeted: “White lives don’t matter. As white lives” and “Abolish whiteness.” This isn’t just divisive and unhelpful. The concept of “whiteness” – that there are certain ways of behaving that are “white” – is intrinsically racist.
This explains why Neo-puritans think it’s OK to attack Conservative MPs from ethnic minorities as “coconuts” or “bounty bars” Robin DiAngelo argues there is deep false consciousness in our society: “Our racial socializatition sets us up to repeat racist behaviour regardless of our intentions.”
Neo-puritans see the “colour-blind” ideals of liberals as part of this false consciousness.
Reni Eddo-Lodge argues: “Colour-blindness is used to silence talk about structural racism while we continue to fool ourselves with the lie of meritocracy.”
A headteacher in Sheffield agrees, writing to parents: “Our society is built upon white supremacy… the world’s systems and structures are built on this bias, and this therefore creates White Privilege.”
Finally, Neo-puritans have a particular take on history, with the emphasis on criticism.
The self-styled “leader” of the BLM protests says Churchill’s statue is offensive and should be taken down. A university lecturer argues: “Churchill must fall”, because he was an “imperialist racist,” “hated” by the working class. Maya Goodfellow argues: “The way Churchill is remembered in the UK has always been tied up with ideas of white superiority.”
Nor is it just Churchill.
Take the student union leader who vowed to paint over a First World War memorial: “Mark my words – we’re taking down the mural of white men in the uni Senate room, even if I have to paint over it myself.”
Or the Oxford lecturer who hopes Oxford researchers don’t invent a coronavirus vaccine first because: “it will be used as it has been in the past, to fulfil its political, patriotic function as proof of British excellence.”
So what’s the problem with Neo-puritanism?
First, I worry hard quotas lead to resentment; undermine those who succeed (am I only here because of my race or gender?); and lead to unfair, arbitrary decisions: can a scholarship for black students be awarded to a mixed-race person?
Second, there’s an abuse of language here. Apartheid South Africa and the Confederacy were states with an ideology of “White Supremacy”. Britain isn’t.
Third, relentless emphasis on group membership plus tighter boundaries on speech will lead to a society not at ease with itself. Instead of the colour-blind world liberals hope for, we’ll end up in a world walking on eggshells, where more and more we’ll see each other primarily as members of groups.
Fourth, I worry about the counter-productive effects of this conversation. If the “core function” of the police is racism, why should anyone non-white join up?
A 13 year old boy recently pleaded guilty to kicking a police officer on the head as he lay on the ground because of protests he’d seen on TV. Ideas have consequences.
If you claim our society is built on “white supremacy”, this will be heard by some people with fragile mental health. I know of a case of a young person who feels oppressed by all around her, seeing offers of friendship and help from white people as disguised attempts to hurt her.
Compared to a world in which you tell kids – ‘you’re all just the same, you just have different coloured skin’ it makes it more difficult to have natural relationships, and friendships without hangups.
Overemphasis of group differences is disempowering. Katharine Birbalsingh, head of one of the country’s top performing state schools says it: “undermines much of the work we do at school in trying to empower our children to take personal responsibility and grab life by the horns.”
Finally, healthy countries need a balance of self-criticism and self-confidence. Self-loathing is unattractive, but might also have bad practical consequences. People are often called on to do things for the greater good of the nation, from paying tax to fighting for their country. If Britain is basically shameful, why bother?
Neo-puritans sometimes highlight important problems. But though there is more to do, the big picture is one of progress. Sexism is down, racist attitudes are declining and ethnic minorities are steadily getting better off. Neo-puritanism won’t accelerate that, but instead risk a whole set of new divisions.


conservativehome--2020-06-29--Martin Thacker: How we froze the Council Tax in North East Derbyshire

Cllr Martin Thacker is the Leader of North East Derbyshire Council .
In line with our Conservative Manifesto commitment during the 2019 election , North East Derbyshire District Council announced a Council Tax freeze for 2020/21 .
The intention is to give real help to households in difficult times .
The Council could have opted to increase Council Tax up to a maximum of 1.99 per cent .
However , putting financial wellbeing of North East Derbyshire residents at the forefront of decision making , the Council chose to forgo the additional £118,000 that the 1.99 per cent rise would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration undertook a line by line budget review to identify ongoing savings so a freeze could be managed , without detriment to the quality of frontline services .
We did not foresee the coronavirus pandemic .
As with many Councils , COVID-19 is having a detrimental impact on the Council ’ s 2020/21 budget and cash flow due to lost income from fees and charges .
The grants received from Government are hugely welcome and being used to meet budget shortfalls .
Unfortunately , funding only goes some way in meeting income losses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A further review of approved expenditure budgets for 2020/21 has taken place to help minimise the negative impact .
Steps taken to minimise a downturn in income include : • Review of approved budgets to identify areas where expenditure can be reduced .
• Planned restraints on expenditure for the duration of the pandemic and recovery phase to protect the Council ’ s cash .
• Moratorium on the Capital Programme in the short term for all but essential works .
• Moratorium on recruitment for three months , including renewal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unless essential .
Income and expenditure remains under regular review as the situation continues to evolve .
Cash flow remains a concern but is being managed closely to ensure measures put in place are sufficient to protect us through the recovery phase .
The impact of COVID-19 has been wide and far reaching within the Council .
It has required a strong leadership response to ensure continued provision of essential services for residents and businesses .
It has necessitated management of extensive home working , shielding , and isolation arrangements for staff .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ set up a Community Support Team .
We implemented business continuity arrangements to protect people who need our help and ensure vital services for all local residents .
With some staff being redeployed into different jobs overnight , we created a team that has , to date : • Delivered 700 local newspapers and magazines to those most isolated • Contacted over 1,800 businesses to help them access financial support • Received 20,188 calls and emails from residents and businesses requesting support and advice with Council Tax and Business Rates • Had over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Council ’ s website • Received £8,265 in donations to support the District ’ s work for others • Launched the # Newskillschallenge to promote and teach British Sign Language • Sent regular social media posts reaching an audience of 360,000 views .
As a Council , we led a county-wide project to get homeless people off the streets .
We are providing urgent accommodation for some of the most vulnerable ( including victims of domestic abuse , those with specific needs , and people who have found themselves without a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are now endeavouring to ensure this work has a positive and sustainable legacy with the objective that these people do not end up homeless again .
We will ensure support and practical advice for them to move on positively with their lives .
Our Environmental Health Team has been central to implementing many of the Government ’ s social distancing and business requirements .
They have been providing support to the local business community by sharing advice and guidance on risk assessments and controls necessary to become ‘ COVID secure ’ , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So far , the team has contacted 500 premises and engaged positively with them .
We are implementing plans to assist high street businesses in the four towns covered by our District .
The Council has launched a shop local campaign too .
We are now moving from the response phase to recovery .
The Council has developed plans to bring services back safely and kick start the local economy .
We are working to breathe life back into North East Derbyshire once more .
All of this comes at a cost .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ our current budget position , developing short , medium , and long-term forecasts , and discussing priorities and options regularly , we have been able to make informed decisions which support residents , staff , and businesses through this unprecedented national crisis .
The path of COVID-19 in front of us may be long but as a Council we remain steadfast in our resolve to put the welfare of every resident first and foremost .

Cllr Martin Thacker is the Leader of North East Derbyshire Council.
In line with our Conservative Manifesto commitment during the 2019 election, North East Derbyshire District Council announced a Council Tax freeze for 2020/21. The intention is to give real help to households in difficult times.
The Council could have opted to increase Council Tax up to a maximum of 1.99 per cent. However, putting financial wellbeing of North East Derbyshire residents at the forefront of decision making, the Council chose to forgo the additional £118,000 that the 1.99 per cent rise would have generated. Instead, the Conservative administration undertook a line by line budget review to identify ongoing savings so a freeze could be managed, without detriment to the quality of frontline services.
We did not foresee the coronavirus pandemic. As with many Councils, COVID-19 is having a detrimental impact on the Council’s 2020/21 budget and cash flow due to lost income from fees and charges. The grants received from Government are hugely welcome and being used to meet budget shortfalls. Unfortunately, funding only goes some way in meeting income losses and those forecast as the pandemic continues.
A further review of approved expenditure budgets for 2020/21 has taken place to help minimise the negative impact. Steps taken to minimise a downturn in income include:
Review of approved budgets to identify areas where expenditure can be reduced.
Planned restraints on expenditure for the duration of the pandemic and recovery phase to protect the Council’s cash.
Moratorium on the Capital Programme in the short term for all but essential works.
Moratorium on recruitment for three months, including renewal of temporary contracts and use of agency, unless essential.
Income and expenditure remains under regular review as the situation continues to evolve.
Cash flow remains a concern but is being managed closely to ensure measures put in place are sufficient to protect us through the recovery phase.
The impact of COVID-19 has been wide and far reaching within the Council. It has required a strong leadership response to ensure continued provision of essential services for residents and businesses. It has necessitated management of extensive home working, shielding, and isolation arrangements for staff.
At North East Derbyshire, we immediately set up a Community Support Team. We implemented business continuity arrangements to protect people who need our help and ensure vital services for all local residents. With some staff being redeployed into different jobs overnight, we created a team that has, to date:
Telephoned over 7,000 people to offer assistance
Delivered over 4,000 medical supplies
Provided and delivered food boxes
Delivered 700 local newspapers and magazines to those most isolated
Contacted over 1,800 businesses to help them access financial support
Provided 1,584 grants to businesses totalling almost £18 million
Awarded 350 businesses 100 per cent business rates relief
Received 20,188 calls and emails from residents and businesses requesting support and advice with Council Tax and Business Rates
Had over 32,000 views of the Covid-19 information section on the Council’s website
Received £8,265 in donations to support the District’s work for others
Launched the #Newskillschallenge to promote and teach British Sign Language
Sent regular social media posts reaching an audience of 360,000 views.
As a Council, we led a county-wide project to get homeless people off the streets. We are providing urgent accommodation for some of the most vulnerable (including victims of domestic abuse, those with specific needs, and people who have found themselves without a home for various reasons). We are now endeavouring to ensure this work has a positive and sustainable legacy with the objective that these people do not end up homeless again. We will ensure support and practical advice for them to move on positively with their lives.
Our Environmental Health Team has been central to implementing many of the Government’s social distancing and business requirements. They have been providing support to the local business community by sharing advice and guidance on risk assessments and controls necessary to become ‘COVID secure’, as businesses strive to reopen when permitted. So far, the team has contacted 500 premises and engaged positively with them. We are implementing plans to assist high street businesses in the four towns covered by our District. The Council has launched a shop local campaign too.
We are now moving from the response phase to recovery. The Council has developed plans to bring services back safely and kick start the local economy. We are working to breathe life back into North East Derbyshire once more.
All of this comes at a cost. However, by remaining on top of our current budget position, developing short, medium, and long-term forecasts, and discussing priorities and options regularly, we have been able to make informed decisions which support residents, staff, and businesses through this unprecedented national crisis.
The path of COVID-19 in front of us may be long but as a Council we remain steadfast in our resolve to put the welfare of every resident first and foremost.


conservativehome--2020-06-29--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Non-Executive Directors at the Scottish Na

Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Non-Executive Directors at the Scottish National Investment Bank – 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 .
“ IE : UK is a joint industry and government partnership , strategically targeting major infrastructure export opportunities around the world .
It is supported by DIT ’ s network of local staff in 116 markets , with the objective of identifying , pursuing , and delivering major strategic infrastructure projects through a consortium-led approach .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to increase UK infrastructure exports and identify gaps in the UK supply chain for FDI to fill .
The IE : UK Board is co-chaired by DIT ‘ s Minister for Exports and a senior industry leader .
The Industry sector co-Chair will benefit from working closely with the Minister for Exports and leading UK based infrastructure companies to help shape the direction of UK export policy and support within the infrastructure sector.
” “ The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is looking to make two Non-Executive Director ( NED @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Executive , the Chair and the wider Executive team.
” “ Do you want to play a key role in helping to shape the future of migration issues and support the interests of UK residents ?
If so , you can do this by becoming a Member of the Migration Advisory Committee ( MAC ) .
The MAC advises the government on a range of migration policy issues , offering independent evidence-based advice , and its core statement of purpose is to : deliver high quality evidence-based , economics focused , reports and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan set by the Government ; and help ensure that Government policy and strategy in relation to migration and employment is based on the best possible evidence and analysis .
To date the advice of the Committee has included impacts of migration ; annual limits on , and the design of , Tiers 1 and 2 of the Points-Based System ; and transitional labour market access for nationals of new EU member states.
” “ Non-Executive Directors provide a key role in the strategic and operational leadership of the Northern Ireland Office .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience of Government Ministers and officials by bringing independent advice , support , constructive challenge and a fresh external perspective to help shape a department ’ s work .
To complement the existing balance of skills on the Northern Ireland Office Departmental Board and to ensure that it can provide expert advice to Ministers on a wide range of issues and challenges , we would particularly welcome applications from people with experience in the business and commercial sector.
” “ The Scottish National Investment Bank Act ( ‘ the Act ’ ) received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post Covid-19.
” Time : Up to 25 days per annum .
“ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right candidate will also demonstrate a strong understanding of multi-agency child safeguarding arrangements , policy and frontline delivery .
”

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.
– – – – – – – – – –
Infrastructure Exports:UK – Board co-Chair
“IE:UK is a joint industry and government partnership, strategically targeting major infrastructure export opportunities around the world. It is supported by DIT’s network of local staff in 116 markets, with the objective of identifying, pursuing, and delivering major strategic infrastructure projects through a consortium-led approach. The objective of IE:UK is to increase UK infrastructure exports and identify gaps in the UK supply chain for FDI to fill. The IE:UK Board is co-chaired by DIT‘s Minister for Exports and a senior industry leader. The Industry sector co-Chair will benefit from working closely with the Minister for Exports and leading UK based infrastructure companies to help shape the direction of UK export policy and support within the infrastructure sector.”
Time: 3-4 meetings a year.
Remuneration: None.
Closes: 29 June
– – – – – – – – – –
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: 02 July
– – – – – – – – – –
Migration Advisory Committee – Members
“Do you want to play a key role in helping to shape the future of migration issues and support the interests of UK residents? If so, you can do this by becoming a Member of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). The MAC advises the government on a range of migration policy issues, offering independent evidence-based advice, and its core statement of purpose is to: deliver high quality evidence-based, economics focused, reports and policy advice in accordance with the work plan set by the Government; and help ensure that Government policy and strategy in relation to migration and employment is based on the best possible evidence and analysis. To date the advice of the Committee has included impacts of migration; annual limits on, and the design of, Tiers 1 and 2 of the Points-Based System; and transitional labour market access for nationals of new EU member states.”
Time: “An initial term of three years.”
Remuneration: £275 per diem.
Closes: 06 July
– – – – – – – – – –
Northern Ireland Office – Non-Executive Director
“Non-Executive Directors provide a key role in the strategic and operational leadership of the Northern Ireland Office. They complement the balance of skills and experience of Government Ministers and officials by bringing independent advice, support, constructive challenge and a fresh external perspective to help shape a department’s work. To complement the existing balance of skills on the Northern Ireland Office Departmental Board and to ensure that it can provide expert advice to Ministers on a wide range of issues and challenges, we would particularly welcome applications from people with experience in the business and commercial sector.”
Time: Approx. 10 days per annum.
Remuneration: £7,500 per annum plus expenses.
Closes: 10 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
– – – – – – – – – –
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


conservativehome--2020-07-01--Andrew Gimson’s PMQs sketch: Johnson would rather be “Wrong but Wromantic” than “Right but Repulsive

Andrew Gimson’s PMQs sketch: Johnson would rather be “Wrong but Wromantic” than “Right but Repulsive”

Boris Johnson borrowing the words of Oliver Cromwell !
How promiscuous this Prime Minister is as a scavenger from history .
“ I beseech the Right Honourable Gentleman just to think he might be mistaken , ” Johnson told Ian Blackford , of the SNP , who had accused him of providing no new money for Scotland .
“ I beseech you , in the bowels of Christ , think it possible you may be mistaken , ” Cromwell wrote to the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland on 3rd August 1650 .
But how typical of Johnson to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose practitioners , himself included , sometimes get things wrong .
In that respect , he is as Cavalier as ever , content , in the immortal words of Sellars and Yeatman , to be “ Wrong but Wromantic ” rather than “ Right but Repulsive ” , as a Roundhead would be .
Sir Keir Starmer is a Roundhead .
“ Does the Prime Minister now regret being so flippant ?
” he asked today .
It would be wrong to describe Starmer as repulsive , but he is in danger of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ task of trying to recall the PM from Planet Freedom to Planet Fact .
Here is a necessary , indeed a moral task .
No Leader of the Opposition can allow the PM ’ s rosy vision of the future to pass unchallenged .
Johnson looks ahead to a country where Covid-19 has been vanquished , prosperity rebounds , tax revenues cascade into the public coffers and the might of the state is employed with miraculous effect to raise up the left-behind , neglected , unloved voters who supported him last December .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad news that Covid-19 has not yet been vanquished , stern measures have been taken too slowly to deal with the revival of the sickness in Leicester , and “ the jobs many people had in January are not coming back ” .
He has to continue with these stern warnings .
They are his natural game .
But might he one day discomfort Johnson by making a joke at Johnson ’ s expense ?

Boris Johnson borrowing the words of Oliver Cromwell! How promiscuous this Prime Minister is as a scavenger from history.
“I beseech the Right Honourable Gentleman just to think he might be mistaken,” Johnson told Ian Blackford, of the SNP, who had accused him of providing no new money for Scotland.
“I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible you may be mistaken,” Cromwell wrote to the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland on 3rd August 1650.
But how typical of Johnson to plead for a politics of imprecision, whose practitioners, himself included, sometimes get things wrong. In that respect, he is as Cavalier as ever, content, in the immortal words of Sellars and Yeatman, to be “Wrong but Wromantic” rather than “Right but Repulsive”, as a Roundhead would be.
Sir Keir Starmer is a Roundhead. “Does the Prime Minister now regret being so flippant?” he asked today.
It would be wrong to describe Starmer as repulsive, but he is in danger of sounding humourless. To him falls the task of trying to recall the PM from Planet Freedom to Planet Fact.
Here is a necessary, indeed a moral task. No Leader of the Opposition can allow the PM’s rosy vision of the future to pass unchallenged.
Johnson looks ahead to a country where Covid-19 has been vanquished, prosperity rebounds, tax revenues cascade into the public coffers and the might of the state is employed with miraculous effect to raise up the left-behind, neglected, unloved voters who supported him last December.
Starmer was today the bearer of the bad news that Covid-19 has not yet been vanquished, stern measures have been taken too slowly to deal with the revival of the sickness in Leicester, and “the jobs many people had in January are not coming back”.
He has to continue with these stern warnings. They are his natural game. But might he one day discomfort Johnson by making a joke at Johnson’s expense?