conservativehome--2020-12-22--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Chair of the Competition & Markets Authori

Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Chair of the Competition & Markets 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 mission of the Financial Reporting Council ( FRC ) is to promote transparency and integrity in business .
These are cornerstones to generating public trust and confidence in UK business and help attract investment in successful companies that provide jobs , create prosperity and generate economic growth .
The FRC sets the UK Corporate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make investors more accountable to their clients and beneficiaries .
The FRC also sets standards for accounting , auditing and actuarial work .
As the UK ’ s independent regulator and Competent Authority for Audit it monitors , and takes action where necessary , to promote the quality of corporate reporting and audit .
It also operates independent enforcement arrangements for accountants and actuaries.
” “ UK Shared Business Services Ltd ( UK SBS ) is a non-profit making company limited by shares .
It was established in 2007 by the UK Research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greater value for money .
The Company provides HR & Payroll , Finance , Procurement and IT services to its owners the Department for Business , Energy & Industrial Strategy ( BEIS ) , UK Research and Innovation ( UKRI ) and other public sector clients .
It is recognised by the Cabinet Office as a government shared service provider and forms part of the Shared Service Strategy for Government… This is an exciting , interesting and challenging time for UK SBS ; the newly appointed Chair will provide strong leadership to guide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading-edge shared services to multiple clients at the best value and providing our end-users with the high-quality user experience they have become accustomed to in the digital age.
” “ With rapid progress in the development of new technologies , Highways England are modernising and transforming the strategic road network .
They need to demonstrate that they can meet the government ’ s commitment to zero carbon and within its committed timescales .
They also need to exploit the full potential of the digital revolution , both in their delivery , and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That is why HE are now delivering £27.4 billion of investment between 2020 and 2025 to improve the road network ( RIS2 ) .
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Board of an organisation which keeps England moving .
You would be joining Highways England at an exciting time , with the opportunity to help shape the future of the organisation and ensure its continued success .
This will mean supporting the executive team in developing the organisation to be equipped for the immediate supply chain , technology and workplace transformation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Standards Board works with the Cabinet Office and is accountable for transparent selection of open standards for software interoperability , data and document formats in government .
The role of chair of the Open Standards Board is to ensure that decisions made by the board are in accordance with the government ’ s Open Standards Principles .
The chair of the Open Standards Board will : provide leadership , challenge and direction to the Open Standards Board ; introduce and facilitate Open Standards Board meetings ; encourage and enable the board to select @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government technology ; welcome different points of view from board members and aim to find consensus around adoption of standards ; where necessary , cast a deciding vote on whether or not to mandate or recommend standards for use in government ; work with the Open Standards Team in GDS to set the tone for excellent relationships between GDS , board members and the individuals or teams who are proposing open standards challenges ; [ and ] suggest potential new problem spaces in government that might benefit from standards-based solutions.
” Bank of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Policy Committee “ The FPC is responsible for identifying , monitoring and taking action to remove or reduce systemic risks with a view to protecting and enhancing the resilience of the UK financial system .
The FPC also has a secondary objective to support the Government ’ s economic policies.The FPC has wide-ranging powers of recommendation and can direct the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority to take action to address systemic risks to financial stability .
The appointment of external members to the FPC is designed to ensure that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition to that existing inside the Bank of England , and to provide constructive challenge during the Committee ’ s deliberations .
Each member of the FPC should have expertise in the field of financial services and economics .
External members will be independent – they will not represent or lobby for individual groups , interests or sectors.
” “ The School Teachers ’ Review Body ( STRB ) is an independent body , which makes recommendations to the Government on the pay and conditions of school teachers in England .
Its work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headteachers and school governing bodies , and through them , on the education of children and young people .
The Secretary of State normally issues one remit per year for the STRB to consider… As Chair of the STRB , you will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction to the STRB in fulfilling its functions as a public body ; and for delivering high quality recommendations in response to the matters that have been referred to the STRB by the Secretary of State.
” “ Schools Adjudicators are office holders appointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make decisions about a range of matters relating to publicly funded schools in England .
They are statutory office holders appointed under section 25 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 .
The main function of the Schools Adjudicators is to rule on objections to and referrals about determined school admission arrangements of all state funded schools ; this involves establishing whether or not arrangements conform with the requirements relating to admissions and if they do not conform , in what respect they do not conform… There are currently ten Schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They are appointed for their ability to act impartially , independently and objectively .
Their role is to look afresh at all cases referred to them and consider each case on its merits in the light of the legislation , the Statutory Guidance for Decision Makers on Statutory Proposals and the School Admissions Code.
” “ The Competition and Markets Authority ( CMA ) is the UK ’ s primary competition and consumer body .
It promotes competition for the benefit of consumers , and the UK business environment , both within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aim is to ensure that markets work well for consumers , businesses and the economy .
The CMA is a non-Ministerial department which was established by the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 on 1 April 2014 .
The CMA has staff in London , Edinburgh , Belfast and Cardiff… The new Chair will lead an effective Board , setting the strategy for the organisation to meet new challenges including supporting the UK economy to grow post-coronavirus pandemic and taking more , and more complex , cases previously heard by the European Commission.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
“ The Institute was established as a Crown Non-Departmental Public Body , independent of Government and employer-led , with a mandate set by Ministers .
The Institute is playing a vital role in continuing the apprenticeship and technical education reform process and works on behalf of employers to support the delivery of high quality apprenticeships , T Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications in England .
The Institute enables apprentices or learners to be confident that their apprenticeship or technical qualification is of high quality , respected and will help them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ value .
The chair will take up their role at a key point in the Institute ’ s development and will need to be able to give outstanding leadership as its board membership evolves , making the most of individual members ’ strengths and skills .
”

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.
– – – – – – – – – –
Financial Reporting Council – Chair
“The mission of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is to promote transparency and integrity in business. These are cornerstones to generating public trust and confidence in UK business and help attract investment in successful companies that provide jobs, create prosperity and generate economic growth. The FRC sets the UK Corporate Governance & Stewardship Codes which aim to make investors more accountable to their clients and beneficiaries. The FRC also sets standards for accounting, auditing and actuarial work. As the UK’s independent regulator and Competent Authority for Audit it monitors, and takes action where necessary, to promote the quality of corporate reporting and audit. It also operates independent enforcement arrangements for accountants and actuaries.”
Time: 1.5 days per week.
Remuneration: £75,000 per annum, plus expenses.
Closes: 03 January
– – – – – – – – – –
UK Shared Business Services Ltd – Chair
“UK Shared Business Services Ltd (UK SBS) is a non-profit making company limited by shares. It was established in 2007 by the UK Research Councils as part of a drive for greater value for money. The Company provides HR & Payroll, Finance, Procurement and IT services to its owners the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and other public sector clients. It is recognised by the Cabinet Office as a government shared service provider and forms part of the Shared Service Strategy for Government… This is an exciting, interesting and challenging time for UK SBS; the newly appointed Chair will provide strong leadership to guide the Company through this transformation, delivering leading-edge shared services to multiple clients at the best value and providing our end-users with the high-quality user experience they have become accustomed to in the digital age.”
Time: Max 36 days per annum.
Remuneration: £575 per annum, plus expenses.
Closes: 03 January
– – – – – – – – – –
Highways England – Chair
“With rapid progress in the development of new technologies, Highways England are modernising and transforming the strategic road network. They need to demonstrate that they can meet the government’s commitment to zero carbon and within its committed timescales. They also need to exploit the full potential of the digital revolution, both in their delivery, and in communications with road users and stakeholders. That is why HE are now delivering £27.4 billion of investment between 2020 and 2025 to improve the road network (RIS2). This is an exciting opportunity to join the Board of an organisation which keeps England moving. You would be joining Highways England at an exciting time, with the opportunity to help shape the future of the organisation and ensure its continued success. This will mean supporting the executive team in developing the organisation to be equipped for the immediate supply chain, technology and workplace transformation Highways England faces.”
Time: 24/27 days per annum
Remuneration: £25,000 per annum/plus £3,000 for chairing.
Closes: 08 January
– – – – – – – – – –
Open Standards Board – Chair
“The Open Standards Board works with the Cabinet Office and is accountable for transparent selection of open standards for software interoperability, data and document formats in government. The role of chair of the Open Standards Board is to ensure that decisions made by the board are in accordance with the government’s Open Standards Principles. The chair of the Open Standards Board will: provide leadership, challenge and direction to the Open Standards Board; introduce and facilitate Open Standards Board meetings; encourage and enable the board to select the most appropriate standards for use in government technology; welcome different points of view from board members and aim to find consensus around adoption of standards; where necessary, cast a deciding vote on whether or not to mandate or recommend standards for use in government; work with the Open Standards Team in GDS to set the tone for excellent relationships between GDS, board members and the individuals or teams who are proposing open standards challenges; [and] suggest potential new problem spaces in government that might benefit from standards-based solutions.”
Time: A few days per annum.
Remuneration: None.
Closes: 10 January
– – – – – – – – – –
Bank of England – External Member of the Financial Policy Committee
“The FPC is responsible for identifying, monitoring and taking action to remove or reduce systemic risks with a view to protecting and enhancing the resilience of the UK financial system. The FPC also has a secondary objective to support the Government’s economic policies.The FPC has wide-ranging powers of recommendation and can direct the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority to take action to address systemic risks to financial stability. The appointment of external members to the FPC is designed to ensure that the Committee benefits from thinking and expertise in addition to that existing inside the Bank of England, and to provide constructive challenge during the Committee’s deliberations. Each member of the FPC should have expertise in the field of financial services and economics. External members will be independent – they will not represent or lobby for individual groups, interests or sectors.”
Time: 23 days per quarter.
Remuneration: £97,200.
Closes: 11 January
– – – – – – – – – –
School Teachers’ Review Body – Chair
“The School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) is an independent body, which makes recommendations to the Government on the pay and conditions of school teachers in England. Its work has a direct impact on teachers, headteachers and school governing bodies, and through them, on the education of children and young people. The Secretary of State normally issues one remit per year for the STRB to consider… As Chair of the STRB, you will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction to the STRB in fulfilling its functions as a public body; and for delivering high quality recommendations in response to the matters that have been referred to the STRB by the Secretary of State.”
Time: Approx. 30 days per annum.
Remuneration: £350 per diem.
Closes: 15 January
– – – – – – – – – –
Department for Education – Schools Adjudicator
“Schools Adjudicators are office holders appointed by the Secretary of State for Education to make decisions about a range of matters relating to publicly funded schools in England. They are statutory office holders appointed under section 25 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. The main function of the Schools Adjudicators is to rule on objections to and referrals about determined school admission arrangements of all state funded schools; this involves establishing whether or not arrangements conform with the requirements relating to admissions and if they do not conform, in what respect they do not conform… There are currently ten Schools Adjudicators, including the Chief Schools Adjudicator. They are appointed for their ability to act impartially, independently and objectively. Their role is to look afresh at all cases referred to them and consider each case on its merits in the light of the legislation, the Statutory Guidance for Decision Makers on Statutory Proposals and the School Admissions Code.”
Time: Part-time.
Remuneration: £355 per diem/£58 per hour.
Closes: 29 January
– – – – – – – – – –
Competition & Markets Authority – Chair
“The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is the UK’s primary competition and consumer body. It promotes competition for the benefit of consumers, and the UK business environment, both within the UK and internationally, and its aim is to ensure that markets work well for consumers, businesses and the economy. The CMA is a non-Ministerial department which was established by the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 on 1 April 2014. The CMA has staff in London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff… The new Chair will lead an effective Board, setting the strategy for the organisation to meet new challenges including supporting the UK economy to grow post-coronavirus pandemic and taking more, and more complex, cases previously heard by the European Commission.”
Time: Around two days per week.
Remuneration: £106,666 per annum, plus expenses.
Closes: 31 January
– – – – – – – – – –
Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education – Chair
“The Institute was established as a Crown Non-Departmental Public Body, independent of Government and employer-led, with a mandate set by Ministers. The Institute is playing a vital role in continuing the apprenticeship and technical education reform process and works on behalf of employers to support the delivery of high quality apprenticeships, T Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications in England. The Institute enables apprentices or learners to be confident that their apprenticeship or technical qualification is of high quality, respected and will help them to build a career with a clear market value. The chair will take up their role at a key point in the Institute’s development and will need to be able to give outstanding leadership as its board membership evolves, making the most of individual members’ strengths and skills.”
Time: One day per week.
Remuneration: £29,500 per annum, plus expenses.
Closes: 01 February


T.I.N.A

When the eventual inquiry into government ’ s response to the pandemic takes place , it will ask why testing and tracing didn ’ t really get going until late April .
The answer seems to be that the state had planned for the wrong pandemic – preparing for a flu epidemic to which part of the response would be attempts to reach herd immunity .
At any rate , the Health Secretary announced on April 2 the Government ’ s intention of aiming for 100,000 tests a day by the end of that month .
From then on , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Boris Johnson ’ s anti-Covid plan .
There was admiration in the media at the time for Germany which , of countries comparable to Britain , had come closest to emulating test and trace ’ s success in parts of the Far East .
There were two possible alternative strategies .
The first was a more voluntarist approach along the lines of Sweden ’ s .
The second was more lockdowns .
It is easy to see why the latter was unsustainable .
It offered the prospect of a cycle of winter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or the virus lost its potency , or herd immunity was achieved ( if possible ) .
It then became evident during the autumn that test and trace was simply not delivering to the required standard : too few people were being traced , and too few were self-isolating .
The consequence was an erosion of faith on the Conservative backbenches in test and trace , and a growing interest in some kind of Swedish solution – as lives as well as livelihoods were damaged by the combination of lockdowns , restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see this from the rising backbench rebellions chronicled on this site .
Seven Tory MPs voted against renewing the Covid-19 regulations on October 1 .
On November 4 , 32 opposed shutdown .
On December 2 , 53 voted against the tiering plan .
This site and others called for a cost benefit analysis of the Government ’ s policy .
Conservative backbenchers are displeased not to have been given the chance to vote on the new tier four and three provisions .
Charles Walker has accused the Government of seeking to duck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has suggested that the Commons return , and William Wragg made the case for a recall on this site yesterday – correctly , in our view .
There is little confidence in parts of the Parliamentary Party in the Government ’ s scientific advisers since mistaken figures were used to help make the case for the second lockdown in November ( and in some cases earlier ) .
Why , then , do we write this morning , as the whole country faces the prospect of a third lockdown almost as severe as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rebellions against shutdown may have been reached , and that the impetus of these seems to be weakening ?
There are three main reasons .
First , the imminent arrival of vaccines has changed the political weather .
There is a sense at Westminster , and a hope more widely , that Britain will soon be moving back towards the old normal .
The speed at which this happens may be much slower than some seem to expect – given the uncertainties about rollout , take-up and efficacy .
Nonetheless , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the international pack on vaccine provision after months of seeing a worse record of deaths per head than most other European countries .
The second is the new strain of the virus .
There is much that isn ’ t known about it , but it is more infectious than the old one , which has implications for hospitalisations .
One can argue the toss endlessly about whether or the NHS will not come under exceptional winter pressure .
( Some Conservative MPs report that in their areas the situation are no worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t be proved that it won ’ t , and given the new strain of the virus a larger number of backbenchers than previously will be unwilling to take chances .
Patients admissions have risen since September , dipped earlier this month and are now rising again .
Finally , as Charlotte Gill wrote on this site yesterday , Sweden is struggling with the “ second wave ” of the virus .
The country ’ s more voluntarist approach still has its admirers .
But the struggle of Stockholm regions hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing anywhere working – to put very crudely what some MPs and others feel .
France ’ s second lockdown is only now in the early stages of being lifted .
Germany is in a shutdown and schools have closed .
We think that most of our fellow citizens glimpse this wider picture .
YouGov finds that its poll respondents mostly believe the Government has handled the virus badly but nonetheless support the new measures .
That sounds about right .
There will certainly be more backing for Johnson among the apolitical population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Conservatives still lead in the polls ( just ) .
On this site in October , Raghib Ali set out “ an alternative strategy which may cause less overall harm based on the Swedish approach , but with much better protection of the vulnerable , especially in care homes ” .
The long and short of it is that the vaccine , and perhaps the new Covid variant too , have rendered this approach outdated ( as he would be the first to admit ) .
To attempt breakout from a ceaseless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have made sense .
But there is little point in suddenly applying it before the mass of the vaccine roll-out rather than gradually as it happens .
Sure , the Government could attempt a kind of Great Barrington Declaration Squared approach for a few months – further confusing voters , letting the death and injury toll rise , and risking the collapse of the NHS ( plus the shutting down again of much of its non-Covid capacity ) .
Indeed , we would risk ending up with the worst of both worlds – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rise in deaths , without significant economic recovery .
For if the new Coronavirus strain continues to accelerate , people will socially distance more – whatever the Government may say .
We will need persuading that a third lockdown , this time almost as severe as the first , is really required across the whole country – since , as Ali has pointed out , the fall in cases began before it was brought in .
But that is beside a bigger point , which is that the current direction of travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a springtime loosening , and then we hope an autumn and winter in which the vaccination programme begins to take effect .
As Margaret Thatcher once put it , There Is No Alternative – despite the further loss of life and damage to livelihoods that lies ahead of us as well as behind .

When the eventual inquiry into government’s response to the pandemic takes place, it will ask why testing and tracing didn’t really get going until late April. The answer seems to be that the state had planned for the wrong pandemic – preparing for a flu epidemic to which part of the response would be attempts to reach herd immunity.
(Remember Matt Hancock’s frantic response in March to Patrick Vallance’s suggestion that aiming for it was part of the Government’s strategy.)
At any rate, the Health Secretary announced on April 2 the Government’s intention of aiming for 100,000 tests a day by the end of that month. From then on, test and trace was the main pillar of Boris Johnson’s anti-Covid plan. There was admiration in the media at the time for Germany which, of countries comparable to Britain, had come closest to emulating test and trace’s success in parts of the Far East.
There were two possible alternative strategies. The first was a more voluntarist approach along the lines of Sweden’s. The second was more lockdowns.
It is easy to see why the latter was unsustainable. It offered the prospect of a cycle of winter shutdowns and summer loosenings until vaccines arrived, or the virus lost its potency, or herd immunity was achieved (if possible). It then became evident during the autumn that test and trace was simply not delivering to the required standard: too few people were being traced, and too few were self-isolating.
The consequence was an erosion of faith on the Conservative backbenches in test and trace, and a growing interest in some kind of Swedish solution – as lives as well as livelihoods were damaged by the combination of lockdowns, restrictions and the Coronavirus itself.
One can see this from the rising backbench rebellions chronicled on this site. Seven Tory MPs voted against renewing the Covid-19 regulations on October 1. On November 4, 32 opposed shutdown. On December 2, 53 voted against the tiering plan. This site and others called for a cost benefit analysis of the Government’s policy.
Conservative backbenchers are displeased not to have been given the chance to vote on the new tier four and three provisions. Charles Walker has accused the Government of seeking to duck Parliamentary scrutiny.
The Covid Recovery Group has suggested that the Commons return, and William Wragg made the case for a recall on this site yesterday – correctly, in our view. There is little confidence in parts of the Parliamentary Party in the Government’s scientific advisers since mistaken figures were used to help make the case for the second lockdown in November (and in some cases earlier).
Why, then, do we write this morning, as the whole country faces the prospect of a third lockdown almost as severe as the first, that the high point of rebellions against shutdown may have been reached, and that the impetus of these seems to be weakening?
There are three main reasons. First, the imminent arrival of vaccines has changed the political weather. There is a sense at Westminster, and a hope more widely, that Britain will soon be moving back towards the old normal. The speed at which this happens may be much slower than some seem to expect – given the uncertainties about rollout, take-up and efficacy.
Nonetheless, it has been bracing to see Britain leading the international pack on vaccine provision after months of seeing a worse record of deaths per head than most other European countries.
The second is the new strain of the virus. There is much that isn’t known about it, but it is more infectious than the old one, which has implications for hospitalisations. One can argue the toss endlessly about whether or the NHS will not come under exceptional winter pressure. (Some Conservative MPs report that in their areas the situation are no worse than usual.)
However, it can’t be proved that it won’t, and given the new strain of the virus a larger number of backbenchers than previously will be unwilling to take chances. Patients admissions have risen since September, dipped earlier this month and are now rising again.
Finally, as Charlotte Gill wrote on this site yesterday, Sweden is struggling with the “second wave” of the virus. The country’s more voluntarist approach still has its admirers. But the struggle of Stockholm regions hospitals to cope supports a broader narrative of nothing anywhere working – to put very crudely what some MPs and others feel.
France’s second lockdown is only now in the early stages of being lifted. Germany is in a shutdown and schools have closed. We think that most of our fellow citizens glimpse this wider picture.
YouGov finds that its poll respondents mostly believe the Government has handled the virus badly but nonetheless support the new measures. That sounds about right. There will certainly be more backing for Johnson among the apolitical population than among the Twitter partisans – and the Conservatives still lead in the polls (just).
On this site in October, Raghib Ali set out “an alternative strategy which may cause less overall harm based on the Swedish approach, but with much better protection of the vulnerable, especially in care homes”.
The long and short of it is that the vaccine, and perhaps the new Covid variant too, have rendered this approach outdated (as he would be the first to admit). To attempt breakout from a ceaseless cycle of lockdowns and loosenings might well have made sense. But there is little point in suddenly applying it before the mass of the vaccine roll-out rather than gradually as it happens.
Sure, the Government could attempt a kind of Great Barrington Declaration Squared approach for a few months – further confusing voters, letting the death and injury toll rise, and risking the collapse of the NHS (plus the shutting down again of much of its non-Covid capacity).
Indeed, we would risk ending up with the worst of both worlds – a risk to the NHS, and a rise in deaths, without significant economic recovery. For if the new Coronavirus strain continues to accelerate, people will socially distance more – whatever the Government may say.
We will need persuading that a third lockdown, this time almost as severe as the first, is really required across the whole country – since, as Ali has pointed out, the fall in cases began before it was brought in.
But that is beside a bigger point, which is that the current direction of travel seems set: further restrictions this winter, a springtime loosening, and then we hope an autumn and winter in which the vaccination programme begins to take effect. As Margaret Thatcher once put it, There Is No Alternative – despite the further loss of life and damage to livelihoods that lies ahead of us as well as behind.


conservativehome--2020-12-22--Duncan McGinty: A remote single council for Somerset would be unpopular and mean missed opportunitie

Duncan McGinty: A remote single council for Somerset would be unpopular and mean missed opportunities

Cllr Duncan McGinty is the Leader of Sedgemoor District Council .
If you ’ re a Conservative Home reader who doesn ’ t live in Somerset , you may be tempted to look away now .
You may consider this a little local dispute between Conservative councillors , unworthy of your attention .
But you ’ d be wrong .
The competing bids for local government reorganisation in Somerset are about far more than boundaries and bureaucrats – they speak to what modern Conservatism means for local communities .
My colleague Faye Purbrick , a Conservative Somerset county councillor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bid known as ‘ One Somerset ’ here .
We agree on many things : we share a love of the ancient county of Somerset , and its traditions , landscape , and people ; we concur that the current two-tier system , with one county council and district councils underneath , is no longer an acceptable way to deliver services ; we want what is best for all the people of Somerset , from the hoteliers of Minehead to the aerospace engineers of Yeovil .
Where we differ is on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stronger Somerset – is ambitious for Somerset .
Crucially , it is imbued with Conservative values , especially on the questions of economic growth , increasing revenues , and reducing the need for government handouts .
Under our proposals , people living throughout the county would have one seamless level of unitary government .
Importantly , though , our bid recognises that there are marked economic differences between the western and eastern parts of Somerset .
We can not ignore these differences , nor wish them away , nor impose a ‘ one-size-fits-all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our Stronger Somerset bid proposes a smarter solution : we want two unitary authorities , taking into account , not ignoring , regional differences within Somerset .
The areas covered by Sedgemoor and Somerset West and Taunton to the west , and Mendip and South Somerset to the east form distinct sub-regions , with different local economies .
For example , the economies of Glastonbury , Wells , and Yeovil are very different to Minehead , Bridgwater , and Taunton .
A western Somerset unitary would be able to focus on economic opportunities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our beautiful coastline , once the pandemic is beaten .
The eastern unitary would be able to capitalise on aerospace and hi-tech manufacturing around Yeovil .
By recognising the realities of the local economy , each unitary would be able to play to its strengths and level up local communities .
A remote county-level authority would risk excluding communities from wealth , growth , and new opportunities , and that would be a tragedy .
We believe that our Stronger Somerset bid will deliver the post-pandemic growth that means we become a net @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own way , and contributing to UK Plc .
You don ’ t get much more Conservative than that .
Using the Treasury model , we calculate £204 million of financial benefits resulting from our proposal , £35 million more than the other one .
Our proposal takes Somerset from five councils , with their duplicated costs , to two .
And local people will pay their Council Tax to one Somerset council and receive services from one Somerset Council .
Simpler , more efficient , cheaper .
No wonder that the Stronger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people .
The latest Ipsos Mori poll shows clear support for Stronger Somerset over all other possibilities .
The other bid has resorted to some bizarre name-calling about our ambitious plans .
For example , the claim that Stronger Somerset involves a ‘ Berlin Wall ’ across the county .
That wins the prize for Trumpian spin , but it doesn ’ t hold up to scrutiny .
Of course , there will be no physical divide between east and west Somerset , any more than there is between east and west Sussex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The only place the ‘ Berlin Wall across Somerset ’ exists is in the minds of the spin doctors who concocted it to scare people .
Under the Stronger Somerset plans , people will still proudly live in Somerset , regardless of the name of the local authority providing their services .
Indeed , our Stronger Somerset bid goes further in recognising and bolstering this traditional county identity .
Unlike the other bid , we are ambitious that our proposal sets us on a path to a combined authority for Somerset as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local people .
This could encapsulate the borders , not just the current administrative unit , but the traditional historic borders of Somerset .
The other bid , with its lack of ambition , is silent on the devolution agenda .
The most important thing is that we deliver value-for-money services to local people .
That ’ s the bedrock of successful Conservative local government .
That ’ s why we propose innovative cost-efficient services such as a Community-Interest Company ( CIC ) under a single Director of Children ’ s Services delivering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have seen how this works well in Kingston-upon-Thames and Richmond councils .
For adult social care , what will work best is adult services run by each unitary .
The point is that we can flexible , responsive and innovative .
We mustn ’ t lose sight of the democratic element .
The other bid promises all kinds of baubles to town and parish councils , but then caveats it with the weasel words ‘ if appropriate ’ .
We all know what that means .
What Stronger Somerset offers instead is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , backed by a new Charter of rights , to reverse decades of over-centralisation .
We are ambitious for Somerset , and we embrace the ways it will change .
We understand that post-pandemic and with the tech revolution , more households and businesses will want to move away from cities , and more British people will want to enjoy the British seaside and countryside instead of flying abroad .
That means that Somerset ’ s population will grow , something the other ‘ off-the-shelf ’ bid fails to acknowledge .
We believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more democracy , stronger regional identity , and best of all it delivers a Somerset that pays its way , like London or the South East .
Why create ‘ one Somerset ’ that ends up weaker , poorer and divided , when we could be united , prosperous and stronger ?

Cllr Duncan McGinty is the Leader of Sedgemoor District Council.
If you’re a Conservative Home reader who doesn’t live in Somerset, you may be tempted to look away now. You may consider this a little local dispute between Conservative councillors, unworthy of your attention. But you’d be wrong. The competing bids for local government reorganisation in Somerset are about far more than boundaries and bureaucrats – they speak to what modern Conservatism means for local communities.
My colleague Faye Purbrick, a Conservative Somerset county councillor, set out the county council case for the bid known as ‘One Somerset’ here. We agree on many things: we share a love of the ancient county of Somerset, and its traditions, landscape, and people; we concur that the current two-tier system, with one county council and district councils underneath, is no longer an acceptable way to deliver services; we want what is best for all the people of Somerset, from the hoteliers of Minehead to the aerospace engineers of Yeovil.
Where we differ is on the question of ambition. Our bid – Stronger Somerset – is ambitious for Somerset. Crucially, it is imbued with Conservative values, especially on the questions of economic growth, increasing revenues, and reducing the need for government handouts.
Under our proposals, people living throughout the county would have one seamless level of unitary government. Importantly, though, our bid recognises that there are marked economic differences between the western and eastern parts of Somerset. We cannot ignore these differences, nor wish them away, nor impose a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution from on-high.
Instead, our Stronger Somerset bid proposes a smarter solution: we want two unitary authorities, taking into account, not ignoring, regional differences within Somerset. The areas covered by Sedgemoor and Somerset West and Taunton to the west, and Mendip and South Somerset to the east form distinct sub-regions, with different local economies. For example, the economies of Glastonbury, Wells, and Yeovil are very different to Minehead, Bridgwater, and Taunton.
A western Somerset unitary would be able to focus on economic opportunities from Hinkley Point, and tourism to our beautiful coastline, once the pandemic is beaten. The eastern unitary would be able to capitalise on aerospace and hi-tech manufacturing around Yeovil. By recognising the realities of the local economy, each unitary would be able to play to its strengths and level up local communities.
A remote county-level authority would risk excluding communities from wealth, growth, and new opportunities, and that would be a tragedy. We believe that our Stronger Somerset bid will deliver the post-pandemic growth that means we become a net contributor to the Exchequer, paying our own way, and contributing to UK Plc. You don’t get much more Conservative than that. Using the Treasury model, we calculate £204 million of financial benefits resulting from our proposal, £35 million more than the other one.
Our proposal takes Somerset from five councils, with their duplicated costs, to two. And local people will pay their Council Tax to one Somerset council and receive services from one Somerset Council. Simpler, more efficient, cheaper. No wonder that the Stronger Somerset bid is more popular with local people. The latest Ipsos Mori poll shows clear support for Stronger Somerset over all other possibilities.
The other bid has resorted to some bizarre name-calling about our ambitious plans. For example, the claim that Stronger Somerset involves a ‘Berlin Wall’ across the county. That wins the prize for Trumpian spin, but it doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. Of course, there will be no physical divide between east and west Somerset, any more than there is between east and west Sussex or the east and west Midlands. The only place the ‘Berlin Wall across Somerset’ exists is in the minds of the spin doctors who concocted it to scare people. Under the Stronger Somerset plans, people will still proudly live in Somerset, regardless of the name of the local authority providing their services.
Indeed, our Stronger Somerset bid goes further in recognising and bolstering this traditional county identity. Unlike the other bid, we are ambitious that our proposal sets us on a path to a combined authority for Somerset as part of a package of real devolution to local people. This could encapsulate the borders, not just the current administrative unit, but the traditional historic borders of Somerset. The other bid, with its lack of ambition, is silent on the devolution agenda.
The most important thing is that we deliver value-for-money services to local people. That’s the bedrock of successful Conservative local government. That’s why we propose innovative cost-efficient services such as a Community-Interest Company (CIC) under a single Director of Children’s Services delivering across both unitary council areas. We have seen how this works well in Kingston-upon-Thames and Richmond councils. For adult social care, what will work best is adult services run by each unitary. The point is that we can flexible, responsive and innovative.
We mustn’t lose sight of the democratic element. The other bid promises all kinds of baubles to town and parish councils, but then caveats it with the weasel words ‘if appropriate’. We all know what that means. What Stronger Somerset offers instead is a real partnership with town and parish councils, backed by a new Charter of rights, to reverse decades of over-centralisation.
We are ambitious for Somerset, and we embrace the ways it will change. We understand that post-pandemic and with the tech revolution, more households and businesses will want to move away from cities, and more British people will want to enjoy the British seaside and countryside instead of flying abroad. That means that Somerset’s population will grow, something the other ‘off-the-shelf’ bid fails to acknowledge.
We believe that Stronger Somerset delivers better services, more democracy, stronger regional identity, and best of all it delivers a Somerset that pays its way, like London or the South East. Why create ‘one Somerset’ that ends up weaker, poorer and divided, when we could be united, prosperous and stronger?


conservativehome--2020-12-23--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Chair of the Competition & Markets Authori


conservativehome--2020-12-22--Why fishing has always been a bigger part of Brexit than its cash value would suggest

This morning ’ s media reports suggested that the Government was inching towards a compromising on fishing which might finally ‘ unlock ’ the negotiations with the European Union and avoid a no-deal Brexit in January .
According to Raoul Ruparel , a former special advisor at the Department for Exiting the European Union ( DExEU ) , this involved rowing back on the scale of the reduction in the fishing quote they ’ re seeking , the implementation of a ‘ transition period ’ , and setting up an ‘ independent arbitration panel ’ , as well as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a climbdown on Boris Johnson ’ s part , Ruparel suggests it would still be a good deal for the British fishing industry , increasing their share of the catch in UK waters by a share “ worth between €140m-€200m ” whilst also protecting the ~€100m worth British vessels currently catch in EU waters : in all “ a significant gain in the value of fish caught by UK vessels and indeed no loss from now ” .
Which might be why this afternoon ’ s media reports brought word that Brussels had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a breakthrough .
Both sides are under pressure to compromise , the Times reports , over fears that the entire free trade agreement is being jeopardised by a dispute over something worth less than €100 million .
But as it stands the Government may well choose a no-deal exit rather than back down .
Why ?
Certainly there is no shortage of British commentators vocally baffled by the weight that the Prime Minister has given to fishing in the negotiations , and keen to point out that the industry ’ s contribution to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of individual companies such as Harrods or Games Workshop .
But it ’ s easy to take a high-minded view about that ’ s best for the economy overall when you live in a region or work in a sector that ’ s feeling the benefits .
Like mining a generation before , fishing has become totemic because its fate captures how certain communities have been ‘ left behind ’ , as Johnson might put it , by the direction of UK economic policy during our EU membership .
The rejoinder to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of today ’ s industry is not lost on Brexit-backing coastal communities : but it is viewed as a problem , not just a fact .
And just as the referendum itself gave a section of the British public a rare and very unwelcome taste of being on the losing side , so too has the Government ’ s emphasis on fish been an overdue induction into how it feels when national policy is set by someone else ’ s priorities .
From the moment Bob Geldof flipped v-signs at fishermen on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue became a bigger part of Brexit than its cash value would suggest .
Johnson surely knows that getting a good deal for coastal communities – not least in Scotland – is an acid test not just for them , but for a substantial share of the new electoral coalition he ’ s built on the expectation that Brexit signalled a shift in the nation ’ s priorities .

This morning’s media reports suggested that the Government was inching towards a compromising on fishing which might finally ‘unlock’ the negotiations with the European Union and avoid a no-deal Brexit in January.
According to Raoul Ruparel, a former special advisor at the Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEU), this involved rowing back on the scale of the reduction in the fishing quote they’re seeking, the implementation of a ‘transition period’, and setting up an ‘independent arbitration panel’, as well as a break clause.
Whilst this does involve a climbdown on Boris Johnson’s part, Ruparel suggests it would still be a good deal for the British fishing industry, increasing their share of the catch in UK waters by a share “worth between €140m-€200m” whilst also protecting the ~€100m worth British vessels currently catch in EU waters: in all “a significant gain in the value of fish caught by UK vessels and indeed no loss from now”. Which might be why this afternoon’s media reports brought word that Brussels had rejected it.
There may yet be a breakthrough. Both sides are under pressure to compromise, the Times reports, over fears that the entire free trade agreement is being jeopardised by a dispute over something worth less than €100 million. But as it stands the Government may well choose a no-deal exit rather than back down. Why?
Certainly there is no shortage of British commentators vocally baffled by the weight that the Prime Minister has given to fishing in the negotiations, and keen to point out that the industry’s contribution to the national economy is less than that of individual companies such as Harrods or Games Workshop. But it’s easy to take a high-minded view about that’s best for the economy overall when you live in a region or work in a sector that’s feeling the benefits.
Like mining a generation before, fishing has become totemic because its fate captures how certain communities have been ‘left behind’, as Johnson might put it, by the direction of UK economic policy during our EU membership. The rejoinder to the smart-alec statistics is that the small size of today’s industry is not lost on Brexit-backing coastal communities: but it is viewed as a problem, not just a fact.
And just as the referendum itself gave a section of the British public a rare and very unwelcome taste of being on the losing side, so too has the Government’s emphasis on fish been an overdue induction into how it feels when national policy is set by someone else’s priorities.
(There is also a wearisome double-standard at work when the very people who decried ministers’ preparedness to ‘break international law’ via the UK Internal Market Bill also decry their plans to uphold international law by policing British fishing waters in the event of no deal.)
From the moment Bob Geldof flipped v-signs at fishermen on the Thames, if not before, this issue became a bigger part of Brexit than its cash value would suggest. Johnson surely knows that getting a good deal for coastal communities – not least in Scotland – is an acid test not just for them, but for a substantial share of the new electoral coalition he’s built on the expectation that Brexit signalled a shift in the nation’s priorities.


conservativehome--2020-12-22--ConservativeHome columnist Hannan to become a peer

We are remorselessly parochial in our headline , but more to the point is that Daniel has been one of Britain ’ s leading forces for leaving the EU over many years .
The journalist and former MEP will continue his fortnightly column on this site .
Many congratulations to him from the ConHome team , and also to two of our regular contributors who are also to go to the Lords : Syed Kamall , the former leader of both the Conservatives in the European Parliament and of the European Conservatives and Reformists , who was a co-columnist in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Policy Exchange , who has given the think tank formidable range and depth since his appointment as its director .
It is quite a Brexity list on the Tory side .
Peter Cruddas , the business and one-time leading Vote Leave donor , is on it .
The House of Lords Appointments Commission “ could not support ” Cruddas ’ nomination , but the Prime Minister has considered the Commission ’ s advice and wider factors , and “ concluded that , exceptionally , the nomination should proceed ” .
Here is his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conservative appointments are : Jacqueline Foster , the former Deputy Leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament ; Richard Benyon , the former DEFRA Minister , who was one of the 21 Tory MPs from whom the whip was removed last year over Brexit ( it was restored soon afterwards ) ; and Stephanie Fraser , the Chief Executive of Cerebral Palsy Scotland .
Here is the full list : • Rt Hon Sir Richard Benyon – former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Environment , Food and Rural Affairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jacqueline Foster – formerly Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party in the European Parliament and Member of the European Parliament for North West England .
• Daniel Hannan – formerly Member of the European Parliament for South East England .
• Syed Kamall – formerly Leader of the Conservative Party in the European Parliament and Member of the European Parliament for London .
• Jennifer Chapman – formerly Member of Parliament for Darlington .
• Vernon Coaker – formerly Minister of State for Schools and Member of Parliament for Gedling .
• Wajid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parliament for North West England .
• Gillian Merron – Chief Executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews , former Minister of State for Public Health and Member of Parliament for Lincoln .
• Sir Terence Etherton PC QC – lately Master of the Rolls and Head of Civil Justice .
• Sir Simon McDonald KCMG KCVO – lately Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Head of the Diplomatic Service .
• Sir Andrew Parker KCB – lately Director General of MI5 , the Security Service .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr John Sentamu – lately Archbishop of York .

We are remorselessly parochial in our headline, but more to the point is that Daniel has been one of Britain’s leading forces for leaving the EU over many years. The journalist and former MEP will continue his fortnightly column on this site.
Many congratulations to him from the ConHome team, and also to two of our regular contributors who are also to go to the Lords: Syed Kamall, the former leader of both the Conservatives in the European Parliament and of the European Conservatives and Reformists, who was a co-columnist in that capacity, and Dean Godson of Policy Exchange, who has given the think tank formidable range and depth since his appointment as its director.
It is quite a Brexity list on the Tory side. Peter Cruddas, the business and one-time leading Vote Leave donor, is on it. The House of Lords Appointments Commission “could not support” Cruddas’ nomination, but the Prime Minister has considered the Commission’s advice and wider factors, and “concluded that, exceptionally, the nomination should proceed”. Here is his letter to the Commission.
The other Conservative appointments are: Jacqueline Foster, the former Deputy Leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament; Richard Benyon, the former DEFRA Minister, who was one of the 21 Tory MPs from whom the whip was removed last year over Brexit (it was restored soon afterwards); and Stephanie Fraser, the Chief Executive of Cerebral Palsy Scotland.
Here is the full list:
Conservative nominations
Rt Hon Sir Richard Benyon – former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and MP for Newbury.
Peter Cruddas – businessman and philanthropist.
Dame Jacqueline Foster – formerly Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party in the European Parliament and Member of the European Parliament for North West England.
Stephanie Fraser – Chief Executive of Cerebral Palsy Scotland.
Dean Godson – Director of Policy Exchange.
Daniel Hannan – formerly Member of the European Parliament for South East England.
Syed Kamall – formerly Leader of the Conservative Party in the European Parliament and Member of the European Parliament for London.
Labour nominations
Cllr Judith Blake CBE – Leader of Leeds City Council.
Jennifer Chapman – formerly Member of Parliament for Darlington.
Vernon Coaker – formerly Minister of State for Schools and Member of Parliament for Gedling.
Wajid Khan – formerly Member of the European Parliament for North West England.
Gillian Merron – Chief Executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, former Minister of State for Public Health and Member of Parliament for Lincoln.
Crossbench peerages


conservativehome--2020-12-23--WATCH: Hancock announces more English areas in more restrictive tiers

“ Sussex , Oxfordshire , Suffolk , Norfolk , Cambridgeshire , Waverley , Surrey , Essex and Hampshire will all @ @ @ @ @ ” from Boxing Day Health Secretary Matt Hancock announces changes to Covid tiers for many @ @

Source: ElectionMapsUK’s interactive chart
“Sussex, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Waverley, Surrey, Essex and Hampshire will all be escalated to tier 4” from Boxing Day
Health Secretary Matt Hancock announces changes to Covid tiers for many across England
Full details here ⬇https://t.co/n3NRMGjfUe pic.twitter.com/KcOwCcr79L
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) December 23, 2020


conservativehome--2020-12-23--Philippa Stroud: Our Race Equality Commission aims for a UK in which every individual can fulfil the

Philippa Stroud: Our Race Equality Commission aims for a UK in which every individual can fulfil their unique potential

Baroness Stroud is CEO of the Legatum Institute .
The Legatum Institute recently announced the creation of a Race Equality Commission , which I co-chair alongside Rev .
Nims Obunge MBE DL .
The Commission brings together people from a diverse range of backgrounds and ethnicities , all committed to exploring why racial disparity exists in the UK and identifying the changes that would make a tangible difference to people ’ s lives .
The fundamental starting point for the Commission is a firm belief that every individual has immense personal worth , dignity , and purpose .
At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all its forms and are committed to working to increase the prosperity of all .
Recent events , such as the killing of George Floyd in the United States earlier this year , and the global public outcry that followed , raised deep questions about community , identity and belonging ; about the distribution of opportunity , power and responsibility ; about reform and how to bring about healing and unity .
These are some of the questions the Race Equality Commission seeks to answer .
In the UK , there are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stories we tell ourselves that give us a sense of place , of value , and of purpose , and the means by which values are transmitted down through the generations .
It is vital that we have proper exploration and debate to better understand the causes of and find the enduring solutions to divisions in our society .
We know that creating a better world needs to involve everyone collaborating together , and we are inspired by the countless stories of extraordinary transformation and breakthrough in the UK ’ s history that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thoughtful , committed people working together .
Theirs is the example the Race Equality Commission seeks to follow .
During the first meeting of the Commission , I was struck by the willingness of Commissioners to share their views with vulnerability and to have difficult conversations with mutual respect even when there was disagreement .
Some spoke of their experiences , some shared stories of the communities and groups they ’ ve spent their lives working with , while others talked of frustration at years of conversation on these issues with very little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a need for honest discussion in which everyone feels able to contribute fully and knows they will be listened to , as it is only in this spirit of kindness that we can bring about real understanding .
Since the Government published the Race Disparity Audit in 2017 a number of reviews have taken place – from the McGregor-Smith Review to the Windrush Review – all highlighting different areas of disparity .
For example , the Race Disparity Audit highlighted that Asian and Black households are more likely to be poor and are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poverty .
The McGregor-Smith Review noted that , in 2015 , one in eight of the working age population were from a BAME background , yet BAME individuals made up only ten per cent of the workforce and held only six per cent of top management positions .
And the Timpson Review of School Exclusion revealed that Black Caribbean children are around 1.7 times more likely to be permanently excluded from education than White British children .
However , while adding much to the data on these issues , these audits and reviews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience of those suffering from racial inequality .
Therefore , as well as reviewing all the existing data , the Commission will seek new evidence about the attitudes and experience of ethnic minorities across different sectors of society – from the school environment to the labour market , the criminal justice system to the health system .
We will do this by speaking with as many people and communities across the UK as we can , and will produce a series of recommendations for Government and policy makers , businesses , schools and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for anyone in the UK who seeks to bring about real change .
We want to address the complex and historically thorny issue of racial inequality in a holistic and positive manner .
We are committed to working tirelessly until all people have the same opportunities available to them and the support they need to seize those opportunities .
In short , we will keep working until we have removed every stumbling block put in people ’ s way , created the pathways to prosperity for all , and seen the transformation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fulfil their unique potential .
But we know that we have much to learn , and that change will take time , so until then , we can all start by being just a little kinder to one another .

Baroness Stroud is CEO of the Legatum Institute.
The Legatum Institute recently announced the creation of a Race Equality Commission, which I co-chair alongside Rev. Nims Obunge MBE DL. The Commission brings together people from a diverse range of backgrounds and ethnicities, all committed to exploring why racial disparity exists in the UK and identifying the changes that would make a tangible difference to people’s lives.
The fundamental starting point for the Commission is a firm belief that every individual has immense personal worth, dignity, and purpose. At the Institute, we stand against racism in all its forms and are committed to working to increase the prosperity of all.
Recent events, such as the killing of George Floyd in the United States earlier this year, and the global public outcry that followed, raised deep questions about community, identity and belonging; about the distribution of opportunity, power and responsibility; about reform and how to bring about healing and unity. These are some of the questions the Race Equality Commission seeks to answer.
In the UK, there are also challenging questions to engage with: the stories we tell ourselves that give us a sense of place, of value, and of purpose, and the means by which values are transmitted down through the generations. It is vital that we have proper exploration and debate to better understand the causes of and find the enduring solutions to divisions in our society.
We know that creating a better world needs to involve everyone collaborating together, and we are inspired by the countless stories of extraordinary transformation and breakthrough in the UK’s history that were brought about by small groups of thoughtful, committed people working together. Theirs is the example the Race Equality Commission seeks to follow.
During the first meeting of the Commission, I was struck by the willingness of Commissioners to share their views with vulnerability and to have difficult conversations with mutual respect even when there was disagreement. Some spoke of their experiences, some shared stories of the communities and groups they’ve spent their lives working with, while others talked of frustration at years of conversation on these issues with very little change.
All agreed that there is a need for honest discussion in which everyone feels able to contribute fully and knows they will be listened to, as it is only in this spirit of kindness that we can bring about real understanding.
Since the Government published the Race Disparity Audit in 2017 a number of reviews have taken place – from the McGregor-Smith Review to the Windrush Review – all highlighting different areas of disparity. For example, the Race Disparity Audit highlighted that Asian and Black households are more likely to be poor and are the most likely to be in persistent poverty. The McGregor-Smith Review noted that, in 2015, one in eight of the working age population were from a BAME background, yet BAME individuals made up only ten per cent of the workforce and held only six per cent of top management positions. And the Timpson Review of School Exclusion revealed that Black Caribbean children are around 1.7 times more likely to be permanently excluded from education than White British children.
However, while adding much to the data on these issues, these audits and reviews have had little impact on the lived experience of those suffering from racial inequality. Therefore, as well as reviewing all the existing data, the Commission will seek new evidence about the attitudes and experience of ethnic minorities across different sectors of society – from the school environment to the labour market, the criminal justice system to the health system.
We will do this by speaking with as many people and communities across the UK as we can, and will produce a series of recommendations for Government and policy makers, businesses, schools and communities, as well as practical plans for anyone in the UK who seeks to bring about real change.
We want to address the complex and historically thorny issue of racial inequality in a holistic and positive manner. We are committed to working tirelessly until all people have the same opportunities available to them and the support they need to seize those opportunities. In short, we will keep working until we have removed every stumbling block put in people’s way, created the pathways to prosperity for all, and seen the transformation of society – so that every individual can fulfil their unique potential.
But we know that we have much to learn, and that change will take time, so until then, we can all start by being just a little kinder to one another.


conservativehome--2020-12-24--Farage declares that “the war is over”

Farage declares that “the war is over”

We presumed that Nigel Farage would oppose Boris Johnson ’ s trade deal .
So it ’ s only proper to record that he is set not do so .
He says on Twitter that “ on the big stuff , the war is over ” – a statement as close to an endorsement as the Prime Minister is likely to get from him .
“ He ’ s done what he said he ’ d do on the big picture , ” says the Brexit Party leader , though he adds that Johnson may be judged “ a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the detail , like fishing ” .
That ’ s the second time in a year that Farage has helped the Prime Minister out : last December , he withdrew Brexit Party candidates in Conservative-held seats .
His declaration eases the pressure on Tory MPs from their right – crudely speaking , and makes it less likely that they will vote against the agreement – despite the fact that neither they , nor indeed the Brexit Party leaders himself , will yet have read a word of it .
We are not exactly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , appropriately enough in a week in which peerages have been announced , that he deserves one .

The war is over. pic.twitter.com/5wN23RzzGF — Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) December 24, 2020
We presumed that Nigel Farage would oppose Boris Johnson’s trade deal. So it’s only proper to record that he is set not do so.
He says on Twitter that “on the big stuff, the war is over” – a statement as close to an endorsement as the Prime Minister is likely to get from him. “He’s done what he said he’d do on the big picture,” says the Brexit Party leader, though he adds that Johnson may be judged “a little more harshly” on “some of the detail, like fishing”.
That’s the second time in a year that Farage has helped the Prime Minister out: last December, he withdrew Brexit Party candidates in Conservative-held seats.
His declaration eases the pressure on Tory MPs from their right – crudely speaking, and makes it less likely that they will vote against the agreement – despite the fact that neither they, nor indeed the Brexit Party leaders himself, will yet have read a word of it. We are not exactly fans of Farage. But we repeat, appropriately enough in a week in which peerages have been announced, that he deserves one.


conservativehome--2020-12-24--The Christmas Eve Agreement

The Christmas Eve Agreement

Conservative MPs have been here recently , though not over Brexit trade negotiations .
On Coronavirus restrictions and regulations , Labour has either voted with the Governent or abstained .
Consequently , these have passed through Parliament .
On the agreement that Boris Johnson will announce this morning ( barring a last-minute talks collapse over mackerel , herring and other pelagic fish ) , Labour is set either to abstain or vote with the Government .
So the deal will pass through Parliament too .
Those Tory backbenchers should want to support the Prime Minister , without whom many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at all .
And they will recognise that , in gaining an agreement , Johnson has confounded the critics who first argued that he preferred No Deal to a Withdrawal Agreement , and were proved wrong , and then maintained that he preferred No Deal to a trade agreement , and have been proved wrong yet again .
We will have more to say about that later today .
Nonetheless , that the deal will surely pass through Parliament gives them a certain freedom of manouevre .
Before it is recalled , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nigel Farage will say that the EU has won .
* So , we can reasonably presume , will the likes of Dominic Grieve .
Committed No Dealers and dedicated former Remainers will unite in a veritable Ribbentrop-Molotov pact to scrag a Prime Minister they hate – a loathing intensified by him having beaten them before , as he is now beating them again .
We will have Johnson as Chamberlain .
On the record , Johnson himself will suggest today that Britain has won and , off the record , Downing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to that effect .
We will all read that the Prime Minister has “ played a blinder ” , “ hit Macron for six ” and “ shot the ERG ’ s fox ” .
We will have the Prime Minister as Churchill .
All we can add to both takes is , as Mandy Rice-Davies almost put it : “ they would say that , wouldn ’ t they ?
” Does anyone mind us pointing out that few of these fans and foes will actually read what we are told is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chapters , protocols , appendices , the lot ?
And none will have done so this morning .
The ERG is to re-form its “ star chamber ” of “ wise men ” to read the Treaty , and it is right to say that the text should be released as soon as possible .
But with all due respect to Martin Howe and his merry men , what it contains is not the only important consideration here – or even the main one .
The site understands that Parliament may have three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will propose the enactment of the Treaty .
We repeat , Parliament – not the Commons .
That ’ s three days for Commons , Lords and Royal Assent together , presumably beginning on December 29th and ending on December 31st .
We are well aware that many MPs , taking their cue from Ken Clarke ’ s artless admission that he never read the Maastricht Treaty , won ’ t read this one either , and simply follow the crowd instead .
Solidarity with the Government one was elected to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reading what one ’ s voting on is an even better one ( especially on a matter of this importance ) .
As we write , we can ’ t see that four days to read the treaty – plus the learned commentary of the ERG and that of many others – and less than three days to consider it is adequate .
Especially when Commons ’ proceedings will presumably be cramped further by London now being in Tier Four .
And with the EU institutions and member states operating to a more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe for a moment that the Government or the EU , either separately or together , have worked to bounce Parliament over the treaty .
Rather , last minute-ism is in the nature of EU negotiations .
Nonetheless , both nearly ran out of time for an agreement , and have already run out of time for consideration – properly done , anyway .
Maybe our understanding of the timetable is wrong .
And we can ’ t blame Tory MPs for itching to be off to drinking in the New Year and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting Brexit Done , and in spades .
But as matters stand , they will have no basis for voting on a Bill at all , because they will scarcely have had time to have read it , let alone properly to consider it .
*10.30am Update : Molotov – or is it Ribbentrop ?
– isn ’ t joining up .
Farage has tweeted that “ the war is over ” , and is set not to oppose the deal .
UKIP will have to provide instead .

Conservative MPs have been here recently, though not over Brexit trade negotiations. On Coronavirus restrictions and regulations, Labour has either voted with the Governent or abstained. Consequently, these have passed through Parliament.
On the agreement that Boris Johnson will announce this morning (barring a last-minute talks collapse over mackerel, herring and other pelagic fish), Labour is set either to abstain or vote with the Government. So the deal will pass through Parliament too.
Those Tory backbenchers should want to support the Prime Minister, without whom many of them would not be in the Commons at all. And they will recognise that, in gaining an agreement, Johnson has confounded the critics who first argued that he preferred No Deal to a Withdrawal Agreement, and were proved wrong, and then maintained that he preferred No Deal to a trade agreement, and have been proved wrong yet again. We will have more to say about that later today.
Nonetheless, that the deal will surely pass through Parliament gives them a certain freedom of manouevre. Before it is recalled, they will hear bewilderingly different claims about it.
Nigel Farage will say that the EU has won.* So, we can reasonably presume, will the likes of Dominic Grieve. Committed No Dealers and dedicated former Remainers will unite in a veritable Ribbentrop-Molotov pact to scrag a Prime Minister they hate – a loathing intensified by him having beaten them before, as he is now beating them again. We will have Johnson as Chamberlain.
On the record, Johnson himself will suggest today that Britain has won and, off the record, Downing Street will afterwards crank up the rhetoric to that effect. We will all read that the Prime Minister has “played a blinder”, “hit Macron for six” and “shot the ERG’s fox”. We will have the Prime Minister as Churchill.
All we can add to both takes is, as Mandy Rice-Davies almost put it: “they would say that, wouldn’t they?” Does anyone mind us pointing out that few of these fans and foes will actually read what we are told is some two thousand pages of text – chapters, protocols, appendices, the lot? And none will have done so this morning.
The ERG is to re-form its “star chamber” of “wise men” to read the Treaty, and it is right to say that the text should be released as soon as possible.
But with all due respect to Martin Howe and his merry men, what it contains is not the only important consideration here – or even the main one. The site understands that Parliament may have three days in which to consider the Bill that will propose the enactment of the Treaty. We repeat, Parliament – not the Commons. That’s three days for Commons, Lords and Royal Assent together, presumably beginning on December 29th and ending on December 31st.
We are well aware that many MPs, taking their cue from Ken Clarke’s artless admission that he never read the Maastricht Treaty, won’t read this one either, and simply follow the crowd instead.
Solidarity with the Government one was elected to support is a good thing, but actually reading what one’s voting on is an even better one (especially on a matter of this importance).
As we write, we can’t see that four days to read the treaty – plus the learned commentary of the ERG and that of many others – and less than three days to consider it is adequate. Especially when Commons’ proceedings will presumably be cramped further by London now being in Tier Four. And with the EU institutions and member states operating to a more leisurely timetable.
We don’t believe for a moment that the Government or the EU, either separately or together, have worked to bounce Parliament over the treaty. Rather, last minute-ism is in the nature of EU negotiations. Nonetheless, both nearly ran out of time for an agreement, and have already run out of time for consideration – properly done, anyway.
Maybe our understanding of the timetable is wrong. And we can’t blame Tory MPs for itching to be off to drinking in the New Year and drinking to the Prime Minister – for getting Brexit Done, and in spades. But as matters stand, they will have no basis for voting on a Bill at all, because they will scarcely have had time to have read it, let alone properly to consider it.


conservativehome--2020-12-24--The seasonal story has become clogged with repulsive sentimentality and compulsory jollity

“ Put on a good Christmas and it ’ ll all be all right , ” Boris Johnson was heard saying towards the end of 2004 , at a moment of domestic crisis .
This remains the Prime Minister ’ s view , and he has plainly hated introducing restrictions which this year make “ a good Christmas ” impossible to arrange .
The broadcasters have risen to the occasion by interviewing people for whom it is impossible to avoid feeling sorry , for they were so looking forward to seeing those they love , and their plans have now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be said for a simpler Christmas .
The festival has become clogged with repulsive sentimentality , mindless acquisitiveness and worst of all , compulsory jollity .
We are told we must spend money we do not have in order to enjoy feasts for which no fast has prepared us .
A sort of panic , shot through with moments of despair , may grip whoever bears the heavy burden of arranging the feasts .
No matter how many lists have been made , luxuries delivered , delicacies prepared , at the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unusual item , indispensable to the happiness of a certain member of the party , has not been obtained , whereupon someone else who is desperate to get out of the house volunteers to go and find it .
No harm , of course , in giving people what they want .
But as a friend of mine who is in poor health , and has seen no one but her carer since February , put it to me when we spoke this week : The expectation of perfect food , perfect drink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is relieved when something goes wrong , and we no longer feel condemned to strive to realise , from our own inadequate resources , this vision of the good life .
Once we become grateful for what we are given , regardless of how modest it may be , panic recedes .
The self-imposed tyranny collapses .
We feel ourselves “ letting go of the fantasy of unbounded gratification ” , as Rowan Williams put it in a slightly different context in a recent review .
We no longer imagine that by our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jollity stops being compulsory , and we perhaps find it easier not only to enjoy things ourselves , but to remember those for whom joy seems unattainable : the people interviewed by the broadcasters , or written about by Wendy Cope in A Christmas Poem : At three o ’ clock this afternoon the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will be broadcast from King ’ s College , Cambridge .
No idea here of benighted , death-menaced human beings attaining “ a good Christmas ” by our own unaided efforts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attempt .
As the third reading , from Isaiah , puts it : The last lesson , from the start of St John ’ s Gospel , gives the most tremendous of all renderings of the story : In the beginning was the Word , and the Word was with God , and the Word was God .
The same was in the beginning with God .
All things were made by him ; and without him was not any thing made that was made .
In him was life ; and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the light shineth in darkness ; and the darkness comprehended it not .
There was a man sent from God , whose name was John .
The same came for a witness , to bear witness of the light , that all men through him might believe .
He was not that light , but was sent to bear witness of that light .
That was the true light , which lighteth every man that cometh into the world .
He was in the world , and the world was made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him not .
He came unto his own , and his own received him not .
But as many as received him , to them gave he power to become the sons of God , even to them that believe on his name : who were born , not of blood , nor of the will of the flesh , nor of the will of man , but of God .
And the Word was made flesh , and dwelt among us , and we beheld his glory , the glory as of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of grace and truth .

“Put on a good Christmas and it’ll all be all right,” Boris Johnson was heard saying towards the end of 2004, at a moment of domestic crisis.
This remains the Prime Minister’s view, and he has plainly hated introducing restrictions which this year make “a good Christmas” impossible to arrange.
The broadcasters have risen to the occasion by interviewing people for whom it is impossible to avoid feeling sorry, for they were so looking forward to seeing those they love, and their plans have now been wrecked.
But there is something to be said for a simpler Christmas.
The festival has become clogged with repulsive sentimentality, mindless acquisitiveness and worst of all, compulsory jollity.
We are told we must spend money we do not have in order to enjoy feasts for which no fast has prepared us.
A sort of panic, shot through with moments of despair, may grip whoever bears the heavy burden of arranging the feasts. No matter how many lists have been made, luxuries delivered, delicacies prepared, at the last minute it may be discovered that some unusual item, indispensable to the happiness of a certain member of the party, has not been obtained, whereupon someone else who is desperate to get out of the house volunteers to go and find it.
No harm, of course, in giving people what they want. But as a friend of mine who is in poor health, and has seen no one but her carer since February, put it to me when we spoke this week:
“I’ve never liked the way people behave at Christmas, as if they’re going to have a nervous breakdown if they don’t have one more satsuma.”
The expectation of perfect food, perfect drink, perfect enjoyment imposes a strain which is relieved when something goes wrong, and we no longer feel condemned to strive to realise, from our own inadequate resources, this vision of the good life.
Once we become grateful for what we are given, regardless of how modest it may be, panic recedes. The self-imposed tyranny collapses.
We feel ourselves “letting go of the fantasy of unbounded gratification”, as Rowan Williams put it in a slightly different context in a recent review. We no longer imagine that by our own unaided efforts we can save ourselves.
Jollity stops being compulsory, and we perhaps find it easier not only to enjoy things ourselves, but to remember those for whom joy seems unattainable: the people interviewed by the broadcasters, or written about by Wendy Cope in A Christmas Poem:
At Christmas little children sing and merry bells jingle,
The cold winter air makes our hands and faces tingle
And happy families go to church and cheerily they mingle
And the whole business is unbelievably dreadful, if you’re single.
At three o’clock this afternoon the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will be broadcast from King’s College, Cambridge.
No idea here of benighted, death-menaced human beings attaining “a good Christmas” by our own unaided efforts, even if official regulations were to permit the attempt.
As the third reading, from Isaiah, puts it:
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
The last lesson, from the start of St John’s Gospel, gives the most tremendous of all renderings of the story:


conservativehome--2020-12-24--Season’s greetings to all our readers

Season’s greetings to all our readers

Simply to report that ConservativeHome will close for Christmas Day and Boxing Day , and will return on December 27th @ @ @ @ @ readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year .

Simply to report that ConservativeHome will close for Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and will return on December 27th. We wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.


conservativehome--2020-12-24--WATCH: The Prime Minister – “We’ve today resolved a question that has bedevilled our politics for de

WATCH: The Prime Minister – “We’ve today resolved a question that has bedevilled our politics for decades”

“ It is up to us all together , as a newly and truly independent nation , to realise the @ @ @ @ @ to make the most of it ” UK PM Boris Johnson says “ we ’ @ @ @ @ @ question that has bedevilled our politics for decades ” https : //t.co/athZpzGlEp pic.twitter.com/EojT8c7t8c

“It is up to us all together, as a newly and truly independent nation, to realise the immensity of this moment and to make the most of it”
UK PM Boris Johnson says “we’ve also today resolved a question that has bedevilled our politics for decades” https://t.co/athZpzGlEp pic.twitter.com/EojT8c7t8c
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) December 24, 2020


conservativehome--2020-12-24--WATCH:  “It was a long and winding road, but we have got a good deal to show for it” – Von der Leyen

“ We have finally found an agreement .
It was a long and winding road but we have got a @ @ @ @ @ it ” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says `` it is fair , @ @ @ @ @ and it is the right and responsible thing to do '' https : //t.co/OmEeMh6LuI pic.twitter.com/oTk2nnnQfu

“We have finally found an agreement. It was a long and winding road but we have got a good deal to show for it”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says "it is fair, it is a balanced deal and it is the right and responsible thing to do"https://t.co/OmEeMh6LuI pic.twitter.com/oTk2nnnQfu
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) December 24, 2020


conservativehome--2020-12-24--WATCH: Starmer swings Labour behind Johnson’s agreement

“ When this deal comes before Parliament , Labour will accept it and vote for it ” Labour leader Sir @ @ @ @ @ will hold the government to account , “ up against no Deal we accept this @ @ @ @ @ of it are yours ” https : //t.co/athZpzGlEp pic.twitter.com/hp5AIEgweL

“When this deal comes before Parliament, Labour will accept it and vote for it”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer says his party will hold the government to account, “up against no Deal we accept this deal, but the consequences of it are yours” https://t.co/athZpzGlEp pic.twitter.com/hp5AIEgweL
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) December 24, 2020


conservativehome--2020-12-24--“It restores Britain’s sovereignty in full.” David Frost’s Twitter thread on the Brexit trade agreem

“It restores Britain’s sovereignty in full.” David Frost’s Twitter thread on the Brexit trade agreement.

It will be a matter of opinion whether or not the deal turns out inspection to be good , bad or somewhere in the middle .
It is a matter of fact that it would have less of a chance of being supported by Brexiteers if it had not been negotiated by David Frost .
The Prime Minister ’ s Chief Negiotiator , now Lord Frost , and Oliver Lewis , Boris Johnson ’ s adviser on Brexit , have played an indispensable role on crafting first the revised Withdrawal Agreement , and then this trade deal – winning the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring down Theresa May ’ s version and her premiership itself .
First time round , Frost and Lewis were instrumental in briefing the Europe Research Group about why Johnson ’ s version of the Agreement was different to May ’ s : one senior ERG figure refers to these discussions as “ negotiations ” .
The key elements were the dropping of a UK-wide backstop ; of “ high regulatory alignment ” as outlined in May ’ s Chequers proposal , and of the potential making of executive decisions by civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ERG officers recommended that its members support the proposed Agreement .
They will have been in touch with Frost and his team during the arduous year since the last election .
Frost has been one of the few senior diplomats to have emerged from the Foreign Office – he is a former Ambassador to Denmark – who first got the point of Brexit , and then threw his weight behind it .
Having first served at Johnson ’ s Special Adviser at the Foreign Office , Frost went with him into Downing Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was Frost – rather than Michael Gove , the Cabinet Minister responsible for Brexit – who delivered a speech last February explaining the philosophy that underpinned the Government ’ s negotiating position .
“ We aren ’ t frightened by suggestions there is going to be friction , there is going to be greater barriers .
We know that and have factored this in and we look further forward – to the gains of the future , he told his audience .
“ We bring to the negotiations not some clever tactical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means to be an independent country , ” he also said .
This site described him , and not Dominic Cummings , as “ the Johnson adviser with the most power ” at the time .
Frost will now move on to concentrate on his role as the Prime Minister ’ s National Security .
We pointed out when his appointment was criticised by the usual suspects that , as a former Director of the Foreign Office ’ s Policy Planning Staff , Frost is no less well qualified for the post than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than Kim Darroch when the latter was appointed to the role ) .
So though we wait now to read the details of the agreement , we nonetheless hail the commitment of Frost and Lewis to their negotiating brief , and acknowledge that , without the dedication of this pair of Eurosceptics , it is unlikely to have been reached in its final form .
So : a very merry Christmas to David Frost .

It will be a matter of opinion whether or not the deal turns out inspection to be good, bad or somewhere in the middle. It is a matter of fact that it would have less of a chance of being supported by Brexiteers if it had not been negotiated by David Frost.
The Prime Minister’s Chief Negiotiator, now Lord Frost, and Oliver Lewis, Boris Johnson’s adviser on Brexit, have played an indispensable role on crafting first the revised Withdrawal Agreement, and then this trade deal – winning the trust of the pro-Leave MPs who helped to bring down Theresa May’s version and her premiership itself.
First time round, Frost and Lewis were instrumental in briefing the Europe Research Group about why Johnson’s version of the Agreement was different to May’s: one senior ERG figure refers to these discussions as “negotiations”.
The key elements were the dropping of a UK-wide backstop; of “high regulatory alignment” as outlined in May’s Chequers proposal, and of the potential making of executive decisions by civil servants in a join committee. The ERG officers recommended that its members support the proposed Agreement. They will have been in touch with Frost and his team during the arduous year since the last election.
Frost has been one of the few senior diplomats to have emerged from the Foreign Office – he is a former Ambassador to Denmark – who first got the point of Brexit, and then threw his weight behind it.
Having first served at Johnson’s Special Adviser at the Foreign Office, Frost went with him into Downing Street when he became Prime Minister. And it was Frost – rather than Michael Gove, the Cabinet Minister responsible for Brexit – who delivered a speech last February explaining the philosophy that underpinned the Government’s negotiating position.
“We aren’t frightened by suggestions there is going to be friction, there is going to be greater barriers. We know that and have factored this in and we look further forward – to the gains of the future, he told his audience.
“We bring to the negotiations not some clever tactical positioning but the fundamentals of what it means to be an independent country,” he also said. This site described him, and not Dominic Cummings, as “the Johnson adviser with the most power” at the time.
Frost will now move on to concentrate on his role as the Prime Minister’s National Security. We pointed out when his appointment was criticised by the usual suspects that, as a former Director of the Foreign Office’s Policy Planning Staff, Frost is no less well qualified for the post than some of his predecessors (and more than Kim Darroch when the latter was appointed to the role).
So though we wait now to read the details of the agreement, we nonetheless hail the commitment of Frost and Lewis to their negotiating brief, and acknowledge that, without the dedication of this pair of Eurosceptics, it is unlikely to have been reached in its final form. So: a very merry Christmas to David Frost.