conservativehome--2020-10-26--Richard Holden: The Japan trade deal, future CPTPP membership – deliverers of wages, prosperity and

Richard Holden: The Japan trade deal, future CPTPP membership – deliverers of wages, prosperity and work to my Durham constituents.

In the year I was born , 1985 , Consett had unemployment of 35 per cent – multiples of the average across the country .
The decline and , finally , the end of heavy industry and mining in the hands of a few , nationalised employers , poor management and poorly led , often over-politicised unions brought down the industrial North – and the demise of these industries decimated communities that had been reliant for generations on an increasingly small number of large employers .
By the time of the last election , employment in North West Durham had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A significant part of that is down to Nissan and its supply chain in the region .
This is why the agreement that Liz Truss has signed with Japan last week provides a very much-needed good news at a very difficult time , particularly for North East England but , more widely , for the whole country .
Trade deal signings come with plenty of fanfare and diplomatic niceties .
But , beneath the pageantry , these agreements are a fundamental catalyst for delivering growth and investment of the type that we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Coronavirus .
This is especially the case for places in the Blue Wall , including my constituency in North West Durham .
The Prime Minister was right when he said trade can help us build back better , and make Britain a leader in modern areas like the green economy , high-tech manufacturing and technology .
The Japan deal is proof that we can strike good trade deals for Britain , despite the derision of arch-Remainers .
Britain is out there and we ’ re winning .
It proves we can go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such areas as digital and technology , including enabling the free flow of data , a commitment to uphold the principles of net neutrality and a ban on data localisation that will prevent British businesses from having the extra cost of setting up servers in Japan .
The agreement also goes much further than the EU deal in terms of food and drink .
We have secured a deal which benefits our farmers and fishermen as British meats , cheese , and fish will face lower tariffs in Japan .
It also contains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven under the EU deal – that will mean iconic British products from all over the UK such as Melton Mowbray Pork Pies , Cornish Pasties , Welsh Lamb , Scottish Salmon , and Wensleydale Cheese receive legal protection from cheap imitations in Japan .
It helps provide critical continuity for businesses and secures many thousands of British jobs , not least those at the Nissan plant down the road , where many of my constituents ’ work and which I recently visited with the International Trade Secretary .
And the Japan deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a signal not only of our capability as an independent trading nation , but also of our intent to strike great deals around the world and move well beyond the EU – particularly with Commonwealth countries and parts of the wider Pacific .
British industry , innovation and intellectual leadership shaped the world of international commerce that we recognise today .
The work of Smith , Ferguson , Cobden and political giants like Robert Peel established Britain as the world ’ s pre-eminent trading nation , and set the stage for the creation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later .
This Government ’ s ambition is to reconnect with that heritage , and re-establish Britain as a pre-eminent global trading nation that looks well beyond its own shores .
Leaving the EU gives us the chance to do that , and to lead the world in areas like the green economy ( with hydrogen set to play a major role down the road in Teesside ) services and technology .
The Japan deal is an important staging post in that journey .
As well as driving economic growth across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership ( CPTPP ) , one of the world ’ s largest free trade areas , covering 13 per cent of the global economy ( and growing ) , comprising 11 major Pacific nations .
Membership of CPTPP is vital to our future interests and vision for Global Britain and , more broadly , we must decrease our reliance on large dictatorships whose ‘ actions short of war ’ – like intellectual property theft and cyber warfare – leave us under permanent attack .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries who play by the rules , we will strengthen the global consensus for free and fair trade at a time of heightened global uncertainty and rising protectionism – keeping markets open and trade flowing .
Increased trade and connections with such countries is vital not only in economic terms , but also in geo-political and strategic terms .
Diversifying our trade and supply chains will also help our economy become more resilient to future shocks , and put us in a stronger position to reshape global trading rules alongside like-minded allies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Canada and Australia .
Strategically , this diversification is an exciting part of the Government ’ s plan to put Britain at the centre of a network of modern free trade deals , making us a hub for services , technology and cutting-edge manufacturing and green technology .
Ultimately , CPTPP membership delivers gains that would be impossible as part of the EU .
And do so in a way that doesn ’ t impinge on our sovereignty .
There is no ECJ , no harmonisation of domestic regulation and no ceding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matters .
Trade – and the notion of Global Britain – can seem divorced from the everyday worries and priorities of people here at home .
But at its heart , trade is a powerful way to deliver the things people really care about .
It means more opportunities for local people , higher-skilled jobs , better standards of living , and happier , wealthier , more vibrant local communities in places like North West Durham , building on relationships abroad , as with Japan , to deliver local jobs so that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days of decay and decline that ultimately cost jobs and communities .
Liz Truss , who I recently spent time with on the production line at Sunderland , and the Government are working hard to secure CPTPP accession , and am pleased to see that a lot of the groundwork has been laid already – including exploring membership with all eleven countries in line with the official process .
Britain is at its best when it is an optimistic , outward-looking nation that engages with the world .
CPTPP membership is the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vision .
It will show the world we are back as an independent trading nation and that we are not only a major force in global trade , but a major force for good across the globe .

Richard Holden is MP for North West Durham.
Maddisons Cafe, Front Street, Consett
In the year I was born, 1985, Consett had unemployment of 35 per cent – multiples of the average across the country.
The decline and, finally, the end of heavy industry and mining in the hands of a few, nationalised employers, poor management and poorly led, often over-politicised unions brought down the industrial North – and the demise of these industries decimated communities that had been reliant for generations on an increasingly small number of large employers.
By the time of the last election, employment in North West Durham had recovered to around the national average. A significant part of that is down to Nissan and its supply chain in the region.
This is why the agreement that Liz Truss has signed with Japan last week provides a very much-needed good news at a very difficult time, particularly for North East England but, more widely, for the whole country.
Trade deal signings come with plenty of fanfare and diplomatic niceties. But, beneath the pageantry, these agreements are a fundamental catalyst for delivering growth and investment of the type that we will need to ensure that our economy recovers from Coronavirus. This is especially the case for places in the Blue Wall, including my constituency in North West Durham.
The Prime Minister was right when he said trade can help us build back better, and make Britain a leader in modern areas like the green economy, high-tech manufacturing and technology.
The Japan deal is proof that we can strike good trade deals for Britain, despite the derision of arch-Remainers. Britain is out there and we’re winning.
It proves we can go further and faster than the EU in such areas as digital and technology, including enabling the free flow of data, a commitment to uphold the principles of net neutrality and a ban on data localisation that will prevent British businesses from having the extra cost of setting up servers in Japan.
The agreement also goes much further than the EU deal in terms of food and drink. We have secured a deal which benefits our farmers and fishermen as British meats, cheese, and fish will face lower tariffs in Japan.
It also contains over 70 geographical indications – compared to seven under the EU deal – that will mean iconic British products from all over the UK such as Melton Mowbray Pork Pies, Cornish Pasties, Welsh Lamb, Scottish Salmon, and Wensleydale Cheese receive legal protection from cheap imitations in Japan.
It helps provide critical continuity for businesses and secures many thousands of British jobs, not least those at the Nissan plant down the road, where many of my constituents’ work and which I recently visited with the International Trade Secretary.
And the Japan deal is just the start.
It is a signal not only of our capability as an independent trading nation, but also of our intent to strike great deals around the world and move well beyond the EU – particularly with Commonwealth countries and parts of the wider Pacific.
British industry, innovation and intellectual leadership shaped the world of international commerce that we recognise today. The work of Smith, Ferguson, Cobden and political giants like Robert Peel established Britain as the world’s pre-eminent trading nation, and set the stage for the creation of the international rules-based system a century later.
This Government’s ambition is to reconnect with that heritage, and re-establish Britain as a pre-eminent global trading nation that looks well beyond its own shores.
Leaving the EU gives us the chance to do that, and to lead the world in areas like the green economy (with hydrogen set to play a major role down the road in Teesside) services and technology.
The Japan deal is an important staging post in that journey. As well as driving economic growth across the country, it paves the way for us to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), one of the world’s largest free trade areas, covering 13 per cent of the global economy (and growing), comprising 11 major Pacific nations.
Membership of CPTPP is vital to our future interests and vision for Global Britain and, more broadly, we must decrease our reliance on large dictatorships whose ‘actions short of war’ – like intellectual property theft and cyber warfare – leave us under permanent attack.
By joining a high standards agreement with countries who play by the rules, we will strengthen the global consensus for free and fair trade at a time of heightened global uncertainty and rising protectionism – keeping markets open and trade flowing. Increased trade and connections with such countries is vital not only in economic terms, but also in geo-political and strategic terms.
Diversifying our trade and supply chains will also help our economy become more resilient to future shocks, and put us in a stronger position to reshape global trading rules alongside like-minded allies, including old friends such as New Zealand, Canada and Australia.
Strategically, this diversification is an exciting part of the Government’s plan to put Britain at the centre of a network of modern free trade deals, making us a hub for services, technology and cutting-edge manufacturing and green technology.
Ultimately, CPTPP membership delivers gains that would be impossible as part of the EU. And do so in a way that doesn’t impinge on our sovereignty. There is no ECJ, no harmonisation of domestic regulation and no ceding of sovereign powers.
All of this matters. Trade – and the notion of Global Britain – can seem divorced from the everyday worries and priorities of people here at home. But at its heart, trade is a powerful way to deliver the things people really care about.
It means more opportunities for local people, higher-skilled jobs, better standards of living, and happier, wealthier, more vibrant local communities in places like North West Durham, building on relationships abroad, as with Japan, to deliver local jobs so that we never again return to the bad old days of decay and decline that ultimately cost jobs and communities.
Liz Truss, who I recently spent time with on the production line at Sunderland, and the Government are working hard to secure CPTPP accession, and am pleased to see that a lot of the groundwork has been laid already – including exploring membership with all eleven countries in line with the official process.
Britain is at its best when it is an optimistic, outward-looking nation that engages with the world. CPTPP membership is the next logical step in the fulfilment of that vision.
It will show the world we are back as an independent trading nation and that we are not only a major force in global trade, but a major force for good across the globe.


conservativehome--2020-10-26--James Palmer: How we are fighting for jobs in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

James Palmer is the directly elected Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough .
While we are now only beginning to understand the wide-ranging impacts of Covid-19 , it is clear already that a one size fits all approach to support will limit our ability to build back better .
A support offer that isn ’ t targeted risks alienating those leaders , workers , and learners who have the power to kickstart our recovery as well as those who have been hardest hit by the pandemic and the ongoing social distancing measures .
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough economy is incredibly diverse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fens , to the technology and manufacturing powerhouses of Cambridge and Peterborough .
Being a devolved authority , our local knowledge has allowed us to make data-driven interventions with a real tangible impact on businesses , job seekers , and young people looking to further their education and skills .
The first in a series of interventions made by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority was a £2.3 million investment in a Covid-19 grant scheme for businesses across our region .
The Covid-19 Capital and Micro Grant Schemes offered grants from £2,000 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helping companies to strengthen their capacity to survive and build back better .
This was open for applications by early April and we were able to get money out to businesses quickly to allow them to make investments with confidence , helping to protecting our local economy .
We received grant bids for all sorts of projects including buying new kit , building new extensions , the updating of production lines , IT infrastructure , and upgrading logistics .
It quickly became clear that £2.3 million was nowhere near enough , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it going .
To date we have paid out over £5 million in grants to over 170 businesses , protecting 500 jobs and creating a further 270 jobs .
Following the success of the grant schemes , we have been working with Metro Dynamics to really understand the impacts of the pandemic on the core sectors that make up our local economy .
A report based on analysis conducted in August 2020 provides the Combined Authority with an up to date assessment of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough economy , with a focus on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the labour market .
The report tells us that the economy in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough contracted by £1.39 billion in the second quarter and that this is less than the £3.7 billion fall in output first forecast by the Office of Budget Responsibility in April 2020 .
Swift targeted interventions to support businesses , combined with the government ’ s national schemes , has enabled us to maintain this level of output .
Had we adopted a one size fits all approach , the results could have been devastating .
There is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual sectors will recover and for now I am focused on listening to business leaders to see what support they need from the Combined Authority and how we can empower them to kickstart the economic recovery .
I am currently trying to visit at least two businesses per week to hear directly from people who are steering their enterprises through this crisis .
This time for honest conversations is invaluable : it helps us to target resources where we know they will have the most impact .
Supporting business leaders is just one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secured an additional £500,000 from the Department for Education to support young people struggling to find work in the wake of the pandemic .
The funding will be split between two schemes : sector-based work academies and high value courses .
The sector-based work academies scheme is designed to help young people build confidence to improve their job prospects and enhance their CV .
Sector-based work academies can last up to six weeks and have three main components : pre-employment training , a work experience placement , and a guaranteed job interview .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and college leavers who are at higher risk of becoming not in education , employment , or training because of Covid-19 .
The one-year offer includes fully funded Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications to help young people gain skills to improve their future employment prospects .
This investment shows just what we can deliver through our devolved Adult Education Budget and is another example of targeted support .
Interventions like these make a real difference to school and college leavers in the short term and boost their employability in the long term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the recent £3.16 million Local Grant Fund Combined Authority grant to Stainless Metal Craft to set up to provide training across a range of vocational subjects for between 80 and 130 apprentices per year .
Opening in early 2022 , this support shows local grant funding can play a huge part in really making a difference and changing lives for the better .
We don ’ t know what the next few months will bring , but we do know that the only way to build back better is to gain a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals running a business , looking for work , or trying to further their education .
That is what we have done in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough : an approach that not only protects the hardest hit but that also encourages those with the potential to be the catalyst for building back better .
I am very proud that the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority is big enough to deliver but also local enough to care .

James Palmer is the directly elected Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
While we are now only beginning to understand the wide-ranging impacts of Covid-19, it is clear already that a one size fits all approach to support will limit our ability to build back better.
A support offer that isn’t targeted risks alienating those leaders, workers, and learners who have the power to kickstart our recovery as well as those who have been hardest hit by the pandemic and the ongoing social distancing measures.
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough economy is incredibly diverse, from the rich agriculture of the Fens, to the technology and manufacturing powerhouses of Cambridge and Peterborough. Being a devolved authority, our local knowledge has allowed us to make data-driven interventions with a real tangible impact on businesses, job seekers, and young people looking to further their education and skills.
The first in a series of interventions made by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority was a £2.3 million investment in a Covid-19 grant scheme for businesses across our region. The Covid-19 Capital and Micro Grant Schemes offered grants from £2,000 to £150,000 for new capital investment projects, helping companies to strengthen their capacity to survive and build back better. This was open for applications by early April and we were able to get money out to businesses quickly to allow them to make investments with confidence, helping to protecting our local economy.
We received grant bids for all sorts of projects including buying new kit, building new extensions, the updating of production lines, IT infrastructure, and upgrading logistics. It quickly became clear that £2.3 million was nowhere near enough, and we had to find additional funding to keep it going. To date we have paid out over £5 million in grants to over 170 businesses, protecting 500 jobs and creating a further 270 jobs.
Following the success of the grant schemes, we have been working with Metro Dynamics to really understand the impacts of the pandemic on the core sectors that make up our local economy. A report based on analysis conducted in August 2020 provides the Combined Authority with an up to date assessment of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough economy, with a focus on major sectors, business groups, and the labour market.
The report tells us that the economy in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough contracted by £1.39 billion in the second quarter and that this is less than the £3.7 billion fall in output first forecast by the Office of Budget Responsibility in April 2020. Swift targeted interventions to support businesses, combined with the government’s national schemes, has enabled us to maintain this level of output. Had we adopted a one size fits all approach, the results could have been devastating. There is still a lot of uncertainty around how quickly individual sectors will recover and for now I am focused on listening to business leaders to see what support they need from the Combined Authority and how we can empower them to kickstart the economic recovery.
I am currently trying to visit at least two businesses per week to hear directly from people who are steering their enterprises through this crisis. This time for honest conversations is invaluable: it helps us to target resources where we know they will have the most impact. Supporting business leaders is just one part of our strategy. We have secured an additional £500,000 from the Department for Education to support young people struggling to find work in the wake of the pandemic.
The funding will be split between two schemes: sector-based work academies and high value courses. The sector-based work academies scheme is designed to help young people build confidence to improve their job prospects and enhance their CV. Sector-based work academies can last up to six weeks and have three main components: pre-employment training, a work experience placement, and a guaranteed job interview.
High value courses exist to support school and college leavers who are at higher risk of becoming not in education, employment, or training because of Covid-19. The one-year offer includes fully funded Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications to help young people gain skills to improve their future employment prospects. This investment shows just what we can deliver through our devolved Adult Education Budget and is another example of targeted support. Interventions like these make a real difference to school and college leavers in the short term and boost their employability in the long term.
We have other success stories such as the recent £3.16 million Local Grant Fund Combined Authority grant to Stainless Metal Craft to set up to provide training across a range of vocational subjects for between 80 and 130 apprentices per year. Opening in early 2022, this support shows local grant funding can play a huge part in really making a difference and changing lives for the better.
We don’t know what the next few months will bring, but we do know that the only way to build back better is to gain a real understanding of the challenges facing those individuals running a business, looking for work, or trying to further their education.
That is what we have done in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough: an approach that not only protects the hardest hit but that also encourages those with the potential to be the catalyst for building back better.
I am very proud that the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority is big enough to deliver but also local enough to care.


conservativehome--2020-10-26--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Chair of the Defence Science Expert Commit

Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Chair of the Defence Science Expert Committee – 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 .
“ This is an exciting time to join the Department for Transport .
We are responsible for the transport network that helps the UK ’ s businesses and gets people and goods travelling around the country .
We plan and invest in transport infrastructure to keep the UK on the move .
We work across all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , aviation , maritime – to improve journeys , boost economic growth , work towards a low carbon future and build a One Nation Britain .
We are seeking a Non-Executive Director to join the Department ’ s Board .
The successful candidate , through their membership of the Board , will provide challenge and support to a wide variety of management and operational issues and contribute to the effective strategic and operational leadership of the Department.
” “ You will be independent of the Ministry of Defence operational activities and have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Ministry of Defence ’ s ( MOD ) Chief Scientific Advisor ( CSA ) .
Membership of Defence Science Expert Committee ( DSEC ) is an important and exciting opportunity to contribute to UK-led Defence Science and Technology .
DSEC is the MOD key source of independent advice on non-nuclear science , technology , engineering , analysis and mathematics issues .
It is an Expert Committee reporting to the MOD CSA and supporting the derivation and delivery of the Department ’ s Science and Technology Strategy .
DSEC comprises an Independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Members drawn from senior academic and industrial communities .
All are specialists in a branch of science , engineering , technology , humanities or medicine of relevance to defence and security and have proven ability in working on Boards or Committees .
Senior MOD officials , including CSA , keep the Committee abreast of developments in MOD and facilitate contacts within MOD.
” “ The role of the Chair is to lead and direct the work of the Cafcass Board ( including its various sub-committees ) , the purpose of which is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ affairs , and that Cafcass ’ policies and its strategic vision are compatible with those of the Secretary of State .
The Board is specifically responsible for : establishing and taking forward the strategic aims and objectives of Cafcass consistent with its overall strategic direction and within the policy and resources framework determined by the Secretary of State ; ensuring that the responsible minister is kept informed of any changes or risks that are likely to impact on the strategic direction of Cafcass or on the attainability of its targets , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such changes or risks ; ensuring that any statutory or administrative requirements for the use of public funds are complied with ; that the Board operates within the limits of its statutory authority and any delegated authority agreed with the Department , and in accordance with any other conditions relating to the use of public funds… ” Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy – Director of Labour Market Enforcement “ The Secretary of State is seeking to appoint four Independent Members to the CCW Board .
The primary role of CCW @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contribute to the good governance of the organisation by bringing wide experience and critical detachment to the work of the Board .
Board Members take a lead role in an area of CCW ’ s strategic work or its campaigns and work closely with members of the Executive Team and employees in this area .
Examples of lead areas include engagement and communication , vulnerable consumers and improving water regulation for consumers .
The Essential Criteria section later in this document includes the ‘ additional expertise ’ that CCW is looking for from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Board ’ s existing strengths .
CCW ’ s Code of Governance sets out more details on the operation of the Board and its Committees and includes more detail on the role of Board Members.
” “ The Chair will provide strong and effective leadership of the Commission in the fulfilment of its remit .
The Chair of CHM has to lead an expert science advisory committee whose principal tasks are to advise the Licensing Authority ( the UK Health Ministers ) and its executive arm , the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relating to human medicinal products including the licensing of medicines that are safe , efficacious and of good quality .
The Chair needs to be able to synthesize complex information and present it authoritatively to ministers as required .
They have to be able to master a very wide range of medical and pharmacological issues , many of which would be out of any one practitioner ’ s area of expertise , and chair to consensus a commission which comprises a range of eminent medical experts and some lay members.
” Remuneration : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are looking for an outstanding individual with demonstrable leadership skills and a passion for the media and public broadcasting , to represent the public interest in the BBC and maintain the Corporation ’ s independence .
As per the BBC Royal Charter , the Chair of the BBC Board must be appointed by Order in Council following a fair and open competition .
The Governance Code , including the public appointment principles , must be followed in making the appointment .
The Commissioner for Public Appointments will ensure that the appointment is made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Candidates should be aware that the preferred candidate for the post of Chair will be required to appear before a Parliamentary Select Committee prior to appointment.
” Time : 3-4 days per week ( Chair ) / Up to 2 days per week .
“ The Secretary of State is seeking to appoint four Independent Members to the CCW Board .
The primary role of CCW ’ s Independent Board Members is to contribute to the good governance of the organisation by bringing wide experience and critical detachment to the work of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role in an area of CCW ’ s strategic work or its campaigns and work closely with members of the Executive Team and employees in this area .
Examples of lead areas include engagement and communication , vulnerable consumers and improving water regulation for consumers .
The Essential Criteria section later in this document includes the ‘ additional expertise ’ that CCW is looking for from successful candidates to enhance and complement the Board ’ s existing strengths .
CCW ’ s Code of Governance sets out more details on the operation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more detail on the role of Board Members.
” “ The Prime Minister ’ s Council for Science and Technology ( CST ) is the Government ’ s top-level advisory body on science and technology issues .
It reports directly to the Prime Minister on matters of science and technology that cut across the responsibilities of government departments .
It is co-chaired by the Government Chief Scientific Adviser and an independent appointee .
The SARS-CoV-2 ( Covid-19 ) pandemic has highlighted the importance of science and technology in facing a challenge of such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ robust , sustainable , and equitable recovery plan for the UK , post Covid .
The Government is seeking to appoint a new Independent Co-Chair for the Council for Science and Technology .
The Government will appoint an Independent Co-Chair who will share responsibility for chairing the Council with the Government Chief Scientific Adviser ( GCSA ) .
” “ The Insolvency Service is an Executive Agency of the Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy , responsible for helping to deliver economic confidence by supporting those in financial distress , tackling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It employs around 1,700 staff operating from 22 locations across Great Britain .
We are seeking to appoint a new Chair of the Insolvency Service Board to lead the organisation as it takes forward its programme of transformation , delivers key Government commitments , and continues its record of strong performance against the backdrop of an uncertain economy following the Covid-19 pandemic… Headed by the non-executive Chair , the Board currently comprises a mix of Executive and Non-Executive Directors .
The Board is collectively responsible for the oversight of the operation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on its strategic direction , management controls , and corporate governance.
” 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
”

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.
– – – – – – – – – –
Department for Transport – Non-Executive Director
“This is an exciting time to join the Department for Transport. We are responsible for the transport network that helps the UK’s businesses and gets people and goods travelling around the country. We plan and invest in transport infrastructure to keep the UK on the move. We work across all modes of transport – roads, rail, aviation, maritime – to improve journeys, boost economic growth, work towards a low carbon future and build a One Nation Britain. We are seeking a Non-Executive Director to join the Department’s Board. The successful candidate, through their membership of the Board, will provide challenge and support to a wide variety of management and operational issues and contribute to the effective strategic and operational leadership of the Department.”
Time: 15 days per annum.
Remuneration: £15,000 per annum.
Closes: 01 November
– – – – – – – – – –
Defence Science Expert Committee – Chair
“You will be independent of the Ministry of Defence operational activities and have the ability to apply intellectual rigour in support of the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Chief Scientific Advisor (CSA). Membership of Defence Science Expert Committee (DSEC) is an important and exciting opportunity to contribute to UK-led Defence Science and Technology. DSEC is the MOD key source of independent advice on non-nuclear science, technology, engineering, analysis and mathematics issues. It is an Expert Committee reporting to the MOD CSA and supporting the derivation and delivery of the Department’s Science and Technology Strategy. DSEC comprises an Independent Chair supported by up to 10 Independent Members drawn from senior academic and industrial communities. All are specialists in a branch of science, engineering, technology, humanities or medicine of relevance to defence and security and have proven ability in working on Boards or Committees. Senior MOD officials, including CSA, keep the Committee abreast of developments in MOD and facilitate contacts within MOD.”
Time: 20-25 days per annum.
Remuneration: £465 per diem, plus allowances.
Closes: 02 November
– – – – – – – – – –
Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service – Chair
“The role of the Chair is to lead and direct the work of the Cafcass Board (including its various sub-committees), the purpose of which is to ensure probity in the conduct of Cafcass’ affairs, and that Cafcass’ policies and its strategic vision are compatible with those of the Secretary of State. The Board is specifically responsible for: establishing and taking forward the strategic aims and objectives of Cafcass consistent with its overall strategic direction and within the policy and resources framework determined by the Secretary of State; ensuring that the responsible minister is kept informed of any changes or risks that are likely to impact on the strategic direction of Cafcass or on the attainability of its targets, and determining the steps needed to deal with such changes or risks; ensuring that any statutory or administrative requirements for the use of public funds are complied with; that the Board operates within the limits of its statutory authority and any delegated authority agreed with the Department, and in accordance with any other conditions relating to the use of public funds…”
Time: 80 days per annum.
Remuneration: £400 per diem.
Closes: 03 November
– – – – – – – – – –
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy – Director of Labour Market Enforcement
“The Secretary of State is seeking to appoint four Independent Members to the CCW Board. The primary role of CCW’s Independent Board Members is to contribute to the good governance of the organisation by bringing wide experience and critical detachment to the work of the Board. Board Members take a lead role in an area of CCW’s strategic work or its campaigns and work closely with members of the Executive Team and employees in this area. Examples of lead areas include engagement and communication, vulnerable consumers and improving water regulation for consumers. The Essential Criteria section later in this document includes the ‘additional expertise’ that CCW is looking for from successful candidates to enhance and complement the Board’s existing strengths. CCW’s Code of Governance sets out more details on the operation of the Board and its Committees and includes more detail on the role of Board Members.”
Time: 1-2 days per week.
Remuneration: £100,000 – £130,000 per annum (FTE).
Closes: 08 November
– – – – – – – – – –
Commission on Human Medicines – Chair
“The Chair will provide strong and effective leadership of the Commission in the fulfilment of its remit. The Chair of CHM has to lead an expert science advisory committee whose principal tasks are to advise the Licensing Authority (the UK Health Ministers) and its executive arm, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), on matters relating to human medicinal products including the licensing of medicines that are safe, efficacious and of good quality. The Chair needs to be able to synthesize complex information and present it authoritatively to ministers as required. They have to be able to master a very wide range of medical and pharmacological issues, many of which would be out of any one practitioner’s area of expertise, and chair to consensus a commission which comprises a range of eminent medical experts and some lay members.”
Time: Approx. 33 days per annum.
Remuneration: Up to £500 per meeting
Closes: 10 November
– – – – – – – – – –
British Broadcasting Corporation – Chair/Member for England
“We are looking for an outstanding individual with demonstrable leadership skills and a passion for the media and public broadcasting, to represent the public interest in the BBC and maintain the Corporation’s independence. As per the BBC Royal Charter, the Chair of the BBC Board must be appointed by Order in Council following a fair and open competition. The Governance Code, including the public appointment principles, must be followed in making the appointment. The Commissioner for Public Appointments will ensure that the appointment is made in accordance with the Governance Code. Candidates should be aware that the preferred candidate for the post of Chair will be required to appear before a Parliamentary Select Committee prior to appointment.”
Time: 3-4 days per week (Chair) / Up to 2 days per week.
Remuneration: £160,000 (Chair) / £33,000 per annum, +£5,000 for committee chairs, reasonable expenses (Member)
Closes: 11 November
– – – – – – – – – –
Consumer Council for Water – Independent Board Members
“The Secretary of State is seeking to appoint four Independent Members to the CCW Board. The primary role of CCW’s Independent Board Members is to contribute to the good governance of the organisation by bringing wide experience and critical detachment to the work of the Board. Board Members take a lead role in an area of CCW’s strategic work or its campaigns and work closely with members of the Executive Team and employees in this area. Examples of lead areas include engagement and communication, vulnerable consumers and improving water regulation for consumers. The Essential Criteria section later in this document includes the ‘additional expertise’ that CCW is looking for from successful candidates to enhance and complement the Board’s existing strengths. CCW’s Code of Governance sets out more details on the operation of the Board and its Committees and includes more detail on the role of Board Members.”
Time: Three days per month.
Remuneration: £11,718 per annum.
Closes: 16 November
– – – – – – – – – –
Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology – Co-Chair
“The Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology (CST) is the Government’s top-level advisory body on science and technology issues. It reports directly to the Prime Minister on matters of science and technology that cut across the responsibilities of government departments. It is co-chaired by the Government Chief Scientific Adviser and an independent appointee. The SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) pandemic has highlighted the importance of science and technology in facing a challenge of such epic proportions, and in building a robust, sustainable, and equitable recovery plan for the UK, post Covid. The Government is seeking to appoint a new Independent Co-Chair for the Council for Science and Technology. The Government will appoint an Independent Co-Chair who will share responsibility for chairing the Council with the Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA).”
Time: 2-3 days per month.
Remuneration: None.
Closes: 22 November
– – – – – – – – – –
Insolvency Service – Chair
“The Insolvency Service is an Executive Agency of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, responsible for helping to deliver economic confidence by supporting those in financial distress, tackling financial wrongdoing and maximising returns to creditors. It employs around 1,700 staff operating from 22 locations across Great Britain. We are seeking to appoint a new Chair of the Insolvency Service Board to lead the organisation as it takes forward its programme of transformation, delivers key Government commitments, and continues its record of strong performance against the backdrop of an uncertain economy following the Covid-19 pandemic… Headed by the non-executive Chair, the Board currently comprises a mix of Executive and Non-Executive Directors. The Board is collectively responsible for the oversight of the operation of the Insolvency Service, with particular emphasis on its strategic direction, management controls, and corporate governance.”
Time: 20 days per annum.
Remuneration: £18,000.
Closes: 22 November
– – – – – – – – – –
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: 29 November


conservativehome--2020-10-26--Drakeford’s ban on “non-essential items” sounded like a bad idea – and the results speak for themsel

Drakeford’s ban on “non-essential items” sounded like a bad idea – and the results speak for themselves…

When the Welsh government announced it would introduce a 17-day “ firebreak ” lockdown , some accused it of being disproportionate in its response to Covid-19 .
But that ’ s been nothing compared to the backlash it has received over its ban on retailers selling “ non-essential items ” during the period .
There has been huge confusion over what this term means .
Indeed , the internet has been flooded with photographs and comments from customers who ’ ve been bewildered by barricaded supermarket aisles , or sealed up bookshelves , which are now deemed “ non-essential ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photographed a supermarket where it was possible to buy vodka , but not baby ’ s clothes .
The extent to which people are confused by the Welsh government ’ s policy was obvious today when it had to intervene in a Twitter argument about sanitary pads .
It was reported that a superstore in Cardiff had closed down an aisle with items deemed “ non-essential ” , including sanitary products and toothpaste .
One shopper Tweeted to Tesco how dismayed she was about the choice to not sell sanitary pads , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( now-deleted Tweet ) saying the company had been “ told by the Welsh Government not to sell these items ” .
The Welsh government then Tweeted that Tesco had got the advice wrong .
So what are non-essential items , exactly ?
They have been broadly described as electric goods , telephones toys , games , garden products and homeware .
Some of the things that have been photographed being covered up include : Mark Drakeford , First Minister of Wales , has said supermarkets should use their discretion to decide what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many shoppers will feel that this has happened already – with ridiculous consequences .
Choosing what constitutes “ non-essential ” is clearly not as straightforward as the government thinks .
The Sun , for instance , reports that Asda is selling dog treats , Red Bull , Christmas pudding and Slimfast , but not an umbrella , plunger , hairdryer or dustpan and brush .
One Twitter user said that Spar was refusing to sell face masks as they were “ non-essential “ , and another user found smoke alarms were “ non-essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether pumpkins will make the cut over Halloween .
On ITV Wales News , Drakeford defended the policy by saying “ I won ’ t need – I don ’ t think – to buy clothing over this two weeks and I think many , many people in Wales will be in that position too ” , in one of the strangest governmental rebuttals of recent .
Vaughan Gething , the Welsh Health Minister , echoed these sentiments , telling a press briefing that criticism on the halt on non-essential items has “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ firebreaker ” lockdown was introduced .
Frankly , it looks like a government that has well and truly got its ( non-essential ) knickers in a twist .

When the Welsh government announced it would introduce a 17-day “firebreak” lockdown, some accused it of being disproportionate in its response to Covid-19. But that’s been nothing compared to the backlash it has received over its ban on retailers selling “non-essential items” during the period. There has been huge confusion over what this term means.
Indeed, the internet has been flooded with photographs and comments from customers who’ve been bewildered by barricaded supermarket aisles, or sealed up bookshelves, which are now deemed “non-essential”. On Twitter, one user even photographed a supermarket where it was possible to buy vodka, but not baby’s clothes.
Not essential: Baby Clothes
Essential: Vodka (bottom right) pic.twitter.com/aDXDvWbN37 — Ciaran Jenkins (@C4Ciaran) October 23, 2020
The extent to which people are confused by the Welsh government’s policy was obvious today when it had to intervene in a Twitter argument about sanitary pads. It was reported that a superstore in Cardiff had closed down an aisle with items deemed “non-essential”, including sanitary products and toothpaste.
One shopper Tweeted to Tesco how dismayed she was about the choice to not sell sanitary pads, to which its social media team sent a (now-deleted Tweet) saying the company had been “told by the Welsh Government not to sell these items”. The Welsh government then Tweeted that Tesco had got the advice wrong.
This is wrong – period products are essential. Supermarkets can still sell items that can be sold in pharmacies. Only selling essential items during firebreak is to discourage spending more time than necessary in shops. It should not stop you accessing items that you need. https://t.co/kIo5l5z2Zc — Welsh Government 🏴🇺🇦 (@WelshGovernment) October 26, 2020
So what are non-essential items, exactly? They have been broadly described as electric goods, telephones toys, games, garden products and homeware. Some of the things that have been photographed being covered up include:
Bedding
Kettles
Heaters
Cards
Pillows
As winter approaches the welsh government deem it unnecessary for you to keep warm￼ pic.twitter.com/Sje1Z2Gqki — Looking 👀 (@ordinaryish) October 26, 2020
Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, has said supermarkets should use their discretion to decide what items are “essential”. But many shoppers will feel that this has happened already – with ridiculous consequences. Choosing what constitutes “non-essential” is clearly not as straightforward as the government thinks.
The Sun, for instance, reports that Asda is selling dog treats, Red Bull, Christmas pudding and Slimfast, but not an umbrella, plunger, hairdryer or dustpan and brush. One Twitter user said that Spar was refusing to sell face masks as they were “non-essential“, and another user found smoke alarms were “non-essential”. There have been questions over whether pumpkins will make the cut over Halloween.
This is deeply shocking. The State can now determine what we may buy in shops. This is overreach and interfence by the State of an extraordinary kind. No one is suggesting this ‘saves lives’ or ‘protects the NHS.’ It’s a grotesque abuse of power. @MarkDrakeford pic.twitter.com/hQe0DGFlNa — Lucy Allan MP (@lucyallan) October 24, 2020
On ITV Wales News, Drakeford defended the policy by saying “I won’t need – I don’t think – to buy clothing over this two weeks and I think many, many people in Wales will be in that position too”, in one of the strangest governmental rebuttals of recent.
Vaughan Gething, the Welsh Health Minister, echoed these sentiments, telling a press briefing that criticism on the halt on non-essential items has “taken away from the reason” why a “firebreaker” lockdown was introduced.
Frankly, it looks like a government that has well and truly got its (non-essential) knickers in a twist.


conservativehome--2020-10-27--James Frayne: Expect people to prepare for minor civil disobedience at Christmas

James Frayne is Director of Public First and author of Meet the People , a guide to moving public opinion .
How much do the public care about Christmas ?
Will they be prepared to endure a minimal so-called “ Digital Christmas ” in the name of keeping the R-rate down ?
Of course , everything depends about the perceived state of the country in mid-December .
But let ’ s try to think about where we ’ re heading , where we might be at that point , and then about what the public might accept .
Let ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those things that might make the public more willing to accept a Digital Christmas .
• None Concerns for the NHS will rise during the winter .
Just as people know the NHS always struggles in the winter , so they ’ ll also know significant numbers of Coronavirus cases would be a terrible additional burden .
While there appears to have been a large increase in hospital admissions during these early days of a second spike , it isn ’ t clear that hospitals are much more burdened than they otherwise would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Nonetheless , people will be alert to any change ; and , clearly , if there is a serious surge in admissions and visible shortages of beds and care , with large numbers of deaths , people will think very differently about things , Christmas or not .
• None Optimism about a 2021 vaccine will be visible .
I ’ m unclear at this point what the prospects of an effective vaccine will do to public opinion in the Christmas period .
At one level , it might encourage people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time before better times in the new year .
( “ If we can all make one last sacrifice… ” ) But it could also make people think their behaviour doesn ’ t matter so much , because help is on the way .
I think they ’ ll certainly take a devil may care attitude if it appears that , contrary to the hype , a vaccine looks like it ’ s still many , many months away and if coverage is likely to be minimal .
Politicians have wisely played down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this reason • None Public opinion is currently changing rapidly ; people are becoming less willing to accept the rules as they are .
At the moment , only a significant minority want looser rules and guidelines , the majority want things as they are ; but the direction of travel is clear .
A surge in serious cases and / or deaths would change things and make people more cautious , but a general uptick along the lines we ’ ve seen recently , or an uptick that mirrors seasonal admissions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grow .
Let ’ s now look at those things that might make the public more hostile to a Digital Christmas .
• None Exasperation with the rules/guidelines will likely be much higher .
We ’ ve known for some time people are struggling to understand the various rules and guidelines which are complex and change regularly .
( Unforgivably , Government Ministers themselves have struggled to remember what they are ) .
But exasperation will turn to anger as we approach Christmas if the prospect of a Digital Christmas looks real .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be irritated because the rules are complex ; rather , they ’ ll be angry the rules seem inconsistent , bordering on stupid , as we ’ ve seen in Wales .
They ’ ll ask , why , for example , people can still visit pubs , but can ’ t enjoy a single day with their closest relatives – some of whom might be on their own .
There will be endless comparisons : why can we do this but not this ?
• .
There are signs that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more people are becoming comfortable with risk .
Forget the illegal raves and other illicit gatherings : I ’ m referring to regular minor rule-breaking – people not isolating for 14 days when they ’ ve come into contact with those that have tested positive ; more people foregoing masks in supermarkets ; people visiting others ’ houses when they shouldn ’ t ; and so on .
This is surely likely to increase significantly in the coming weeks ; more people seem to be thinking they ’ ll probably be OK if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way ( a massive change from the spring ) .
The Government is alive to this ; it ’ s been suggested the 14-day quarantine figure might be reduced .
But the seal has been broken ; rule breaking , however minor , is going to become common and by Christmas will likely be the norm .
• None Fears for the economy – and the high street in particular – will rise .
Concerns for the economy is going to keep going up as Government support slowly tapers off and unemployment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s so visible , the high street plays a disproportionately important role in the public mind ; it ’ s a signifier for the health of the economy more generally .
Given the health of the high street will be on people ’ s minds into Christmas – as it always is – public concern for the economy will be heightened .
• None Knowledge about the cause of infections will be higher .
Partly because we simply know more about the Coronavirus and its effects – which the media is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regularly – the public are going to increasingly question Government and scientific advice .
They ’ re going to become more discerning judges of public policy .
In the face-off between Greater Manchester and the Government , and in the criticisms of Government policy levelled by the hospitality industry , we are seeing more people ask questions about the causes of infections and the nature of their rise .
In such a climate , people are more likely to question the basis for Government decisions on Christmas .
What does all this mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this point .
As I ’ ve written a few times recently on this site , my strong sense at this point is that public opinion is moving against harsh measures because of a perception that – ( a ) we always go back to square one whenever we loosen measures , so what ’ s the point ?
( b ) because concerns about the economy are finally starting to catch up with the reality of the grave economic situation .
My sense is that , for the reasons stated above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very serious surge in deaths , and unless hospitals are demonstrably seriously more burdened than they would otherwise be ( and not simply under the usual seasonal strain ) , then people will be extremely angry about the prospect of a Digital Christmas .
In turn , I would expect people to prepare for widespread minor civil disobedience ; by that I don ’ t mean people having 20 people around for Christmas , but that many , many people will plan to invite guests from outside their bubble , and prepare to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few hours .
I ’ ve seen it said that people would accept a minimal Christmas if it appeared to be part of a consistent , national policy of restrictions .
I disagree with this view one hundred per cent ; the point is , outside of a total national lockdown of the sort we saw in the Spring , it will never look like rules are being applied consistently and with good judgement .
If people are already claiming that it ’ s ridiculous you can , say , go on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit your elderly relatives , think how angry they ’ ll be around Christmas .
( Incidentally , if any politicians did appear to breach their own rules in this period , it really would hit the fan ) .
You occasionally see people sneering about the public obsession with Christmas : it ’ s only one day ; we ’ re not really a religious country ; it ’ s not relevant to other faiths and those with none ; and so on .
Of course Christmas isn ’ t primarily a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a day when people take time out to meet family members they might not otherwise see ; and when many people try to include those that otherwise live lonely lives in something joyful .
The English aren ’ t naturally “ big family ” people : we have tight nuclear families , not the extended families you see in parts of Europe and Asia .
Christmas is the exception .
The Government should do everything possible to make sure people can enjoy something that feels vaguely festive .
Or , yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just watch Labour do everything they can to have their Christmas Cake and eat it on this issue .

James Frayne is Director of Public First and author of Meet the People, a guide to moving public opinion.
How much do the public care about Christmas? Will they be prepared to endure a minimal so-called “Digital Christmas” in the name of keeping the R-rate down?
Of course, everything depends about the perceived state of the country in mid-December. But let’s try to think about where we’re heading, where we might be at that point, and then about what the public might accept.
Let’s deal with the obvious first: those things that might make the public more willing to accept a Digital Christmas.
Concerns for the NHS will rise during the winter . Just as people know the NHS always struggles in the winter, so they’ll also know significant numbers of Coronavirus cases would be a terrible additional burden. While there appears to have been a large increase in hospital admissions during these early days of a second spike, it isn’t clear that hospitals are much more burdened than they otherwise would be (I suspect for complex reasons). Nonetheless, people will be alert to any change; and, clearly, if there is a serious surge in admissions and visible shortages of beds and care, with large numbers of deaths, people will think very differently about things, Christmas or not.
. Just as people know the NHS always struggles in the winter, so they’ll also know significant numbers of Coronavirus cases would be a terrible additional burden. While there appears to have been a large increase in hospital admissions during these early days of a second spike, it isn’t clear that hospitals are much more burdened than they otherwise would be (I suspect for complex reasons). Nonetheless, people will be alert to any change; and, clearly, if there is a serious surge in admissions and visible shortages of beds and care, with large numbers of deaths, people will think very differently about things, Christmas or not. Optimism about a 2021 vaccine will be visible . I’m unclear at this point what the prospects of an effective vaccine will do to public opinion in the Christmas period. At one level, it might encourage people to play it safe for one last time before better times in the new year. (“If we can all make one last sacrifice…”) But it could also make people think their behaviour doesn’t matter so much, because help is on the way. I think they’ll certainly take a devil may care attitude if it appears that, contrary to the hype, a vaccine looks like it’s still many, many months away and if coverage is likely to be minimal. Politicians have wisely played down the idea of a game-changing vaccine for this reason
. I’m unclear at this point what the prospects of an effective vaccine will do to public opinion in the Christmas period. At one level, it might encourage people to play it safe for one last time before better times in the new year. (“If we can all make one last sacrifice…”) But it could also make people think their behaviour doesn’t matter so much, because help is on the way. I think they’ll certainly take a devil may care attitude if it appears that, contrary to the hype, a vaccine looks like it’s still many, many months away and if coverage is likely to be minimal. Politicians have wisely played down the idea of a game-changing vaccine for this reason Public opinion is currently changing rapidly; people are becoming less willing to accept the rules as they are . At the moment, only a significant minority want looser rules and guidelines, the majority want things as they are; but the direction of travel is clear. A surge in serious cases and / or deaths would change things and make people more cautious, but a general uptick along the lines we’ve seen recently, or an uptick that mirrors seasonal admissions, would likely see demands for looser restrictions grow.
Let’s now look at those things that might make the public more hostile to a Digital Christmas.
Exasperation with the rules/guidelines will likely be much higher . We’ve known for some time people are struggling to understand the various rules and guidelines which are complex and change regularly. (Unforgivably, Government Ministers themselves have struggled to remember what they are). But exasperation will turn to anger as we approach Christmas if the prospect of a Digital Christmas looks real. At this point, people won’t be irritated because the rules are complex; rather, they’ll be angry the rules seem inconsistent, bordering on stupid, as we’ve seen in Wales. They’ll ask, why, for example, people can still visit pubs, but can’t enjoy a single day with their closest relatives – some of whom might be on their own. There will be endless comparisons: why can we do this but not this?
. We’ve known for some time people are struggling to understand the various rules and guidelines which are complex and change regularly. (Unforgivably, Government Ministers themselves have struggled to remember what they are). But exasperation will turn to anger as we approach Christmas if the prospect of a Digital Christmas looks real. At this point, people won’t be irritated because the rules are complex; rather, they’ll be angry the rules seem inconsistent, bordering on stupid, as we’ve seen in Wales. They’ll ask, why, for example, people can still visit pubs, but can’t enjoy a single day with their closest relatives – some of whom might be on their own. There will be endless comparisons: why can we do this but not this? Minor rule-breaking will increase . There are signs that this is on the rise, and that more people are becoming comfortable with risk. Forget the illegal raves and other illicit gatherings: I’m referring to regular minor rule-breaking – people not isolating for 14 days when they’ve come into contact with those that have tested positive; more people foregoing masks in supermarkets; people visiting others’ houses when they shouldn’t; and so on. This is surely likely to increase significantly in the coming weeks; more people seem to be thinking they’ll probably be OK if they break the rules in a minimal way (a massive change from the spring). The Government is alive to this; it’s been suggested the 14-day quarantine figure might be reduced. But the seal has been broken; rule breaking, however minor, is going to become common and by Christmas will likely be the norm.
. There are signs that this is on the rise, and that more people are becoming comfortable with risk. Forget the illegal raves and other illicit gatherings: I’m referring to regular minor rule-breaking – people not isolating for 14 days when they’ve come into contact with those that have tested positive; more people foregoing masks in supermarkets; people visiting others’ houses when they shouldn’t; and so on. This is surely likely to increase significantly in the coming weeks; more people seem to be thinking they’ll probably be OK if they break the rules in a minimal way (a massive change from the spring). The Government is alive to this; it’s been suggested the 14-day quarantine figure might be reduced. But the seal has been broken; rule breaking, however minor, is going to become common and by Christmas will likely be the norm. Fears for the economy – and the high street in particular – will rise . Concerns for the economy is going to keep going up as Government support slowly tapers off and unemployment and business bankruptcies tick up. Because it’s so visible, the high street plays a disproportionately important role in the public mind; it’s a signifier for the health of the economy more generally. Given the health of the high street will be on people’s minds into Christmas – as it always is – public concern for the economy will be heightened.
. Concerns for the economy is going to keep going up as Government support slowly tapers off and unemployment and business bankruptcies tick up. Because it’s so visible, the high street plays a disproportionately important role in the public mind; it’s a signifier for the health of the economy more generally. Given the health of the high street will be on people’s minds into Christmas – as it always is – public concern for the economy will be heightened. Knowledge about the cause of infections will be higher . Partly because we simply know more about the Coronavirus and its effects – which the media is now passing on in more detail and more regularly – the public are going to increasingly question Government and scientific advice. They’re going to become more discerning judges of public policy. In the face-off between Greater Manchester and the Government, and in the criticisms of Government policy levelled by the hospitality industry, we are seeing more people ask questions about the causes of infections and the nature of their rise. In such a climate, people are more likely to question the basis for Government decisions on Christmas.
What does all this mean?
It’s hard to say at this point. As I’ve written a few times recently on this site, my strong sense at this point is that public opinion is moving against harsh measures because of a perception that –
(a) we always go back to square one whenever we loosen measures, so what’s the point?
and
(b) because concerns about the economy are finally starting to catch up with the reality of the grave economic situation.
My sense is that, for the reasons stated above, unless there’s a really very serious surge in deaths, and unless hospitals are demonstrably seriously more burdened than they would otherwise be (and not simply under the usual seasonal strain), then people will be extremely angry about the prospect of a Digital Christmas.
In turn, I would expect people to prepare for widespread minor civil disobedience; by that I don’t mean people having 20 people around for Christmas, but that many, many people will plan to invite guests from outside their bubble, and prepare to breach the rule of six for a few hours.
I’ve seen it said that people would accept a minimal Christmas if it appeared to be part of a consistent, national policy of restrictions.
I disagree with this view one hundred per cent; the point is, outside of a total national lockdown of the sort we saw in the Spring, it will never look like rules are being applied consistently and with good judgement. If people are already claiming that it’s ridiculous you can, say, go on a political demonstration but you can’t visit your elderly relatives, think how angry they’ll be around Christmas. (Incidentally, if any politicians did appear to breach their own rules in this period, it really would hit the fan).
You occasionally see people sneering about the public obsession with Christmas: it’s only one day; we’re not really a religious country; it’s not relevant to other faiths and those with none; and so on.
Of course Christmas isn’t primarily a religious festival for most; but it’s a day when people take time out to meet family members they might not otherwise see; and when many people try to include those that otherwise live lonely lives in something joyful.
The English aren’t naturally “big family” people: we have tight nuclear families, not the extended families you see in parts of Europe and Asia. Christmas is the exception. The Government should do everything possible to make sure people can enjoy something that feels vaguely festive. Or, yes, they’ll pay a price. Just watch Labour do everything they can to have their Christmas Cake and eat it on this issue.


conservativehome--2020-10-27--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Chair of the Defence Science Expert Commit


conservativehome--2020-10-27--The case for Trump turns out to be stronger than you may think

America ’ s presidential election takes place a week today .
Since most of our readers aren ’ t citizens of the United States , they won ’ t have a vote – so it can be argued that this site should keep well out of it .
But the most powerful of the “ five eyes ” retains the world ’ s biggest economy , remains its largest military power and , whatever you think of the contested term “ special relationship ” , is our closest ally .
We are bound to it by a web of historical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next week ’ s winner will matter to us .
Who should we want it to be ?
The best place to start is by thinking about foreign policy , and that of the President in place as we write – Donald Trump .
His approach has been based neither on intervening abroad , in the manner of George Bush , nor not to do so , in that of Barack Obama – for like many presidents and like America ’ s voters , he has been reacting against the policies of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep American boots off the ground , but deploy American bombs when he thinks it necessary .
His philosophy has been : try to keep out of it all .
But if you must go in , go big .
It isn ’ t obvious that this approach has been less successful than either Obama ’ s or Bush ’ s .
The use of that “ mother of all bombs ” in Afghanistan was a signal of intent .
The Shayrat missile strike helped to hold chemical attacks by the Syrian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Qasem Soleimani has not been followed by an explosion of Iranian terror abroad .
Indeed , the President is now winding up the economic pressure on the Ayatollahs even more tightly .
His predecessors left him a hand of fours and fives to play with North Korea , and one can scarcely blame Trump for trying a new approach – his astonishing diplomatic overture .
Admittedly , there is no sign that it will work .
That can ’ t be said of his administration ’ s push for peace in the Middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United Arab Emirates really was what is often claimed but seldom delivered – a historic breakthrough .
And it showed up the standard British take on the region as out of date .
Bahrain followed .
Then , at the end of last week , Sudan .
The big prize is a formal agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel – but the two are , in effect , already allies .
When Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel ’ s capital , it was said that the move would set peace in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as with the Soleimani killing , his critics read the consequences wrongly .
Elsewhere in the Middle East , Trump may not have eliminated ISIS , but he has certainly helped to defeat them , at least for the time being .
Then again , the Middle East has shown up the dark side of the President ’ s anti-intervention bias – demonstrated by his abandonment of our Kurdish allies to Turkey , as American troops were withdrawn from Syria .
And ultimately , Trump doesn ’ t believe in international institutions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America ’ s allies .
The President has stuck with NATO ; our fear back in 2016 was that he wouldn ’ t .
But his sympathy for Vladimir Putin shows up a character flaw : the belief that foreign policy is rooted not in democratic values , but in deal-making .
Talking of institutions , he took America out of the Paris Climate Accords – proof that the Trump administration is , in so many respects , unlike Boris Johnson ’ s Government .
Bringing the conversation round to home takes us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Which counts here – even if there is no national U.S/U.K trade deal of any import , a matter that in any event lies in the hands of Congress as much as in those of the president , if not more .
It is hard to write about Joe Biden , because of a near-certainty : it is almost impossible to imagine him contesting a second term in his mid-80s .
The world and its wife – or husband – will know this .
That will have an effect in Beijing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Biden has been Vice-President of the United States , is long-standing feature of American politics , and is less likely to feel pressure from his party ’ s left on foreign than domestic policy .
So his past is probably a reliable guide to his future , in the event of him winning next week , which the pollsters expect him to do .
His policy on China , America ’ s rival , will probably be little different to Trump ’ s , when push comes to shove .
Elsewhere , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Ireland ’ s institutional reading of Northern Ireland .
That could turn out to be a problem in the context of the Withdrawal Agreement .
However , that a Democrat administration would be pro-EU and anti-Brexit may matter less than some on the centre-right believe , if there is a trade deal .
After all , Brexit has already happened .
At any rate , Biden ’ s approach to the EU would be in line to his approach to international institutions more broadly .
His administration would be consensual – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collective action on trade , climate change and poverty .
There would be fewer surprises .
That sounds like a plus .
This article is striving to separate American foreign from domestic policy , and has fought shy of getting into the character of the two candidates .
This is only sustainable for so long .
For the effects that a president has on the country ’ s stability , let alone its prosperity , ripple out all over the western world , and wider .
Trump revels in conflict .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alt-right groups tainted by white supremacy , like the Proud Boys .
The presidency should be a focus of unity , not a driver of discord .
But it is not as though the Proud Boys and their like , in a country still haunted by the legacy of slavery , are the only source of violence .
Step forward , Antifa .
America really is another place , and much of it will be untouched by urban rioting , but the vandalism , looting , arson and violence in Portland and elsewhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right .
Biden ’ s response to the disorder has been to try to change the subject – to project a fuzzy sense of unity and togetherness .
Better that than a sharp one of division and strife .
But that ’ s all very weIl while campaigning .
What about office ?
Who would call the shots in a one-term Biden administration ?
If Trump ’ s signature economic policy is racking up a boom regardless of debt , what would his opponent ’ s be ?
Some will argue that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and exploitation of his office for familial gain , should disqualify him from office .
The accusation invites counter-exploration into Biden .
But it may be beside the point .
As Andrew Gimson , the author of a series of brief lives of American presidents , has pointed out on this site , Trump is a very long way from being the only crass , selfish and disgusting man to have occupied the White House .
Even so , put like that , one recoils from the prospect of his re-election .
Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ups and downs of the two candidates , the case for Trump turns out to be surprisingly strong .

America’s presidential election takes place a week today. Since most of our readers aren’t citizens of the United States, they won’t have a vote – so it can be argued that this site should keep well out of it.
But the most powerful of the “five eyes” retains the world’s biggest economy, remains its largest military power and, whatever you think of the contested term “special relationship”, is our closest ally. We are bound to it by a web of historical, familial and cultural ties. So next week’s winner will matter to us. Who should we want it to be?
The best place to start is by thinking about foreign policy, and that of the President in place as we write – Donald Trump.
His approach has been based neither on intervening abroad, in the manner of George Bush, nor not to do so, in that of Barack Obama – for like many presidents and like America’s voters, he has been reacting against the policies of his precedecessors.
Instead, he has tended to keep American boots off the ground, but deploy American bombs when he thinks it necessary. His philosophy has been: try to keep out of it all. But if you must go in, go big.
It isn’t obvious that this approach has been less successful than either Obama’s or Bush’s. The use of that “mother of all bombs” in Afghanistan was a signal of intent. The Shayrat missile strike helped to hold chemical attacks by the Syrian regime in check.
The assasination of Qasem Soleimani has not been followed by an explosion of Iranian terror abroad. Indeed, the President is now winding up the economic pressure on the Ayatollahs even more tightly.
His predecessors left him a hand of fours and fives to play with North Korea, and one can scarcely blame Trump for trying a new approach – his astonishing diplomatic overture. Admittedly, there is no sign that it will work. That can’t be said of his administration’s push for peace in the Middle East.
The deal between Israel and the United Arab Emirates really was what is often claimed but seldom delivered – a historic breakthrough. And it showed up the standard British take on the region as out of date.
Bahrain followed. Then, at the end of last week, Sudan. The big prize is a formal agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel – but the two are, in effect, already allies. When Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, it was said that the move would set peace in the Middle East back decades.
But, as with the Soleimani killing, his critics read the consequences wrongly. Elsewhere in the Middle East, Trump may not have eliminated ISIS, but he has certainly helped to defeat them, at least for the time being.
Then again, the Middle East has shown up the dark side of the President’s anti-intervention bias – demonstrated by his abandonment of our Kurdish allies to Turkey, as American troops were withdrawn from Syria. And ultimately, Trump doesn’t believe in international institutions, any more than he necessarily sticks with America’s allies.
The President has stuck with NATO; our fear back in 2016 was that he wouldn’t. But his sympathy for Vladimir Putin shows up a character flaw: the belief that foreign policy is rooted not in democratic values, but in deal-making.
Talking of institutions, he took America out of the Paris Climate Accords – proof that the Trump administration is, in so many respects, unlike Boris Johnson’s Government. Bringing the conversation round to home takes us to Brexit. The President supports it.
Which counts here – even if there is no national U.S/U.K trade deal of any import, a matter that in any event lies in the hands of Congress as much as in those of the president, if not more.
It is hard to write about Joe Biden, because of a near-certainty: it is almost impossible to imagine him contesting a second term in his mid-80s. The world and its wife – or husband – will know this. That will have an effect in Beijing and Moscow, Tehran and Tel Aviv.
But Biden has been Vice-President of the United States, is long-standing feature of American politics, and is less likely to feel pressure from his party’s left on foreign than domestic policy.
So his past is probably a reliable guide to his future, in the event of him winning next week, which the pollsters expect him to do. His policy on China, America’s rival, will probably be little different to Trump’s, when push comes to shove.
Elsewhere, a Biden administration will be very close to the Ireland’s institutional reading of Northern Ireland. That could turn out to be a problem in the context of the Withdrawal Agreement.
However, that a Democrat administration would be pro-EU and anti-Brexit may matter less than some on the centre-right believe, if there is a trade deal. After all, Brexit has already happened. At any rate, Biden’s approach to the EU would be in line to his approach to international institutions more broadly.
His administration would be consensual – pro-NATO, more anti-Russia, supportive of collective action on trade, climate change and poverty. There would be fewer surprises. That sounds like a plus.
This article is striving to separate American foreign from domestic policy, and has fought shy of getting into the character of the two candidates. This is only sustainable for so long. For the effects that a president has on the country’s stability, let alone its prosperity, ripple out all over the western world, and wider.
Trump revels in conflict. It is horrifying to see him sending signals to alt-right groups tainted by white supremacy, like the Proud Boys. The presidency should be a focus of unity, not a driver of discord.
But it is not as though the Proud Boys and their like, in a country still haunted by the legacy of slavery, are the only source of violence. Step forward, Antifa. America really is another place, and much of it will be untouched by urban rioting, but the vandalism, looting, arson and violence in Portland and elsewhere are driven by the left, not the right.
Biden’s response to the disorder has been to try to change the subject – to project a fuzzy sense of unity and togetherness.
Better that than a sharp one of division and strife. But that’s all very weIl while campaigning. What about office? Who would call the shots in a one-term Biden administration? If Trump’s signature economic policy is racking up a boom regardless of debt, what would his opponent’s be?
Some will argue that the President’s narcissistic character, and exploitation of his office for familial gain, should disqualify him from office.
The accusation invites counter-exploration into Biden. But it may be beside the point. As Andrew Gimson, the author of a series of brief lives of American presidents, has pointed out on this site, Trump is a very long way from being the only crass, selfish and disgusting man to have occupied the White House.
Even so, put like that, one recoils from the prospect of his re-election. Then again, if one gallops through the ups and downs of the two candidates, the case for Trump turns out to be surprisingly strong.


conservativehome--2020-10-27--Matthew Barber: A new approach to defeat drug crime

Matthew Barber is the Conservative candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley .
He is currently the Deputy PCC for that area .
Many people have declared that the war on drugs has failed .
Instead of criminalising the use of certain psychoactive substances , some people argue they should be regulated .
There are many challenges in this very emotive debate , not least the fact that many proponents of legalisation advocate a system where the state effectively subsidises and supplies substances known to be damaging to certain sections of the population .
One area where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed , is in dealing effectively with drug users in a way that makes them stop .
There has been a focus – not unreasonably – over decades to focus on the suppliers and dealers of the narcotics that sadly ruin the lives of thousands every year .
The recent emphasis on tackling county lines gangs is a great example of this .
While the National Crime Agency tackles drug importation , police forces have been making arrests and breaking up gangs that move drugs around the country and exploit the most vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work and in the most recent national week of action , Thames Valley Police topped the league tables with 91 arrests and the seizure of 27 weapons , 91 mobile phones , as well as drugs and £50,000 in cash .
Dealing with those serious criminals higher up the food chain is of course vital , but tackling one gang and reducing the supply for a short while can often simply drive up the price and cause more harm and criminality along the way .
There has been little effort to tackle the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals , and those around them , who consume drugs either recreationally or habitually .
The acceptance by many parts of society of what is known as “ casual drug use ” is no more than tacit acknowledgment of “ casually breaking the law ” .
Many people feel that the police already turn a blind eye to drug users , and police officers get frustrated by the lack of sanctions and the cycle of the criminal justice system that simply goes through the motions without ever seeking to fix the problem .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Valley , as part of the work of the PCC ’ s Violence Reduction Unit , a new approach is being rolled out .
Thames Valley Police are working with partners on a new scheme to reduce drug use and tackle those who are consuming the drugs as well as those who supply them .
The Drugs Diversions Scheme uses Out of Court Disposals ( OOCDs ) to direct young people under 18 who are caught in possession of drugs to a rapid assessment and education programme run by drug service professionals locally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the underlying problem , rather than simply pushing children through the courts , often ruining their life chances and pushing them further into drug use and crime .
There are additional sanctions in place for those who refuse to take up the offer of help , or refuse to attend ; they can still be arrested and prosecuted .
As will anyone who is suspected of supplying drugs to others .
This approach makes it more likely that those taking drugs will receive sanction from the police and also means that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are less likely to both reoffend and to commit other drug related crime .
We must , of course , continue to tackle the supply of drugs and while others may continue the debate about legalisation and regulation there is a much more urgent job to be done and that is stopping people , particularly young people , from embarking on a course that can ruin their health , lead them irreversibly into the criminal justice system and sadly all too often cost them their lives .
This new approach from Thames Valley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had notable success in getting people to engage with the programme and therefore reduce drug use and reoffending .
Some people have described this as a “ soft touch ” , but they are mistaken .
Criminal sanctions remain available for those who do not take the help that is offered .
But sadly in the past , we have seen the system failing to the extent that those prosecuted for minor offences find themselves on a one way street to greater addiction and criminality .
This approach seeks to reduce the harm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just as importantly to reduce the harm to society .
Getting people to stop taking drugs means less crime , less addiction , and less of a market for those who seek to push their poisons on our streets .

Matthew Barber is the Conservative candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley. He is currently the Deputy PCC for that area.
Many people have declared that the war on drugs has failed. Instead of criminalising the use of certain psychoactive substances, some people argue they should be regulated. There are many challenges in this very emotive debate, not least the fact that many proponents of legalisation advocate a system where the state effectively subsidises and supplies substances known to be damaging to certain sections of the population.
One area where I do agree that our system has failed, is in dealing effectively with drug users in a way that makes them stop. There has been a focus – not unreasonably – over decades to focus on the suppliers and dealers of the narcotics that sadly ruin the lives of thousands every year. The recent emphasis on tackling county lines gangs is a great example of this. While the National Crime Agency tackles drug importation, police forces have been making arrests and breaking up gangs that move drugs around the country and exploit the most vulnerable along the way. This is admirable work and in the most recent national week of action, Thames Valley Police topped the league tables with 91 arrests and the seizure of 27 weapons, 91 mobile phones, as well as drugs and £50,000 in cash.
Dealing with those serious criminals higher up the food chain is of course vital, but tackling one gang and reducing the supply for a short while can often simply drive up the price and cause more harm and criminality along the way. There has been little effort to tackle the market. The real harm is to individuals, and those around them, who consume drugs either recreationally or habitually. The acceptance by many parts of society of what is known as “casual drug use” is no more than tacit acknowledgment of “casually breaking the law”.
Many people feel that the police already turn a blind eye to drug users, and police officers get frustrated by the lack of sanctions and the cycle of the criminal justice system that simply goes through the motions without ever seeking to fix the problem.
So I am delighted that in Thames Valley, as part of the work of the PCC’s Violence Reduction Unit, a new approach is being rolled out. Thames Valley Police are working with partners on a new scheme to reduce drug use and tackle those who are consuming the drugs as well as those who supply them.
The Drugs Diversions Scheme uses Out of Court Disposals (OOCDs) to direct young people under 18 who are caught in possession of drugs to a rapid assessment and education programme run by drug service professionals locally. The intention is to actually deal with the underlying problem, rather than simply pushing children through the courts, often ruining their life chances and pushing them further into drug use and crime.
There are additional sanctions in place for those who refuse to take up the offer of help, or refuse to attend; they can still be arrested and prosecuted. As will anyone who is suspected of supplying drugs to others. This approach makes it more likely that those taking drugs will receive sanction from the police and also means that, with help education and support, they are less likely to both reoffend and to commit other drug related crime.
We must, of course, continue to tackle the supply of drugs and while others may continue the debate about legalisation and regulation there is a much more urgent job to be done and that is stopping people, particularly young people, from embarking on a course that can ruin their health, lead them irreversibly into the criminal justice system and sadly all too often cost them their lives.
This new approach from Thames Valley Police has already been piloted and has had notable success in getting people to engage with the programme and therefore reduce drug use and reoffending. Some people have described this as a “soft touch”, but they are mistaken. Criminal sanctions remain available for those who do not take the help that is offered. But sadly in the past, we have seen the system failing to the extent that those prosecuted for minor offences find themselves on a one way street to greater addiction and criminality. This approach seeks to reduce the harm of drugs to the individual, but just as importantly to reduce the harm to society. Getting people to stop taking drugs means less crime, less addiction, and less of a market for those who seek to push their poisons on our streets.