Before every European Union summit the British government briefs the press on a set of red-lines which it promises to stand firm on. These are self-imposed tests which the government knows it will pass but as the summit goes on, the line is spun that the red line are under attack. But it always works out in the end and the Prime Minister returns to reassure the nation that no ground has been given. All this is designed as a smokescreen to distract attention from the myriad of other issues where the government has given way.
I suspect much the same is going on with Gordon Brown and the Unions. In advance of Labour’s National Policy Forum at the end of the month, Brown keeps stressing that there will be no return to secondary picketing; distracting attention from all the other possible concessions he might offer Labour’s
Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in