Ideas for government

Frank Field’s piece for the latest issue of the magazine is well-worth reading, and fecund ground for a weekend debate. 

As he sees it, Brown and Cameron have to concentrate on the “post-Thatcher question” of “How can individual freedom be extended while at the same time protecting that degree of public provision which voters believe necessary for a civilised life?” 

Cameron’s ahead on this issue, at the moment. But can the Government bounce back? The article suggests they can, but only by enshrining a “wider tax contract giving individual ownership and control over state programmes”. Whether or not Brown’s prepared to do this is another matter – but Field’s detailed suggestions should at least give our Prime Minister food for thought.

Do check it out, and register your views in the comments section.