Exposing Cameron’s Conservatism
‘”The election’s a foregone conclusion . . . Labour can’t win a fourth term . . . The centre left is in crisis . . . We need to reinvent ourselves . . . Let’s debate how ‘modern’ Cameron’s Conservatives are – and who should be Labour’s next leader.” These assertions – some from the Tories, some from their friends in the media, some from our own side – stem from different motives. But anyone who wants a genuinely progressive government to get us through this global recession must reject them all.’ – Ed Balls, New Statesman
‘A former spin doctor, Cameron will have been happy with the outcome. Leading BBC bulletins, not bad print coverage, a bit sniffy in places, but hey, all things considered . . .All things considered, it was just the latest evidence of media double standards towards the two main party leaders. For Gordon Brown, any excuse for any abuse will do. For Cameron, “easy ride” does not begin to describe it.’ – Alastair Campbell, New Statesman
‘real choice in primary care’
‘Patients will be able to register with any GP in an overhaul designed to help commuters to see doctors near their workplaces and allow people to switch to better surgeries.’ – Sam Lister, The Times
‘Andy Burnham, making a speech on NHS Quality and Efficiency,
said that a more unifying approach was needed to take the NHS from good
to great, and confirmed that GP catchment areas in England would be
abolished.
“I want to open up real choice in primary care,” he said and confirmed
that people would be allowed to register with the surgery of their
choice.
“I want the best to be available to everyone, not depending on where they live,” he said.’ – politicshome.co.uk
Green jobs
‘The energy and climate change secretary, Ed Miliband, today announced a boost for green jobs including government funding for a new factory in the north-east, which will make the largest offshore wind blades in the world.’ – Hélène Mulholland, The Guardian
‘no-frills’ council plans blocked
‘A London council that launched a cost-cutting drive inspired by no-frills airlines has been served with an injunction to stop it ending live-in wardens for older people in sheltered housing.’ – Robert Booth, The Guardian