Mathew on Monday: Banning Under-16s from Social Media is the Wrong AnswerThe newly announced ban on social media for under-16s may be politically popular, but popularity alone does not make good policy. As liberals, we should be deeply sceptical of blanket bans that restrict freedom while failing to tackle the root causes of a problem. There is no doubt that social media can be harmful. Young people are exposed to bullying, misinformation, unhealthy content and algorithms designed to maximise engagement rather than well-being. These are serious concerns and they demand action. But the question is whether an outright ban is the right response. I do not believe it is. First, the ... (more) |
Spread it out: the liberal case for a wealth taxWe are at a crossroads. Trust in politics is low, and people are right to feel let down. The economy works beautifully for those at the top and barely at all for everyone else. Across the West, that frustration is being picked up by people who offer someone to blame rather than something to fix. Liberals can offer something better. It's in our DNA, but sometimes we get confused about what liberalism is and fail to make the case. So let's say it plainly. Liberalism has one founding fight, and we have fought it in every century - the fight ... (more) |
We need a long term strategy with vocational education and apprenticeships at the heartAt a time when students face increasing academic pressure, uncertainty about future careers, spiralling debt and challenges related to mental health and wellbeing. Now is a good time to review our post 16 and further education system. In a recent article by Jon Henley, and Senay Boztas titled What can the Dutch teach the UK about how to tackle the youth jobs crisis? The article argues that the Netherlands has the lowest NEETs (Not in Employment, Education or training) rate in the EU, at around 5%. Researchers and policy experts attribute the low youth unemployment partly to the country's strong ... (more) |
Violent Bonham Carter features on Fake or Fortune?The notorious gender-fluid London gang boss of the Sixties gets a mention in a post from last year on the Herstmonceux Castle website. BBC's Fake or Fortune here at the Castle On Monday, 21st July, viewers were treated to a fascinating episode of Fake or Fortune, much of which was filmed here at Herstmonceux Castle. We thought Dylan and Claire acquitted themselves brilliantly on camera in the garden and amongst the archives. The episode provided insights into a painting, seemingly by Winston Churchill, of his wife Clementine, as they were staying at Hertsmonceux Castle together with his mother and Violent ... (more) |
The Joy of Six 1533James Ball argues that Labour's social media ban for teenagers is an admission of total and utter failure to govern online spaces: "The UK government has lots of powers to govern the internet that it simply isn't using. Hosting images of child abuse is a strict liability offence, one that Elon Musk's X platform blatantly breached with its Grok chatbot. The government gave itself extensive powers to regulate social platforms under the Online Safety Act, which it has never even made an attempt to enforce." "This week contained two stories, which dominated the headlines. One took place on the streets ... (more) |
Separation of Powers and Civil Liberties in the UK are now at breaking pointPlease note that this article has been updated by the author to reflect one key aspect of the events of 6 August 2024. We need to discuss, as a Party, how we are going to put ourselves forward in defence of civil liberties. In March 2024, I, along with my girlfriend, helped a friend move from Wales to London, because we had access to a van and were looking for an excuse to meet up and hang out. On the long drive along the M4, we had several long discussions about my friend's unique experiences, notably in refugee volunteering and ... (more) |
Welcome to my day: 15 June 2026 - some boldness on Europe... at last...So, I ought to declare an interest as a former member of the Party's Federal International Relations Committee, and a member of the Liberal Democrat European Group on and off over the years. You might therefore imagine that I'd be pleased that Ed Davey is finally talking about our future as a member of the European Union. I'd put it more as relieved, though, as it's been an open door that we've rather shied away from in recent years. Now I do get it, in that calling for us to renew our membership too soon was a risk – remember ... (more) |
Have resignations led to a rethink?The Independent reports that the government is taking another look at its defence investment plan after John Healey dramatically resigned earlier this week, accusing the prime minister of being "unwilling to commit the resources" needed to keep Britain safe. The paper says that indications of a rethink came after cabinet minister Lisa Nandy suggested that more money would be allocated for defence, saying she did not believe Mr Healey's replacement Dan Jarvis "would have taken the job were he not confident that we could meet the moment": No 10 sources suggested the defence investment plan has been reopened in the ... (more) |
High Fell leaflet watch (2)In the last few weeks, since the by-election was called in High Fell in Gateshead, residents of the ward must be feeling that they have received more leaflets than in the previous 25 years! And not only have the Conservatives produced a leaflet, out pops a second one.Conservative candidate Mr Flux reports in this latest edition that he is still cleaning road signs. But what is of more interest is (more) |
No, Leave didn't win the Brexit referendum because of Northern working class votersThere are so many myths, and so much snobbery, surrounding the result of the 2016 referendum that I've a good mind to post this every week. (more) |