PSA Communications

December Structural Reform progress reports published

2012-01-18T14:52:00.000Z

Download the updated reports for each department:

Cabinet Office SRP progress report (pdf, 92kb)
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills SRP progress report (pdf, 121kb)
Department for Communities and Local Government SRP progress report (pdf, 106kb)
Department for Culture, Media and Sport SRP progress report (pdf, 99kb)
Department for Education SRP progress report (pdf, 94kb)
Department for Energy and Climate Change SRP progress report (pdf, kb)
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs SRP progress report (pdf, 122kb)
Department of Health SRP progress report 2011 (pdf, 86kb)
Department for International Development SRP progress report (pdf, 112kb)
Department for Transport SRP progress report (pdf, 90kb)
Department for Work and Pensions SRP progress report (pdf, 110kb)
Foreign and Commonwealth Office SRP progress report (pdf, 141kb)
HM Revenue and Customs SRP progress report (pdf, 84kb)
HM Treasury SRP progress report (pdf, 226kb)
Home Office SRP progress report (pdf, 157kb)
Ministry of Defence SRP progress report (pdf, 103kb)
Ministry of Justice SRP progress report (pdf, 97kb)

Cameron’s premiership defined

2011-12-09T15:43:00.005Z

Last night the Prime Minister decided enough was enough and vetoed a change to the Lisbon treaty. Britain will now stay outside of any new treaty agreement reached. (Initially alongside Hungary, Sweden and Czech Republic. A briefly held together European gang of four which quickly became one). The 26 other EU states will now to seek their own fiscal agreement involving deep integration around public spending and tax.

While the finer details are yet to emerge there can be no doubt that this is the defining moment of David Cameron’s premiership. His coalition partners and the Labour party will be deeply unhappy. But how will it resonate with the public? And what exactly has the PM vetoed? At the moment it seems the PM has put Britain firmly outside the tent to borrow an analogy from Lyndon Johnson.

How this decision reverberates will be crucial to the health of the Coalition. Our Polyglot DPM will be facing some difficult questions from the integrationists in his party over the coming days, weeks and years. He has already said he regrets the lack of a consensus deal and added, “as a lifelong pro-European, I will continue to argue within Government."

The Labour Party’s initial reaction is to suggest that Cameron has put party before country and that this development is a sign of weakness not strength. They suggest that if the PM had decided to accept new Treaty changes the chances of getting it through Parliament would be almost impossible given the size of the recent Europe rebellion he faced. Ed Miliband claims he would have negotiated a better deal for Britain. At the moment it’s hard to see how without signing up to a new treaty.

This remains a fluid situation and it is not easy to tell if the PM did the right thing but he has certainly taken a gamble. It will be difficult for the PM to claim "Game, set and match to Britain" for some time. What is clear is that the right wing of the Conservative party will be emboldened and the case for further withdrawal will be pressed hard. It would appear the biggest winners of this treaty rejection are the Euro-sceptics.

Autumn Statement 2011

2011-11-29T16:00:00.000Z

The politics and economics of today’s Autumn Statement

A defining moment

Chancellor George Osborne’s Autumn Statement delivered today will prove to be a defining moment for the Coalition Government. Set against the backdrop of the continuing Eurozone crisis, the OECD warning that the UK is likely to slip back into recession, the Office of Budget Responsibility lowering its growth forecasts, borrowing set to rise and looming public sector strikes.

The Chancellor said the Government would “do whatever it takes” to protect Britain from the “debt storm”. As expected Mr Osborne identified growth as the number one priority for Government and announced a swathe of measures aimed at creating the right conditions to allow businesses to grow and said the Government would provide “leadership for tough times”.

The Chancellor decided to target tax credits and public sector pay today rather than the welfare system to fund new initiatives such as infrastructure spending. This is a political quandary for the government, whilst they can claim this a fairer method of saving money it is likely to give further credence to Labour’s “squeezed middle” mantra.

The war of words between the public sector trade unions and the Government looks set to continue for the foreseeable future and makes reaching an agreement on pensions even more difficult.

Cutting the deficit

Mr Osborne told the Commons that the Government is still on track to cut the deficit within the lifetime of this Parliament. Despite being helped by a reduction in debt repayment charges of £22bn to do this he will extend the public spending cuts beyond 2014-15, when they are scheduled to end.

The Office of Budget Responsibility says Growth this year will be 0.9%, next year it will fall to 0.7%. For 2013, 2014, 2015 the economy will grow by: 2.1%, 2.7%, 3% respectively.

National Infrastructure Plan

The Chancellor announced the publication of an infrastructure plan with £5bn worth of additional spending. Key announcements below:

· 500 new infrastructure projects will be funded over the next decade.

· 35 new road and rail schemes will be given the go-ahead today.

· a new urban broadband fund that will create up to ten ‘super-connected cities’ across the UK, with superfast broadband, including Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff and London.

To drive forward the Government’s infrastructure programme, the Prime Minister has asked the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to chair a new Cabinet Committee on infrastructure. The Government will update on further progress delivering the priority programmes and projects before the end of 2012.

Key policies

Innovation

The Government will publish its Innovation and Research Strategy shortly to set out how it will support innovation in the UK.

The Government will invest an additional £75 million in supporting technology-based SMEs to develop, demonstrate and commercialise new products and services.

The Government will introduce an ‘above the line’ tax credit in 2013 to encourage research and development (R&D) activity by larger companies.

The Government will consult on the detail at Budget 2012 and will ensure that SME R&D incentives are not reduced as a result of this change. This builds on measures from the 2011 Budget to increase the generosity and accessibility of R&D tax credits for SMEs.

Following a consultation over the summer 2011, the Government will publish on 6 December 2011 further details of the Patent Box and of its reform of the Controlled Foreign Company rules and R&D tax credits.

The Government will launch a new Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) from April 2012, offering 50 per cent income tax relief on investments, and will offer a capital gains tax exemption on gains realised in 2012–13 and then invested through SEIS in the same year.

Education

The Government will invest £600 million to fund an estimated 100 additional Free Schools by the end of this Parliament. This will include new specialist maths Free Schools for 16-18 year olds.

The Government will invest an additional £600 million from 2012-13 to support those local authorities with the greatest demographic pressures.

Regional

The Government will increase the Regional Growth Fund for England by £1 billion, plus Barnett consequentials for the devolve administrations, and extend it into 2014-15 to provide ongoing support to grow the private sector in areas currently dependent on the public sector.

The Government announced 100 per cent capital allowances will be made available in the Black Country, Humber, Liverpool, North Eastern, Sheffield and Tees Valley Enterprise Zones.

Digital infrastructure

The Government announced a £20 million Rural Community Broadband Fund to help ensure more rural homes and businesses receive superfast broadband. If it is successful the Government will consider extending it.

The Statement headlines

These are the key points from today’s Autumn Statement:
Working age benefits will be uprated in line with the Consumer Price Index's September level of 5.2%.
The permanent bank levy will rise by 0.088%, which will ensure the Treasury raises the £2.5bn it needs.
Public sector pay will rise by 1%, rather than 2%.
A National Loan Guarantee Scheme worth £20bn for small and medium-sized business will be introduced over the next two years.
Employment regulations will change to help businesses, including a change to TUPE regulations and cutting health and safety rules.
Pension age to rise to 67 by 2028.
The planned January fuel duty hike has been cancelled. The fuel duty rise for August will be limited to 3p.
Free nursery places will be extended and an extra £1.2bn will be spent on new school places and 100 new free schools.
Unemployed young people will be offered a Youth Contract.
Business rate holiday for small firms will be extended until 2013.

October Structural Reform Plan progress reports published

2011-11-08T17:43:00.001Z

Download the updated reports for each department:

Cabinet Office SRP progress report (pdf, 92kb)
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills SRP progress report (pdf, 121kb)
Department for Communities and Local Government SRP progress report (pdf, 106kb)
Department for Culture, Media and Sport SRP progress report (pdf, 99kb)
Department for Education SRP progress report (pdf, 94kb)
Department of Energy and Climate Change SRP progress report (pdf, 127kb)
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs SRP progress report (pdf, 122kb)
Department of Health SRP progress report (pdf, 86kb)
Department for International Development SRP progress report (pdf, 112kb)
Department for Transport SRP progress report (pdf, 90kb)
Department for Work and Pensions SRP progress report (pdf, 110kb)
Foreign and Commonwealth Office SRP progress report (pdf, 141kb)
HM Revenue and Customs SRP progress report (pdf, 84kb)
HM Treasury SRP progress report (pdf, 226kb)
Home Office SRP progress report (pdf, 157kb)
Ministry of Defence SRP progress report (pdf, 103kb)
Ministry of Justice SRP progress report (pdf, 97kb)

Olympic security – time to up the communications game

2011-10-11T15:27:00.002+01:00

With the Olympics only months away, those faced with ensuring the games pass without incident are now faced with the enormity of a task which seemed so far off when London was awarded the games six years ago.

The Olympic Park

Inevitably costs have ballooned as the games have loomed closer. Two years ago the public purse was expecting to cough up around £280m to cover security costs; last year that had risen to £475m which is the current estimate of costs of police security outside of the venues (against a £600m ”cost envelope”). A further £282m has been allocated to pay for security arrangements inside the venues. Earlier this year, the company with the contract to handle internal security said it would need to double the number of civilian security staff needed to screen visitors and train volunteers from ten to twenty thousand!

So by the time the games have finished it is likely that the total security costs for the 2012 Olympics will be around a cool £1bn. If these figures appear eye watering then it is worth remembering that no one will argue for security of this kind to be trimmed. Even the most ardent opponent of overbearing “elf and safety” rules will simply shrug and look for easier targets to criticise. And it’s not just us. Athens was awarded their games prior to 9/11. That fateful day in New York led to security costs for the 2004 games increasing from an estimated $122m to an actual outlay of $1.8bn – more than ten times the initial assumption.

Olympic security doesn’t just evolve around Stratford. It is estimated some 350,000 foreign visitors will attend the games each day. This will place unprecedented pressure on the UK Borders Agency, airlines and airport operators and the public transport infrastructure.

The communications challenge

So in an era of fiscal restraint and accountability how should the private security industry, airport operators’ and others communicate what they are doing with this public money? Certainly it is worth those security businesses explaining how they are ensuring the games can pass off peacefully and how value for money is being achieved.

Evidently politicians, media and the public are different audiences. With politicians it is possible to establish a clear narrative and a hierarchy of messaging on the most important facts. Ministers and others will want to be assured that the risk of an attack on the games – and other “lesser” acts of criminality such as illegal immigration – are minimal. Equally the politicians will want to know that taxpayer’s money is being spent efficiently (even if not parsimoniously). Communicating direct with Members of Parliament and other political stakeholders on this should now be a priority.

Reassuring the public that everything is going to be ok is a different matter. The security industry is reliant upon the media to act as an intermediary to communicate key messages. Planning and timing is extremely important. It would be counterproductive to discuss security issues too far ahead of the games as this might suggest there is a reason to be concerned. Instead it is important to start to introduce the media to the issues so that at the right time those key messages on security are relayed loud and clear.

Finally there is the power of advertising. Hundreds of millions of pounds will be spent on Olympics related advertising. Brands will use the Olympics formally as an official sponsor or in other creative ways to identify their product or service with the games. The security sector should consider itself very much part of that commercial process and use advertising to show how efficient it is at what it does.

The new shadow team in full

2011-10-10T10:42:00.001+01:00

Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Labour Party
Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP

Shadow Deputy Prime Minister, Party Chair and Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
Rt Hon Harriet Harman MP

Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Rt Hon Douglas Alexender MP
Rt Hon John Spellar MP
Emma Reynolds MP
Ian Lucas MP
Kerry McCarthy MP
Lord (David) Triesman

Treasury
Rt Hon Ed Balls MP
Rachel Reeves MP
Chris Leslie MP
Owen Smith MP
Cathy Jamieson MP
Lord (John) Eatwell
Rt Hon Lord (Bryan) Davies
Lord (Neil) Davidson

Justice
Rt Hon Sadiq Khan MP
Wayne David MP
Andy Slaughter MP
Rob Flello MP
Jenny Chapman MP
Lord (Willy) Bach

Home Office
Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP
(also Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities)
Chris Bryant MP
Rt Hon David Hanson MP
Diana Johnson MP
Gloria de Piero MP
Stella Creasy MP
Rt Hon Lord (Philip) Hunt
Lord (Richard) Rosser

Defence
Rt Hon Jim Murphy MP
Kevan Jones MP
Russell Brown MP
Alison Seabeck MP
Gemma Doyle MP
Lord (Richard) Rosser

Business, Innovation & Skills
Chuka Umunna MP
Iain Wright MP
Shabana Mahmood MP
Gordon Marsden MP
Chi Onwurah MP
Toby Perkins MP
Ian Murray MP
Lord (Wilf) Stevenson
Lord (Tony) Young

Work & Pensions
Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP
Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP
Ian Austin MP
Anne McGuire MP
Gregg McClymont MP
Lord (Bill) McKenzie

Energy and Climate Change
Rt Hon Caroline Flint MP
Tom Greatrex MP
Luciana Berger MP
Rt Hon Baroness (Angela) Smith

Health
Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP
Liz Kendall MP
Diane Abbott MP
Andrew Gwynne MP
Jamie Reed MP
Baroness (Glenys) Thornton
Lord (Jeremy) Beecham

Education
Stephen Twigg MP
Kevin Brennan MP
Sharon Hodgson MP
Karen Buck MP
Catherine McKinnell MP
Baroness (Bev) Hughes
Baroness (Maggie) Jones

Communities and Local Government
Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP
Jack Dromey MP
Helen Jones MP
Roberta Blackman-Woods MP
Chris Williamson MP
Lord (Bill) McKenzie
Lord (Sir Jeremy) Beecham

Transport
Maria Eagle MP
Jim Fitzpatrick MP
Lilian Greenwood MP
John Woodcock MP
Rt Hon Lord (Bryan) Davies
Lord (Richard) Rosser

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Mary Creagh MP
Huw Irranca-Davies MP
Gavin Shuker MP
Fiona O'Donnell MP
Baroness (Joyce) Quin
Lord (Jim) Knight

International Development
Rt Hon Ivan Lewis MP
Tony Cunningham MP
Rushanara Ali MP
Baroness (Glenys) Kinnock

Minister for London and the Olympics
Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP

Cabinet Office
Jon Trickett MP
Gareth Thomas MP
Michael Dugher MP
Lord (Stewart) Wood
Rt Hon Lord (Philip) Hunt of Kings Heath
Rt Hon Baroness (Jan) Royall

Equalities Office
Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP
(also Shadow Home Secretary)
Kate Green MP
Rt Hon Baroness (Jan) Royall
Baroness (Glenys) Thornton

Culture, Olympics, Media & Sport
Rt Hon Harriet Harman MP
Clive Efford MP
Helen Goodman MP
Dan Jarvis MP
Baroness (Maggie) Jones
Baroness (Angela) Billingham
Lord (Wilf) Stevenson

Law Officers
Emily Thornberry MP
Lord (Neil) Davidson (Adv. Gen. Scotland)

Leader of the House of Commons
Angela Eagle MP
Angela Smith MP

Leader of the House of Lords
Rt Hon Baroness (Jan) Royall
Rt Hon Lord (Philip) Hunt (Deputy Leader)

Northern Ireland
Vernon Coaker MP
Stephen Pound MP
Rt Hon Baroness (Angela) Smith

Scotland
Margaret Curran MP
William Bain MP
Lord (Neil) Davidson
Lord (Des) Browne

Wales
Rt Hon Peter Hain MP
Nia Griffith MP
Rt Hon Lord (Bryan) Davies

House of Commons
Chief Whip
Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP

Whips
Alan Campbell MP
Mark Tami MP (Pairing Whip)
Lyn Brown MP
David Hamilton MP
Phil Wilson MP
Mark Hendrick MP
Graham Jones MP
Chris Ruane MP
Susan Elan-Jones MP
Jon Ashworth MP
Tom Blenkinsop MP
Yvonne Fovargue MP
Nic Dakin MP

House of Lords
Chief Whip
Rt Hon Lord (Steve) Bassam of Brighton

Deputy Chief Whips
Lord (Denis) Tunnicliffe
Baroness (Christine) Crawley

Whips
Baroness (Maggie) Jones
Baroness (Anita) Gale
Lord (Richard) Rosser
Lord (John) Grantchester
Baroness (Margaret) Wheeler
Baroness (Dianne) Hayter
Lord (Roy) Kennedy
Lord (Ray) Collins
Lord (Roger) Liddle
Lord (Wilf) Stevenson
Lord (Tommy) McAvoy

Full Shadow Cabinet

2011-10-07T12:18:00.000+01:00

Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Labour Party
Ed Miliband MP

Shadow Deputy Prime Minister, Party Chair and Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
Harriet Harman MP

Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer
Ed Balls MP

Shadow Foreign Secretary
Douglas Alexander MP

Shadow Home Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities
Yvette Cooper MP

Shadow Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice
Sadiq Khan MP

Shadow Chief Whip
Rosie Winterton MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Health
Andy Burnham MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Education
Stephen Twigg MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills
Chuka Umunna MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Defence
Jim Murphy MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
Hilary Benn MP

Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
Angela Eagle MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change
Caroline Flint MP

Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury
Rachel Reeves MP

Shadow Minister for London and the Olympics
Tessa Jowell MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Transport
Maria Eagle MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Policy Review Co-ordinator
Liam Byrne MP

Shadow Secretary of State for International Development
Ivan Lewis MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Mary Creagh MP

Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office
Jon Trickett MP

Labour Party Deputy Chair and Campaign Coordinator
Tom Watson MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Vernon Coaker MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland
Margaret Curran MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Wales and Chair of the National Policy Forum
Peter Hain MP

Shadow Leader of the House of Lords
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon

Lords Chief Whip
Lord Bassam of Brighton

Also attending Shadow Cabinet:

Shadow Minister for Care and Older People
Liz Kendall MP

Shadow Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
Michael Dugher MP

Shadow Attorney General
Emily Thornberry MP

Shadow Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
Lord Stewart Wood

Adieu conference

2011-10-07T11:12:00.003+01:00

So the exhibition stands are back in their cases and the hotels are again charging sensible room rates. The party conference season is now over and will be memorable for being largely unmemorable. Even now it is hard to recall what Nick Clegg said three weeks ago.

In essence the Lib Dems were beastly to their coalition partners; Labour was beastly to itself (no change there) and the Tories beastly to err, a Bolivian's cat. Yes all very forgettable but then again why should a conference season three years away from an election be anything other? Neither government nor opposition used their conferences to set out detailed policy ideas. Instead they alighted on themes - which had a degree of similarity. Ed Miliband's speech, widely criticised at the time, proved to be a slow burner as much of his assessment of what constitutes good and bad in society was reflected in David Cameron's peroration.

The Prime Minister's speech is always the highlight of the conference season. This year's was a low key effort. The speech itself seemed to be a patchwork of concepts poorly stitched together and with no real underlying theme. The headlines "stop moaning" "fight in the dog" and "people are fed up of unaccountable greed" barely link. Its understated delivery - Cameron has been far more compelling - gave the impression that this speech was an unwelcome intervention on the diary of a busy Prime Minister. That and the comic dispute about the role of domestic pets in immigration cases only fuelled the theory that the PM has still yet to establish a properly functioning No10.

Another stand out issue arising from the conference season and particularly the Conservative conference was the presence of a plethora of lobbyists, if indeed a collective of lobbyists can be called a plethora. Seemingly Ministers had to run from venue to venue with their heads down to avoid being assailed by an interest group of one kind or another. Fringe meeting food - the staple diet of the conference goer - was apparently denied to the hungry local party representatives as the corporate raiders grabbed the cocktail sausages by the handful.

A lobbyist in this context means anyone who attends conference on behalf of an organisation they work for, are an advocate of or are consultants to. But it is difficult to know what is wrong with that that. Should a cancer charity be denied the right to make its case at the party conferences? The question should really be - is your organisation spending its money and time sensibly by having a presence at the party conferences? In these straightened times it is often difficult to make the case that it is worth spending such a lot of money for so little impact. PSA will only advise clients to attend the party conferences if their particular circumstances truly merit the investment needed. The conference organisers love the presence of lobbyists though. It generates much needed revenue and anything that keeps party activists away from fringe meeting microphones can only be a good thing.

So we bid adieu (or good riddance might be more appropriate) to the 2011 conference season. Perhaps we need to get back to big seaside set piece events with big Prime Ministers giving big speeches. The conference season has become far too metropolitan and slick. Besides they now do a mean Panini in Blackpool!

George Osborne's speech to Conservative Party Conference

2011-10-04T15:11:00.000+01:00

Red Ed needs the speech of his life to survive today

2011-09-27T09:54:00.000+01:00

Phillip Snape

A pearl-handled revolver for the Labour leader if he isn’t on form

IT IS RARE that a party leader of just twelve months standing is faced with making a speech that is considered to be make-or-break for his future prospects. But that is exactly the position facing Ed Miliband as he delivers his Labour conference speech in Liverpool today.

A strong summer performance on phone hacking cannot mask a string of polls where he consistently trails David Cameron by 10 to 20 per cent in respect of perceived leadership capabilities. That the Labour Party is marginally ahead in most polls of voting intentions suggests its slender lead exists despite Miliband, not because of him.

The root of Miliband’s difficulties is of course the £156bn UK government borrowing in 2009/10. Even if the public were in the mood to forgive and forget such a large deficit (which they are not), Miliband and his shadow chancellor Ed Balls have struggled to articulate how they would tackle the current financial crisis if they were in power. So while borrowing remains extremely high this year, a double dip recession is a strong possibility, and public spending cuts remain deeply unpopular, Miliband has been unable to capitalise on the coalition’s woes.

Miliband’s other major problem is, Miliband. So far as they are aware of him, significant numbers of respondents to opinion polls just do not warm to him and cannot envisage him in 10 Downing Street. Words like “nerdy” and “geeky” tend to emerge quite quickly. To many, he simply does not have the communication skills of David Cameron, the kind you need to be a Prime Minister.

So today in Liverpool Miliband will seek to build his reputation as competent, likeable and trustworthy. His pitch is to middle England – particularly voters in the south and the Midlands who have deserted Labour in droves. He understands that economic insecurity is a major concern for the British people, hence his repeated references to the “squeezed middle”.

A senior Labour figure said at the weekend “we don’t need to shout louder, but explain more. Explain what we got right and wrong before the crash, explain how we would get the economy growing and so deal with the deficit, and explain how we will deal with social justice with less money around”. No doubt this is true, but it is highly unlikely that Miliband will be able to tick all those boxes in one go. His speech today will not set out the manifesto that Labour intends to fight the next election upon, although there may be some eye-catching policies on energy and higher education. Overall, his task is to try to convince a sceptical public that he shares their worries and has credible ideas to do something about them.

If Miliband can do this, perhaps he can move to the foothills of the mountain he has to climb between now and May 2015. But he will have to make quick and steady progress if he is to prevent a pearl-handled revolver being passed his way.

Phillip Snape is the managing director of PSA Communications.

This article first appeared in City Am 25.09.11

Liberal Democrat Conference 2011

2011-09-21T11:37:00.001+01:00

With the end of the Liberal Democrat conference fast approaching and before we all pack our bags and head to Liverpool we should reflect on what we have learned about the Coalition junior partners this week.

This conference has by in large been a disciplined and convivial affair, with no significant upsets on the floor of the conference hall.

Nick Clegg told delegates to hold their heads high, be proud of what they have achieved in government and don’t look back. Looking back would only remind the Lib Dems that their share of the vote has halved and not so long ago students were burning effigies of their dear leader. The clear message was: hold your nerve things will get better.

Compared with last year, when the conference language was all about unity and stable government in the national interest, this year there has been a war of words against their Tory partners which has dominated speeches all week. With Chris Huhne branding Tory right wingers as Britain’s "Tea Party tendency". Party President Tim Farron said the Coalition must end in “divorce”. And of course Vince Cable had to get involved, by claiming Tories were "descendants of those who sent children up chimneys".

On the policy announcement front, there have been announcements on the clamping down of executive pay, a new tax inspector team to target the rich and firm commitment to the 50p tax remaining in absence of another tax on the wealthy.

In keeping with the theme of the conference there will be no great surprises in Clegg’s closing speech, he will reiterate the Coalition’s commitment to reducing the deficit whilst claiming the Government is doing everything in its power to kick-start sluggish growth.

Overall, a rather dull conference with no particular highlights. The Tories couldn’t have scripted it better themselves.

Vickers smites mammon (sort of)

2011-09-14T11:06:00.002+01:00

The much heralded report on banking regulation from Sir John Vickers has finally been delivered. It signals the biggest shake up of the City of London since the 1980s – but not just yet. Vickers recommends that banks should separate their retail and investment operations and have sufficient capital to be able to fund their frequent trips to the casino. Vickers acknowledges that the proposals are complex and far reaching so has come to the rescue of the Chancellor by giving him seven years to implement them. Everyone is apparently on board – the banks have barely murmured. Job done? Not quite.

The politics of this – past and present – are fascinating. In 2008 as the banks haemorrhaged, the British taxpayer was forced to ride to their rescue. On one particular day the public went about their business blissfully unaware that their local hole in the wall was just 24 hours away from running out of cash. Not unusual? Well in this case it was as the banks literally had no banknotes left to fill them up with. Billions were pumped in to keep the banks afloat on the basis that it would be unthinkable for one of them to go under. By 2010 the Treasury was empty and as it happened under Labour’s watch they paid the price at the election.

Some might argue that the most incredible outcome of all of this was Ed Balls issuing a mea culpa for his involvement in a government that presided over such a light touch regulatory regime. It does remind us however, that virtually all politicians (with the honourable exception of the recently beatified St Vincent of Twickenham) were trying to outdo each other in arguing for less regulation not more, something that has conveniently been banished from the memory of the Chancellor.

All of this has demonstrated in graphic detail just how few friends the banks have. One wonders what they and their associations have been doing for the last few years if they cannot get even the right wing of the Tory party to defend them. Even the usual anti-regulation rhetoric has been shoved to one side by a government keen to begin a process that will end with massive regulatory intervention on the banks.

There is a lot of water to flow under the bridge before 2019. Ed Miliband is talking about Vickers being the “first stage of reform” not the end. No doubt his advisors will be working on a number of cruel and unusual punishments to inflict on bankers in the hope that Labour can draw favour from the public.

The Chancellor has said that the proposals will require primary legislation. He will want this to be a post 2015 election legislative battle which gives all parties concerned plenty of time to sharpen their knives. The banks themselves now have adequate time to get into the meat of this argument and achieve, in the circumstances, the best outcomes in what will be a complex and technical area of policy development. If they are wise they will approach this gargantuan project with a little more humility than they have in the past.

PR Week Soap Box

2011-09-12T11:42:00.005+01:00

In his usual uncompromising style Simon Jenkins suggested recently that lobbyists (a term he uses very loosely) are enjoying a fine old time under the coalition government. His argument is that the very nature of coalition politics makes it easier for special interest groups to play one part of the government off against another. To back his assertion he cites recent policy u-turns (forestry, NHS, housing) or continued concessions to big spending lobbies (high speed rail, Olympics, renewable energy) as examples of how organised groups can manipulate naive and risk averse coalition ministers.

I agree with this. A well constructed, strategically communicated argument has more chance of progressing under a two-party coalition than it would under a government with a thumping majority. If Margaret Thatcher or Tony Blair did not want to listen, then there was little one could do to change that. The situation is very different now with two parties in government whose core philosophies are so diametrically opposed, it is easier to identify and tap into a vein of political support somewhere within the coalition.

However, a major constraint for lobby groups is the fact that the government has no money to fund new and interesting policy ideas. This was not a problem before 2010 when the Labour government seemingly put money into every idea it was presented with, no matter how barmy. Lobbyists now have to be far more creative - proposing policy solutions that do not have price tags attached to them.

Where I differ with Jenkins is his implication that all lobbying is somehow bad; Ministers should be their own masters - piloting the direction of policy, able to swat away the irritating special interest groups that are currently so effective at forcing a change of course. On the contrary I see "lobbying" - again in the widest sense - as a fundamental right in a democratic society. Indeed we would be all the poorer if Minister's ploughed on regardless of outside voices - Poll Tax anyone?

Philip Snape, MD, PSA Communications.

This article first appeared in PR week 02.09.11

August SRP update

2011-09-12T11:27:00.000+01:00

The Government has published August progress updates for each department’s Structural Reform Plans

Cameron acts to stem the tide

2011-08-11T17:02:00.002+01:00

It’s a scenario that has been played out more than once recently. A major event monopolises the media, the Prime Minister is slow to react, recalls Parliament, and announces a packages of measures that seemingly steadies the ship.

David Cameron has lost none of the self confidence and communication skills that propelled him into No 10. Yet he grows seemingly ever more detached from the Conservatives. Unable to offer the right of his party the blue meat they crave on Europe and unwilling to sack Ken Clarke he is regularly outflanked by Boris Johnson who is becoming the principal standard bearer for Conservatism.

In some respects Mr Cameron is a leader without a party, a point reinforced by the fact that he remains the Prime Minister of a coalition government.

Yet for all this David Cameron remains a doughty Common’s performer. He will never be one for the detail but can stand at the crease and knock a century almost every time. His personal ratings show that the public is not done with him just yet. They might not, however, embrace the fashion (if you can call it that) of wearing your work shoes sans socks on holiday.

Following a shaky start, Labour leader Ed Miliband has continued to grow in stature. He has put himself on the right side of the debates on phone hacking and the riots, even if a number of his colleagues have not. Labour will be pleased to have a significant policy difference – police numbers – on which to attack the Prime Minister. It is an area where the anti-cuts rhetoric actually works so expect to hear more and more about this over the months ahead.

However, the real tests for Mr Miliband lie ahead. If he fails to deliver proposed changes to the voting power of the trade unions at Labour Party conference he will hand a major gift to his opponents in the media and the government benches. Labour insiders are suggesting that it is the unions themselves that are talking up the plans (in order to squash them). If that is the case then there is trouble ahead.

Nick Clegg continues to look like it is a struggle to get out of bed in the morning. All of us have to face up to the fact that we are mortal beings with a finite life span. Booed on a post-riot visit to Birmingham, Mr Clegg must think that jeering is a natural phenomenon in the same way the Queen thinks the natural odour of the UK is fresh paint. It is highly unusual for a politician to be able to predict with some accuracy the date of their demise. In Mr Clegg’s case most are suggesting it will be May 2015. Even if it is over three and a half years away, perhaps it is de-motivating him?

The summer holidays have been cut short. This will put the Westminster Village in a testy mood as the parties prepare for their annual soirees. Without doubt the political (and social) situation remains highly fluid.

July Structural Reform Plan progress reports

2011-08-11T16:01:00.001+01:00

The changing face of British Politics

2011-07-12T16:07:00.005+01:00

It’s been a hectic few weeks of allegations, revelations and of course the closure of a 168 year old national newspaper. The political ramifications of the hacking scandal will run and run, but at this early stage it seems Ed Miliband has as last found his voice on this issue, his tone has been pitch perfect reflecting a growing public anger. He forced David Cameron to agree to his call for a public inquiry (The PM ended up calling two).

On this issue at least it seems the Labour Party has finally got the leader it has been looking for.

Surprisingly, the Prime Minister has been on the back foot since the story broke and criticism of his decision to bring Andy Coulson into the heart of government shows no signs of abating. His refusal to apologise for this evident error continues to provide ammunition for the opposition. Expect to hear Ed Miliband and others plug away at this for quite some time.

So what next? With the BskyB takeover now referred to the Competition Commission (see Jeremy Hunt’s statement below) it would seem that News International have bought themselves and the Government some breathing space. However, if the drip feed of hacking revelations continue – and it seems likely that they will - the danger is that News International’s other titles may become infected. News International may feel confident that they could pass the hurdle of the Competition Commission whose remit is to look at media plurality. But the steady stream of allegations which now include attempts to access the medical records of the former Prime Minister’s son, will make it difficult for OFCOM to consider James Murdoch a “fit and proper person” to own his own TV platform should the media regulator have to apply this test.

The Home Affairs Select Committee heard evidence from Assistant Commissioner John Yates, who received a hostile reception from his inquisitors led by Chairman Keith Vaz MP. Yates expressed regret that he failed to properly review the hacking evidence in 2009 but ruled out resigning. Instead he put the blame squarely at the door of News International (there will be no post retirement Times column for Mr Yates). The Committee seemed unsatisfied with Mr Yates responses with Mr Vaz finishing the session by stating: "It is the view of this committee that your evidence is unconvincing. Please do not regard this as an end to the matter."

In another twist, the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee have requested James Murdoch, Rupert Murdoch and Rebekah Brooks to appear before them next Tuesday (19th July). It is highly unlikely that the old man will – he cannot be compelled to. But if Mr Murdoch or Ms Brooks attend then expect sparks to fly.

Adding further fuel to the fire is Labour’s opposition day motion: “This House believes that it is in the public interest for Rupert Murdoch and News Corporation to withdraw their bid for BskyB” which will be debated on Wednesday and is likely to attract strong Liberal Democrat support (the government may concede this in its entirety). Wednesday is also (thankfully for the Prime Minister) the final Prime Minister’s Questions prior to a long recess.

Longer term implications
It is difficult to predict the longer term implications for the Prime Minster. David Cameron has been hurt badly by the saga and will continue to be as the drip-drip of appalling or salacious news continues. Rebekah Brooks told News International employees that there was a year’s worth of revelations as yet published. Mr Cameron, who will not want his premiership defined by this issue, may want to reconsider his decision to start the judicial inquiries after the police investigation.

Ed Miliband has rolled the dice on this. Not someone one would naturally associate with risk taking (other than blackjacking his Brother on a dark night in Manchester), he has gambled that there will be a sea change in the relationship between the media and political establishments. He will be keen to ensure the cross party discussion on the terms of the two inquiries hasten that. If they do not then Miliband can expect a torrid time from the Murdoch titles.

Equally it could be that the generally close relationship between the Murdoch empire and the Conservatives will also be transformed; wedding invitations, summer parties and Christmas dinners may be consigned to history. The danger for David Cameron is that he remains tainted by his association with the “Evil Empire” while his party moves on. Supporting Labour’s call to stop the whole NI/BSkyB merger would be a smart move for Mr Cameron even if it is again at Miliband’s behest. MP expenses anyone?

The reputation of the Metropolitan Police has also taken a pounding. The inquiry into their initial handling of the hacking revelations will undoubtedly create further embarrassment. An effective, forensic judge has the power to cause them significant pain. Of the current serving officers connected with this grand saga, it would appear John Yates has the most to lose.

BSkyB bid referred to Competition Commission

2011-07-12T11:02:00.003+01:00

June Structural Reform Plans

2011-07-08T15:26:00.001+01:00

The Government has published June progress updates for each department’s Structural Reform Plans.

Download the update reports for each department:

Who does what in Whitehall...

2011-06-20T10:28:00.003+01:00

The Government has published departmental structure charts showing the name, job title and salary for all senior civil servants, plus team information and job descriptions across central Government.

Ed gets angry at PMQs

2011-06-15T14:26:00.007+01:00

It’s been difficult few weeks for Ed Miliband with the disquiet surrounding his leadership beginning to grow louder, thanks in part to a new biography and leaked documents illuminating Brown/Blair feud a little further.

Miliband decided to use all six of his questions to raise a very specific element of the Government’s welfare proposals. He claimed that cancer patients in recovery would be £94 worse off under the proposed system. He was passionate and angry and at one point lambasted backbench Tory MPs as a disgrace for shouting whilst such an important issue was being discussed and called on Cameron to pause the legislation.

The PM failed to grasp the point he was making and looked somewhat confused as a result. He insisted that the Government did not have plans to reduce welfare payments to cancer patients and told Miliband to “check his facts before coming to the House”.

Verdict: Miliband performed well and he needed to more than ever after a shaky week. The PM held his own but once again showed that he is not completely comfortable when questioned on policy minutiae but is the master of the sound bite calling Miliband “the weak leader of a divided party”.

Overall, a much needed win for Miliband.

Structural Reform Plans for May

2011-06-03T12:38:00.002+01:00

The Government has published May progress updates for each department’s Structural Reform Plans.

Download the update reports for each department:

Departmental business plans

2011-05-27T13:19:00.003+01:00

Updated business plans for 2011 were published in May. The 2011 business plans reflect an updated assessment of when the Government will implement its commitments set out in the Programme for Government.

The Business Plan for the Department for Health will be published after the NHS listening exercise.

A document has also been published outlining amendments to the Structural Reform Plans in the 2011 Business Plans.

April Structural Reform Plans

2011-05-09T10:51:00.000+01:00

The Government has published April progress updates for each department’s Structural Reform Plans.

The Government has also published an update on their cross-government Carbon plan (pdf, 98kb).

Download the SRP update reports for each department:

March Structural Reform Plans

2011-04-01T14:49:00.002+01:00

The Government has published March progress updates for each department’s Structural Reform Plans.

Budget 2011

2011-03-23T17:44:00.005Z

1. The politics and economics of today’s Budget

A one-time-only opportunity

1.1 Chancellor George Osborne’s Budget today was extremely important for the future of the Coalition and, potentially, for Mr Osborne’s own future. Even though we are less than a year into this Government, today represents arguably the last – and best – chance to set a strategy for growth and electoral success in 2015.

No more room for savings

1.2 Mr Osborne’s earlier “emergency” Budget last summer was designed to identify where the painful spending cuts would come. Having done that, he had very little “wriggle room” either to adjust the cuts programme or to identify other savings – he told everyone last summer that the emergency Budget was a one-off and permanent change to spending patterns.

Growth good…

1.3 Better economic times therefore had to come from real growth, not more savings. With growth so sluggish and little economic good news to tell, the Chancellor’s task today was to produce proposals which would remove his perceived structural obstacles to a brighter, high-growth future. Without removing obstacles now, there would be little chance to make an impact before the next General Election: the UK economy simply doesn’t move fast enough for such policy changes to show results.

…but reform better?

1.4 Mr Osborne has a deeper ideological agenda than simple growth. He wants permanent systemic fiscal reform. So today’s Budget wraps up serious structural reform proposals in the language of growth promotion and entrepreneurship. For example:

· By talking about tax “simplification” and “removing anomalies” between income tax and National Insurance, for example, the Chancellor can give the impression of reducing taxes and increasing personal spending power, whilst making future revenue collection more responsive and future fiscal policy levers easier to manipulate.

· By promising to make tax “more transparent”, and better linking personal deductions to public spending, he hopes to encourage a culture where taxpayers monitor Government expenditure more closely and are more resistant to “Big Government” projects.

A significant prize awaits

1.5 If he is successful, the Chancellor will probably have altered the UK’s tax and benefits system irrevocably, and he clearly stands ready to gain electoral and personal political success. Labour’s Budget response today was necessarily sharp and combative, but the Opposition party will need strong predictive modelling to establish which of Mr Osborne’s wheezes today are designed genuinely with growth in mind and which are designed for the 2015 General Election.

2. The Budget headlines

The Chancellor said that today’s Budget “is about moving from rescue to reform, and reform to recovery”. He said the measures he announced were “fiscally neutral across the period” and, in a nod to his strategic aims, published his “Plan for Growth” alongside the traditional Red Book of facts and figures about the Budget Statement. These are the key points from today’s Budget Statement:

Economic forecasts

2.1 Forecasts by the Office for Budget Responsibility show annual GDP growth forecast for 2011 revised down to 1.7%. In 2012, it is expected to hit 2.5%, then 2.9% in 2013; 2.9% in 2014; and 2.8% in 2015.
2.2 OBR expect inflation to remain between 4 and 5% for most of this year, before dropping to 2.5% next year and then to 2% in two years’ time.
2.3 The inflation target will remain at 2% CPI.
2.4 Borrowing to fund the deficit this year is now set to come in at £146 billion, below target. It will fall in subsequent years to £122bn; £101bn; £70bn; £46bn in General Election year 2014-15; and £29bn by 2015-16.

Business and general taxes

2.5 There will be a consultation on the Office of Tax Simplification’s proposals to merge the operation of National Insurance and Income Tax.
2.6 The Budget abolishes 43 complex tax reliefs and removes over 100 pages from the tax code.
2.7 From April 2012, the default indexation assumption for direct taxes will move to CPI but there will be protection through this for employers National Insurance Contributions.
2.8 Also from April, corporation tax will be reduced by 2% not the previously-announced 1% and will continue to fall by 1% in each of the following three years.
2.9 No further change to VAT rates or categories this year.
2.10 Major changes were announced to the Enterprise Investment Scheme and generous new allowances for “business angels” introduced to encourage investment in start-ups and SMEs.
2.11 Mr Osborne confirmed that he views the 50p income tax rate “as a temporary measure”.
2.12 The business rate holiday for small businesses is extended for another year – to October 2012.
2.13 From April small companies research and development tax credit will rise 220% this year and 225% next year.

Skills

2.14 2.14 Funding for 12 further university technical colleges.
2.15 Extra 40,000 apprenticeships for young people out of work.
2.16 Funding for 100,000 new work experience placements.

Regulation and legislation

2.17 £350 million worth of specific regulations will be scrapped and Lord Young’s health and safety recommendations will be implemented in full.
2.18 The Treasury is publishing a new strategy paper, “Tackling Tax Avoidance” and will close down various Stamp Duty Land Tax avoidance loopholes, tighten capital gains rules for companies; end the practice of disguised remuneration and “tackle the exploitation of low value consignment relief that has left our high street music stores fighting a losing battle with warehouses in the Channel Islands”.
2.19 The tax avoidance measures tackled will raise £1 billion a year.

Other points of note

2.20 The Green Deal remains on schedule and Mr Osborne said, “I now confirm that we will act to incentivise and encourage its take up”.
2.21 The Green investment bank will begin work one year early in 2012, with an extra £2bn in funding.
2.22 £100m funding for science facilities announced.

3. A cautionary note

Mind the gap

2.23 Budget Statements are famous for “gaps” – the hidden detail and stealth consultation that eventually emerge from the mass of paperwork released on the day. Over the next week, think tanks, MPs, academics, tax and economic experts will pick the Budget apart word by word and graph by graph.

Keep on track with PSA

2.24 As and when greater detail emerges on key issues, we will let you know. However, if there is something in particular that you would like us to look out for, or to follow in detail, please let us know.

PSA Communications
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London. SE1 1NL

020 7744 6338
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Budget 2011

2011-03-23T14:33:00.005Z

Highlights include:

Forecasts

2011 growth cut to 1.7% (from 2.1% forecast in Nov)

Borrowing £146bn this year, £122bn next year.

Inflation to remain between 4-5% for the rest of the year.

Borrowing to be 146 bn this year, 122 next, then 111 and predicted to be 29bn by 2015-16.

Tax

Personal tax allowance to rise a further £630 to £8,015 in April 2012

50% tax threshold is temporary measure.

43 complex tax reliefs abolished.

From April 2012 indexation assumption for direct taxes will move to Consumer Prices Index.

Consultation on merging NI and Income tax.

Tax avoidance clampdown to raise £1bn this year.

Business

Corporation tax reduced by 2% and then further 1% three years after that

In Plan for Growth, £350 million worth of business regulations will go.

Lots of planning changes including reclassification of land and time-limits on applications

Income Tax relief on Enterprise Investment Scheme to increase from 20% to 30% in April 2011.

From April small companies R&D tax credit will rise 220% this year and 225% next year

Commitment to improve the intellectual property regime.

Enterprise Zones: 21 in total, 10 initially. Businesses inside zones get 100% discount on rates and superfast broadband

Further 10 announced in the summer – LEPs asked to come forward with proposals.

£100m funding for science facilities

Green

Green investment bank will begin work one year early in 2012, with an extra £2bn in funding.
Introduction of a new carbon price floor.

Skills

Funding for 12 further university technical colleges
Extra 40,000 apprenticeships for young people out of work
Funding for 100,000 new work experience placements

Big Society

Gift aid cap increased from £500 to £2,500. Also 10% off inheritance tax discount if you leave 10% of an inheritance to charity.

Budget 2011

February Structural Reform Plan progress reports

2011-03-04T16:39:00.002Z

The Government has published February progress updates for each department’s Structural Reform Plans.

Download the reports for each department:

Ping Pong...

2011-02-16T14:10:00.006Z

The Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill is now set to ping pong between the Commons and the Lords after Peers have defeated the government by 277 votes to 215 on the amendment tabled by Lord Rooker, which insists that the AV referendum is subject to 40 per cent turnout threshold. It is worth noting that the first vote on this amendment was carried by one vote, so supportive contributions from Lord Lamont and Lawson have clearly had an impact with the Tory rebellion increasing from 10 to 27.

The stakes are high, with the AV referendum being a central tenet of the Liberal Democrats achievements since entering into the coalition government. Both Houses of Parliament look set for a sleep deprived night of legislative ping pong.

If the Bill fails to receive ascent this week, the May 5th referendum date is out the window, which will be terrible news for Nick Clegg and his party, and all this when things were beginning to look up with polling now suggesting the Yes campaign is ten points ahead.

Structural Reform Plan progress reports

2011-02-04T15:13:00.004Z

The Government has published January progress updates for each department’s Structural Reform Plans.

Spending Review - the full report

2010-10-20T14:56:00.002+01:00

Spending Review 2010

Alan Johnson urges government to rethink

2010-10-18T12:18:00.016+01:00

Shadow Chancellor Alan Johnson today reiterated the Labour Party's commitment to reducing the deficit in four years. In a short speech which lacked detail, he argued for "targeted tax changes" to play a bigger role in deficit reduction and economic recovery.

In his first speech since being appointed to the Shadow Cabinet, Johnson lamented the Coalition for making unfair choices on a number of measures and taking a "reckless gamble", but did state that Labour would not oppose all the cuts implemented. Johnson consistently referred to growth throughout his speech, claiming that Coalition policy endangered recovery.

Overall, a speech which illuminated the direction Labour plan to head on the economy, in which he stated "speed does matter". In short, Labour's growth plan v's the Coalition's dangerous austerity plan.

Bonfire of the quangos: the complete list

2010-10-14T11:31:00.000+01:00

2010 10 14 Public Bodies List FINAL

Beginners luck?

2010-10-13T13:56:00.003+01:00

An initially nervous performance from Ed Miliband in his first outing at PMQs progressed into a sure footed attack on the Government’s controversial child benefit policy. Miliband’s questions focused on the specific affects the new policy will have on middle income families, the PM responded with a general defence of the Government’s agenda and lamented Labour for leaving the country in such a dire economic state.

Overall, a solid first performance from Ed Miliband which will slightly worry Cameron’s team, though they will be aware that Ed can only attack for so long, before presenting alternatives. The Labour team are attempting to do just that in time for the CSR next week. Interestingly Ed’s brother had private engagements today and couldn’t make it to the chamber.

The new shadow cabinet...

2010-10-08T13:24:00.001+01:00

Leader of the Opposition
Rt. Hon. Ed Miliband MP

Deputy Leader and Shadow Secretary of State for International Development
Rt Hon Harriet Harman MP

Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer
Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and Minister for Women and Equalities
Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP

Shadow Secretary of State for the Home Department
Rt Hon Ed Balls MP

Chief Whip
Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Election Coordinator
Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP

Shadow Lord Chancellor, Secretary of State for Justice
Rt Hon Sadiq Khan MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills
Rt Hon John Denham MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Health
Rt Hon John Healey MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
Rt Hon Caroline Flint MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Defence
Rt Hon Jim Murphy

Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change
Meg Hillier MP

Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP
Shadow Secretary of State for Transport
Maria Eagle MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Mary Creagh MP

Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury
Angela Eagle MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Rt Hon Shaun Woodward MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland
Ann McKechin MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Wales
Rt Hon Peter Hain MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
Ivan Lewis MP

Shadow Leader of the House of Lords
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon

Shadow Minister for the Olympics
Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP

Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office
Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP

Lords Chief Whip
Lord Bassam of Brighton

Shadow Attorney-General
Baroness Scotland

100 days...

2010-08-18T17:20:00.006+01:00

There's nothing special about the first 100 days of any new Government except that everyone marks it as an important milestone. Rarely will the Government's most important actions have been completed in this arbitrary time period. Rarely will historians look back and say, "that first 100 days set the tone for the whole administration". Nevertheless, first impressions matter and the "Big Mo" - momentum - is key to political success.

So, has anything momentous actually happened?

The speed the new Government has set to work has been astonishing, many predicted the very nature of coalition arrangements would make for cumbersome and piecemeal policy advances, oh how wrong they were. The deficit reduction narrative has of course allowed for such swift action, government departments have been falling over themselves to slash costs, Quangos have been heavily culled, crowd sourcing has been used like never before, a raft of information on public spending has been made public. This gives only a flavour of what the coalition has achieved in its first 100 days and interestingly public support is holding.

However, the polls do suggest that the Liberal Democrats are not faring well, Nick Clegg is at pains to remind us that his party should be judged over five years and not 100 days. He will be hoping for a much needed boost in the approval ratings in what is sure to be a carefully managed series of Autumn conference policy announcements. But perhaps Nick Clegg does deserve a little early credit, given that he has managed to steer his party relatively well thus far, there has been little in the way of backbench grumbling and the idea of rebellion seems a distant one at present. Nevertheless, the Lib Dems have a serious image problem and one in which they will ultimately need their coalition partner's assistance to resolve.

It seems the public are offering David Cameron full credit for the efficient running of the Coalition Government. His personal approval rating and that of his party are high, rebellion again seems distant and despite some backbench disgruntlement over former Labour ministers being appointed to Government roles, it seems his ship is also steady and on course. It would be silly, not to question the durability of the coalition at this stage, whilst the majority of public affairs professionals who took part in a recent poll suggested that the coalition had a lifespan of two years. I'm willing to bet that the coalition will continue as is, until the fifth year when inevitably the seams will begin to fray beyond repair. Until that point, expect the brisk pace of legislative reform to continue.

Overall, the first 100 days can be viewed as a success, the way in which the coalition partners have gelled has been and continues to be remarkable. The idea of such a strong coalition during the election campaign was unfathomable.

Emergency Budget

2010-06-22T15:17:00.000+01:00

The Chancellor today delivered his emergency budget, which he dubbed "unavoidable" in a bid to set the tone for a swathe of cuts to public spending and tax increases. The budget will form the backdrop to the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review, announced 20 October 2010, which will provide a breakdown of departmental cuts.

Headline measures in today's budget include:

Structural current deficit to be in balance by 2015 and debt to be falling as a percentage share of GDP
Spending cuts will account for 77 per cent of deficit reductions, while 23 per cent from tax rises
From 4 January 2011 VAT will be raised to 20 per cent
The income tax personal allowance will be increased by £1,000 to £7,475
The corporation tax rate will be cut by one per cent per year for four years, from 28 to 24 per cent and the small firms’ rate will be cut to 20 per cent. Capital and investment allowances will be reduced, but this will be delayed until 2012
Capital gains tax to be raised to 28 per cent for higher rate tax payers
A bank balance sheet levy will be introduced from January 2011 to eventually generate over £2 billion annually
From April 2011 the employer national insurance contributions threshold will rise by £21 a week above inflationary rises
No rises in alcohol, tobacco or fuel duty – alcohol and fuel duties, including air passenger duty, to be considered in the autumn
Part of Royal Mail to be sold off to raise investment capital
The government will implement the recommendations of the Dyson review into R&D tax credits and expand the enterprise finance guarantee scheme
The government will publish a White Paper on tackling regional economic differences in Britain later in the summer, followed by a paper on rebalancing the economy of Northern Ireland

Full Budget document available here.

Select Committee Chairs

2010-06-10T11:43:00.016+01:00

MPs made history yesterday, for the first time ever Parliamentarians elected Chairs to the House of Common's influential Select Committees, this will undoubtedly strengthen the ability the of the committees to scrutinise Government. The results have now been announced - see below for the full list.

The following candidates have been elected unopposed as select committee chairs:

Culture, Media and Sport: Mr John Whittingdale
International Development: Malcolm Bruce
Justice: Sir Alan Beith
Northern Ireland: Mr Laurence Robertson
Procedure: Mr Greg Knight
Scottish Affairs: Mr Ian Davidson
Transport: Mrs Louise Ellman
Welsh Affairs: David T. C. Davies

The following candidates have been elected as select committee chairs by secret ballot, under the Alternative Vote system:

Business, Innovation and Skills Mr Adrian Bailey
Children, Schools and Families (Education) Mr Graham Stuart
Communities and Local Government Mr Clive Betts
Defence Mr James Arbuthnot
Energy and Climate Change Mr Tim Yeo
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Miss Anne McIntosh
Environmental Audit Joan Walley
Foreign Affairs Richard Ottaway
Health Mr Stephen Dorrell
Home Affairs Keith Vaz
Political and Constitutional Reform Mr Graham Allen
Public Accounts Margaret Hodge
Public Administration Mr Bernard Jenkin
Science and Technology Andrew Miller
Treasury Mr Andrew Tyrie
Work and Pensions Miss Anne Begg

And then there were five...

2010-06-09T14:17:00.005+01:00

A one minute silence for the Cumbrian people marked the start of a sombre PMQs today. Nothing of great significance to report from the questioning, as the real drama was going on behind the scenes.

Diane Abbot's campaign for nomination received a much needed boost this morning, with John McDonnell pulling out of the race. Paul Waugh has an excellent account of how Diane achieved the 33 required nominations at the very last moment.

So, we now have five Labour leadership candidates:

Rt Hon David Milliband MP
Rt Hon Ed Milliband MP
Rt Hon Ed Balls MP
Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP
Diane Abbott MP

Four of which are former special advisers and government ministers, with distinct policy differences yet to be exposed, it should make for an interesting few months of debate.

Key dates for your calendar:

Wednesday 8 September: Freeze date for new members to join the Labour Party and be eligible to vote in the leadership election.
Wednesday 22 September: Balloting closes.
Saturday 25 September: Announcement of ballot result.
Sunday 26 September: Labour Conference begins.

Spending Review Framework announced

2010-06-08T17:01:00.006+01:00

The Chancellor today set out t Spending Review Framework, which is to conclude in the Autumn. Full details below:

require departments to submit their initial plans to deliver their priorities before the Summer Recess and demonstrate that they meet a tough new set of criteria to deliver value for money. The criteria cover questions such as: is the activity being funded essential to the Government’s priorities, does the Government need to fund the activity, and can it be provided more efficiently?
start a period of external engagement between the Government and all parts of society including; the private sector, the general public, voluntary/charitable organisations and experts, in order to obtain the best ideas from those most involved in and affected by public services
establish a new Star Chamber chaired by the Chancellor and Chief Secretary and drawing on the expertise of other senior Cabinet Ministers to ensure that the Government challenges every department’s spending plans to ensure that they deliver more for less. Other Cabinet Ministers will be considered to join the group, once they have settled their department’s budget.
seek input from the brightest and best individuals in this SR by establishing a Spending Review Challenge Group of experts – both from within Government and outside – to act as independent challengers and champions for departments throughout the process. Their remit will be to think innovatively about the options for reducing public expenditure while balancing priorities.
require each Secretary of State to appoint a Minister with specific responsibility for driving value for money across their department, identifying savings opportunities and playing an important role in challenging spending in all areas, including on contracts and programmes.
comprehensively examine areas such as: social security, tax credits and public service pensions as part of the process
end the previous administration’s complex system of Public Service Agreements that relied too heavily on rigid targets and instead ask departments to publish business plans that show the resources they need to put in place in order to protect key frontline services and deliver on their objectives.

Full details of the framework can be found here

Key Dates

Emergency Budget – June 22, 2010

Summer Recess – House Rises 29 July, 2010 Returns 6 September, 2010

Ministerial Appointments

2010-05-17T09:37:00.002+01:00

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
Minister of State – The Rt Hon Lord Howell*
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Henry Bellingham MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Alistair Burt MP

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Crispin Blunt MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Jonathan Djanogly MP

HOME OFFICE
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Equalities) – Lynne Featherstone MP

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Gerald Howarth MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Andrew Robathan MP

DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Edward Davey MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – John Penrose MP (jointly with the Department for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sports)

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Baroness Wilcox
DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Maria Miller MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Welfare Reform) – Lord Freud*

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Anne Milton MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Earl Howe

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Tim Loughton MP

DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Andrew Stunell OBE MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Bob Neill MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Baroness Hanham CBE

DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Norman Baker MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Mike Penning MP

DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Richard Benyon MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Lord Henley

DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Stephen O’Brien MP

SCOTLAND

OFFICE
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – David Mundell MP

WALES

OFFICE
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – David Jones MP

DEPARTMENT FOR CULTURE, OLYMPICS, MEDIA AND SPORT
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – John Penrose MP (jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills)

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Hugh Robertson MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – The Hon Ed Vaizey MP

OFFICE OF THE LEADER OF THE COMMONS
Parliamentary Secretary (Deputy Leader) – David Heath CBE MP*

CABINET OFFICE Parliamentary Secretary – Mark Harper MP Parliamentary Secretary – Nick Hurd MP

LAW OFFICERS
Advocate General for

Scotland

– The Rt Hon Lord Wallace of Tankerness

WHIPS – HOUSE OF COMMONS
Deputy Chief Whip (Treasurer of HM Household) – John Randall MP
Deputy Chief Whip (Comptroller of HM Household) – Alistair Carmichael MP
Government Whip (Vice Chamberlain of HM Household) – Mark Francois MP

WHIPS - HOUSE OF LORDS
Lords Chief Whip (Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms) – The Rt Hon Baroness Anelay of St Johns DBE
Deputy Chief Whip (Captain of The Queen's Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard) – Lord Shutt of Greetland OBE

* unpaid

Coalition Cabinet

2010-05-13T10:05:00.006+01:00

Prime Minister, First Lord of the Treasury and Minister for the Civil Service

The Rt Hon David Cameron MP

Deputy Prime Minister, Lord President of the Council (with special responsibility for political and constitutional reform)

The Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP

First Secretary of State, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

The Rt Hon William Hague MP

Chancellor of the Exchequer

George Osborne MP

Lord Chancellor, Secretary of State for Justice

The Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke QC MP

Secretary of State for the Home Department; and Minister for Women and Equalities

The Rt Hon Theresa May MP

Secretary of State for Defence

Dr Liam Fox MP

Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills

Dr Vincent Cable MP

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

The Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP

Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change

Chris Huhne MP

Secretary of State for Health

Andrew Lansley CBE MP

Secretary of State for Education

Michael Gove MP

Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

Eric Pickles MP

Secretary of State for Transport

Philip Hammond MP

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Caroline Spelman MP

Secretary of State for International Development

Andrew Mitchell MP

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

Owen Paterson MP

Secretary of State for Scotland (and providing ministerial support to the Deputy Prime Minister in the Cabinet Office)

Danny Alexander MP

Secretary of State for Wales

Cheryl Gillan MP

Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport

Jeremy Hunt MP

Chief Secretary to the Treasury

David Laws MP

Leader of the House of Lords, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

The Rt Hon Lord Strathclyde

Minister without Portfolio (Minister of State) *

Baroness Warsi

* Unpaid

Also attending Cabinet meetings:

Minister for the Cabinet Office, Paymaster General

The Rt Hon Francis Maude MP

Minister of State – Cabinet Office (providing policy advice to the Prime Minister in the Cabinet Office)

The Rt Hon Oliver Letwin MP

Minister of State (Universities and Science) – Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

David Willetts MP

Leader of the House of Commons, Lord Privy Seal

The Rt Hon Sir George Young Bt MP

Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury and Chief Whip

The Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP

Also invited to attend Cabinet meetings when required:

Attorney-General - Dominic Grieve QC MP

A Coalition Agreement

2010-05-12T17:31:00.005+01:00

In their first press conference together, the Prime Minister and the Deputy PM, outlined their vision for coalition government over a fixed five year term of Parliament. They launched their seven page document detailing the agreement, which can be viewed in full below.

The atmosphere between the two leaders was warm and supportive, almost too much at times, with some journalists suggesting all that was missing was the confetti! Joking aside, the press conference gives us a brief taste of the style of coalition to expect. A final Coalition Agreement, covering the full range of policy including foreign, defence and domestic policy will be published soon.

Interestingly, it appears the Lib Dems will have a minister in every government department, these ministers and the four secretaries of state can only be sacked by the Deputy PM. Update: This has since been denied, the PM will have the power to sack any member of government.

Agreement.12.5.10
The coalition cabinet is taking shape; the following appointments have been confirmed thus far:

Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs - The Rt Hon William Hague MP Chancellor of the Exchequer - George Osborne MP

Secretary of State for Defence - Dr Liam Fox MP

Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice - Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke

Chief Whip - The Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP

Secretary of State for the Home Department and Minister for Women and Equality -Theresa May MP

Secretary of State for Health - Andrew Lansley CBE MP

Chief Secretary to the Treasury - David Laws MP

Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills - Dr Vince Cable MP

Secretary of State for Education - Michael Gove MP

Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport - Jeremy Hunt MP

A New Era of British Politics

2010-05-12T13:44:00.007+01:00

David Cameron has finally reached the door of No.10, in his first speech as Prime Minister he confirmed that a formal coalition with Liberal Democrats would be established, it has now emerged that the Lib Dems are likely to have five seats in cabinet and Nick Clegg has been confirmed as Deputy Prime Minister this morning.

The Prime Minister stated, “Nick Clegg and I are both political leaders who want to put aside party differences and work hard for the common good and for the national interest. I believe that is the best way to get the strong government that we need, decisive government that we need today.”

Nick Clegg confirmed early this morning that his parliamentary party and the Federal Executive Committee has overwhelmingly endorsed entering into a coalition government, Clegg attempted to allay fears within Lib Dem circles that swathes of their core vote may desert them, looking straight into camera he said, "I want to assure you that I wouldn't have entered into this agreement unless I was genuinely convinced that it offers a unique opportunity to deliver the kind of changes that you and I believe in."

Now the drama of the last six days has finally reached a conclusion, it is time to understand how parliament and government will work in these extraordinary circumstances, some immediate points of interest below:

The musical chairs will make for a fascinating first prime minister's questions, which feasibly might not be held until June 9 but could be the week before. Convention dictates that the second set of questions at PMQs - the permanent chance to hold the prime minister to account - is handed to the second largest opposition party.

The DUP - currently leaderless at Westminster after Peter Robinson lost his East Belfast seat last week - is in pole position with eight seats. The decision on whether this convention should continue would ultimately be the Speaker's, but expect some sort of row to break out here.

How opposition days are organised remains also remains a question to be answered, while the organisation of votes and whipping will make for a delicate arrangement. They may also have to strike some sort of deal on the election of the three deputy speakers who, for the first time, will be elected on the single transferable vote system.

Expect a lot of bartering on the composition of select committees. According to standing orders, a new edition of which has already been published, this has to be settled on within two weeks of the state opening, but their likely make up would also be altered under a coalition.

More details on the full cabinet to follow...

Hung Parliament

2010-05-10T12:47:00.007+01:00

For the first time in decades the British electorate have delivered a hung parliament, with no party winning the magic number of 326 seats in the House of Commons, the amount required to command a majority.

Cue frantic negotiations between the Tories and Lib Dems, which have been described as ‘positive and constructive’. Meanwhile Gordon Brown remains our Prime Minster, though his reign looks set to end very soon. With the Tories and Lib Dems consulting their MPs today, a deal looks set to emerge this evening.

Despite Labour attempts to court the Lib Dems, with details of a secret meeting over the weekend now surfacing it seems a Con-Lib pact is the most likely conclusion to this election. Details of the pact are yet to emerge, as is the stance the Tories have taken on electoral reform, a central tenet of Lib Dem policy.

Eight days to go...

2010-04-28T11:29:00.009+01:00

The polls continue to show the surge in Lib Dem support is holding, with the Tory lead continuing to be extremely narrow. The possibility of a hung parliament is very real, with only eight days until the country goes to the polls.

Nick Clegg, the man of the moment, has been giving conflicting views on which party the Lib Dems would be most likely to support. Clegg has already questioned the constitutional convention of the PM being offered the first chance to form government, despite the possibility that Labour could finish third in the polls. Meanwhile, the Tories are campaigning hard for a majority government, their latest PEB directly attacks the possibility of a hung parliament. And with some polls showing the best improvement in their share of the vote since the first leader’s debate earlier this month, it may be working.

All three parties have come under pressure to clarify where they would make cuts in public spending, following an IFS report criticising the gaping holes in their manifesto figures – this is unlikely to change, with just over a week to go none of the parties will be keen to forensically setting out there cuts plan.

Next Thursday’s leaders debate which focuses on Gordon Brown’s strong point, the economy, this set piece could inject more volatility into the polls and perhaps even decide the election. In short there is still everything to play for in this election, which will go down in history, not only for setting a precedent with the televised debates, but also for being the tightest election in a generation.

Clegg wins first ever leaders debate

2010-04-16T12:14:00.010+01:00

As widely predicted, Nick Clegg gained the most from last night’s historic leader’s debate. David Cameron failed to live up to expectations, and looked rigid throughout, playing it safe perhaps. Gordon Brown delivered his usual recognisable performance, handling the intensity of the ninety minutes better than many commnetators had expected.

Despite viewing figures being lower than expected, peaking at 9.9 million, many people will have been hearing and seeing Nick Clegg for the first time, in this respect he could not fail to impress – I supect he looked different and dare I say it refreshing to electorate.

Now before rushing to the conclusion that the two party system is dead, it is crucial to note that the instant polling which gave Clegg a vote of confidence is highly unlikely to transfer across to the national polls. Much to the dismay of the Lib Dems, I suspect.

If the TV debates, and it’s a big if, lead to an increased Lib Dem share of the vote it may be Labour who stand to lose the most. Paradoxically, a surge in Lib Dem votes may increase a Tory majority and ensure a Lib/Lab coalition is resigned to the political dustbin.

Perhaps, the most pertinent question to ask is, do these debates really matter?

Second debate – International affairs
Date: 22 April 2010; 8 pm
Channel: Sky News, Sky News HD
Location: The South West
Moderator: Adam Boulton

Third debate – Economic affairs
Date: 29 April 2010; 8:30 pm
Channel: BBC One, BBC HD, BBC News Channel
Location: The Midlands
Moderator: David Dimbleby

Election battle begins...

2010-04-06T12:03:00.007+01:00

As expected the Prime Minster today asked the Queen to dissolve parliament for a May 6 Election, Parliament will continue as normal today, followed by the “wash up" process which will allow the parties to horse trade on legislation that has made it through one chamber of Parliament and reached second reading in the other.

Bills that are eligible for “wash up” include:

Digital Economy Bill
Children, Schools and Families Bill
Bribery Bill
Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill
Crime and Security Bill
Energy Bill
Financial Services Bill
Finance Bill
Flood and Water Management Bill

In what promises to be the most exciting general election for a generation, all three party leaders outlined their campaign platforms amidst this morning's media hysteria. The PM outlined “three big challenges" facing the country - securing the recovery, protecting front-line services whilst halving the deficit, and renewing politics. David Cameron launched his Party’s campaign by saying he is fighting for "the great ignored". Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg will launch his campaign in the three-way marginal constituency of Watford.

Dates have now been confirmed for Prime Ministerial TV debates - 15th (ITV, Manchester), 22nd (Sky, Bristol) and 29th (BBC, Birmingham) - These could prove to be game changers.

With the election called, 'purdah' has now commenced, meaning that government continues to operate but cannot make any major policy announcements.

It has also been announced Parliament won't return until May 18th after the election, this is slightly longer than usual, a reflection of the real possibility of a hung Parliament. The election of the Speaker will take place first, along with the swearing-in of the members of parliament. The Queen's Speech will take place the following week and it is expected that this will occur on Wednesday May 26.

PMQs

2010-03-10T15:07:00.006Z

The main focus of today's session was of course, defence, given the PM's recent testistomy at the Chilcot Inquiry. Cameron kicked off with, "Yesterday we had the inquest of four soldiers killed in Afghanistan in 2008. At the time the defence minister, the member for Grantham and Stamford [Quentin Davies] linked their deaths to the commander's choice of vehicle." The PM repeated that Mr Davies had apologised for the remarks. Cameron continued his line of attack in claiming former service personnel have criticised the PM's perfomance at Chilcott.

Inevitably the PM rebuked Cameron's calls for integrity with jibes about Lord Ashcroft's role in the Conservative party. A confident and relaxed PM, even cracked a joke, when Cameron claimed the Tories won the Cold War, claiming that Cameron was "still at school at the time".

Clegg focused on prison policy, specifically re-offending rates, he said Labour had allowed prisons to become "colleges of crime", which are now costing the taxpayer £10bn each year.

Overall, Cameron's angry performance failed to land significant blows on the notably composed PM, perhaps the new confidence is a reflection of today's YouGov poll which showed a reduced 4 point lead for the Tories.

In other news, the budget was finally confirmed today and as expected will take place on 24th March which should once and for all silence speculation of an early general election.