Archive for November, 2010
Misunderstanding markets
Posted by Stephen Clarke in Economics, European Union, Politics on 30/11/2010
Yesterday the Irish government finalised a rescue deal worth €85 billion for the country’s beleaguered banks. With all such large financial decisions, the initial test of success was seen to be the reaction of the markets. Thus, we all had to wait until Monday before the markets opened to see how the Irish bailout was received by the financial sector.
We need you!
Posted by David Merlin-Jones in Announcements on 26/11/2010
Civitas is looking to encourage more people to get involved in our blog through commenting on the various posts. Our hope is that the blog will serve to foster an atmosphere of informed debate.
We have tried to make it simpler for you to comment on blog posts by removing the need for registration prior to submitting a comment. Now all you need to do is to give your name and email address.
The blog is an interactive area and if you haven’t/don’t already commented/comment, we strongly urge you to on the blog posts which inspire your interest. We are especially keen to hear about our readers’ on the ground involvement with the topics being discussed.
Unpicking and discussing complicated issues in our society is a central aim of a think tank’s remit, and the blog provides a forum in which that debate can be widened out.
Do also let us know if you have ideas about issues that you think merit examination in a blog post, or suggestions on how to develop the blog further, via email at info[at]civitas.org.uk Read the rest of this entry »
Member states’ limit on EU civil service pay rise is overruled
Posted by Claire Daley in Economics, European Union, Tax and Spend on 24/11/2010
Earlier today (24th November) the European Court of Justice (ECJ) overturned a member state imposed limit on EU salary increases. The ruling is an ill-timed move that is likely to further complicate the 2011 EU budget negotiations, writes Natalie Hamill.
Teaching the teachers
Posted by Stephen Clarke in Education, Politics on 22/11/2010
On Wednesday, the Government will publish its white paper on the future of state education in England. The reforms proposed are wide-ranging, but one is particularly welcome; the reform of teacher training.
My grand day out to a British textiles manufacturer
Posted by David Merlin-Jones in British History, Economics on 19/11/2010
If wool was a food chain, Fox Brothers & Co would be king. The company has been producing wool based textiles for nearly 250 years and its name is synonymous with flannel, a versatile woollen fabric. It is a British company based in Somerset and, unlike many other long established British textile manufacturers, it has survived the great decline the sector has suffered. In fact, it is currently facing a resurgence in demand.
I was kindly invited to tour the mill and experience its quintessential British manufacturing. This blog post details my expedition and the process of creating flannel. As a rare treat, pictures are also included. Read the rest of this entry »
Will a ‘referendum lock’ prevent any future loss of UK sovereignty?
Posted by Claire Daley in European Union on 18/11/2010
Last year, David Cameron promised ‘Never again should it be possible for a British Government to transfer power to the EU without the say of the British people.’ This promise has now been translated into a European Union Bill, which contains a crucial ‘referendum lock’, writes Natalie Hamill. The Bill has been reported as the most significant piece of legislation on the transfer of power between the UK and EU since the 1972 European Communities Act. Can it possibly live up to these high expectations?