The terrible attacks in Paris have rightly dominated all political and media discussion this week but there has been a little room for other stories.
Politicians here have, at least so far, been very careful not to say anything about the attacks that could be interpreted as making political capital out of them. However, with issues about border controls, the sharing of intelligence between countries and the encryption of data all now starting to be discussed, there are some obvious potential matters that could be employed as part of the UK’s renegotiations. Without using such barbaric acts for grubbing politics, there could be more widespread sympathy for the tightening of border controls and the completely free flow of people around Europe.
So what can we learn from the political news this week?
- Ken is always Ken. Ken Livingstone’s ability to say outrageous things never ceases to amaze and / or appall people. This weeks’ comments regarding mental health seemed to be the tip of very public dispute over Labour defence review.
- Winter is coming. The prospects of the Conservative Party’s very own Winter of Discontent moved a step closer with the overwhelming decision by junior doctors to go on strike. The BMA were quick to say that if there was a Paris style attack then the doctors would return to work but this could be the start of a potentially long and divisive confrontation. The Conservative Government will not want to be seen as doing any special deals for one part of the public sector over another,but on the other hand the Party remains aware of its poor reputation in the eyes of the electorate when it comes to running the NHS.
- Here come the cuts. The forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review / Autumn Statement will show how serious the Government is about cutting the deficit and how series the cuts will be. In advance of the statement, the Police have warned that further cuts will impact on their ability to respond to terrorist attacks.
- Bully boy tactics. The Conservative Party has become embroiled in a series of allegations of bullying that ultimately led to the suicide of a young Tory activist. The allegations have been in the media for some time now but were this week the subject of a Newsnight investigation. But this has expanded into allegations of MP’s being blackmailed and questions of who knew what, when and whether they failed to take action.
- Syrian strikes? The Prime Minister apparently wants to ask the Commons again for permission to undertake air strikes in Syria. The Labour Party may or may not get a free vote on the issue but Jeremy Corbyn has already made it very clear that he does not support such action. Meanwhile, despite the agreed position of her party, SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon claimed to be prepared ‘to listen’, inferring potential support. Her position came as a surprise not least to the Government who believed that the SNP would always be totally opposed. Sturgeon’s comment show her current power as leader but also cements the party’s importance in Westminster. Suddenly the SNP could make or break a vote on action.