The terrorist  attack in Tunisia has rightly dominated political thinking this week.  As often happens with such atrocities, it causes some thinking on the part of government about national security and, more controversially, surveillance.  David Cameron has reaffirmed a commitment to banning ‘strong’ encryption.  This will put him on a collision course with many in the tech sector but also some of his own MPs as well.  It is the type of issue that a new Lib Dem leader will pick up as well to prove their credentials in defending personal liberties against an over-powerful state machinery.
- The CBI and Conservative Ministers do not always get on. Sajid Javid’s decision to criticise the pro-European stance of the CBI came as quite a surprise. The Business Minister’s comments appeared at odds with the Prime Minister’s commitment that ministers would remain neutral for the time being and were not matched by any criticism comments made by those in support of leaving the EU ‘no matter what’.
- ‘The biggest investment in rail since Victorian times’ lasted less than two months. The decision to ‘pause’ or cancel large parts of Network Rail’s plans for the network could yet cause issues for the Government. It certainly hits connectivity between the cities of the Northern Powerhouse and ‘who knew what and when’ will rumble on.
- More expected on teachers. As well as teaching children, teachers are this week now expected to identify and potentially report radicalised children, including those attending nurseries. In a separate move they are also expected to confiscate unhealthy food.
- An airport decision? Whilst the Davies Commission has recommended the expansion of Heathrow, those opposing the move continues to come together to complain. The Prime Minister has promised a decision by the end of the year but otherwise all is unclear. Deliverability seems to be the word on everyone’s lips.
- For frack’s sake. The decision by Lancashire County Council to reject two planning applications for fracking means that another part of the Government’s energy policy is faltering. It is a clear case of central government championing the process but local people and their representatives rejecting it. This is what can happen when powers really sit at a local level.