There are active philosophical debates about what “fairness” means. The UK Conservative party has little time for such niceties. For the Tories, “fairness” is what they want to do. “Unfairness” is what the government does. Launching a campaign called “Unfair Britain”, George Osborne, the shadow chancellor, has landed some solid blows on the government, but he has also highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition.

Much of the charge-sheet against the government is familiar – and fair. On schools, universities and skills, Tory policies hit the mark. School choice, independence for colleges, and a commitment to broadening higher education are exactly what Britain needs to compete in the world economy.