COMMENT The post-Blair UK political landscape is proving tough terrain for the opposition Conservatives. They have made life harder for themselves by producing a mass of initiatives pulling in different directions. This week came the last report from six policy commissions set up by David Cameron soon after he became party leader. Setting a clear course after the proposals from various groups will be hard but vital.
This week’s topic was improving the quality of life through measures such as green taxes. In principle, green taxation has much to recommend it. Though few practising politicians would sign up for charging shoppers to park at out-of-town supermarkets – and Mr Cameron is already distancing himself from that – there are other ideas that look more promising, such as ways to encourage energy efficiency.
