The first week of December and no signs of Westminster slowing just yet. Billons in infrastructure spending were confirmed in the shape of roads, tunnels and flood defences. Homes are to be built on government-owned land for the first time in a generation, while Bicester is to be the new garden city. Let’s hope it’s close to the vision that William Morris and his peers created.
Ukip continued to get headlines but there was a shift to the more familiar political ones of chauffeur-driven cars and bodyguards. And even if they don’t know what their policy on sex education is, it is amazing that they have one.
This week also saw the 27th World Aids Day, marking a disease which claimed over 1.5 million lives in 2013. Royals and celebs led the way with a great #FeelNoShame campaign to support the globally needed efforts, while Nick Clegg posted a two-minute video.
The penultimate talks prior to the UN Climate summit in Paris 2015 kicked off. Despite coming to the end of what is likely to be the hottest year on record, only 119 of the 195 countries attending have sent their decision-making ministers. The Coalition are, on this occasion, taking a leading role as Ed Davey and Amber Rudd attended the talks. But domestic policies to drive down emissions do not reflect this level of enthusiasm for tackling climate change – there is no chance of George Osborne talking of green growth and climate threats as part his economic strategy.
On which, the Autumn statement was delivered, having been trailed for much of the week before. It was the Chancellor’s last throw to convince the voting public that the economy is safest in Conservative hands and placing it front and center of their election strategy – all else will be a distraction, especially on immigration and Europe. As to whether £2 billion a year extra for frontline NHS services and reduced stamp duty will be enough will have to be seen, given low wage increases and extended freezes on public sector pay.
Ending the week, Ed Miliband was forced to remember the controversy around Emily Thornberry, as a mini-reshuffle was required for the Labour frontbench. Lord ‘Willy’ Bach took the role of shadow attorney general, while remaining foreign office spokesman. Karl Turner, the MP for Hull East and a criminal lawyer, moved to shadow solicitor general. And Chris Bryant became shadow minister for the arts, replacing Helen Goodman who took up the shadow welfare reform position. An unremarkable shuffling resulting from the baby being thrown out with the bath water.