An Old Enemy Helps the Coalition

One difficulty the coalition faces is persuading people that cuts in public spending – and reducing the number of public sector employees – is not in fact an attack on public sector employees. The coalition, contrary to what some pretend, remains in favour of doctors, nurses, police officers and even teachers.

The Prime Minister may say that he’s interested in “partnership” with the Trades Unions but, even if genuine, this won’t get him anywhere since the Unions are making it quite clear they have little interest in such a notion. Indeed, the TUC appear to be declaring war on the government. How else to interpret its call for “a broad solidarity alliance of unions and communities under threat”? Bob Crow may go further than most in calling for civil disobediance, but privately many comrades will agree with his sentiments, though not perhaps his tactics.