With this government, it’s often hard to see the wood for the forests. But, overall, David Cameron is on the right side of a major battle over the very fundamentals of government: the size and role of state, as well as radical welfare and education reform. Politicians cannot be expected to fight this battle alone. This is about advocacy: making and winning arguments.
The think tanks have a huge role to play – as Thatcher realised in the mid-1970s when she set up the Centre for Policy Studies. It’s looking for a new director right now, and as a board member I’m on the committee to find one. The CPS is on the side of the angels: advocating low tax, small governments, free minds and free markets.
Labour is very well represented by think tanks (or “institutes”) which are mostly funded by tax money – and will, therefore, always make the case for more tax money.
Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in