Ed’s “something for something” society

Fraser’s already commented on the welfare angle of Ed Miliband’s keynote speech to the Labour party; the welfare proposals are part of a broad analytical sweep that can be reduced to the catchphrase, ‘the something for something society’. Miliband’s vision of society will reward those who work and abide by the rules at the expense of those who do not – those who loot, who fiddle expenses, those who pursue short-termism in business. According to the Guardian, he will also emphasise the importance of social mobility and equality. To that end, he will encourage universities to take more people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Society and government should stand up for those who are being engulfed by what Miliband has termed the “quiet crisis”.

The speech is, of course, vital. Miliband has failed to connect with his party struggling to make poll breakthrough, with only one four voters believing him to be a credible prime minister in waiting according to the latest