Since last week’s Spending Review – and even before – the government has
been operating in a toxic news environment. I mean, just consider the three main news stories that have surrounded the cuts. First, the 500,000 public sector job losses. Then, the IFS report and
that single, persistent word: “regressive”. And today – on the covers of the Independent and the Times –
warnings that we could be dipping back into recession. Set alongside that tidal swell, the outpourings of Simon
Hughes and the polling companies register as little
more than sour footnotes.
Even if the coalition plans to hide some of its better news, there’s a clear need for it to push back against the gloom – lest it erode both public and Lib Dem support for they are doing. And so we arrive at today, which features two examples of how the government will manage the next few months of operations.
Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in