Want to know what the UK will look like under Miliband? Look at Wales

Today, Labour in Wales celebrate 15 years in power. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, party members will congratulate themselves on what a fantastic job they’re doing. First Minister Carwyn Jones claims his administration represents a ‘living, breathing example of what the party can achieve in power’. Labour leader Ed Miliband agrees. He says ‘we have a great deal to learn from the things that Carwyn and his government are doing’. On housing, on health, on education, on people’s spending power – Labour certainly talks the talk. But in Wales, where they have had ample time to prove themselves, are they living up to Labour’s big promises? Let us consider a few examples:

Education

Wales has consistently dropped down the international education rankings over the last 15 years. In the latest round of results, Wales came 43rd out of 65 countries in maths attainment, 41st in reading and 36th in science – marking a massive fall of six places.