Mr Blair must stop being so cautious and start taking risks

Article Abstract:

Conflict with the House of Lords over constitutional reform is preventing the UK government from implementing some of its planned initiatives. However, the reform of the House of Lords is also being used as an excuse for delaying other significant reforms that the government would not have been in a hurry to implement if hereditary peers had stopped sitting in the House of Lords a long time ago. It seems that the government is not very willing to go ahead with reforms that bring electoral risks, such as allowing local councils to establish their own business rate.

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Long to reign over us, God save Tony Blair

Article Abstract:

The current UK government is the first to contain senior ministers who do not instinctively support the monarchy. Indeed, it can be argued that around two-thirds of the Cabinet would not feel any regret if the UK were to become a republic. The government would not dare to raise this issue, but, if public opinion were to turn against the monarchy, ministers would not be the strongest supporters of the Queen. As hereditary peers are removed from the House of Lords, the monarchy seems increasingly anachronistic.

Monarchy, British monarchy, Republicanism

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If Blair were to dare it, he could win a euro referendum this year

Article Abstract:

The UK government could derive significant benefits from holding a referendum on membership of European economic and monetary union in 1999. Holding a referendum on this issue would certainly damage the Conservative party, even if that party made significant gains in local elections. There would inevitably be risks associated with holding a referendum, but there is as strong an argument in favour of holding a referendum before the next general election as for delaying a referendum.

United Kingdom, Strategy & planning, Administration of General Economic Programs, European Union, Intnl Economic Policy, Political activity, International economic relations, European Monetary System

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