The best way to restore the authority of parliament is to make voting in elections compulsory. People would be able to spoil their ballot papers if they really wanted to. But they would pay a hefty fine if they failed to turnout to vote. A 100% turnout is the best foundation for the rebuilding of parliament's authority.   more »

This problem should have been confronted a long time ago.   We believe in a 'confrontational' approach to policies.  By this we don't mean confronting people, we mean deliberately moving towards problems rather than away from them.   A number of good public servants are going to have to step down now - all because they made ridiculous, ill-judged and unethical expenses claims.  It's a shame but it is unavoidable.  All major parties need to weed out the worst cases - that can't be left to local constituency parties.  It will take several weeks but it mustn't be allowed to drag on longer than that. 

They couldn't have prevented the global recession but there is more that the Government could be doing to reduce its impact.  For a start they could have come into the recession with stronger public finances.  The cut in VAT is untargeted and the money could have been used more effectively.  Major infrastructure projects should be being brought forward.   As a one off measure people on benefits for a long time should be able to work and keep all their pay and benefits for a set period.  Mortgage lenders should be encouraged to re-introduce first-time-buyer mortgages at sensible interest rates.  As long as they have a good deposit and they meet affordability tests, first time homebuyers should be given a right to a mortgage and the right to a very quick appeal process.   Finally the Government should be doing everything to make the UK a great place for business.  See our proposals for Competitiveness and Public Finances.