Way behind in the polls and battered after 13 years in power, there is more than a hint of party politics in the Conservative Government talking tough on crime.
If the latest proposals to block the release of dangerous criminals from prison are as important as Justice Secretary Dominic Raab today claims, questions must be asked about why they were not introduced much earlier.
Reforming the parole system to emphasise protection of the public over the rights of convicted prisoners would enjoy widespread support, which presumably is why the Tories are proposing it now.
But we must be wary of anything hinting that the whim of a minister rather than a judge’s sentence or qualified experts would decide who walks free and who does not.
The truth behind Tory spin is the criminal justice system is in absolute chaos after 13 years of Conservative savage cuts and unforgivable neglect, victims regularly denied justice including by long court backlogs.
Save our Mail
The Royal Mail will deserve to be renationalised with minimal compensation if hardline bosses put the regulated postal service into a form of administration.
Issuing heavy threats, presumably intended to intimidate workers as pay talks teeter on the verge of collapse, is unacceptable and ministers must be ready to act decisively to protect the public interest.
Sold on the cheap, Royal Mail generated huge salaries for those at the top and profits for shareholders – so commercial parent International Distributions Systems is asking for trouble should it start persecuting posties.
Something is clearly wrong after 18 days of strikes last year but what smacks of corporate blackmail must never go unpunished.
He who cares
David Jason is unexpectedly playing two of the best roles of all late in life, as a proud dad and grandad.
As his character Del Boy might say – triffic.
