Conservatives announce Education Reform Plans

In the BBC article, Tories to create more academies, posted on February 28th the Tory government outlined their education reform plans that they would put into effect after an upcoming election victory. Shadow education secretary Michael Gove told that a new education bill would be brought in days after a Tory election victory that would exempt the best schools from Ofsted inspections and allow them to focus on problem schools. Mr. Gove also detailed that, "We need a new generation of independent state schools run by teachers who know your child's name, not by politicians." Party Leader David Cameron is obviously on board with these reforms, saying that schools would gain a multitude of benefits such as direct money flow, more in-school control, and admissions authority. Another part of the reforms would be to pledge money to help cut school class sizes, get better teachers, and provide more one-to-one tuition.

This article relates to Public Policy and Political Institutions. If the Tories win the upcoming election as expected they will most surely pass an education reform bill that would be continuing Britain's current trend of devolution, or the moving away from a centralized system. While the shadow cabinet is an informal "institution" in the UK this article shows the power and influence that it can have.

Photo credit: The Telegraph

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British Premier Struggles to Repaint Blotched Image

In a recent New York Times article Prime Minister Gordon Browns image was discussed, and his need and failure to create a more positive image of himself. Despite Mr. Browns immediate popularity after becoming Prime Minister his public image has lead to harsh accusations and his falling behind in the polls by his main rival and leader of the Conservatives, David Cameron. The Labour Party is attempting to revamp his image making him seem like a more down to earth "regular guy" attempting to juxtapose the Conservatives. This shows the differences of class in Great Briton, its largest social Cleavage. Recently The Observer portrayed Brown as "paranoid, bullying...chaotic" this shows the deep divide of the Newspapers and the people they pander to, that is the papers in Great Briton identify with a party openly. This article goes as far to say something about popularity of Gordon is based on his charisma. Interesting how public opinion has shifted from experience to wanting the young new leader, Cameron.

Orange Order Leaders Voice Concern

Founded more than 200 years ago, following violent clashes between Catholics and Protestants, the Orange Order is Northern Ireland's largest Protestant organization. Its name commemorates the victory of Protestant William of Orange over Catholic King James in 1690. Today the Orange Orger is concerned about parading, as discussed in the BBC News article, Orange Order Leaders Voice Concern on Parade Proposals. Three members from each party in Northern Ireland, the DUP and Sinn Fein, were selected to design a new and improved framework to rule on controversial marches. The nationalists in Northern Ireland oppose Orange Order processions because they feel they are "triumphalists," a feeling also felt by the Catholics in the state.

Following the themes of social cleavage and civil liberties, this article emphasizes the differences between the Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland that often turn violent during parades, like those advocated by the Orange Order. It also restricts the right to assemble of the people, calling for a question of freedom that Northern Irish will have.

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