Thanks for these threads Richard. I don't always agree with what you say but,as a Brit living abroad, I find it very useful to find out what is happening in the UK. Scary, but useful.

It looks as if the UK government are going down the same route that the USA have gone - very little in the way of safety nets for the worst off and devil take the hindmost attitude from the fat cats.

Here's hoping the 'quiet revolution that seems to be just starting takes off in a big way.