That would be a profound change in this country’s attitude towards children and family life. One can argue the case for or against it – but that argument doesn’t really seem to be what’s informing ministers thinking.
People are having fewer children than they want: 80 per cent of British women of childbearing age want at least two children, with an average number of desired children of 2.35 per woman – far above the current total fertility rate of 1.49.
Let us reaffirm our commitment to not just building more of the right homes, but rekindling the Conservative spirit of innovation, spreading opportunity, and, above all, believing in our people and in their dreams.
Last week, Jeremy Hunt took important first steps toward solving three serious problems: the system’s anti-family bias, too much disparity in how earned and unearned income is treated, and absurd marginal rates.
In my long experience, those who wish to regulate home education usually do so based on negative preconceptions. They do not like home education and seek to control it. Conservatives should not fall for this worryingly socialist stance.
To parents providing a quality home education, I want to reassure you: my proposal would not seek to disrupt your right to home educate, or add extra burdens.
They bear all the hallmarks of irresponsible activism, intent on pushing the expansion of abortion at all costs regardless of the real-world impact.
In an ideal world, there would be informed consent, truly altruistic motives, acceptance of an imperfect child, and open communication. In reality, things are very – unacceptably – different.
If someone doesn’t have a smartphone at all, with WhatsApp and other speedy communication apps, then they are effectively shut out of a whole world of conversations, gatherings, parties, and gossip.
The Education Secretary says that the steps the government have already taken towards improving online safety “have yet to be seen by parents”.
Outlawing surrogacy would contradict the Conservative belief in personal liberty and the right of individuals to make decisions that best suit their lives.
Changes to the definition of the family could have serious consequences for tax, inheritance law, and other important areas. Yet the politicians are leaving the new definition up to the judges.
A remarkable amount has been achieved. Often against the odds and in the face of adversity. And certainly in circumstances far less benign than those faced by New Labour.
Sir Keir Starmer attacked the Government over its proposals to expand free childcare, quoting Conservative MPs.
Building on the momentum created by existing policy, and learning lessons from overseas, can deliver a significant boost to British family policy – without breaking the bank.