Rail strikers squeeze money out of the many, for the few

Yet again a strike which was supposedly about safety has gone away now that a large amount of money has been secured.

No, the Government is not on the verge of collapse. Only Tory MPs can currently force its demise. Which they shouldn’t.

Its poll rating is 40 per cent or so, the economy is growing, and an election isn’t due until 2022. A sense of perspective is essential – for all the Government’s weaknesses.

Ideas for the Budget 4) Nick Denys: Give workers greater control, in order to make us all richer

The Chancellor should also support life-long learning through training vouchers, and offer tax breaks for politically independent trade unions.

Brandon Lewis: Our immigration policy. Taking back control with compassion.

Our proposals on how to do so will be brought forward next year. In so doing, we will drive our commitment to get net migration down to sustainable levels.

Nick Campsie and Dan Watkins: Going a little further on free childcare could produce disproportionate benefits

Current provision helps, but it doesn’t quite offer the full range of employment opportunities that would make the biggest difference.

Howard Flight: Young people are better off than they were. But they face two specific problems.

Young people eat out, often several times a week – my fiancée and I could only afford to eat out once a month at most. They are also better paid, absolutely and relatively.

James Arnell: Ready on Day One for Brexit. 1) Money. If there’s no deal, and the EU fails to play fair, we shouldn’t pay it a penny.

I would propose that we pay a total of €12 billion as our “divorce bill” – even if there’s no FTA. But subject to three conditions.

Robert Buckland: “We must speak the language of opportunity”. His lecture on Tory revival. Full text.

“The language should be that of giving people their chance to succeed and of being on their side – a “people politics” that many practice locally but which must be scaled up.”

Alan Mak: The Fourth Industrial Revolution 3) We must prepare workers for the changes that are coming

The 4IR should not be framed as people versus machines. It can – and should be – people empowered by machines.

Ben Bradley: My generation of 25-45 year olds should be the heartland of Conservative politics.

There’s a place for having a go at Corbyn – how could we not when so much of what he says is so indefensible? – but it has to be combined with our plan for a better life.

Andrew Green: Do we really need yet more EU workers?

Some employers have been doing very nicely out of labour which puts up with low pay, poor conditions and little flexibility in their hours.

Why are May and capitalism worth conserving?

The Prime Minister must explain today how reforming the system will deliver more gains for workers and familes than tearing it up.

Sponsored Post: Kevin Green: Can the UK labour force meet demand after Brexit?

EU nationals are vital to our economy. The Government should bear this in mind in the negotiations.

James Bundy: Schools, housing, social mobility – and the passionate case that Scottish Conservatives must make

Voters aren’t focusing on the constitution, but on the SNP’s record in Government. We must be ready to capitalise on this by telling then the truth.

Andy Cook: Give the poor a pay rise? Boost their productivity.

The Government must do much more to promote universities, apprenticeships and FE colleagues equally to ensure that young people get the skills they need.