The Government’s real problem is not the Lords, but the Commons
Tory MPs would have forced changes to Osborne’s tax credit plan in any event. Are they really up for the tough decisions that deficit reduction requires?
What the Chancellor’s promise to ‘deal with’ the Lords could mean in practice
Downing Street has promised action on the constitutional issues raised by last night’s defeat – but what might it be?
The Government is defeated in the Lords on tax credits. What next for Osborne, welfare reform and the constitution?
The savings still need to be made. The Government still struggles to judge Parliament’s mood. And why aren’t Bishops this angry about other injustices?
Tory allies win a huge victory in Poland’s elections
Law and Justice now holds the Parliament and the Presidency – so much for critics who dismissed the ECR as a “lunatic fringe”.
Amery has a passionate lesson for the EU referendum debate
A new biography of Julian Amery shows the expansive spirit in which we should debate the national interest.
“The housing ladder begins with people sleeping on the streets”
So said Grant Shapps, eight years ago. Conservatives shouldn’t forget it now.
EVEL shows how we can reform on a small majority
It could easily have been dropped: that it has passed, albeit in modified form, is good news for those who believe in our more radical manifesto promises.
There is no reason in principle not to have a sugar tax
The case against one in practice isn’t to be confused with anti-state rhetoric which is not Conservative in flavour – and turns off voters.
Does May’s closest adviser joining the Vote Leave campaign signal her intentions?
We floated the scenario of her going for Brexit last week. Speculation about her intentions will grow. As will the pressure for Boris to make his mind up.
Andrew Gimson’s PMQs sketch: Jeremy of Islington’s gimmick has run its course
Jacob of North-East Somerset pointed to the alarming possibility that the Prime Minister may soon have a pretext for creating hundreds of new peers.
Denying the young opportunity while loading them with responsibility is a failure of Conservative values
A nation whose children are less well off than their parents is not doing its job.
Heidi Allen’s Maiden Speech assault on the Government’s tax credit plans in full
“I hope we will see again those gems of prudence and wise judgement that drew me to the Conservative Party before it is too late.”
In seeking to control spending, Osborne is Thatcher’s heir. He deserves support over tax credits.
Yes, changes could be made to his plans – and probably will be. But the Chancellor is on the right side of a big, vital argument.
EVEL has slipped off the radar, but the Government hasn’t solved it
The Procedure Committee’s interim report suggests that the Government will have a fight on its hands to defend its vision for English Votes.
Who are the six Cabinet ministers who want to leave the EU? And can Cameron really afford to sack them?
Insisting that they back Remain or lose their jobs would be wrong – and it looks increasingly risky, too.