Edward Teather

This is supposed to be a really intense episode of The West Wing, but I’ve been distracted trying to track down the President’s vintage LSE crest tie

Iran want the Union of Celtic Republics to thrive

The UK is missing a regional tier of govt. Draw them how you want, but multi-county regions of 3-8m people or so with powers from both below and above, assemblies, and empowered leaders *with real budgets* would be a start. WM takes 15% VAT, region takes 5%, both can raise/lower, etc. Regions set/keep proportional property taxes. Then if the NW want a high tax, high spend system, they can have it - but they pay for it. Central govt hands over things like local policing, NHS, schools, etc, focuses on defence, law, foreign policy, major infra, and so on. Fixed payments for each person, plus development grants for poorer regions. Our regions often have quite different political priorities and tilts, so let's give them the chance to see if they work in practice. It may also help parliament become a serious legislature again, rather than hyperlocalised social workers. These reforms don't go nearly far enough, at present. Give proper tax and budget setting powers.

I see the government has published a map of its future regional planning areas. I mean, why ask silly old voters when CLG officials clearly know best

Should academics (profs, lecturers, PhDs teaching) have an official dress code? Is it field related?