Could someone give the chaps from This Morning a beginner’s lesson in citizenship?

Let’s be clear, I know politics is not usually a main topic on ITV’s This Morning. Fair enough. But does that really excuse the absolutely astonishing lack of basic knowledge about our political system displayed by their presenters today? I mean, surely they could at least have let their researchers look into the fundamental principles of this strange form of government we have, before interviewing the Prime Minister on their show, right? Then again, judging by the questions and comments from their audience, I can see why they could be reasonably sure they’d get away with it. But we’ll get to that later.

Now you might be forgiven for thinking that even if you haven’t taken your A-levels in Politics and Government, most people surely know what a parliamentary democracy is. Well, let me tell you, sadly that’s not true. You might also think that at least those people who don’t wouldn’t get very far in their careers. Aaand… wrong again. Actually, they become TV presenters.

Compassionate Tories and the Nasty Welfare State?

When it comes to decontaminating his party’s brand, David Cameron spares no effort. Compassionate Conservatism seems to be one of his favourite catchphrases characterising the new Tories. Only this weekend the prime minister used his speech at the Conservative spring forum to tell the audience that ‘compassion is in our nature. Go to almost any community hall, any neighbourhood association or any charity sale up and down the country and you’ll find members of this party.’ To tell from their reaction, the party faithful enjoyed a bit of flattery after all the unpopularity they are facing in the polls these days. So what is wrong with a little pat on the back from the PM for his suffering party? Maybe, put that way, there is nothing wrong with it. But it’s not so much the new image they try to present that I find worrying. It is the underlying attitude.