Richard Grayson on David Laws and the Orange Book
Given some of the recent exchanges between Richard Grayson and others, I found this comment from Richard in a book published in 2009 (and which I’m writing a review of over the holidays) interesting:
As for so-called economic liberals, look at the material in the Orange Book from David Laws, often characterised by the media and some Liberal Democrats as a high-priest of economic liberalism. One finds there a clear recognition of the effects on freedom of ‘poverty, poor housing, poor schooling and second-rate public services’. Within the Liberal Democrats, in internal discussions on manifesto and other policy statements, he has personally been a strong advocate of state spending on early years education, on the basis that this is the best place to tackle those inequalities which have the greatest impact on the life chances of children from the poorest families. These are not the views of a nineteenth-century Liberal.
Very interesting Mark. I was actually just looking over the Orange Book again yesterday (it’s easy to get distracted from land law) and I did wonder how many people who are so vociferous in their criticism of it have actually read it. It is broadly a very reasonable book, and I suspect most liberals would agree with much of its content. (And it’s also worth remembering who actually contributed to the book, including Chris Huhne, Vince Cable, Steve Webb, Ed Davey – it’s not just b
David Laws!)
For some, unfortunately, it seems that ‘Orange Booker’ has become a pejorative term for people with whom they disagree on a particular issue.
Interesting point Mark. What I was saying here was that David is not a C19th liberal. But that can still mean he is on the centre-right and believes in a smaller state in many areas. Nor does my comment contradict concerns I have expressed about Nick’s enthusiasm for C19th liberal thinkers. I look forward to seeing your full review! Where will it be?
Haven’t blogged it yet, but sneak peak here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Political-Thought-Liberals-Democrats-Languages/dp/0719079489/
By the way Mark, I should also say that although published in 2009, much of that piece was written in 2006, and I didn’t get a chance to revise it past 2007. So I could say nothing about, for example, the 2008 tax debate at conference, nor the formation of the Social Liberal Forum. Much has happened since then as we all know, and though I would stand by the comments I made on David and C19th liberalism (and write them again), I would have much more to say about the direction of the party in 2008-2010 which would create a more logical link between what I said in (effectively) 2007 and what I am saying now.
He is correct.