Over the last number of weeks, the WikiLeaks debacle has demonstrated incontrovertibly the power and potential of disseminating information online. However, the ability to access a near infinite databank of knowledge, though arguably valuable for scrutinising politicians, is less welcome elsewhere. The country’s most senior judicial figure, Lord Judge, has condemned juries’ use of the… [Read More]
The Equality Act 2010 came into force on 1st October; however, not all provisions have been implemented. One provision which is being considered by the Government is the prohibition on ‘age discrimination in services and public functions’. This would extend the law prohibiting discrimination on characteristics other than age (sex, religion, race etc). I imagine… [Read More]
The value of the humanities in this country has long been under-represented in public discourse. Never has this deficit been more evident than in last month’s Browne report, which saw the removal of the teaching budget for arts and humanities subjects, writes Aoife O’Donnell.
The WikiLeaks story has, along with Snowmaggedon, been the central theme of this week’s news. Opinions appear very sharply divided between those who think the leaks are ‘putting lives at risk’ and others who feel the goings-on of high politics should be accessible to all. The niggling questions are: do the leaks really matter at… [Read More]
The Financial Times and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism have launched a comprehensive database in order to ‘track every penny distributed through the EU’s Structural Funds to date’. This website is a serious attempt at improving transparency around EU spending, and it provides a window of opportunity for the EU to restore citizens’ trust in… [Read More]
Indiscriminate blanket bans on looking after children have once again come under fire. A new report warns that the automatic bars against sex offenders adopting children could breach ECHR rights. Whilst the scheme purports to make children safer, it in fact stifles the paramountcy of children’s interests and panders to a blind aura of ‘moral… [Read More]
Yesterday the Irish government finalised a rescue deal worth €85 billion for the country’s beleaguered banks. With all such large financial decisions, the initial test of success was seen to be the reaction of the markets. Thus, we all had to wait until Monday before the markets opened to see how the Irish bailout was… [Read More]
Civitas is looking to encourage more people to get involved in our blog through commenting on the various posts. Our hope is that the blog will serve to foster an atmosphere of informed debate. We have tried to make it simpler for you to comment on blog posts by removing the need for registration prior… [Read More]
Earlier today (24th November) the European Court of Justice (ECJ) overturned a member state imposed limit on EU salary increases. The ruling is an ill-timed move that is likely to further complicate the 2011 EU budget negotiations, writes Natalie Hamill.
On Wednesday, the Government will publish its white paper on the future of state education in England. The reforms proposed are wide-ranging, but one is particularly welcome; the reform of teacher training.