We all want to live in a fair society. But what should that mean – and how could we get there? I propose that our core fairness test could be this: that we should not inherit our life chances at birth. In Britain today, where we are born and who our parents are still matters far too much in determining our opportunities and outcomes in life. And so our own choices, talents and aspirations count for too little.
Malcolm Wicks MP, Minister for Energy and Sustainable Development, spoke to the Fabian Society on what he said would be two of the major political themes of the 21st Century. Elaborating on the implications for fairness and social justice, Wicks suggested action that should be taken on energy security and climate change by both governement and citizens.
In the Spring edition of the Fabian Review - which focused on the environmental challenges facing policy-makers - Matthew Taylor of the RSA interviewed the environmentalist Mayer Hillman. The following is the full transcript of their conversation.
"The war in Iraq seems to be shifting seamlessly into the war in Iran," leading academic Professor Ali Ansari warned the Fabian fringe. With fears growing of a military confrontation between the US and Iran, read the full transcript of the Fabian fringe meeting with Iranian reformist and democratic voices, asking how left-leaning internationalists should approach the Iran crisis.
Facing questions from academic and Third Way author Tony Giddens at a Fabian fringe about how the government could tackle inequalities caused by the private school system, Cabinet Secretary Ed Miliband said: "I don't think it is an easy issue." At the Where Next for the Equalities Debate, Miliband challenged Giddens to come up with solutions or suggestions.
The government's language on British Muslims has had to change to avoid alienating the Muslim mainstream, Cabinet Minister John Denham told the Fabian fringe.
The Labour party needs to challenge the cynicism about politics to win new members, said Douglas Alexander at the Fabians' first fringe event Campaigning for Change. International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said: "We must be the bearer of a distinctive vision of the good society."
Contract across generations needed to build solidarity and avoid generation clash, Minister tells Fabian fringe.
Speakers include: Faisal Islam, Channel Four News, Sadiq Khan MP, Bill Rammell MP, Professor Alan Walker, University of Sheffield, Julian Walker, Barnado's.
"The war in Iraq seems to be shifting seamlessly into the war in Iran," leading academic Professor Ali Ansari warned the Fabian fringe. With fears growing of a military confrontation between the US and Iran, read the full transcript of the Fabian fringe meeting with Iranian reformist and democratic voices, asking how left-leaning internationalists should approach the Iran crisis.
