Politics: Law & Reform

A public nuisance

Observations on boozing in public

My Perk is your Fiddle

Following the recent outrage over MPs' expenses, Sean Carey talks to Gerald Mars, who provides an anthropological take on the scandal.

Get yourself a record

Observations on police databases

Burning down the House

Bereft of ideas, the party leaders are ransacking the storehouse of history. Yet, in their very desperation, they are sowing the seeds of destruction of our political system

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Dragging politics down

No matter the reality of the latest expenses revelations, the public perception of politics is sliding and it could have a dramatic effect on turnout at the next election

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A perpetually benevolent state

Spain closes the door

Observations on immigration

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Q&A: Phillipe Sands

Reforming our public services

As the post-Budget dividing lines become ever clearer, there seems to be a gradual re-emergence of ideology in British politics. What is really needed, however, is a coherent vision of public service reform that focuses on the long-term

A question of competence

Jacqui Smith's tenure at the Home Office has been mired in controversy. The country deserves better, argues the Liberal Democrat shadow home secretary