Chris Smith

Banking & Insurance

The nasty world Vickers missed

• 13 April 2011
• 3 comments

In his banking review, John Vickers said there isn’t enough competition among high street banks. He failed to mention how it’s hitting the poorest hardest . . . but there’s a way out.

Last rites for the “big society” as charities join the critical list

• 01 April 2011
• 13 comments

“It’s an idea built on sand.”

UK Politics

The census may have a nugget, but Tesco already has the gold

• 24 March 2011
• 5 comments

The government has nothing on supermarkets when it comes to keeping to tabs on people.

Health

A taxing question for the NHS

• 17 March 2011
• 3 comments

There is serious trouble ahead if the Conservatives enact their planned reforms of Britain’s health service.

Osborne’s plan, big in the Eighties

• 11 March 2011
• 1 comment

Echoes of the Long Good Friday as the coalition goes back to the Eighties.

Education

Class action

• 14 July 2010
• 4 comments

Michael Gove needs to find some better advisers fast.

Politics

Labour leadership: what role will the SpAds play?

• 28 June 2010
• 3 comments

Special advisers should be part of the bridge between frontbenchers and the party membership.

Politics

London calling the shots

• 11 May 2010
• 1 comment

London Labour has been buoyed by election results thought impossible a year ago.

Culture

Leading man

• 03 July 2006

Bush, Sarkozy and Blair have much to learn from Shakespeare's heroes