Ed’s inbox – February 14th

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

If Ed Miliband could only read five blogposts each day, he’d read these ones…

Never the Same Again – David Miliband
By David Miliband

William Hague’s statement to Parliament today was pretty flat. It didn’t really capture the significance of the Nile Revolution for the future of the Middle East, and perhaps the wider world. Maybe one reason for the flatness is that the old words that were used to discuss Middle Eastern politics – like ‘stability’ or ‘reform’ or even ‘peace process’ when there isn’t one – are a hindrance not a help. – Read more.

Five reasons why you can’t trust Cameron with the Big Society – Left Foot Forward
By Will Straw

The Prime Minister will attempt to relaunch his “mission in politics” today by setting out details of how a £200m bank will fund voluntary projects. Getting more people to volunteer is a laudable aim, but there are five reasons why you can’t trust David Cameron with the Big Society. – Read more.

Four reasons why tax avoidance makes us all worse off – Liberal Conspiracy
By Sunny Hundal

The continuing rise of UKuncut and the publication of Nick Shaxson’s book Treasure Islands has highlighted tax avoidance and tax havens like never before.

Predictably, the usual suspects on the right wail that all this is legal and should be allowed. So I think it’s time to knock down some of the arguments against tax avoidance and tax havens. It’s worth pointing out that tax havens have fuelled tax avoidance, and vice versa. The two are not the same but are highly inter-connected; one cannot be tackled without the other. – Read more.

As we celebrate new Middle Eastern democracy, let’s not forget the old one – Labour Uncut
By Michael Dugher

When interviewed this morning on the Today programme, the Israeli deputy foreign minister, Danny Ayalon, said he “very much applauded the Egyptian people” but he warned that the “uncertainty” in Egypt created vulnerabilities for Israel and the wider region. Yesterday, on BBC One’s Andrew Marr show, quartet envoy, Tony Blair, described the events as a “pivotal moment” and urged the West to engage with supporters of democracy and help countries evolve and move in the right direction. Significantly, he said that progress could unblock the Middle East peace process and be of “huge benefit”. – Read more.

An age of revolt – in an age without a left – Left Futures
By Owen Jones

I remember the exact moment when I realised that I was living in a different era from the politically tranquil times I grew up in. It was in a lecture theatre at University College London, a week or so after the 52,000-strong student march. An impromptu ‘what next?’ meeting had been called, and the room was absolutely packed with undergrads. Baby-faced though I am, I was probably one of the oldest people there. – Read more.

Our suggestions for Ed’s inbox are limited by what we read – so if you’ve seen a blogpost that should be in Ed’s inbox, let us know.