Poll shows public oppose Thatcher’s privatisation of utilities – Media roundup: April 18th, 2013

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Poll shows public oppose Thatcher’s privatisation of utilities and “right to buy”

“The Thatcherite policy of privatisation also fails to chime with the British public today – 61% agreed that more public utilities, including energy and water, are “best run by the public sector”, versus just 26% who said private companies answerable to shareholders were the best suited. The YouGov research – contrary to other polls – also suggested Brits have cooled off on the idea of Thatcher’s flagship “right to buy” policy, with 42% supporting it, versus 49% who agreed with a statement saying social housing should be kept in public hands “for future generations in need”.” – Guardian

Scottish Labour to consider full devolution of income tax

“A commission set up by Scottish Labour has said there is a “strong case for devolving income tax in full” to the Scottish Parliament. However a report, to be debated at Labour’s conference this weekend, says nothing should be done that threatens Scottish public service funding. The report is from a commission set up by the Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont. It is Labour’s attempt to have a new offer in place to counter independence.” – BBC

Other highlights

• What Ed Miliband must do next – Maurice Glasman
• Thatcherism’s day is done – Owen Smith, New Statesman
• Tory PPC “has staff arrested” – Political Scrapbook