A Policy for the Election

A Policy for the 2024 General Election—Which one would you want to become enacted? Perhaps you have some much better ideas. Let’s hear ‘em! Here are some suggestions.

Policy #1: Marriage: End legal marriage

Marriage is a completely unenforceable legal contract and furthermore it is too narrow in its focus to meet the needs of modern society. I propose therefore that marriage is taken off the statute book. Couples will still be able to take traditional vows and register their relationship with whichever religious or secular organisation they wish. These ‘marriages’ will simply be ceremonial and have no legal standing. The old marriage contract will be replaced by a series of civil ‘household’ contacts drawn up by solicitors.

The big advantage of this arrangement is that groupings other than couples with children could be covered. For instance two of more friends, or siblings, wanting to buy property together could form a ‘household’. Arrangements for children in the event of death of a parent could be covered too. End-of-life arrangements and power of attorney could be bundled into these contracts.

So ’marriage’ would be replaced by ’households’. Much more flexible, comprehensive and diverse.

Policy #2: Education: National Service for eighteen year olds

The Tories are proposing bringing back National Service for 18 year olds. I like this idea but I would ensure it was for two years and would be compulsory. It would become a rite-of-passage for young people. However, I would make it primarily civic service and not military although a minority would be allowed to move along a military path if they wished and this could lead into a military career for some. The rest would be paid a proper salary for their work which would be in areas like conservation, social care and farming. There would be a large emphasis on physical labour. At various points in their service the young people would undergo a range of tests to help them determine what their interests are and what kind of work they like. Some adventure activity like Duke of Edinburgh’s or Outward Bound training could be included. They would live in small-group communities and have to do their own cooking, cleaning and budgeting which would be very useful training in cooperating with others and taking responsibility. There would be support and courses in these ‘life=skills’. The benefit of this kind of experience would be: young people mixing with different classes, learning how to organise and cooperate, learning how to handle money and look after themselves, discovering what really interests them and determine a career path.

Policy #3: Environment: Repairable consumer goods

Give companies producing consumer goods tax-breaks for making their goods repairable and making spares available. This would help to cut down waste as items like kettles and toasters  currently have to be thrown away when they break down.

Policy #4: Housing: All new houses to be factory-produced pre-fabs

A large-scale government initiative to stimulate adoption of sustainable, energy-efficient, factory-built, prefabricated buildings. If we need more housing it seems crazy that we are still cementing one brick on top of another when the technology is available to produce much cleverer housing. It could start with a national competition to find the best design for affordable housing. The prize would be a huge contract for new housing estates and new eco-towns.

Policy #5: Education: Change school terms and exams

The summer holidays are too long for children. Let’s have four terms with shorter holiday breaks in between. The school year to synchronise with the calendar year and start in January. GCSE/A levels/Baccalaureate to be repeated at various points through the year like law and accountacy exams so students can take exams when they are ready and repeat as many times as they like.