Daily Archives: November 13, 2015

How Sweden, the most open country in the world, was overwhelmed by migrants – Telegraph

November 13, 2015 By in Immigration, People, Politics Tags: , , , 3 Comments
English: (Green) Sweden. (Light-green) The Eur...

English: (Green) Sweden. (Light-green) The European Union (EU). (Grey) Europe. (Light-grey) The surrounding region. See also: Category:SVG locator maps of countries of Europe (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

According to this Telegraph article, Sweden used to pride itself on giving a warm welcome to outsiders – but as the refugee crisis grows, so too does its sense of injustice.

Source: How Sweden, the most open country in the world, was overwhelmed by migrants – Telegraph

Like most of Europe, Sweden has reacted to the migration/refugee crises but is missing a fundamental strategy. Now immigration is questioning the values in Sweden’s liberal democracy.

The article contrasts Sweden to the UK, and supports David Cameron‘s policy priorities.

The point is that both Sweden and the UK have changed fundamentally because of immigration policies. It’s time for European countries to develop and effective strategy.

Thoughts?

Revealed: Social Experiments To ‘Nudge’ Sick And Disabled Into Work | Welfare Weekly

November 13, 2015 By in Austerity, Business Administration, Economics, Fiscal Policy, George Osborne, Growth, Healthcare, People, Politics, Public Services Reform, Unemployment 1 Comment
Sketch map of Whitehall, London, showing the p...

Sketch map of Whitehall, London, showing the position of the major UK Government buildings there (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

According to this article, the UK Government is conducting ‘social experiments’ on sick and disabled people, to find ways of pushing them into employment.

Source: Revealed: Social Experiments To ‘Nudge’ Sick And Disabled Into Work | Welfare Weekly

Despite being conservative in my political views, I identify with some of the threads in this article.

I believe in small and efficient government, with policies that are properly evidence-based, rather than pandering to political sponsors. However, it’s important to have appropriate social safety nets for the sick and disabled.

Some years ago, I was involved with Remploy, the partially UK government funded organization that created work for the disabled. Austerity has reduced Remploy to a shadow of its earlier self.

I worry that the UK government prefers short-term political wins, rather than strategically defined choices, based on rigorous evidence-based policy.

Thoughts?