And the winner is...

You might have thought all those reviews would bring about a new era of evidence based policy making. Marking, if you like, a clear change of direction from the policy based evidence making of the Blair years. Sadly you would be mistaken. Whether it's 42 days internment without trial, or the classification of cannabis, Gordon seems determined to press on in spite of the views from the DPP and former Attorney General that 28 days is quite enough, or despite the panel of experts report. He must be seen to be Tough. And Tough Men Ignore the Evidence.

But the stupid vote is large and important block, so not to be outdone the Tories are urging a reduction in the term limit for abortions from 24 weeks to 20 weeks, as survival rates for early births are rising. The evidence flatly contradicts this assertion.

A Young Conservative at university once told me he read the Guardian to find out what those in power were thinking. I sometimes wonder if he wouldn't have been better off reading the Mail.