Our ambition at the Manifesto Club is to start to develop the theory and substance of a politics of freedom. Our Thinkpieces are deep-thinking, spirited proposals for how to do things better in a particular area of life, written by Manifesto Club members from all over the world.
About Thinkpieces, by Josie Appleton, convenor of the Manifesto Club
BOOKS FOR THE PEOPLE, by Ciaran Guilfoyle
Public libraries have become focused on anything but their book collections, and take an increasingly patronising approach to the public. Books should be free to access for all, and distractions moved outside the library.
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A GROWN-UP CHILD PROTECTION POLICY, by George Hoare
Child protection policies are harmful to children, and encourage suspicion amongst adults. We must focus on the positive things adults can bring to children, and confidently take collective responsibility for younger generations.
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A LIBERAL EDUCATION POLICY, by Michele Ledda
Education has become inward-looking, obsessed with the child’s inner self, ultimately creating passive consumers who must depend on the state for guidance throughout their lives. We must reclaim liberal education, challenge policies that undermine the subject-based curriculum, and champion rigorous testing and the authority of teachers.
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SOCIAL CARE FOR FREE CITIZENS, by David Clements
Social care should support people’s autonomy and independence, allowing us to control our lives as much as possible. We should not give in to the tendency to see the potential for abuse at every turn, especially when dealing with society’s most vulnerable.
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FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD, SET SCIENCE FREE, by Tom Addiscott
Scientists now have to answer to target-obsessed politicians and bureaucrats who think in the short term. But it is only when they are free to follow their noses that they make the breakthroughs that advance both human understanding and industrial practice.
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(This Thinkpiece inspired the campaign, Fund Science as a Public Good)
IN SUPPORT OF COMPETITIVE SPORT, by Dan Travis
The goal of sport should be competition, not improving health or self-esteem. Only if we play sport to win will it regain its drama and meaning.
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A HUMANE ASYLUM POLICY, by Stefanie Borkum
Current policy isolates refugees and encourages them to prove their vulnerability. We should offer more flats and jobs, and fewer counselling sessions.
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THE CASE AGAINST 'NO TOUCH' RULES, by Heather Piper
Child professionals should stand up to panics about touching children in their care. If professionals can assert their autonomy and good sense, both children and adults will benefit.
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SMOKING POLICIES: A CIVILISED APPROACH, by Dolan Cummings
We should scrap state-imposed smoking bans. The question of 'smoking or non-smoking' should be negotiated informally, among people themselves.
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IN DEFENCE OF SCIENTIFIC MEDICINE, by Michael Baum
It is the randomised controlled trial that helps doctors to help patients. The two dangers for medicine are political interference, and the return of superstition.
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A NEW DEAL FOR PUBLIC DEBATE, by Josie Appleton
Accusing your opponent of causing you offence is a cowardly tactic. We should avoid this trap, and celebrate the virtues of open and fair argument.
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A PEOPLE'S IMMIGRATION POLICY, by Christian Michel
In a global world, we all have work and personal relationships across borders. Policy should build on these relationships, not break them.
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