The Spectator

Home Inflation rose to an annual rate of 4 per cent in January from 3.7 per cent in December, far above the Bank of England’s target of 2 per cent. The rate according to the Retail Prices Index rose to 5.1 per cent from 4.8 per cent. David Cameron, the Prime Minister, defended his idea of the Big Society and the government’s economic policy, saying: ‘We have to make these cuts, we have to raise those taxes,’ even though ‘it will make me unpopular’. Unemployment rose to 7.9 per cent, with 965,000 16- to 24-year-olds without jobs. Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, said that big banks should be split up to prevent them making too much profit and developing a bonus culture. Barclays announced profits of £6.1 billion for 2010.

Here is a selection of posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the past week. Fraser Nelson discusses the Big Society, and makes the case for raising interest rates. James Forsyth says that Strasbourg is only half the human rights problem, and notes that The Sun is shining on Miliband. David Blackburn reckons the government's getting a reputation, and asks if Cameron's counter-offensive is heading in the wrong direction. Martin Bright relates his adventures in the Big Society. Nick Cohen says Cleggy's going to Hollywood. Rod Liddle bemoans the curse of bureaucratic self-importance. Alex Massie reluctantly considers the Scottish elections. And Melanie Phillips decries yet more double standards.

Welcome to the latest CoffeeHousers' Wall. For those who haven't come across the Wall before, it's a post we put up each Monday, on which – providing your writing isn't libellous, crammed with swearing, or offensive to common decency – you'll be able to say whatever you like in the comments section. There is no topic, so there's no need to stay 'on topic' – which means you'll be able to debate with each other more freely and extensively. There's also no constraint on the length of what you write – so, in effect, you can become Coffee House bloggers. Anything's fair game – from political stories in your local paper, to chat about the latest football results.

Missing in Egypt Sir: Your pundits on the Egyptian crisis (‘The Egyptian explosion’, 5 February) left out one major consideration. The ballast for a solid democracy depends more than anything else on the commitment of a professional, educated middle class with a stake in stability as well as human rights. In the Arab world, this class may play a prominent and vocal role in the removal of tyrannies, but, as soon as things get difficult in the messy aftermath, they are all too ready to jump ship to the West. How can there ever be democracy in the Arab world, so long as the Arab middle classes play at politics while keeping an escape ticket in their back pocket?

Here is a selection of posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the past week. Fraser Nelson witnesses the first bout of Osborne versus Balls, and worries that Mervyn King’s credibility is faltering. James Forsyth unpicks Lord Oakeshott’s exit, and praises Project Merlin. Peter Hoskin reveals the doubts that remain over al-Megrahi, and explains why the government is right to look beyond ASBOs. David Blackburn watches grassroots Liberal Democrats turn on the government, and says that, despite its practical difficulties, the Big Society has been a tactical success. Nick Cohen examines Labour’s working class problem. Rod Liddle introduces DJ Naughtie and MC Filth. Alex Massie considers 17 days that shook the world.

Welcome to the latest CoffeeHousers' Wall. For those who haven't come across the Wall before, it's a post we put up each Monday, on which – providing your writing isn't libellous, crammed with swearing, or offensive to common decency – you'll be able to say whatever you like in the comments section. There is no topic, so there's no need to stay 'on topic' – which means you'll be able to debate with each other more freely and extensively. There's also no constraint on the length of what you write – so, in effect, you can become Coffee House bloggers. Anything's fair game – from political stories in your local paper, to chat about the latest football results.

The route to Westminster Sir: Andrew Neil is admirably fair in his article on the over-representation of Oxbridge types and the privately educated in both the Labour and Conservative parties (‘The fall of the meritocracy’, 29 January). In my view, this even-handedness is a missed opportunity, as it is surely more to the discredit of the Labour party, which allegedly represents the common man. Yet the evidence suggests that for a state-educated person from a humble background, it would be very difficult to make a career as a Labour politician, whereas it would be by no means impossible in the Conservative party.

Here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the past week. Fraser Nelson treads the road to recovery. James Forsyth reports on the wheeler dealing over the AV bill, and bemoans the strange consensus at PMQs this week. Peter Hoskin gives 10 things you need to know about the IFS’ Green Budget, and asks what are Osborne’s options. David Blackburn notes that councils are playing politics with buses. Daniel Korski asks where Egypt’s convulsions leave Israel. Martin Bright itemises the pros and cons for the people of Egypt. Nick Cohen explains why the Left loses. Susan Hill is contemptuous. Rod Liddle remembers John Barry. Alex Massie introduces Glenn Beck, performance artist.