The Rest Is Politics 362. Question Time: Labour’s education error and Blair’s mistake on mental health
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Jan 16, 2025 Students are rising up in Serbia, protesting against corruption and poor infrastructure. The podcast dives into whether Labour's decision to cut financial support for Latin in schools is a wise move. Alastair shares his thoughts on Tony Blair's views regarding mental health strategies. Discussions unfold on the troubling link between education funding and mental health in the UK, emphasizing rising self-diagnosis issues among the youth. Additionally, the impact of social media on political polarization and the complexities it brings to current governance are explored.
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Serbian Protests
- Student protests in Serbia erupted after a deadly railway station awning collapse, blamed on corruption.
- The protests, lacking a central leader, demand accountability and transparency, putting President Vucic on the defensive.
Balkan Instability
- Serbia's instability matters due to its history in the Balkan Wars and Vucic's rhetoric on re-annexing northern Kosovo.
- The fragility of the region necessitates EU engagement to avoid potential conflict.
Latin Funding Cut
- Labour's decision to scrap Latin funding in state schools mid-year is seen as cruel and shortsighted.
- The program's cost, a mere £1 million annually, raises questions about the decision.