How right the Queen was to highlight sport in her 2010 speech to the Nation. It's a nice thought that even in the rarefied atmosphere inhabited by Royalty the benefits of sport have not been missed. It's a pity it is lost on Cameron and Clegg. Whether you are Royalist or not, the fact that she has again put the Royal seal of approval on sport will be significant. Many people who hang on her every word will be even more uncomfortable about the Coalition's attack on sports funding, particularly that affecting Schools.
Despite the partial U-turn on funding for School Sport Partnership's. That is just a step back from the brink; not a complete conversion. The Coalition's cuts will also force many schools in Britain to make cuts in resources devoted to sport in Schools, Colleges and Universities. Local Authorities will also be forced to close, reduce and neglect existing sports and play provision. Reducing considerably the opportunities for sport nationwide.Cameron and Clegg are out of touch and notwithstanding several changes of heart recently I believe their "Poll Tax Moment" is yet to come.
People talk about cuts as if the effects are already with us, that is far from the case. Sport in particular will still remain a front line victim of the Coalitions ideological warfare until we make the U-turns into a fully fledged rout.
Opinion polls may now favour progressive politics. Many people already realise the budget cuts are too fast, too early and motivated by political spite not economic necessity. However the only polls that matter are at the ballot box. When Tory and Lib-Dem candidates get harangued on the doorstep and pilloried at the polls then that will signal the beginning of the end of the Coalition. Let us all help bring that about not as spectators but as players.
Happy new year to you all.
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