Panic! Panic! Panic! No! Therapy! Pills! Panic! Panic!

The British government is so worried that people may become mentally ill because of the recession and not vote Labour in the next election that they're planning to train thousands more therapists and specialist nurses to cure them.

Sorry, that wasn't it. This is what Alan Johnson, health secretary said:

"In the current economic downturn, the potential exists for more people to become anxious or depressed. If someone is feeling down after losing their job, the best solution is a new job and we are helping people find them wherever possible. But, in some cases, depression and anxiety can be a barrier to getting another job."

Although, of course, you would have to be mentally ill to vote Labour in the next election. And if you weren't mental when you voted you would be by the time the next election came round.

On the other hand, it looks like a good time to train as a therapist.

Strange days when I find myself agreeing with a Tory, but John Redwood presents our political situation quite succinctly: It's the politics, stupid.

Anthony Seldon ('leading headteacher and political commentator') complains that "Schools are dancing to Gradgrind's drumbeat of facts, facts, facts and more facts," - which stifles "imagination, individuality and flair".

Perhaps Mr Seldom hasn't taken a look at some of the GCSE exam questions pupils now take. He certainly hasn't had to teach modern undergraduates, who arrive at university well-qualified but knowing absolutely nothing.