Contents
Your guide to this Substack, Fighting for a Free Future with Steve Baker
Political Strategy & Leadership
A day of wrath for the Labour Whips – June 26, 2025
Finally, a rebellion they can’t contain through political brute force.
Why we are Fighting for a Free Future - June 4, 2025
On elite failure, groupthink and the need for a paradigm shift in political and intellectual life.The uniparty – March 19, 2025
Talk of a "uniparty" aggravated me. Then I recalled I used to say, "Vote Labservative for same."Right turn ahead for Reeves and Starmer – March 5, 2025
By following two simple rules, the centre-right can do the right thing and split the left.Trump vs Zelenskyy – March 2, 2025
The scene is set for Trump to get all he wants.Too soon Nigel. Too soon. – February 9, 2025
Nigel Farage has trapped himself by his success.War minus the shooting – December 11, 2024
A libertarian strategy derived from a Students for Liberty talk.Leadership: vision, values and truth – October 25, 2024
A direct response to feedback on the challenges of leadership.The leadership the Conservative party needs – October 18, 2024
Humility, resolve, competence, and consistency—breaking from the norm.I’m glad to back Kemi – October 10, 2024
Authentic belief in ideas that work.What the next Conservative leader faces – October 9, 2024
Government spending soars beyond revenue; a popularity contest is not enough.The problem with Nigel Farage – October 3, 2024
Why Reform is a mistake.It’s a good time to be a Conservative – September 30, 2024
Remarks from the IEA Late Night Free Spirits Reception.The Conservative party is the best hope we have for good government.
– September 14, 2024
Despite its flaws, the Conservative party is moving forward.A complete triumph for Sir Keir Starmer – September 11, 2024
On pensioners’ Winter Fuel Payments: a Labour victory—or a blunder?Leaders can't command loyalty – September 6, 2024
Interview with Andrew Marr after Round 1 of the 2024 Conservative leadership contest.How to unite the Conservative party in Parliament – July 31, 2024
Calling for unity isn’t enough—MPs need influence and a shared purpose.The Future of the Right – July 30, 2024
If the Conservative party does not stand for freedom, it stands for nothing.The Kiss of Death – July 17, 2024
How Conservatives should respond to Labour’s first King’s Speech.The King's Speech and Labour's strategy – July 15, 2024
Analysis by the Risk and Opportunity group on Labour’s political framing.
Parliamentary Politics & the Role of MPs
Compromise – a dirty word – January 31, 2025
We all prefer total and final victory. It is rare. Leaders compromise.Journalists: five scenarios – January 22, 2025
How to survive and win with the media spotlight on you.Journalists – January 18, 2025
Can't live with them. Can't deport them to South Sudan. Ten rules for working with the Press.Money, money, money! – January 15, 2025
Getting realistic about limited funds in politics—and the power of effective donations.How to be Bismarck's "gentleman and a half" – December 19, 2024
On handling people, inspired by “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”A magnificent Opposition Day speech by Markus Campbell-Savours (Penrith and Solway) (Lab) – December 6, 2024
Pressures on a new Labour MP in a farming seat.But why didn’t you do something about it as an MP? – November 22, 2024
Practical politics thickens your skin—lessons for prospective candidates.Was it worth it? – October 31, 2024
Reflecting on a decision to stand for election 17 years ago.I don't like politics but I want to make a difference – September 24, 2024
Why party membership matters for real influence.Why do MPs do it? – September 19, 2024
Understanding their motivations better to help them help you.What do MPs do? – August 29, 2024
Explaining an MP’s role.Power corrupts – August 19, 2024
Influence and authority are earned at the price of consent and compromise.
News & Events
Reflections on the Revolution in France – 10 July 2025
It was jolly good of President Macron to pop over to reward our Prime Minister.
A moment of anguish, a crisis of authority – 3 July 2025
It seems likely Keir Starmer will need another Chancellor as his strategy collapses.Immigration, integration and social cohesion – June 13, 2025
We must uphold justice and the principle of equal treatment before the law, reject racism and collective guilt, and defend the values of a free society.
Brexit is no longer done. Alas. – May 23, 2025
Starmer's EU "reset" is worse than I thought. Unwinding it will raise no-deal Brexit drama all over again. The horror.Immediate reaction to the EU "reset" – May 20, 2025
Keir Starmer has done what he always intended.Starmer’s EU reset: liberty bound by the EU – May 15, 2025
Northern Ireland's Unionists must beware of supporting him.
UK trade policy is secure on a new path outside the EU – May 8, 2025
There can be no doubt the UK is now secure in a new trade strategy outside the EU. Lessons should be learned to avoid the awful hostility arising from the decision.Money needs reform – May 2, 2025
Reform are today enjoying a massive win as voters lose faith in both main parties.This trade debacle could go either way – April 16, 2025
We cannot afford to be bound to EU rules - we must have growth.
Beware the bond markets – April 10, 2025
It is for good reason that the bond market intimidates everybody.Tariffs are terrible – but Trump may save free trade – April 3, 2025
Asking nicely for sound policy based on high principle does not work. Alas.The Spring Statement – March 25, 2025
If reflecting on Labour's Spring Statement fills you with dread, you are right.We Should All Pay Attention to What is Happening in Argentina – March 14, 2025
An update on President Javier Milei.Love of country, for good and ill – February 26, 2025
On love for country and nationalism following the success of AfD in Germany.
Debating the death penalty – January 24, 2025
Irreversible punishment in a flawed system raises moral and practical concerns.Zero tolerance: the politics of child sexual exploitation by gangs – January 7, 2025
Commitment to the rule of law must be absolute.We can get off the road to serfdom – November 29, 2024
Entrepreneurs and technology can accelerate social progress.Free speech, justice and the perils of state overreach – November 18, 2024
Policing “non-crime hate incidents” undermines a free society.Chums - How a Tiny Caste of Oxford Tories Took Over the UK
– November 14, 2024
A chippy, bitter, but entertaining account of Eton and Oxford’s ruling class.President Trump – November 7, 2024
It’s not all bad.Racism is running riot – August 5, 2024
Rioting is never excusable, yet legitimate grievances remain unaddressed.Interview with SpectatorTV – July 15, 2024
On leadership, team-building, success, and failure.
Policy & Economics
Sound money for the 21st Century – June 24, 2025
I am a sound money maximalist: look to gold and Bitcoin.Growth through credit expansion – a recipe for disaster - June 19, 2025
Politicians and business leaders love cheap credit but the outcome is a bust.Sound money is the cornerstone of a free society - May 31, 2025
Debasement reached its fullest development during the coronavirus pandemic.Bitcoin, gold and the Bank of England - February 17, 2025
The most important subject we face is discussed too little.Return to Growth – February 6, 2025
Lord Jon Moynihan’s plan: 15 years to rebuild the economy.Free trade nation – December 15, 2024
A vision for UK trade policy on joining the CPTPP.The Principles for a Free Society – August 27, 2024
Twelve principles every citizen could demand of politicians, journalists, and officials.Rachel Reeves first major misstep – July 26, 2024
The Chancellor’s warnings about public spending are correct—time for lasting change.Power and society – July 19, 2024
In defence of Christian Libertarianism.
Book Club speaking notes
Mises – The Anti-Capitalistic Mentality & Planning for Freedom – June 18, 2025
The Intellectuals and Socialism plus Isaiah’s Job – March 11, 2025
The first in a series of speaking notes for the FFF Book Club.Bastiat, What Is Seen and What Is Not Seen – April 14, 2025
Book Club loved Bastiat. We hope you do too.
Personal Reflections & Seasonal Messages
Happy new year! – January 4, 2025
With Prof Paul Dolan—listening to those we disagree with.Thank you and Merry Christmas! – December 23, 2024
Gratitude to subscribers and good wishes for 2025.A huge thank you to all my subscribers! – August 21, 2024
Seven days free extension applied for paid subscriptions.Coming soon – July 14, 2024
Introducing the Substack: political analysis and insights.