Is it too late for a new year wish? Here’s one anyway. I wish politicians would stop talking about fairness. “Fair” must be the most overused word in politics. Every policy proposal is promoted on the basis of its fairness. Every speech, every green paper, every manifesto is full of it.

The word “fair” or “fairness” appeared more than 30 times in last year’s Labour election manifesto, and even more frequently in the Conservative one. The main parties are in furious agreement over the need for greater fairness in everything from the tax and welfare systems to pay, prices and corporate governance.

So are we all. How marvellous to have a nation so united in its commitment to justice and fair play. It’s just that