The ever-restless Labour Party is on the move again. Apparently tired of Millbank Tower, the party is on the lookout for new digs The ever-restless Labour Party is on the move again. Apparently tired of Millbank Tower, the party is on the lookout for new digs. It does not seem that long ago that they were establishing themselves in Millbank Tower, an address that has since become synonymous with the worst excesses of political authoritarianism. If nothing else the move means that Ken Livingstone will no longer be able to complain about the activities of the "Millbank Tendency".Having moved to Millbank from Walworth Road (the premises latterly known as John Smith House), and having moved there from Transport House in Smith Square, Westminster, the party is now searching for a location that better chimes with the spirit of high Blairism.We know – or at least think we know – what that is all about: renewal, development, newness.

And we know a district of London that seems to embody those values fulsomely – Docklands. The Independent would find having Tony Blair's apparatchiks next door to us here in the revitalised East End an interesting experience Heads are spinning at the prospect already New Labour, new neighbours? Not sure.. The proposals on prison policy unveiled yesterday by David Blunkett are intended "to put the sense back into sentencing". It sounds frighteningly like a slogan mouthed by the departing Conservative Party leader, William Hague. But it is possible that this new system, intended to "command public support and respect", could turn out to be rather sensible. The proposals on prison policy unveiled yesterday by David Blunkett are intended "to put the sense back into sentencing".

It sounds frighteningly like a slogan mouthed by the departing Conservative Party leader, William Hague. But it is possible that this new system, intended to "command public support and respect", could turn out to be rather sensible.The changes combine a useful mixture of carrot and stick. The main proposals are not, of course, Mr Blunkett's invention, although they underline the fact that he looks set to be be an interesting Home Secretary. The ideas are contained in a 170-page report by John Halliday, former director of criminal justice policy at the Home Office, which was originally due to be published in May.The report, Making Punishment Work, recommends tougher sentences for repeat offenders, by ensuring that judges and magistrates take previous offences into account. There will be stricter rules, too, on the release of violent offenders.

At the same time, there will be greater flexibility for lesser offences, and for first-time offenders. Mr Blunkett confronted head-on an obvious truth that too many politicians have ignored: namely, that prisons are the best place to learn about crime. He warned, too, of the danger that sending people to jail can "actually make matters worse".The carrot and stick are thus usefully combined. The tougher sentencing is accompanied by early releases for minor offenders, with emphasis on rehabilitation – including training – than detention.