“CHOICE IS CHOICE!” exclaimed Tony Blair. Shortly after the 2001 election, the prime minister had gathered his advisers at Chequers, his grace-and-favour residence, to discuss public-sector reform. Three principles—setting standards, devolving budgets and reducing barriers between professions—had already been established. But someone had objected to a fourth, the idea that parents and patients should be offered choice. Perhaps “preference” would go down better with the trade unions and the Labour Party? “Why mince our words?” asked Sir Tony.