As far as I can tell there are two Political stories hogging the headlines at the moment. (Plus the Sinn Fein stramash)
Firstly, we have the imprisonment or incarceration of individuals without the need for trial or even demonstration of cause. Secondly, we have refugee handling. Whilst both issues are morally important most of the general electorate don't care one way or another. Keep them talking/arguing about nothing of much voting importance is good strategy.
On the other hand the Tories have got nothing of substance to offer that is radically different from what Labour are already offering. Maybe they are relieved at having the opportunity to talk about issues where ot doesn't make a difference to their elction chances.
Blair/Labour doing good pre-election job?
I heard a lovely question which I haven't heard a satisfactory answer to - as I don't know any tories to answer it - if the new Tory policy is to test new immigrants for TB and HIV on entry to the country, should this policy not be extended to returning Brit holidaymakers, just to be on the safe side?