Prince Charles was in Turkey last month. He said that it would be good if Turkey moved towards 'social justice' among other things.

The royals are meant to be above party politics, so he must think that 'social justice' is a non-political term. In that case, Prince Charles has been right royally tricked.

'Social justice' is a term which has been used by the Left for some years in preference to 'socialism' because they reckon, quite rightly, that 'socialism' has some unfortunate associations (poor, backward countries, Stalin, etc.). They also reckon that no one could object to the concept. After all, we are all in favour of justice aren't we? So presumably we are in favour of 'social justice'?

No. We are not. 'Social justice' is a dangerous term because it can mean anything the most socialist person can think of. It can mean 90% income tax rates, and 100% inheritance tax. It can mean unemployment benefit at £300 per week and a university education for all at the expense of those still working. It can readily mean a state utterly weighed down with taxes, benefits and 'rights' - one in which a dwindling number of increasingly highly taxed individuals work to support those tempted into a life on benefits. It can mean low-growth and a relatively low standard of living for the entire society.

The concept is highly political and Prince Charles should know better than to use it.

James Batholomew is author of The Welfare State We're In.