This article presents two responses on the publication of the government's consultation paper on informal adult learning. Ball writes that the publication should be welcomed, not as a friend, and certainly not as either a change in the weather or the climate, but as an opportunity to speak up for the importance of adult learning. This consultative document should be seen as a clear indication that ministers and policy makers have been shaken by the vocal defense of adult learning and concern that the damage that has already been done.