
David Gauke: Cameron’s values in government may be out of favour, but they are not wrong
Looked at in the round, over the 2010-2016 period, the UK had the joint highest growth for a G7 economy, level with the US.
Looked at in the round, over the 2010-2016 period, the UK had the joint highest growth for a G7 economy, level with the US.
All the same, we have to make this relationship work – because, if we do not, both sides have the capacity to do each other a lot of harm.
Despite a surprisingly liberal migration policy, the bulk of the post-Brexit evidence so far suggests not.
We need to have a debate about which taxes are least damaging to economic growth. Over the long term, corporation tax ranks as being one of the worst.
The EU’s triggering of Article 16 is premature, provocative and sets a precedent that will be cited by those unwilling to accept the consequences of the Protocol.
It is a bad sign both for the Government and devolution that the Greater Manchester Mayor has been able to run rings round Ministers.
If it it takes hold, people will not want to go to pubs, cinemas, shops or offices, so economic normality will be impossible anyway.
If he is to take the necessary steps to get a Brexit deal (and I hope he does), he is going to have to defy those instincts on a second issue, too.
Plus: On Last Night of the Proms, I get in touch with my inner Farage. And: On Brexit, it’s crunch time as the end of transition approaches.
Maybe, just maybe, such a leader could take the Conservative Party in a different direction.
When it decided to be the Party of Brexit, when it decided that it should focus on Red Wall voters, the Conservative Party made its choice.
Post-Covid, the environment is likely to be egalitarian and interventionist. For libertarian, small state Eurosceptics, this must come as a disappointment.
A Government that shows humility and honesty will retain the benefit of the doubt, but that runs counter to a ‘never apologise, never explain’ ethos.
Some areas, people and businesses must be allowed to get back to normal quicker than others – however unjust that may seem.
I am beginning to worry that there may come a time when there will be a need for a more nuanced message – but the public won’t be willing to hear it.