There is much more to politics than an affordable state and competitive taxes. But both will be indispensible for survival, let alone prosperity, after we leave the EU.
Well, it’s been quite a week, hasn’t it?
“In light of what has emerged as a clear view among colleagues and a significant section of the public, I have decided not to proceed…”
Fudge, delay or in-fighting won’t make it go away. It must be dealt with swiftly.
To date, May has been able to junk, water down or delay Cameron’s agenda with little blowback. The Budget NICs furore may change all that.
We may be rowing back to defend one promise. But another more fundamental promise to the future is actually at stake.
Nineteen Members of Parliament have so far declared publicly.
Near the heart of a decision that both approved was a distrust of the style of politics pursued by the Chancellor’s predecessor.
Plus: Hammond’s blunder. Peers’ folly. Stephen Hawking is not, repeat not, controlled by MI5. And: my inner Mary Whitehouse meets Katie Hopkins’ slack vagina.
“People across the country will recognise a basic unfairness when two people earning the same amount of money, accessing the same benefits, are paying very different contributions”.
May and Hammond are right to prioritise the working class, but an attack on small traders and self-starters is only going to alienate them – and many more besides.
The Telegraph and the Sun also have harsh words for the new taxes facing the self-employed… but the Express brushes it off in a sentence.
And May’s reputation for straightforwardness risks damage from the Budget’s proposals for NICs.
Self-employed people earning less than £15,900 a year will still see a reduction in their NICs bill, and also benefit from the increased income tax personal allowance.
If there is to be any move towards all workers being taxed in the same way, there must also be reforms to workplace support too.