The Prime Minister’s speech from earlier this year provided an insight into his political and economic vision. How closely has Hunt stuck to it?
We can avoid getting into an argument about whether or not the Government’s plan is an industrial strategy. The Conservative Party has got rather hung up on that term.
A lower tax burden will be impossible without less supply of government. And for there to be less supply, there must first be less demand.
As a former Brexit Secretary, I know that we can use our Brexit freedoms to achieve incredible things. Changes to EU regulations in our five growth industries will mean that we can deliver the very best for our great country,
The Chancellor promised to turn Britain into the next Silicon Valley, but was heard mostly in silence by his own side.
“Efficiency savings alone will not be enough to deliver the services we all need” from the NHS, says the Chancellor.
Another sensible public spending saving would be a complete switch to unitary authorities – which would also be less confusing for voters.
There are 227 NHS trusts in England and if they all spent the lowest of these figures, £231,611, the total cost would be £52.6 million. 1500 nurses could be employed for that sum.
When I was responsible for the £600 million a year London Development Agency, I was shocked at how much management focus was just on getting money out of the door.
If we don’t avoid the bear traps, we will face another attack from a new ‘son of UKIP’ force that could unwittingly hand power to a Labour-led coalition.
As a former Health Secretary and chair of the Health Select Committee, the new Chancellor understands the arguments, and is in a unique position to unblock the blockage.
These may take time to bear fruit, but must reassure the markets now that the growth path in expenditure will be measurably lower. Such measures must involve doing less, as well as doing things differently.
“For too long, the political debate has been dominated by the argument about how we distribute a limited economic pie. Instead, we need to grow the pie so that everyone gets a bigger slice.”
The performance of the service is a product of a series of poor choices over the years. Putting those choices right would see it improve quickly.