The task of changing public opinion falls to the wider conservative movement – to pressure groups, think-tanks, columnists, and associated auxiliaries. The trouble is that, at the moment, most of the people in those categories are training their fire on the Conservative Party.
Still, the argument that tax cuts themselves lead to growth is one that the Conservative Party hasn’t been used to making since the days of David Cameron Mark One.
Electoral desperation is never a good place from which to make major decisions on the future of our tax system. There are better, more cost effective, ways to show the Government is aligned to the public’s priorities.
His Bill may be held up in the Lords as he continues to insists that his Government will stop the boats. The only means of squaring the two would be an election with illegal migration centre-stage.
Last week’s Autumn Statement signalled a significant shift in power in the UK. For the West Midlands, it delivered not only announcements that will help supercharge our economy, but a fundamental change in how this region will be run.
The key problem is stagnation. Margaret Thatcher’s reforms promoted mobility and opportunity. Now we are an economy which doesn’t change enough.
Those who claim the Conservatives would benefit from a spell in opposition to ‘rest and detox’ are misguided. My first nine years in Parliament were spent in opposition, and it was a frustrating experience.
Even as it is, we have been fortunate riots that have proven a rarity. Cut 6.7 per cent a year from the budget and they become almost an inevitability.
We all like lower taxes and backing British business – but that is no excuse for not delivering on getting inflation down and delivering on economic growth.
The expansion of Universal Support is hugely welcome, as is news of a Chance to Work Guarantee. The Chancellor’s decision to restrict access to higher rate disability benefits, however, is harder to defend.
The Chancellor, who was watched by his wife and children, indicated that he will take no risks.
“Our choice is not big government, high spending and high tax because we know that leads to less growth, not more. Instead we reduce debt, cut taxes and reward work.”
“Targeted investments will ensure the UK remains competitive in sectors where we’re already leaders and innovators in sectors where we’re not.”
We are a services superpower second only to the US. That doesn’t just mean banking, but also the creative industries, legal services, architecture and consultant engineering.
I hope the British public get an answer. Because these are highly consequential decisions about the future shape of the state. £28 billion is £4 billion more than the annual Home Office budget.