Devolution was supposed to mean that different parts of the UK could experiment, with best practice eventually being taken up elsewhere to the benefit of all. Instead, devocrats have often done everything they can to thwart cross-border comparisons altogether.
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.
Also: Another woeful week for the SNP as its health minister refuses to resign over £11k roaming fee and Yousaf defies calls for an ethics inquiry into allegations he misled the Scottish Parliament.
Also: Further outrage over Ferguson Marine as embattled shipyard at the heart of the ferry fiasco is found to have paid generous bonuses to bosses – without the Scottish Government’s approval.
Also: new polls suggest Labour has reached parity with the SNP in Scotland, and the projections indicate that the next election could be absolutely brutal for the Nationalists.
Also: Scottish Government urged to accelerate public sector reforms and overhaul council tax.
The Prime Minister’s proposals for Euston provide the key: a new partnership with business to draw up a new, viable plan for a 21st-century railway between Birmingham and Manchester.
Some projects that had previously been announced were included, as were some projects that had even been completed. Some of the announcements related to local projects for which the decision to proceed rested with regional mayors not central government.
Decriminalisation has been a disaster wherever it has been tried. The Government needs to start enforcing the law and ensure it serves as a proper deterrent.
By itself, the policy will likely save lives and take anti-social behaviour off the streets. But that is no basis for effectively legalising demand for drugs whilst leaving supply in criminal hands.
In the meantime, it’s been another deluge of bad news for the Scottish Government on the domestic front. But when will that start telling decisively with Scottish voters?
“I know she is passionate about London and about all Londoners, as are we.”
While the term ‘levelling-up’ may have faded from public discourse, the pressing need to create jobs and foster opportunity across regions and nations in the UK remains as urgent as ever.
Also: Scottish Government’s legal regulation reforms denounced by judges and lawyers; Ross offers to work with Nationalist rebels to break Greens’ grip on government; new scandal for PSNI as High Court finds it illegally disciplined officers.
Meanwhile the bigger picture looks troubled, with the World Cup mired in controversy and the very future of the Commonwealth Games in doubt.