The second part of our series on reducing demand for government, in which we set out a programme for change – focused on families, civil society and government.
The number of possibilities teaches us three lessons about politics today. Firstly, never to underestimate the role played by mere chance. Secondly, that this is not an age of great leaders who make their own luck. And, thirdly, that we need to choose more carefully in future.
A half-baked reform attempt would not only distract from his policies aimed at voters’ priorities, but actually make them harder to even pass.
There are many things that can be done to resist the tide. The first would be for ministers to make the philosophical case for where state responsibility ends, and personal responsibility starts.
A critical first step would be a reboot and reorganisation of the Monetary Policy Committee, with greater scrutiny of appointees, with shorter terms.
Abolishing IHT would look extraordinarily out of touch to those struggling to pay their bills or worried about the state of the public services – and would undermine any claim to fiscal responsibility.
The A list and its successors haven’t kept a golden generation out of Parliament. Many of those who might have made it up aren’t putting themselves forward for selection in the first place.
She insists that fiscal responsibility will take priority, but if Labour take power the pressure on her to raise more taxes will be immense.
Such as: reductions for business, such capital allowances to promote investment. And reductions on earnings, such as cuts to National Insurance.
It is not a coincidence that the only bits of England he omits from his coalition of “progressive values” are those that are net contributors to the Exchequer.
Were Reeves to return to the UK without answers it would leave her open to accusation of engaging in a long-distance publicity stunt.
The challenge for Sunak should not be underestimated. Outperforming Brown’s electoral tightening of 2010 may not even produce an outright majority. But politics is all about definition in the moment.
We propose a new fund providing competitive grants exclusively to micro and small charities, which often provide services in isolated communities. And regulations should be set proportionate to charity income.
The ninth part of our series on reducing demand for government, in which we set out a programme for change – focused on families, civil society and government.