Jeremy Hunt backs calls to abolish NHS England September 19, 2024 Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt has backed calls to abolish NHS England amid a suite of reforms to how the service is managed. A new report from think tank Policy Exchange has argued for overhaul of NHS management structures, training and incentives to improve the system’s performance and productivity – as opposed to focusing on [...]
The Lib Dems are blowing a golden opportunity September 19, 2024 The Lib Dems have never had a better chance to win support but they’re making two big mistakes: they think the Tories are their enemy and they think they’re doing well, says Andy Preston The Lib Dems have never had such a golden opportunity to win attention, support and move the dial in politics. But [...]
Government hits back at ‘false’ claim Sue Gray ‘declined’ to be paid less than Starmer September 18, 2024 The government has hit back at claims that top civil servant Sue Gray declined to be paid less than the prime minister. The BBC reported today that Gray is now paid more than Sir Keir Starmer, citing one unnamed source saying: “It was suggested that she might want to go for a few thousand pounds [...]
Cut beer duty by five per cent to create 12,000 jobs, pubs urge Chancellor September 18, 2024 Cutting beer duty by five per cent could create up to 12,000 jobs, a beer and pub association has urged the Chancellor ahead of next month’s Budget. The brewery and hospitality industries are urging the government to continue supporting them to invest and maintain the 1,040,000 jobs across the sector. Jobs could be at risk [...]
UK tech faces talent exodus if founders are penalised by tax hikes September 17, 2024 Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised that Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ first Budget will prioritise economic growth and wealth creation. But moves to hike taxes that will hurt Britain’s entrepreneurs are putting that pledge in doubt. As British businessman Sir Martin Sorrell warned in Morning Wire: “Increasing capital gains tax, especially without index-linking or time apportionment, [...]
‘Strike right balance’ on flexible working, business groups urge Labour September 17, 2024 Ministers must allow firms to “strike the right balance” on flexible working, business lobby groups have urged. It comes after business secretary Jonathan Reynolds told The Times alternative work schedules “contribute to productivity” and could be “significant” in tackling regional inequality issues, amid debate over the government’s proposed plans for workers’ rights reforms. He said, [...]
Investor Luke Johnson slams Labour’s ‘socialist fantasy’ workers’ rights reform September 17, 2024 Revolution Bars’ newly-appointed chair and seasoned investor Luke Johnson has criticised Labour’s proposed workers’ rights overhaul, calling it a “socialist fantasy.” Labour is preparing a sweeping reform to tackle the UK’s “culture of presenteeism,” including a ban on “exploitative” zero-hours contracts and day-one employment rights. The government argues the changes will drive employee productivity. However, [...]
Sir Martin Sorrell: Labour’s working week reforms won’t help firms September 17, 2024 British businessman Sir Martin Sorrell has said that altering the working week will not boost productivity in the UK, pushing back on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s pledges to transform Britain’s work culture.
Keir Starmer: Policies that inhibit growth will be in the ‘no column’ September 17, 2024 “If it promotes economic growth, it’s in the Yes column — if it is inhibiting growth, it’s in the No column,” he reportedly said.
Sanctimonious Starmer falls short of his own standards September 17, 2024 As Keir Starmer faces questions over a £5,000 donation towards his wife’s wardrobe, the Prime Minister is finding out that decency in public life isn’t an automatic function of not being a Tory, writes Alys Denby When Victoria Starmer entered Downing Street for the first time wearing a Me+Em dress in Labour rose red, the [...]