By Steve Parkhurst, Senior Editor, USDR.
Looking at the news and opinion out of London each day.
7-3-18
Relations between businesses and politicians are made worse by the fact each misunderstand the other
It’s not just about Brexit – it’s deeper and longer-standing than that. Ironically, relations would improve if they each a bit more combative.
The BBC’s mawkish NHS love-in exposes its Leftist sympathies
Both institutions are riddled with progressive bias, and both need serious reform
7-4-18
The problem with Theresa May’s Brexit compromise
At Chequers over the next couple of days Theresa May, along with her chief Brexit-sceptic ministers Philip Hammond and Greg Clark, will attempt to convince others to agree to a soft Brexit. The latest thinking, according to reports today, is that the UK would more or less remain in the single market for goods but would face greater restrictions on trade in services. There would also be some degree of freedom of movement, though it would be more restricted than at present.
The Electoral Commission is not fit for its crucial purpose
Following a series of concerning errors, it has now emerged the regulator’s ‘investigation’ into the Leave campaign did not involve actually interviewing any of those involved.
Irlam’s fortunes have been transformed by its wealthy son, TalkTalk founder Neil McArthur. But should this model be replicated elsewhere?
The Chequers meeting
There should be two options on the table for the discussions on Friday. There is the World Trade option, which does not require consent from the EU. This allows us to take back control of our laws, our money, our borders and our trade policy as promised on 29 March 2019. It avoids the uncertainty of a long transition and saves us a lot of money. I would advise that the extra £13bn of tax collected as tariffs on EU goods – prior to trade adjusting to more home production and non EU sourcing – should be given back to UK consumers as a tax cut.
7-5-18
If Vote Leave has cheated the will of the people, MPs must take action
The Electoral Commission’s findings mean it’s beyond doubt that there is no proper mandate to leave the EU
Why the Conservative Party should support a People’s Vote
The consequences of not doing so would be catastrophic both for our nation and the party that I hope one day to be able to vote for again.
7-6-18
The party has abandoned business and the union and now cares only about keeping Jeremy Corbyn out of power
Iain Dale: May, the Eric Dier of Downing Street, steps up to take that fifth penalty
Plus: The Sports Minister speaks to a stranger on the tube. Phone-in callers back Universal Credit. And: It’s Coming Home, It’s Coming Home, It’s Coming Home…
MP praises school’s listening club set up to tackle mental health issues
A school which launched a ‘peer listening club’ to tackle mental health issues among students was this week paid a visit by its local MP to learn about the pioneering project.