The problem that Reeves had to deal with in her November 2025 budget was how to reverse the increasing likelihood of Reform becoming the largest party in the 2029 general election. On this measure the budget will most likely be a failure. While we can all feel a sense of relief that she has, under … Continue reading Can Reeves’ Budget Save Labour?—Editorial
fiscal rules
Rachel Reeves’ Budget Dilemma – Households and Governments—Editorial
Rachel Reeves will deliver her second budget on 26th November, facing a serious dilemma of her own making. By adopting two strict fiscal rules that limit government spending without tax rises, and simultaneously pledging not to increase taxes on working people during this parliament, Reeves has boxed herself into a narrow and politically dangerous corner.When … Continue reading Rachel Reeves’ Budget Dilemma – Households and Governments—Editorial
Starmer and Reeves’ PIP U-turn —Editorial 1
As we go to press, it appears the government has performed a partial U-turn on PIP (Personal Independence Payment) reforms. From what we understand, current recipients of PIP will continue to receive their payments. However, new applicants with identical medical conditions may not qualify, as new eligibility criteria will now apply only to future claims. The result is a two-tier … Continue reading Starmer and Reeves’ PIP U-turn —Editorial 1
Labour Needs a U-Turn in Economic Policy—Editorial
Rachel Reeves' position as Chancellor is growing increasingly precarious. She fought the 2024 general election on a platform defined by strict fiscal rules, a refusal to raise income taxes, and a pledge to deliver economic growth. It was a politically calculated stance—economically incoherent, but designed to appeal to Conservative-leaning voters whose support Labour believed it … Continue reading Labour Needs a U-Turn in Economic Policy—Editorial
The Workhouse Party
Keir Starmer took a decision some years ago to change the electoral base of the Labour Party so that many people, who would traditionally vote Conservative or Liberal Democrat, might now vote Labour or at least abstain from voting for their usual party. A major tactic to achieve this result was a commitment to fiscal rectitude. … Continue reading The Workhouse Party
Reeves’ Debt Dexterity—Editorial
All are agreed. Britain needs large increases in government investment if the standard of living of the British people is to be improved. All are also agreed that the government does not have the money to make the required investments. We are told that government current spending on teachers, doctors, armed forces etc is greater than taxes … Continue reading Reeves’ Debt Dexterity—Editorial
Starmer’s Gaza Problems—Editorial 1
Keir Starmer has one objective, to win the next general election and form the next government, preferably with a large overall majority. Anything that might endanger achieving that objective will be removed. Starmer identified, early on in his leadership, that one danger was the opposition of the powerful Zionist lobby in the UK. He has consequently gone to … Continue reading Starmer’s Gaza Problems—Editorial 1
Taxing Issues
Martin Seale Jeremy Hunt’s November Autumn Statement was a clever piece of work. It had two objectives. Firstly, to win the next general election. Secondly, if the Tory Party did not win the next general election, to guarantee that any Labour administration would fail. Hunt’s trump card in achieving this dual objective is the fiscal rule book. Hunt, … Continue reading Taxing Issues
Fiscal Rules – A Scam To Justify Austerity — Editorial
Early in his Autumn Statement to Parliament on 17th November, the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, announced two new fiscal rules: “…I also confirm two new fiscal rules. The first is that underlying debt must fall as a percentage of GDP by the fifth year of a rolling five-year period. The second is that public sector borrowing over … Continue reading Fiscal Rules – A Scam To Justify Austerity — Editorial
The Non-Existent UK Fiscal Black Hole— Editorial 2
The story we are being told about UK government finances by virtually every main stream media (MSM) commentator goes something like this. The government wants to spend more than it is raising in taxes. This means that it will have to borrow from the private sector. The private sector may choose not to lend to the government. In … Continue reading The Non-Existent UK Fiscal Black Hole— Editorial 2
Rishi Sunak’s Financial Statement
Editorial 1 Early on in his dismal Financial Statement Rishi Sunak said: “At a time when the OBR has said that our fiscal headroom could be “wiped out by relatively small changes to the economic outlook,” it is right that the central fiscal judgement I am making today is to meet our fiscal rules with a … Continue reading Rishi Sunak’s Financial Statement
Editorial 1 — Labour Must Exploit Tory Divisions
The most important political battle in British politics is currently taking place in the Conservative party. There is, of course, also a political battle taking place in the Labour Party, but it is of a different kind. In the Labour Party, the party machine is being used to suppress the discussion of any radical ideas. In contrast, in … Continue reading Editorial 1 — Labour Must Exploit Tory Divisions
Labour Affairs 