Blaming a moribund economy on too many rules is a hackneyed neoliberal trope – UK plc needs smarter regulation, not less regulation Before becoming prime minister, Andy Burnham pledged to “end 40 years of neoliberalism”. But as he prepares for his first budget on Wednesday, his government is yet to let go of one of its most tedious cliches: red tape. In the run-up to the chancellor John Healey’s high-stakes Commons address, the government issued a press release last week promising his plans would include measures to “slash the red tape choking firms”. Continue reading...
Cutting ‘red tape’ is nothing but a red herring – and arguably counterproductive | Heather Stewart
Source: The Guardian
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The Guardian
Rayner backs Burnham call for debate on return to free movement with EU
Cabinet minister says PM’s plea is ‘pragmatism’ but comments risk causing concern among some red wall MPs Andy Burnham’s call for the UK to consider a return to free movement with Europe has been backed by senior cabinet ministers including Angela Rayner but risks causing concern among fellow red wall MPs. The prime minister made his plea for an “honest discussion” about free movement in an interview with the Sunday Times, making clear that staying out of it would no longer be a red line in talks with the EU. Continue reading...
The Guardian
Former Tory candidate suspended over contract killer claims was adviser in Kemi Badenoch’s office
Sources close to Tory leader say Jack Ross, who faces party investigation after undercover report, worked as social media consultant A former Conservative election candidate who was suspended after he was filmed discussing the cost of hiring contract killers worked as a consultant in Kemi Badenoch’s office as recently as last year. Jack Ross is facing an investigation by the Tories after he was filmed apparently asking an undercover reporter: “What do you want done?” and apparently offering to “broker” the services of an alleged far-right paramilitary group. Continue reading...
BBC Politics
Burnham open to 'honest discussion' on EU free movement
The PM says he wants a "factual" and "evidence-based debate" about returning to free movement between Britain and Europe.
NPR Politics
Politics chat: The polls show a Democratic sweep in the midterms. Can you trust them?
If you look at the few truly competitive seats, polls show a more complicated picture of momentum toward the Democratic Party in midterm House races. For the Senate, Republicans are on defense.
NPR Politics
Democrats see an opportunity to tilt Pennsylvania's state legislature their way
Statehouse elections this fall could swing the balance of power in state capitals. In Pennsylvania, Democrats could take control of what has been a divided legislature.
The Guardian
The boss whose twice-bust business appears to be back despite £3m debts
Andrew Woosnam took millions from his recruitment firms before creditors, including HMRC, were left out of pocket Companies revived in ‘phoenix’ deals more likely to fail, study finds For three decades, the recruitment industry treated Andrew Woosnam well. Having learned his trade during the 1990s, he graduated to create his own firm at the turn of the millennium – which allowed him to bank millions of pounds in salary, dividends and loans and to buy assets including a grand house in Berkshire once owned by the comedians Dawn French and Lenny Henry. Continue reading...