An opinion piece by Tim Newark argues that the resurgence of national pride, exemplified by England football victories under Thomas Tuchel, could be mirrored in national politics if Labour Prime Minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham adopts policies that boost business and cut taxes. The article contends that current Labour policies are stifling economic growth and dampening national spirit.
Economic Policies for a Revived Britain
Newark suggests that Britain's prosperity depends on its ability to manufacture and sell products globally, which requires encouraging investment by lowering the cost of doing business. He criticises Labour's recent taxes on employment, claiming they have increased the cost of hiring new staff, particularly young people, leading to youth unemployment at 16.2%, the highest in ten years. Recruiters have reportedly urged the government to pause the convergence of minimum wages to encourage firms to hire untried young workers.
The author argues that Brexit should have given Britain a competitive advantage, but successive governments have failed to capitalise on it, possibly fearing EU backlash. He cites the Republic of Ireland, which cut corporate taxes and attracted foreign English-speaking businesses, as a model. Newark advocates for a 'Singapore-on-Thames' approach post-Brexit, with lower regulation and taxes, opposing those who wish to rejoin the EU.
Net Zero and Energy Costs
Newark describes net zero policies, initiated by the Tories and continued by Labour, as a needless burden that has resulted in some of the highest energy costs globally. He claims this is destroying traditional industries and hindering new industries like AI, which require data centres with high electricity demands. He argues that foreign investors are deterred by high industrial energy bills and suggests opening up North Sea gas and oil fields to generate revenue that could reduce taxes.
Devolution and Business Power
The article criticises Andy Burnham's focus on devolution, noting it has not brought prosperity to Scotland or Wales. Expanding mayoral bureaucracies in England is seen as a waste of resources. Newark argues that the best devolution is giving power back to businesses, reducing government interference, and allowing them to invest as they see fit. He warns against Burnham's talk of 'good growth' introducing moral judgments into business, which he says leads to excessive compliance and red tape.
Benefits System and Dependency
Newark claims Labour's benefits policies have led to record levels of dependency, encouraging people out of work and attracting illegal migrants with free housing and hand-outs. He notes that £332.6 billion will be spent on social security this year and argues that cutting this burden would free up money for tax reductions.
National Pride and Leadership
The author draws a parallel between the England football squad's aggressive, confident, and skilled approach to international competition and the need for similar qualities in national leadership. He laments that Andy Burnham, like other left-leaning politicians, favours big government and believes he knows best, trampling on ordinary people's ambitions. He concludes that this is no way to run a football team or a nation and notes that England fans have replaced the American 'Sweet Caroline' with the English 'Wonderwall' as a symbol of returning national pride, hoping for a political leader who can harness it.
