Making a difference
Labour seem certain to win with a large majority, scaring some Tory members of the press into warning about a “socialist dictatorship”. Since any government with a majority of one can do whatever it likes in this country, it is a pathetic claim not least because they didn’t give a damn when the Tory party had a large majority and did exactly what it wanted to.
But it does make me think what could Labour do if they really wanted to, immediate moves that would improve things quickly.
They are already determined to strengthen the OBR, a very good idea and the complete opposite of what the Tories would like to do.
Next, there are quite a few things that could be done very quickly which would be nice.
Attempts by the present government to suppress voting, especially by the young is shameless and needs reversing. It would be a very simple exercise, and if Labour wants to reduce the voting age then it can do it at the same time.
The regulation of privatised companies is a joke and we could all do with proper control of essential products. Again a simple exercise.
Since immigration is very likely to fall because there are fewer students, Ukrainians and Hong Kong citizens fleeing to the UK, the government would have time to get a grip of asylum seeker numbers. If they were processed properly it would be far cheaper and much more of a deterrent than Rwanda. A deal with France is also essential and should be quite manageable.
The planning system needs a major reform, again. But ahead of that the Secretary of State can just start calling in and approving dozens of plans that have been shelved by the current government to placate Nimbys. A nice kick start for the economy.
The apprenticeship system is pathetic and has more than enough money to be much better; it just needs someone in charge to care.
Setting up a task force to reclaim PPE money and Covid payments that business has stolen could bring in billions.
In short there are a host of things that do not need much money or even much parliamentary time.
They just need someone different in charge, someone who cares.
Economics, trade and Brexit, not necessarily in that order but the dog always comes first.
By Jonty Bloom Media
All very good suggestions. Let’s hope someone is listening.
A very good start at a to do list.