RESET
Whether the government likes it or not the Prime Minister’s policy milestones statement is an attempt at a reset. An effort to put behind him, a summer of gloom and sleaze, an unpopular budget, and a Cabinet resignation.
With reasonable political management Labour could have enjoyed an eighteen month honeymoon on the back of that huge election victory. Instead, they are already scrapping with Reform and the Tories in the twenty’s approval ratings.
These milestones won’t cut much ice with the public who just want to see improvement in public services. They are characteristic of an administration that keeps churning out policy reviews as a substitute for action. The policy areas identified like early years education, housing and hospital waiting lists are fine but avoided is social care integration, the local councils financial crisis and immigration.
On the last point, in Altrincham, it won’t take Elon Musk’s millions to get support for Reform UK. The use of the Cresta Court Hotel for asylum seekers is spreading unease and blighting the town’s economy. More thought needs to be given to the location of these hotels and above all stop the flow of single men who are, understandably, but unacceptably, seeking a better life.
PETALS OFF THE RED ROSE
What is going on with Labour in Lancashire? Just as the government was starting the parliamentary process for the Lancashire Combined County Authority (CCA), the Burnley MP, Oliver Ryan, pipes up to call the deal underpowered. Instead of a countywide deal, Mr Ryan wants three unitary councils and an elected mayor.
It has taken years of wrangling to get the CCA in place, so this last minute intervention is a bit of grandstanding. It doesn’t even have the full support of the thirteen district councils whose self-interest has prevented a proper devolution agreement that might have begun to redress the imbalance between Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
So, for now the deal between Blackpool, Blackburn and Lancashire County Councils will draw in £20m to be spent on things like an Innovation Hub at Salmesbury and the new offices for the Department for Work and Pensions in Blackpool.
I say for now because the delayed White Paper on further devolution is expected before the year end. Coordinated government this is not.
“LIFE IS BURDENSOME”
I was sad, but accept, the verdict of the Commons on Assisted Dying. One of my reasons for opposing the bill was that it could be a slippery slope to widening the eligibility of people who could get a state death.
I had in mind the fact that terminally ill children in Belgium are now eligible, and in 2027 so will mentally ill people in Canada.
Little did I expect to read a doctor in the Mail on Sunday suggest we consider the proposition that people who are not suicidal or depressed, but just believe “life is burdensome” could be offered “a painless way out”.
We have crossed a line. Who knows where it will end.
