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Cutting up PM’s credit card

After Business Bashing Boris,the Chancellor is likely to be more supportive of bosses in next week’s Budget according to Jim as he previews what we can expect from Rishi Sunak on Wednesday.

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Loss of reputation

Jim accuses the government of trashing our international reputation in the row over the Northern Ireland protocol and calls on Brussels to prepare sanctions.

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TORY CHALLENGE TO BUSINESS.

The Tories have thrown down the gauntlet to business over wages, productivity and investment. Jim reports on the Conservative conference in Manchester to get behind the bluster as the storm clouds gather.

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Another market failure

This week Jim comments on another blow to those who put their faith in market forces with the gas crisis continuing.He also reminds readers of the Hazel Grove past of Culture Secreatry Nadine Dorries, notes that Lancashire is now a favourite haunt of America’s top politicians and prepares for another difficult Labour conference in Brighton.

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Tories rush to raise taxes

Jim criticises the government for rushing through its social care proposals whilst acknowledging that Labour has no alternative.He also forecasts a change of priorities for the next leader of Manchester City Council.

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So, this is global Britain!

Jim examines what the government’s vision for “Global Britain” means in the light of humiliation in Afghanistan whilst at home the shortage of EU lorry drivers is affecting supermarket supplies and car production. He also comments on an important trade union election.

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THE RISE AND FALL OF EMPIRES

The American people are more interested in repairing the infrastructure in Kansas than Kabul. That’s the conclusion Jim draws from this week’s dramatic events in Afghanistan as he traces the rise and fall of the American empire.

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Back to office crisis mounts

We need to get back to the office and meet face to face. That’s Jim’s view in his latest blog as the debate over home working hots up. Jim also pays tribute to the late Lord Smith of Wigan. He had a low profile but was one of the great figures in North West local government over the last 40 years.

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Green agenda needs determination not dither

Doubts are swirling around HS2 coming to the North and promises on Northern Powerhouse Rail. Jim wonders if the Prime Minister is the right man to deliver on these projects or the wider green agenda where tough choices are needed.

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Labour market turmoil

Jim looks at the turbulent employment market. Some firms are looking at laying off staff at the end of furlough, whereas others are begging chefs and lorry drivers to come and work for them.

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Chop this tall popinjay!

Has levelling up the North been abandoned? Is the government spooked by voters in Amersham? Jim looks at the prospects for real money and power being devolved to our cities, towns and countryside.

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