Cheery defiance to the gathering storm
28/10/2021
Jim asks if the Chancellor’s breezy Budget optimism is justified and the difficulty Labour has in opposing a high spending, high taxing government.
Jim asks if the Chancellor’s breezy Budget optimism is justified and the difficulty Labour has in opposing a high spending, high taxing government.
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.
Jim accuses the government of trashing our international reputation in the row over the Northern Ireland protocol and calls on Brussels to prepare sanctions.
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.
Jim reports from the Labour conference in Brighton and reflects that whilst the Left have triumphed in America and Germany, Labour’s revival in Britain is still not certain.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.