Left on way back, but not in UK
30/09/2021
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.
UK’s net-zero goal relies on R&D in construction
30/09/2021
The UK aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, yet, at the same time has pledged to build more houses and invest heavily in infrastructure projects across the UK. Achieving both will only be possible if the construction sector finds ways to reduce its carbon footprint…
A week in America | 30 September 2021
30/09/2021
This week in the U.S. the Moderates and the Progressives have threatened to derail their own President’s plan for a European-style social security safety net, moves to bolster health care coverage for all, and thwart his proposal to invest heavily in climate change, renewable energy, and early years education.
A master of all he surveys
30/09/2021
Keir Starmer’s relative success at his Labour conference this week is good news for Boris Johnson. Frank McKenna explains why.
A WEEK IN AMERICA
23/09/2021
In his most recent blog, writer and commentator on public affairs and politics based in Florida, Martin Liptrot shines a light on the changes occurring on the Left of American congress.
Growth without Gimmicks – what next for the Northern Powerhouse?
23/09/2021
Governments like slogans – and in the north, having been used to the Powerhouse label since 2014, we are now trying to understand where we fit in the latest ‘levelling up’ agenda. We are left asking ourselves whether the Northern Powerhouse remains relevant, and perhaps more importantly whether it will leverage the strategic public investment we continue to critically need to maximise our potential. Here, Nicola Rigby, Principal at Avison Young shares her insights.
Another market failure
23/09/2021
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.
Big week for Labour and Starmer
23/09/2021
Keir Starmer and Labour host their conference in Brighton this week. Will the party show that it has learned the lessons of four consecutive General Election defeats – or continue its journey into political oblivion?
A week in America | 17 September 2021
16/09/2021
In the latest ‘A week in America’ Martin Liptrot discusses the GOP and its failure to deliver what it needs when I matters most.
The world may be changing, but the formula remains the same
16/09/2021
With talk of levelling up and investment in the North, Richard Bayley a cities and development consultant from Atkins, shares his thoughts on why local communities should have a voice in building back better.
Tories rush to raise taxes
16/09/2021
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.
Devolution – What Next?
16/09/2021
Will the new Minister for Housing, Communities & Local Government progress the devolution agenda – or has the King of the North put the Tories off Mayors?