Cancel Culture is Bad for Democracy
23/07/2020
You can say what you want about Frank Mckenna – and he’ll be happy to let you say it. The Downtown boss on why the ‘Cancel Culture’ is a danger to democracy.
It suited Brexiteers not to probe Russia
23/07/2020
Jim thinks it is obvious why the government didn’t probe Russian interference in the Brexit Referendum. He also looks at the American Presidential race and how Donald Trump might refuse to quit.
A Chinese boycott would be daft
16/07/2020
If we rip up trade agreements on the basis of human rights breaches and aggression towards other nations, it is not only China that would have to be on a list of blacklisted countries. Frank McKenna on why walking away from the Chinese is a daft idea.
The North and Curbing the Chinese Dragon
16/07/2020
Jim backs the government’s stand on China even though it might have implications for the Northern Powerhouse. He also aims a broadside at the BBC for cutting local programmes.
Time to rebuild our local institutions to deliver Sunak plans
09/07/2020
Frank McKenna reflects on another positive statement from Rishi Sunak, but warns the Chancellor that it is all about delivery now – and he needs local government to help him.
The rise of Rishi
09/07/2020
By style and substance Rishi Sunak has staked a claim to be the next Tory Prime Minister this week, according to Jim.But the blog also focuses on the crucial response of employers as the furlough scheme is wound up.
Creatures of habit
02/07/2020
The reports of the death of cities are greatly exaggerated says Frank McKenna. Only a return to city life will see a quick bounce back for the UK economy, according to the Downtown boss.
If PM is FDR, who needs Labour?
02/07/2020
Boris Johnson seems to be backing a big state, spending big to save the economy. Jim thinks that doesn’t leave much space for the Labour Party despite Keir Starmer’s determination to banish Corbynism.
Schools Out For-ever?
25/06/2020
Welcome though the re-opening of pubs is, Frank McKenna urges government, teachers and councils to prioritise a plan to get our kids back to school. The education lockdown has gone on too long and is damaging the life chances of a generation of children.
4 years on: No EU extension needed
25/06/2020
Four years on from the EU Referendum Jim welcomes the government’s tough line on not extending the transition talks…but there is a twist in his argument.
Back to the Eighties? No thanks
18/06/2020
This week Downtown in Business unveiled its Manifesto for economic Recovery. In his latest blog, Frank McKenna explains why the government needs to think big and be bold if we are to avoid a return to the Eighties – with a nod in the direction (and an apology) to the late, great David Bowie.
Big Changes for Lancashire?
18/06/2020
Could Lancashire be about to make its voice heard alongside Manchester and Liverpool? An elected mayor for the county has come a step closer but it would mean big changes in the complex council structure. Jim examines these issues and speculates on who might get the job.