Is the Prize worth the Price?
14/05/2020
This week DIB boss Frank McKenna calls on a more robust ‘return to work’ plan from government, as he spells out the dangers of a long-term lockdown.
Does Debt Matter?
14/05/2020
In his 400th blog for Downtown, Jim asks how the huge bill for Covid-19 is going to be paid for. Some experts say let the deficit take care of itself, but Jim thinks some tax rises are inevitable.
Forensic Keir versus Blusterer Boris
07/05/2020
This week Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer came face to face at PMQs for the first time. The dual between the two men will define politics for the next four years. Jim gives his first assessment. He also reviews the appearance in the Downtown Den of the North West’s elected mayors.
Be Prepared
07/05/2020
As the government moves towards easing the lockdown, Frank McKenna pleads with them to be better prepared coming out of the crisis than they were going into it.
The Government are managing the crisis badly. Fact.
30/04/2020
In his latest blog Frank McKenna explains why giving any government a ‘pass’, even during a crisis, would be an afront to democracy – and outlines why he thinks Boris Johnson and his colleagues are struggling to manage the Coronavirus crisis effectively.
Grimmer and grimmer
30/04/2020
Could we be facing a year of Corvid crisis with all its implications for social and business disruption? That’s the fear that Jim expresses this week as he sees few lights at the end of the tunnel. He also speculates what might have happened if David Miliband had become Prime Minister 10 years ago.
Time for a National Government
23/04/2020
In his latest blog Frank McKenna suggests that it is time for the government to call in the support of Tony Blair and other former Prime Ministers if they are serious about casting aside party politics in the current crisis.
Over the rainbow…
23/04/2020
Downtown’s Head of Events – North, Helen Bamford wonders what the ‘new normal’ will be when restrictions ease.
Level with us… Don’t Lie
23/04/2020
This week Jim calls for more plain speaking from the government and looks at the grim prospects facing our pubs and restaurants.
If Boris is Churchill, Keir might end up Attlee
23/04/2020
Simon Danczuk on why Keir Starmer might be the next Clement Attlee.
Supply Chain purchasing in times of crisis
22/04/2020
Rachael Eade MBE discusses how and why supply chains must react to the Conoravirus.
Why we crave certainty
20/04/2020
Downtown Birmingham Chair, Paul Cadman on why it is time to prepare and adapt.