Health reforms: big questions remain
Big challenges remain for health and social care despite the reforms annouced by the government this week according to Jim. In his blog he also reports on an interesting week in the Downtown Den.
Europe: Mistakes on all sides
This week Jim claims there are faults on both sides in the crisis over the Northern Ireland border. He also reports on a robust defence of Northern transport investment during a Downtown Den event this week.
Pointless blame game over deaths
The government have made many mistakes, concludes Jim in his latest blog, as the pandemic death toll passes 100,000. But he wonders if things would have been that different under Labour.
Vauxhall car plant concerns
How safe is the car industry in the North West? Jim’s blog this week looks at the pressures of Brexit and the ban on petrol cars on this vital source of skilled jobs in the region.
Keep North transport plans
Nearly a year into the pandemic, where are we with the government’s levelling up agenda for the North? Jim’s blog reports on a Downtown event where bosses of Local Enterprise Partnerships cast a critical eye on minister’s approach to the crisis.
WE’LL KEEP THE EU FLAG FLYING HERE
In his blog this week Jim pushes back at any suggestion that Remainers should give up the EU cause for ever. He examines the “thin deal” that the Prime Minister has concluded and urges Returners to keep the EU flag flying.
Will Anderson be able to stand?
In this week’s blog Jim Hancock looks at the crisis at Liverpool Town Hall. He asks how long the police inquiry into alleged wrongdoing will last and what the consequences could be for the city and those involved.
Nature over Mankind
A year ago we were hearing vague reports of a health emergency in somewhere called Wuhan. In his review of an unforgettable 2020, Jim Hancock traces the crisis, the mitakes and hopes for the future.
High Street… Our Street
As retail empires collapse, Jim Hancock favours a back to the future approach. In this week’s blog he thinks the public, deprived of pubs and shops,want to support local drives to revive the high streets.
MORE NORTHERN AGONY. TIS THE SEASON TO WEEP.
The Liverpool area comes out of the toughest restrictions while Greater Manchester remains in Tier 3. In his blog Jim considers the approaches of different mayors. He also thinks the government has made the right call on some long term economic decisions this week.
CUMMINGS WAS BAD FOR THE NORTH. CUMMING AND GOING.
This week Jim disputes Dominic Cummings credentials as a champion of the North. With the Prime Ministerial aide gone, Jim gives his recipe for bringing effective devolution to the North.
The vaccine and the business
In his blog Jim notes the euphoria surrounding news of a vaccine against Covid-19 but forecasts it will be a while before business in the North feels the benefit. He also marks the 30th anniversary of the fall of Margaret Thatcher.