End of uncertainty
06/03/2019
Jim asks if next week MPs will give business some certainty by finally accepting the EU Deal. He also looks at how the hard left is taking over local government in parts of the North.
EU deal on March 12th?
28/02/2019
This week Jim speculates that the possibility of a People’s Vote or an extension of the Brexit wrangle, might force MPs to back May’s deal on March 12th. He also looks at the skills gap facing digital industries in the North.
Right move… wrong time
21/02/2019
This week Jim asks if defecting MPs have added a confusing element to the mounting crisis over Brexit. He also warns the Independents to avoid an arrogant approach to the Liberal Democrats.
Questions over HS2 and Fracking
14/02/2019
This week Jim asks whether two major investment projects have a future, HS2 and fracking for gas in Lancashire. He also casts doubt on nuclear power investment as the government seems to be relying on ever cheaper renewable resources
Valentine’s Day: No love or massacre
07/02/2019
This week Jim forecasts that Valentine’s Day will come and go without Brexit love ins or massacres. Also he has been testing opinion on Brexit amongst Downtown business members in Lancashire.
May Still Standing
30/01/2019
This week Jim notes that Mrs May has been able to keep her Brexit show on the road for now. He claims she has been helped by a hapless Labour Opposition and speculates that the EU are unlikely to bend for now.
May’s deal is still in play
24/01/2019
Jim reckons the real prospect of MPs forcing a delay in Brexit, could help Mrs May get her deal. He also reveals the vital role of a Polish curfew in the decision to leave the EU!
Painful or pointless: Call it off
17/01/2019
This week Jim calls on pro EU Cabinet Ministers to force Mrs May to negotiate openly with the Opposition parties that she has shut out so far.
Can May possibly get her deal through?
10/01/2019
Against the odds Jim sill thinks Mrs May’s EU deal can prevail in some form. With no agreement on any other options, he forecasts a last minute appeal to Brussels to compromise on the Backstop could see her through eventually.
2018: The downward spiral continues
20/12/2018
Downtown’s political editor, Jim Hancock reviews the year in politics in his final blog of 2018.
“Letter of comfort” to save May deal?
13/12/2018
So, Mr Rees Mogg is it OK to try to overturn the 2016 decision? No not the EU Referendum, the decision to make Theresa May
Brexit: What happens next week?
06/12/2018
The government is censored. All warehouses in this country for frozen goods are full. Preparations are underway to turn Kent into a lorry park. People