conservativehome--2020-07-03--Facebook, Liz Truss and future challenges with the internet giants

In recent weeks , Facebook has been up against huge pressure to control hate speech and groups on its site .
Much of this increased after President Donald Trump posted “ when the looting starts , the shooting starts ” , in response to protests in Minneapolis , on both Twitter and Facebook .
The aftermath exemplified , among many things , that the two dominant social media sites had taken very different strategies to tackling inflammatory content .
Twitter went for the cautious approach .
It added a warning label for the post to say that it had glorified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was clicked on .
Facebook , on the other hand , kept Trump ’ s post up , on the basis that it was not an incitement of violence , but an announcement of state use of force .
Facebook ’ s “ hands-off ” approach to Trump only changed when a number of powerful companies pulled out of advertising with the site , such as Coca-Cola , Verizon and Ford , in a campaign co-ordinated by Stop Hate for Profit .
Some have called these organisations opportunistic – Covid-19 has eaten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company will jump on the chance to look socially righteous – but it ’ s still an expensive wobble that Facebook no doubt wants to avoid .
As a result , the social media site has said that it will add a label to tell people that content may violate its policies ; it ’ s a watered down version of what Twitter is offering .
Even so , Zuckerberg has been fairly resilient in dealing with Stop Hate for Profit , which has set out a list of content it wants gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that he would not change Facebook ’ s policies ; that he thinks advertisers will be back “ soon enough ” , and that he remains committed to democracy and free speech .
In spite of this , one strange area Facebook has increasingly delved into is political affairs , especially in anticipation of the upcoming US election .
Some of this is to right the wrongs of 2016 , in which there was foreign interference , with Russia attempting to “ undermine the voting power of left-leaning African-American citizens , by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , among other activities .
Facebook has since spent “ billions of dollars in technology ” and hired “ tens of thousands of people ” to fix this .
( Incidentally , the UK is still waiting for its report on the alleged Russian interference in politics to understand the extent of it here . )
But more strikingly , Facebook has ventured into interventionist territory , with the new aim to “ help 4 million people register to vote ” .
In doing this , Zuckerberg is taking the organisation much further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ users , like myself ( aged 17 when it first came out ) , will think of it predominantly as a tool for making friends online and posting photographs ; a type of social peacocking , in many ways .
Zuckerberg , however , clearly has more profound visions .
He says he wants to boost “ authoritative information ” for voting that he expects “ 160 million people in the US to see ” .
The goal sounds altruistic on the face of it , but it also poses big questions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authoritative ” ?
And should social media giants be involved in democracy at all ?
Increasingly there ’ s been accusations from conservatives that in delving into the political realm , social media sites tend to show biases in favour of liberals , most notably Trump , who said “ Twitter is completely stifling FREE SPEECH ” after it fact-checked one of his Tweets .
One writer suggests that out of “ 22 prominent , politically active individuals who are known to have been suspended since 2005 and who expressed a preference in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supported Donald Trump ” .
In UnHerd , the author and commentator Douglas Murray goes further , revealing his own suspicions that Twitter is penalising right-leaning writers , such as hiding “ likes ” ( a way of showing support for posts ) from their posts .
Some say that there is no evidence of social media biases , with Kevin Roose , a tech journalist , noting yesterday that the best performing accounts on Facebook are all conservative .
A tech expert tells me that the “ exact opposite viewpoint ( of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ various countries , where the view is that the anti-capitalist left is censored by American tech giants ” .
None of this has reassured Trump , however , who is proposing a bill to make social media giants take legal liability for material that their users post .
But this could crush free speech , to a certain extent , making companies more likely to remove content to protect against litigation .
Even if there is not algorithmic censorship , many people were concerned last week after Google UK launched into Liz Truss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media .
On June 18 it posted a petition trying to lobby her on the Gender Recognition Act .
This event should have rung serious alarm bells ; a tech giant coming for a Conservative politician is seriously bad news , although – tellingly – there was a dearth of news stories about it .
One suspects if Google UK had attacked a Remainer politician on refusing to leave the EU , it would have received the proportion response .
This was , after all , perhaps the world ’ s biggest holder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One concern that has been pointed out repeatedly about Silicon Valley , and its companies , is that the demography its tech talent could influence the ways in which content is censored .
Even Zuckerberg has called it “ an extremely left-leaning place ” , and many will wonder how this affects their role in deciding the terms of “ offence ” on social media sites , and otherwise .
In the UK , perhaps the most significant issue is that we are just so removed from these authors of our ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have domestic offices .
We know little about the algorithms they use – and it suits tech companies this way , limiting others ’ abilities to get into the sector .
Here brings us to the biggest question : how should UK politicians deal with Facebook and other tech giants ?
Much of the focus on these companies has been on their involvement in elections , but they also have an impact on Joe Bloggs ’ income , too , as one report by the Competition and Markets Authority ( CMA ) elucidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has “ more than a 90 per cent share of £7.3 billion search advertising market in UK , while Facebook has over 50 % of the £5.5 billion display advertising market ” .
The report suggests that by dominating the market , these organisations control the default prices for advertising , which are arguably higher than they need to be – and in turn effect the consumer , as advertisers keep their product costs high .
CMA sets out numerous ways in which the Government can start to break up these giants and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the ways in which it highlights tech giants ’ control over many things – from prices , to regulation .
And all of this has to change .
Ultimately , along with the current 5G issues the Government is dwelling on , they are going to increasingly need the knowledge , and foresight , to intercept some of these tech powers before they become so dominant as to make their powers irreversible .
Already the Government has found that Apple stifled the approach it wanted to take to contact tracing , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s to come – as the tech giants , sometimes working in conjunction , block out competition .
There is a mammoth amount of information to take on board , changing all the time .
Along with Brexit and Coronavirus , Tories will have their work cut out .

In recent weeks, Facebook has been up against huge pressure to control hate speech and groups on its site. Much of this increased after President Donald Trump posted “when the looting starts, the shooting starts”, in response to protests in Minneapolis, on both Twitter and Facebook. The aftermath exemplified, among many things, that the two dominant social media sites had taken very different strategies to tackling inflammatory content.
Twitter went for the cautious approach. It added a warning label for the post to say that it had glorified violence, and hid the content unless it was clicked on. Facebook, on the other hand, kept Trump’s post up, on the basis that it was not an incitement of violence, but an announcement of state use of force.
Facebook’s “hands-off” approach to Trump only changed when a number of powerful companies pulled out of advertising with the site, such as Coca-Cola, Verizon and Ford, in a campaign co-ordinated by Stop Hate for Profit. Some have called these organisations opportunistic – Covid-19 has eaten into advertising budgets, and surely any company will jump on the chance to look socially righteous – but it’s still an expensive wobble that Facebook no doubt wants to avoid.
As a result, the social media site has said that it will add a label to tell people that content may violate its policies; it’s a watered down version of what Twitter is offering. Even so, Zuckerberg has been fairly resilient in dealing with Stop Hate for Profit, which has set out a list of content it wants gone from Facebook and other sites. Zuckerberg said that he would not change Facebook’s policies; that he thinks advertisers will be back “soon enough”, and that he remains committed to democracy and free speech.
In spite of this, one strange area Facebook has increasingly delved into is political affairs, especially in anticipation of the upcoming US election. Some of this is to right the wrongs of 2016, in which there was foreign interference, with Russia attempting to “undermine the voting power of left-leaning African-American citizens, by spreading misinformation about the electoral process”, among other activities. Facebook has since spent “billions of dollars in technology” and hired “tens of thousands of people” to fix this. (Incidentally, the UK is still waiting for its report on the alleged Russian interference in politics to understand the extent of it here.)
But more strikingly, Facebook has ventured into interventionist territory, with the new aim to “help 4 million people register to vote”. In doing this, Zuckerberg is taking the organisation much further away from its initial design. Many users, like myself (aged 17 when it first came out), will think of it predominantly as a tool for making friends online and posting photographs; a type of social peacocking, in many ways.
Zuckerberg, however, clearly has more profound visions. He says he wants to boost “authoritative information” for voting that he expects “160 million people in the US to see”. The goal sounds altruistic on the face of it, but it also poses big questions, like, who gets to categorise “authoritative”? And should social media giants be involved in democracy at all?
Increasingly there’s been accusations from conservatives that in delving into the political realm, social media sites tend to show biases in favour of liberals, most notably Trump, who said “Twitter is completely stifling FREE SPEECH” after it fact-checked one of his Tweets.
One writer suggests that out of “22 prominent, politically active individuals who are known to have been suspended since 2005 and who expressed a preference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, 21 supported Donald Trump”. In UnHerd, the author and commentator Douglas Murray goes further, revealing his own suspicions that Twitter is penalising right-leaning writers, such as hiding “likes” (a way of showing support for posts) from their posts.
Some say that there is no evidence of social media biases, with Kevin Roose, a tech journalist, noting yesterday that the best performing accounts on Facebook are all conservative. A tech expert tells me that the “exact opposite viewpoint (of social media bias) is shared in various countries, where the view is that the anti-capitalist left is censored by American tech giants”.
None of this has reassured Trump, however, who is proposing a bill to make social media giants take legal liability for material that their users post. But this could crush free speech, to a certain extent, making companies more likely to remove content to protect against litigation.
Even if there is not algorithmic censorship, many people were concerned last week after Google UK launched into Liz Truss, the Conservative MP, on social media. On June 18 it posted a petition trying to lobby her on the Gender Recognition Act.
This event should have rung serious alarm bells; a tech giant coming for a Conservative politician is seriously bad news, although – tellingly – there was a dearth of news stories about it. One suspects if Google UK had attacked a Remainer politician on refusing to leave the EU, it would have received the proportion response. This was, after all, perhaps the world’s biggest holder of personal information interfering in UK democracy.
One concern that has been pointed out repeatedly about Silicon Valley, and its companies, is that the demography its tech talent could influence the ways in which content is censored. Even Zuckerberg has called it “an extremely left-leaning place”, and many will wonder how this affects their role in deciding the terms of “offence” on social media sites, and otherwise.
In the UK, perhaps the most significant issue is that we are just so removed from these authors of our (online) reality, even if they have domestic offices. We know little about the algorithms they use – and it suits tech companies this way, limiting others’ abilities to get into the sector.
Here brings us to the biggest question: how should UK politicians deal with Facebook and other tech giants? Much of the focus on these companies has been on their involvement in elections, but they also have an impact on Joe Bloggs’ income, too, as one report by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) elucidates on.
It points out that Google has “more than a 90 per cent share of £7.3 billion search advertising market in UK, while Facebook has over 50% of the £5.5 billion display advertising market”. The report suggests that by dominating the market, these organisations control the default prices for advertising, which are arguably higher than they need to be – and in turn effect the consumer, as advertisers keep their product costs high.
CMA sets out numerous ways in which the Government can start to break up these giants and encourage competition. It is quite alarming in the ways in which it highlights tech giants’ control over many things – from prices, to regulation. And all of this has to change.
Ultimately, along with the current 5G issues the Government is dwelling on, they are going to increasingly need the knowledge, and foresight, to intercept some of these tech powers before they become so dominant as to make their powers irreversible.
Already the Government has found that Apple stifled the approach it wanted to take to contact tracing, and this is just a taste of what’s to come – as the tech giants, sometimes working in conjunction, block out competition. There is a mammoth amount of information to take on board, changing all the time. Along with Brexit and Coronavirus, Tories will have their work cut out.


conservativehome--2020-07-04--The return of the rave should put nightclubs on the Government’s radar

When I borrowed the interviewer ’ s chair for the Moggcast earlier this month , I took the opportunity to ask about the Government ’ s approach to the nightlife industry .
My concern was that as lockdown gradually eases , there was a danger that particular groups or sectors risked getting left behind , trapped in a system which is gradually getting less onerous for society as a whole .
Of course , clubs aren ’ t the only part of the cultural sector under threat : some theatres are already closing .
And it isn ’ t difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t in a hurry to let nightspots re-open , as their high-footfall , low-margin business models are almost uniquely ill-suited to the era of social distancing .
But clubs pose a challenge which things like theatres don ’ t , namely that young people seem decidedly unwilling simply to wait for the Prime Minister ’ s say-so to go out .
Instead , frustrated clubbers are helping to fuel a dramatic resurgence in illegal raves .
( Wildcat stagings of popular plays and musicals are not yet in evidence . )
This isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The UK rave scene has endured , albeit with a much lower profile , since its Nineties heyday , sustained by a backbone of amateur enthusiasts and privately-owned soundsystems .
These events occasionally get shut down by the police but are no scourge on society .
Yet there is a big difference between this semi-private fringe and a party scene which replaces shuttered clubs outright .
Larger crowds of less-experienced party-goers means an increased likelihood of injury and crime , not to mention much greater disruption to nearby communities .
If this situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ becomes more and more likely that organised crime will start moving into this space .
Such groups can clear huge sums off ticket sales , use their events to push drugs , and have the infrastructure to rebound from equipment seizures or other setbacks in ways the amateurs can ’ t .
Worse still , if dire industry predictions do come true and hundreds or thousands of nightlife venues shut their doors , the gangsters moving into the party scene could be well-positioned to buy up vacant clubs and move into the official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Speaking on LBC today , the Prime Minister was pressed on the timeline for opening various businesses , including gyms .
But there is little sign that clubs , which probably lack much of a constituency at Westminster , are on the Government ’ s radar : Resident Advisor notes that the ‘ Our Plan to Rebuild ’ document mentions them only once .
This needs to change .
There may not be a good answer .
It is indeed difficult to imagine how such venues could operate with social distancing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against not only the relatively low risk Covid-19 poses to the young , but the obvious fact that they appear ready and willing to take those risks with or without the Government ’ s permission .
The question isn ’ t whether people will go out this summer ; it ’ s who profits .

When I borrowed the interviewer’s chair for the Moggcast earlier this month, I took the opportunity to ask about the Government’s approach to the nightlife industry.
My concern was that as lockdown gradually eases, there was a danger that particular groups or sectors risked getting left behind, trapped in a system which is gradually getting less onerous for society as a whole.
Of course, clubs aren’t the only part of the cultural sector under threat: some theatres are already closing. And it isn’t difficult to see why the Government isn’t in a hurry to let nightspots re-open, as their high-footfall, low-margin business models are almost uniquely ill-suited to the era of social distancing.
But clubs pose a challenge which things like theatres don’t, namely that young people seem decidedly unwilling simply to wait for the Prime Minister’s say-so to go out.
Instead, frustrated clubbers are helping to fuel a dramatic resurgence in illegal raves. (Wildcat stagings of popular plays and musicals are not yet in evidence.)
This isn’t entirely a new phenomenon. The UK rave scene has endured, albeit with a much lower profile, since its Nineties heyday, sustained by a backbone of amateur enthusiasts and privately-owned soundsystems. These events occasionally get shut down by the police but are no scourge on society.
Yet there is a big difference between this semi-private fringe and a party scene which replaces shuttered clubs outright. Larger crowds of less-experienced party-goers means an increased likelihood of injury and crime, not to mention much greater disruption to nearby communities.
If this situation continues over the summer, it also becomes more and more likely that organised crime will start moving into this space. Such groups can clear huge sums off ticket sales, use their events to push drugs, and have the infrastructure to rebound from equipment seizures or other setbacks in ways the amateurs can’t.
Worse still, if dire industry predictions do come true and hundreds or thousands of nightlife venues shut their doors, the gangsters moving into the party scene could be well-positioned to buy up vacant clubs and move into the official scene when Covid restrictions are finally eased.
Speaking on LBC today, the Prime Minister was pressed on the timeline for opening various businesses, including gyms. But there is little sign that clubs, which probably lack much of a constituency at Westminster, are on the Government’s radar: Resident Advisor notes that the ‘Our Plan to Rebuild’ document mentions them only once. This needs to change.
There may not be a good answer. It is indeed difficult to imagine how such venues could operate with social distancing in place. But this must be weighed against not only the relatively low risk Covid-19 poses to the young, but the obvious fact that they appear ready and willing to take those risks with or without the Government’s permission. The question isn’t whether people will go out this summer; it’s who profits.


conservativehome--2020-07-04--David Gauke: I fear the Conservative Party is lost for small state free marketeers and One Nation so

David Gauke: I fear the Conservative Party is lost for small state free marketeers and One Nation social liberals

David Gauke is a former Justice Secretary , and was an independent candidate in South-West Hertfordshire at the recent general election .
Are we seeing a fundamental realignment of British politics ?
It is a question that has often been asked in the wake of last year ’ s general election in which Boris Johnson won an 80 seat majority on the basis of winning traditionally Labour seats in the midlands and northern England .
During the last two weeks , we have seen three pieces of evidence suggesting that we are seeing such realignment .
First , a report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joseph Rowntree Foundation studying the election .
Goodwin and Heath make the case that in 2019 the Conservatives established a 15-point lead over Labour among people on low incomes ( the first time in recorded history that the Conservative Party has outpolled Labour among people on low incomes ) ; the Conservatives are now more popular among people on low incomes than they are among people on high incomes , whilst the Labour Party is today just as popular among the wealthy as it is among those on low incomes ; consequently , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their traditional support base ; and that Labour must improve its offer to low income voters and the Conservatives must work hard to retain their support .
Second , a report by UK in a Changing Europe which was discussed by its Director , Anand Menon on this site This report compares the attitudes of MPs , party members and voters , by asking each group a series of questions about fundamental ideological attitudes on a left-right spectrum for economic issues and a liberal-authoritarian spectrum for social issues .
It reveals that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all levels are relatively united ( MPs are a bit more socially liberal than Conservative voters ) but , on economics , there is a much bigger divide , with Conservative MPs are a long way to the right of Conservative voters .
But perhaps most interesting of all ( if not altogether surprising ) , were the survey responses for those voters who switched from Labour to Conservative at the last election .
These are the people who decided it and , in all likelihood , will decide the next one .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ slightly more authoritarian than Conservative voters as a whole and a lot more authoritarian than Conservative MPs ; on economic issues , they were to the left not just of the typical Conservative voter ( who , remember , is somewhat to the left of Conservative MPs ) but of the average voter .
The lesson for Labour from both analyses is straightforward .
If it wants to win back the support of those Red Wall voters who switched to the Conservatives in 2019 , the party should avoid the culture wars .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters walk .
It is lesson that Keir Starmer , who is trying to steer through the Black Lives Matter controversies with caution , appears to have learnt .
What about the positioning of the Conservative Party ?
This brings me to the third piece of evidence of realignment in British politics – the recent rhetoric from senior members of the Government embracing Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his New Deal .
First , Michael Gove and then Johnson went out of their way to endorse FDR ’ s approach to an economic crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Ryan Bourne to point out ( correctly ) that the US ’ s economic record in the 1930s was much worse than that of the UK ’ s , and that many of the President ’ s policies were deeply flawed .
Of course , one can simply shrug off the talk of being Rooseveltian as a rhetorical flourish ( the measures announced by the Prime Minister were limited but perfectly sensible ) , and there is a strong economic case to the effect of there being a vital role for active @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the references to FDR are consistent with a Government that is essentially tacking Left on economic measures .
Meanwhile , there is plenty of evidence that it is tacking Right on social measures .
And if it wants to retain those low income , Red Wall , Labour switchers who delivered the Prime Minister his Parliamentary majority that seems to be the sensible approach .
Hug those voters close and give them what they want .
It was an electoral strategy that worked in 2019 and , the argument goes , should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however , risks .
When it comes to pursuing a socially authoritarian agenda , this may well appeal to the new Conservative voters , but it could come across as divisive and mean-spirited to the wider electorate .
For younger and better-educated voters , it can contaminate the brand .
One shouldn ’ t carry the parallel too far , but being a cultural warrior doesn ’ t look as though it will guarantee Donald Trump re-election in November .
On the economy , Conservative MPs are more right wing than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or contrariness , but because they believe that the best way to create wealth is to have a flourishing private sector , that the market is generally more efficient at allocating resources than Government , and that one person ’ s prosperity does not cause another person ’ s poverty .
This raises two problems .
Either Conservative MPs ‘ do not want to meet the losers of globalisation halfway ’ ( to use Matthew Goodwin ’ s phrase ) , which causes a political problem , or they will accommodate the views @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic problems .
Economic nationalism , a hard Brexit , high levels of Government borrowing , and more taxes on the wealthy and big business may well be popular with these voters , but it is not consistent with a dynamic , open and enterprising economy .
As many of us used to argue against Labour politicians who themselves argued in favour of some of these measures , pursuing left wing economics makes working class voters poorer .
Then there is the question of competence .
People decide on how they vote on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Partly it is economic self-interest , partly about values .
But there is also a sense of whether the individuals concerned are trusted to be up to the job .
Politics has changed a lot in recent years but there has traditionally been reluctance in the British voter to trust social authoritarians or economic left wingers .
Politicians that just reflect back the views of voters can , ultimately , be perceived as insincere and insubstantial .
And when it comes to competence , Keir Starmer will set the bar much higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risks .
But what choice does the Conservative Party have ?
The nature of the coalition of support it created in 2019 , built on the basis of ‘ getting Brexit done ’ and successfully capturing large numbers of northern and midland low-income Labour voters , means that a return to a more traditional , liberal , middle-class Conservatism would doom dozens of newly elected MPs .
If Boris Johnson wants to retain the Red Wall ( or , if he prefers , consolidate the Blue Wall ) , the war on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward .
If you are a small state free marketeer , or a one nation social liberal , it is a depressing conclusion to reach .
But when it decided to be the Party of Brexit , when it decided that it should focus on Red Wall voters , the Conservative Party made its choice .
I fear it is too late to turn back .

David Gauke is a former Justice Secretary, and was an independent candidate in South-West Hertfordshire at the recent general election.
Are we seeing a fundamental realignment of British politics? It is a question that has often been asked in the wake of last year’s general election in which Boris Johnson won an 80 seat majority on the basis of winning traditionally Labour seats in the midlands and northern England.
During the last two weeks, we have seen three pieces of evidence suggesting that we are seeing such realignment.
First, a report by Matthew Goodwin and Oliver for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation studying the election . Goodwin and Heath make the case that in 2019 the Conservatives established a 15-point lead over Labour among people on low incomes (the first time in recorded history that the Conservative Party has outpolled Labour among people on low incomes); the Conservatives are now more popular among people on low incomes than they are among people on high incomes, whilst the Labour Party is today just as popular among the wealthy as it is among those on low incomes; consequently, both the Conservatives and Labour have inverted their traditional support base; and that Labour must improve its offer to low income voters and the Conservatives must work hard to retain their support.
Second, a report by UK in a Changing Europe which was discussed by its Director, Anand Menon on this site
This report compares the attitudes of MPs, party members and voters, by asking each group a series of questions about fundamental ideological attitudes on a left-right spectrum for economic issues and a liberal-authoritarian spectrum for social issues.
It reveals that, on social issues, the Conservatives at all levels are relatively united (MPs are a bit more socially liberal than Conservative voters) but, on economics, there is a much bigger divide, with Conservative MPs are a long way to the right of Conservative voters.
But perhaps most interesting of all (if not altogether surprising), were the survey responses for those voters who switched from Labour to Conservative at the last election. These are the people who decided it and, in all likelihood, will decide the next one.
On social issues, these voters were slightly more authoritarian than Conservative voters as a whole and a lot more authoritarian than Conservative MPs; on economic issues, they were to the left not just of the typical Conservative voter (who, remember, is somewhat to the left of Conservative MPs) but of the average voter.
The lesson for Labour from both analyses is straightforward. If it wants to win back the support of those Red Wall voters who switched to the Conservatives in 2019, the party should avoid the culture wars. When the Left go woke, their voters walk. It is lesson that Keir Starmer, who is trying to steer through the Black Lives Matter controversies with caution, appears to have learnt.
What about the positioning of the Conservative Party? This brings me to the third piece of evidence of realignment in British politics – the recent rhetoric from senior members of the Government embracing Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his New Deal. First, Michael Gove and then Johnson went out of their way to endorse FDR’s approach to an economic crisis, provoking free marketeers like Daniel Hannan and Ryan Bourne to point out (correctly) that the US’s economic record in the 1930s was much worse than that of the UK’s, and that many of the President’s policies were deeply flawed.
Of course, one can simply shrug off the talk of being Rooseveltian as a rhetorical flourish (the measures announced by the Prime Minister were limited but perfectly sensible), and there is a strong economic case to the effect of there being a vital role for active Government in the current circumstances.
Nonetheless, the references to FDR are consistent with a Government that is essentially tacking Left on economic measures. Meanwhile, there is plenty of evidence that it is tacking Right on social measures. And if it wants to retain those low income, Red Wall, Labour switchers who delivered the Prime Minister his Parliamentary majority that seems to be the sensible approach. Hug those voters close and give them what they want. It was an electoral strategy that worked in 2019 and, the argument goes, should work again in 2024.
There are, however, risks.
When it comes to pursuing a socially authoritarian agenda, this may well appeal to the new Conservative voters, but it could come across as divisive and mean-spirited to the wider electorate. For younger and better-educated voters, it can contaminate the brand. One shouldn’t carry the parallel too far, but being a cultural warrior doesn’t look as though it will guarantee Donald Trump re-election in November.
On the economy, Conservative MPs are more right wing than the new Tory voters not out of spite or contrariness, but because they believe that the best way to create wealth is to have a flourishing private sector, that the market is generally more efficient at allocating resources than Government, and that one person’s prosperity does not cause another person’s poverty.
This raises two problems. Either Conservative MPs ‘do not want to meet the losers of globalisation halfway’ (to use Matthew Goodwin’s phrase), which causes a political problem, or they will accommodate the views of these voters, which will cause economic problems.
Economic nationalism, a hard Brexit, high levels of Government borrowing, and more taxes on the wealthy and big business may well be popular with these voters, but it is not consistent with a dynamic, open and enterprising economy. As many of us used to argue against Labour politicians who themselves argued in favour of some of these measures, pursuing left wing economics makes working class voters poorer.
Then there is the question of competence. People decide on how they vote on the basis of a combination of factors. Partly it is economic self-interest, partly about values. But there is also a sense of whether the individuals concerned are trusted to be up to the job. Politics has changed a lot in recent years but there has traditionally been reluctance in the British voter to trust social authoritarians or economic left wingers. Politicians that just reflect back the views of voters can, ultimately, be perceived as insincere and insubstantial. And when it comes to competence, Keir Starmer will set the bar much higher than Jeremy Corbyn.
Those are the risks. But what choice does the Conservative Party have? The nature of the coalition of support it created in 2019, built on the basis of ‘getting Brexit done’ and successfully capturing large numbers of northern and midland low-income Labour voters, means that a return to a more traditional, liberal, middle-class Conservatism would doom dozens of newly elected MPs. If Boris Johnson wants to retain the Red Wall (or, if he prefers, consolidate the Blue Wall), the war on the woke and Rooseveltian economics is the way forward.
If you are a small state free marketeer, or a one nation social liberal, it is a depressing conclusion to reach. But when it decided to be the Party of Brexit, when it decided that it should focus on Red Wall voters, the Conservative Party made its choice. I fear it is too late to turn back.


conservativehome--2020-07-05--WATCH: Blackford – ‘Caution in Scotland rewarded by improved performance’ in tackling virus

“ If we have a second wave , the economic hit would be more damaging.
” @ Ianblackford_MP claims Scotland @ @ @ @ @ powers it needs to respond to the # COVID19 crisis “ in the way that @ @ @ @ @ Follow live analysis : https : //t.co/B0FBywYVjg pic.twitter.com/C6s0qkiFZ7

“If we have a second wave, the economic hit would be more damaging.”@Ianblackford_MP claims Scotland doesn’t have the powers it needs to respond to the #COVID19 crisis “in the way that it should.”#Ridge
Follow live analysis: https://t.co/B0FBywYVjg pic.twitter.com/C6s0qkiFZ7
— Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) July 5, 2020


conservativehome--2020-07-05--WATCH: Virus outbreaks in food and clothing factories confirmed by Hancock

“ There are some quite significant concerns about the employment practices in some of the clothing factories in Leicester ” @ @ @ @ @ secretary confirms # COVID19 outbreaks in food and clothing factories in Leicester.
# Ridgehttps : @ @

“There are some quite significant concerns about the employment practices in some of the clothing factories in Leicester” says @MattHancock
The health secretary confirms #COVID19 outbreaks in food and clothing factories in Leicester.#Ridgehttps://t.co/B0FBywYVjg pic.twitter.com/CbzIIkk1vW
— Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) July 5, 2020


conservativehome--2020-07-05--WATCH: Government must have strategy on mobile networks instead of ‘lurches in policy’ – Dodds

“ We ’ ve been saying that government needs to have a proper strategy around this for many , many @ @ @ @ @ the govt needs a “ long-term strategy ” on the upgrading of mobile networks rather @ @ @ @ @ ” .
# Ridge Analysis : https : //t.co/B0FBywYVjg pic.twitter.com/v8JWIeLMSf

“We’ve been saying that government needs to have a proper strategy around this for many, many months.”@AnnelieseDodds says the govt needs a “long-term strategy” on the upgrading of mobile networks rather than “lurches in policy”.#Ridge
Analysis: https://t.co/B0FBywYVjg pic.twitter.com/v8JWIeLMSf
— Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) July 5, 2020


conservativehome--2020-07-05--WATCH: Hancock claims recent investment in NHS ‘unprecedented’

Health Secretary Matt Hancock tells # Marr “ the sums of money that the Treasury have put into the NHS @ @ @ @ @ have been unprecedented ” but doesn ’ t recognise the £10bn figure NHS bosses are @ @ @ @ @ pic.twitter.com/naqDse6sGY

“We’ll fund what is needed”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock tells #Marr “the sums of money that the Treasury have put into the NHS over the last few months have been unprecedented” but doesn’t recognise the £10bn figure NHS bosses are reportedly asking forhttps://t.co/3fzr7JCp26 pic.twitter.com/naqDse6sGY
— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) July 5, 2020


conservativehome--2020-07-06--Howard Flight: High streets, air travel, restaurants, the arts. How the virus is transforming our li

Howard Flight: High streets, air travel, restaurants, the arts. How the virus is transforming our lifestyle.

It is becoming clear that the Covid-l9 crisis will lead to substantial changes in the British lifestyle .
First of all , a significant part of the workforce will be working from home on line .
People have learnt from current experience that board and other meetings can be conducted quite satisfactorily on Zoom or Teams .
Employees will not need to travel , at great expense in discomfort with no seats , and can live away from London and the South East , where good houses are cheaper .
The knock on effects of Zoom and Teams are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space in London and other major cities .
Office space could be converted into residential use – so reducing the cost of residential property .
Much of the massive increase in office space over the last three years may end up to being converted into accommodation .
The Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) has found some surprising results from its recent surveys .
The impact of lockdown on people ’ s lives has been revealed in official figures , showing that more than a quarter are considering changes to their relationships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For the first time , the ONS has focused on aspects of life that are the cause of unhappiness .
Big life changes after recovery from the Coronavarius are being planned by 28 per cent of adults and , of these , 42 per cent want to make a change to their work ; 38 per cent are looking to move on from relationships and 35 per cent are inclined to move home .
Family lawyers have already reported an increase in the number of divorce cases exacerbated by financial problems .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent of adults feel that some parts of their lives have changed for the better .
Of those who reported positive lifestyle changes , 56 per cent said they were able to spend more time with their family and close friends .
The ONS also found that nearly half of those aged between 60 and 69 had experienced positive lifestyle changes compared with only 24 per cent of respondents aged over 70 .
Exactly half said they were enjoying a slower pace of live .
It remains to be seen how many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ albeit that a lot of people will need to change jobs as there their previous jobs will no longer be available .
There are four related territories which are exposed to massive change for survival : the high street , travel , hospitality and culture .
The high street is still threatened by online shopping in an unfair tax regime .
The Government has permitted the online shopping industry to enjoy substantial tax advantages , undercutting the high street .
It pays no business rates and is maybe registered abroad , so saving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is needed overall is a level tax playing field .
Travel is probably the biggest area effected by Covid-19 .
The total value of cancelled flights amounts to £8 billion for the last four months .
Liability for this will be fought over for a long time to come , where there are now two key legal principals – in the UK “ Acts of God ” and , imported from Europe , “ Force majeure ” .
The industry can not afford to refund the £8 billion total , and it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of air travel .
Restaurants , pubs and hotels have had mixed and an often interlinked experience – overall , a negative one caused by Government lockdown requirements .
Some opening up is now occurring , and local authorities are encouraging and supporting the provision out outside restaurant facilities There is an economic need for restaurants..
The territory which the Government has now announced a £1.5 billion package for us the performing arts .
The individual performers have had all their bookings cancelled , through to Christmas with no compensation and no future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the arts contributes more to Britain ’ s international earnings , in aggregate , than does the City of London .
The Government seems to be waking up to the importance of Britain ’ s musical industry .
One of our friends who is an internationally recognised opera singer is trying to set up a major outdoor performance in Hyde Park , similar to the Pavarotti Concert over ten years ago .
This , however , will require the Government to provide the insurance cover against the risk of Covid-l9 infection .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to put up such cover – and , ironically , made a good profit from so doing .

It is becoming clear that the Covid-l9 crisis will lead to substantial changes in the British lifestyle.
First of all, a significant part of the workforce will be working from home on line. People have learnt from current experience that board and other meetings can be conducted quite satisfactorily on Zoom or Teams. Employees will not need to travel, at great expense in discomfort with no seats, and can live away from London and the South East, where good houses are cheaper.
The knock on effects of Zoom and Teams are also going to reduce the demand for office space in London and other major cities. Office space could be converted into residential use – so reducing the cost of residential property. Much of the massive increase in office space over the last three years may end up to being converted into accommodation.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has found some surprising results from its recent surveys. The impact of lockdown on people’s lives has been revealed in official figures, showing that more than a quarter are considering changes to their relationships (divorce), job or home.
For the first time, the ONS has focused on aspects of life that are the cause of unhappiness. Big life changes after recovery from the Coronavarius are being planned by 28 per cent of adults and, of these, 42 per cent want to make a change to their work; 38 per cent are looking to move on from relationships and 35 per cent are inclined to move home. Family lawyers have already reported an increase in the number of divorce cases exacerbated by financial problems.
Researchers have also found that 40 per cent of adults feel that some parts of their lives have changed for the better. Of those who reported positive lifestyle changes, 56 per cent said they were able to spend more time with their family and close friends. The ONS also found that nearly half of those aged between 60 and 69 had experienced positive lifestyle changes compared with only 24 per cent of respondents aged over 70. Exactly half said they were enjoying a slower pace of live.
It remains to be seen how many of these intentions will be carried through, albeit that a lot of people will need to change jobs as there their previous jobs will no longer be available.
There are four related territories which are exposed to massive change for survival: the high street, travel, hospitality and culture.
The high street is still threatened by online shopping in an unfair tax regime. The Government has permitted the online shopping industry to enjoy substantial tax advantages, undercutting the high street. It pays no business rates and is maybe registered abroad, so saving on VAT and corporation tax. What is needed overall is a level tax playing field.
Travel is probably the biggest area effected by Covid-19. The total value of cancelled flights amounts to £8 billion for the last four months. Liability for this will be fought over for a long time to come, where there are now two key legal principals – in the UK “Acts of God” and, imported from Europe, “Force majeure”. The industry cannot afford to refund the £8 billion total, and it is governments that have insisted on the closure of air travel.
Restaurants, pubs and hotels have had mixed and an often interlinked experience – overall, a negative one caused by Government lockdown requirements. Some opening up is now occurring, and local authorities are encouraging and supporting the provision out outside restaurant facilities There is an economic need for restaurants..
The territory which the Government has now announced a £1.5 billion package for us the performing arts. The individual performers have had all their bookings cancelled, through to Christmas with no compensation and no future bookings. It should be remembered that the arts contributes more to Britain’s international earnings, in aggregate, than does the City of London.
The Government seems to be waking up to the importance of Britain’s musical industry. One of our friends who is an internationally recognised opera singer is trying to set up a major outdoor performance in Hyde Park, similar to the Pavarotti Concert over ten years ago. This, however, will require the Government to provide the insurance cover against the risk of Covid-l9 infection. There are three historic precedents where the Government had to put up such cover – and, ironically, made a good profit from so doing.


conservativehome--2020-07-06--Newslinks for Monday 6th July 2020

Newslinks for Monday 6th July 2020

“ Rishi Sunak , the chancellor , has thrown a £1.5bn lifeline to Britain ’ s struggling theatres , music venues and museums , as he prepares to set out plans to avert a Covid-19 unemployment crisis .
Mr Sunak accepted the argument made by Britain ’ s artistic leaders that the need for social distancing for the foreseeable future could devastate the cultural life of the country .
The settlement , secured by culture secretary Oliver Dowden after weeks of detailed study of the problems facing the arts sector , includes £880m of grants for the financial year to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be shared out between theatres , music venues , heritage sites , museums , galleries and independent cinemas , will be supplemented by £270m of repayable loans.
” – FT Sunak 2 ) Plans being drawn up for stamp duty “ holiday ” “ Rishi Sunak has drawn up proposals to exempt most homebuyers from paying any stamp duty under plans to kick-start Britain ’ s economic recovery .
The chancellor will reveal plans this week to lift the threshold at which people start paying stamp duty from £125,000 to as much as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is expected to be implemented in the autumn budget , is a temporary measure intended to stimulate the housing market .
Mr Sunak will announce the plans on Wednesday as part of several measures to support the economy , including a temporary VAT cut for pubs , restaurants and cafés to help to protect 2.4 million jobs in the hospitality sector.
” – The Times • Richard Holden ’ s column : On Wednesday , Sunak needs to display as much confidence in Britain as local publications are showing in North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government : How housing for older people can support the recovery effort Nick Timothy : Britain ’ s cosy establishment is the product of a dysfunctional political system “ Working in the Home Office after the riots in 2011 , I took a phone call from one of David Cameron ’ s senior staffers .
I was told it would be very helpful if Theresa May , then Home Secretary , could call certain named business leaders , as they were concerned about recovering the cost of damage to property they owned .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I refused , and said the Home Secretary would deal with all businesses equally , irrespective of their political support .
On another occasion , Conservative Campaign Headquarters hosted a lunch for party donors , and Mrs May was due to be the guest speaker .
Perhaps a day before the event , we were sent a list of the donors who planned to attend.
” – Daily Telegraph • Losing a reputation for fiscal prudence will hurt the Tories , Salma Shah – The Times • Tories ’ rising star is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stephen Bush – The Times • Lockdown underlines the joys of housework , Edward Lucas – The Times • The pandemic has exposed the uselessness of orthodox economics , Jonathan Aldred – The Guardian • We need to stop misplacing common sense on immigration for bigotry , Sir John Hayes – Daily Express • The government errors that led to Leicester ’ s Covid-19 spike are clear to see , Claudia Webbe – The Guardian • Sunak must ignore the clamorous deficit deniers – Japan shows why , Roger Bootle – Daily Telegraph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 has crystallised how England feels , John Harris – The Guardian • As grateful as we all are for the NHS it ’ s time to step out into the post Covid world , Harry de Quetteville – Daily Telegraph • Only seven per cent of British people are heading to the pub .
Here ’ s why I ’ m one of them , Zoe Williams – The Guardian Johnson claps for NHS on its 72nd birthday “ BORIS Johnson has joined millions of Brits to clap and cheer our NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s 72nd birthday .
The PM stood beaming on the steps of No10 as he paid tribute to frontline workers and volunteers to commemorate their work fighting the coronavirus crisis .
While a Spitfire with the message “ Thank U NHS ” painted on its underside took to the sky before flying over several NHS hospitals in the east of the country , finishing over Cambridge .
Second World War veteran and NHS fundraiser Captain Sir Tom Moore joined the applause from his home in a video he shared on Twitter .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS , said : “ Happy 72nd birthday NHS .
Thank you for all that you do for us.
” Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also clapped on her doorstep , saying in a tweet : “ Happy 72nd Birthday , NHS .
Thank you for everything.
” ‘ – The Sun • NHS chief warns PM to fix social care crisis within a year – The Sun • A shot in the arm to help everyone , Matt Hancock – Daily Express Raab imposes sanctions on Russia and Saudis over human rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will on Monday name the first foreign citizens to face visa bans and asset freezes for alleged human rights abuses under Britain ’ s new post-Brexit sanctions regime , with Russians and Saudis among those expected to be targeted .
Mr Raab , a former human rights lawyer , has pushed for a tough sanctions regime in spite of misgivings among some in the Foreign Office over its likely impact on bilateral relations with some strategic allies with poor human rights records , including Saudi Arabia .
Government officials have been working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arabia and North Korea under Britain ’ s version of the 2012 US Magnitsky Act , named after the Russian lawyer who died in a Moscow prison in 2009 after alleging officials were involved in tax fraud.
” – FT Security 1 ) UK expected to phase Huawei out of 5G networks “ Boris Johnson is this month expected to draw up plans to phase out Huawei from Britain ’ s 5G phone networks , after warnings that US sanctions have undermined the Chinese telecoms equipment maker ’ s ability to supply the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has raised “ very , very serious ” questions about whether Huawei can continue with its limited role as a supplier of 5G networks after the US announced sanctions in May , according to government officials .
The sanctions were aimed at cutting off the company ’ s access to semiconductors made with US equipment , raising fears in London that Huawei would be forced to use alternative technology with new security risks.
” – FT • Bar Huawei from our 5G , advises ex-security chief John Sawers – The Times • Proposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is too slow , Tory rebels warn Johnson – Daily Telegraph • Hugo de Burg in Comment : We owe it to future generations of Brits to work with China • WATCH : Government must have strategy on mobile networks instead of “ lurches in policy ” – Dodds Security 2 ) Royal marines and 20,000 troops cut to make way for space and cyber war “ Defence chiefs have drawn up plans to cut 20,000 troops from the military and reduce the size of the Royal Marines , replacing the MoD ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology .
Mandarins have suggested the scrapping of RAF air bases and a fleet of Hercules planes and Puma helicopters in a bid to save money , The Sunday Times reported .
The Treasury has asked departments to make savings of 5 per cent or more as part of a wider review of Government spending , while Boris Johnson has appointed a history professor to personally oversee any cuts to UK defence capability .
Draft plans suggest a significant chunk of the Royal Marines ’ capability could be axed , including its artillery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would instead be invested in new cyber and space warfare technology.
” – Daily Telegraph Hancock 1 ) Health Secretary warns of more lockdowns after “ sardine Saturday ” … “ Matt Hancock warned of more local lockdowns yesterday after social distancing was widely flouted when pubs reopened across the country .
Thousands of people ignored the one-metre distancing rules as they packed into nightlife districts such as Soho in London and the centres of other big cities .
While there were isolated incidents of violence , the widespread disorder predicted by some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a second wave of coronavirus were heightened , however , by images of crowded streets with drinkers hugging each other without wearing masks.
” – The Times • Fears of widespread disorder unfounded as English pubs reopen – The Guardian • Spain locks down more towns in Galicia and A Mariña after outbreaks – The Times • Young people at the heart of America ’ s Coronavirus infection explosion – The Times • Covid-19 may not have originated in China – Daily Telegraph Hancock 2 ) … and threatens to lockdown Leicester factories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has “ significant concerns ” about clothing factories in Leicester opening behind closed doors and won ’ t hesitate to shut them down if they break the rules , Matt Hancock has said .
The Health Secretary said the Government was monitoring concerns about employment practices at the factories , amid reports one paid its staff less than the minimum wage and not enforcing social distancing .
“ We have the authority to shut down businesses if they don ’ t follow the guidance , ” he said .
“ We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary added businesses could face “ very significant fines ” if employment laws and Government workplace safety guidance were found to have been breached.
” – Daily Telegraph • WATCH : Virus outbreaks in food and clothing factories confirmed by Hancock “ Thirty-five thousand more people could die of cancer next year because of the impact of coronavirus , expert modelling has suggested .
Research by Health Data Research UK , the national institute for health data science , warned that the overwhelming focus on Covid-19 was likely to cause 18,000 excess cancer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost double to 35,000 in the worst-case scenario .
It said that urgent referrals for cancer care had dropped and that treatments had been delayed or cancelled.
” – The Times Cash crisis leaves 13 universities on the brink of collapse “ As many as 13 universities could go bust as higher education faces losing a quarter of its annual income in the coronavirus crisis , a report says .
The Institute for Fiscal Studies ( IFS ) estimated that universities would lose £11 billion as foreign student numbers fell and income from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The institute warned that pension deficits would rise steeply as investments dropped in value , putting universities under pressure to fund the shortfall .
The think tank advised against propping up institutions , however .
The government has already stepped in with support , bringing forward £2.6 billion of tuition fee payments to ease cash-flow problems .
But universities are asking for up to £3.2 billion more help.
” – The Times • Less prestigious universities most likely to face insolvency – FT • The Government is trying to shrink the university @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times • Not everybody needs to go to university , and the Tories should say so , Simon Heffer – Daily Telegraph Taxpayer may prop up train firms until 2022 “ Train companies face being propped up by the taxpayer for up to two years amid warnings that passenger numbers may fail to return to pre-Covid levels .
Emergency contracts between the government and train operators are set to be extended into 2022 to prevent companies going bust or walking away .
Rail industry sources told The Times that it was feared that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return “ for the foreseeable future ” , even after the end of the coronavirus crisis because of changes to working patterns .
It is believed that many who have worked at home will not return to a daily commute.
” – The Times Labour wants wealth tax if the economy fails to recover “ Labour has called for the government to introduce a wealth tax if the economy fails to recover because “ those with the broadest shoulders should be making more of a contribution ” .
Anneliese Dodds , the shadow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ very best-off people ” should help to pay for the cost of the coronavirus crisis if the economic recovery stalled .
The Conservatives accused Labour of advocating a “ tax raid on ordinary families ” and targeting people ’ s homes and savings .
Ms Dodds declined to say how Labour ’ s plan for a wealth tax would work , but did not deny that it could involve a tax on assets.
” – The Times

Sunak 1) £1.5 billion bailout for struggling arts sector
“Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, has thrown a £1.5bn lifeline to Britain’s struggling theatres, music venues and museums, as he prepares to set out plans to avert a Covid-19 unemployment crisis. Mr Sunak accepted the argument made by Britain’s artistic leaders that the need for social distancing for the foreseeable future could devastate the cultural life of the country. The settlement, secured by culture secretary Oliver Dowden after weeks of detailed study of the problems facing the arts sector, includes £880m of grants for the financial year to April 2021. The money, to be shared out between theatres, music venues, heritage sites, museums, galleries and independent cinemas, will be supplemented by £270m of repayable loans.” – FT
Sunak 2) Plans being drawn up for stamp duty “holiday”
“Rishi Sunak has drawn up proposals to exempt most homebuyers from paying any stamp duty under plans to kick-start Britain’s economic recovery. The chancellor will reveal plans this week to lift the threshold at which people start paying stamp duty from £125,000 to as much as £500,000. The increase in the threshold, which is expected to be implemented in the autumn budget, is a temporary measure intended to stimulate the housing market. Mr Sunak will announce the plans on Wednesday as part of several measures to support the economy, including a temporary VAT cut for pubs, restaurants and cafés to help to protect 2.4 million jobs in the hospitality sector.” – The Times
£1,000 cash bonuses for companies to train young jobseekers – Daily Telegraph
Report co-authored by Neil O’Brien calls for “sweeping tax reform” – Shropshire Star
>Today:
Nick Timothy: Britain’s cosy establishment is the product of a dysfunctional political system
“Working in the Home Office after the riots in 2011, I took a phone call from one of David Cameron’s senior staffers. I was told it would be very helpful if Theresa May, then Home Secretary, could call certain named business leaders, as they were concerned about recovering the cost of damage to property they owned. Recognising the names as prominent Conservative supporters, I refused, and said the Home Secretary would deal with all businesses equally, irrespective of their political support. On another occasion, Conservative Campaign Headquarters hosted a lunch for party donors, and Mrs May was due to be the guest speaker. Perhaps a day before the event, we were sent a list of the donors who planned to attend.” – Daily Telegraph
Johnson claps for NHS on its 72nd birthday
“BORIS Johnson has joined millions of Brits to clap and cheer our NHS heroes today on the health service’s 72nd birthday. The PM stood beaming on the steps of No10 as he paid tribute to frontline workers and volunteers to commemorate their work fighting the coronavirus crisis. While a Spitfire with the message “Thank U NHS” painted on its underside took to the sky before flying over several NHS hospitals in the east of the country, finishing over Cambridge. Second World War veteran and NHS fundraiser Captain Sir Tom Moore joined the applause from his home in a video he shared on Twitter. The 100-year-old, who raised millions for the NHS, said: “Happy 72nd birthday NHS. Thank you for all that you do for us.” Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also clapped on her doorstep, saying in a tweet: “Happy 72nd Birthday, NHS. Thank you for everything.”‘ – The Sun
NHS chief warns PM to fix social care crisis within a year – The Sun
Comment:
A shot in the arm to help everyone, Matt Hancock – Daily Express
Raab imposes sanctions on Russia and Saudis over human rights
“Dominic Raab, UK foreign secretary, will on Monday name the first foreign citizens to face visa bans and asset freezes for alleged human rights abuses under Britain’s new post-Brexit sanctions regime, with Russians and Saudis among those expected to be targeted. Mr Raab, a former human rights lawyer, has pushed for a tough sanctions regime in spite of misgivings among some in the Foreign Office over its likely impact on bilateral relations with some strategic allies with poor human rights records, including Saudi Arabia. Government officials have been working on targeting individuals in Russia, Saudi Arabia and North Korea under Britain’s version of the 2012 US Magnitsky Act, named after the Russian lawyer who died in a Moscow prison in 2009 after alleging officials were involved in tax fraud.” – FT
Security 1) UK expected to phase Huawei out of 5G networks
“Boris Johnson is this month expected to draw up plans to phase out Huawei from Britain’s 5G phone networks, after warnings that US sanctions have undermined the Chinese telecoms equipment maker’s ability to supply the UK market. An official security inquiry has raised “very, very serious” questions about whether Huawei can continue with its limited role as a supplier of 5G networks after the US announced sanctions in May, according to government officials. The sanctions were aimed at cutting off the company’s access to semiconductors made with US equipment, raising fears in London that Huawei would be forced to use alternative technology with new security risks.” – FT
Bar Huawei from our 5G, advises ex-security chief John Sawers – The Times
Proposed plan to cut Huawei out by 2029 is too slow, Tory rebels warn Johnson – Daily Telegraph
Hongkongers could offer £40 billion boost to UK economy – The Times
>Today:
Hugo de Burg in Comment: We owe it to future generations of Brits to work with China
>Yesterday:
Security 2) Royal marines and 20,000 troops cut to make way for space and cyber war
“Defence chiefs have drawn up plans to cut 20,000 troops from the military and reduce the size of the Royal Marines, replacing the MoD’s firepower with cyber warfare and space technology. Mandarins have suggested the scrapping of RAF air bases and a fleet of Hercules planes and Puma helicopters in a bid to save money, The Sunday Times reported. The Treasury has asked departments to make savings of 5 per cent or more as part of a wider review of Government spending, while Boris Johnson has appointed a history professor to personally oversee any cuts to UK defence capability. Draft plans suggest a significant chunk of the Royal Marines’ capability could be axed, including its artillery, engineers and landing craft. Money would instead be invested in new cyber and space warfare technology.” – Daily Telegraph
Hancock 1) Health Secretary warns of more lockdowns after “sardine Saturday”…
“Matt Hancock warned of more local lockdowns yesterday after social distancing was widely flouted when pubs reopened across the country. Thousands of people ignored the one-metre distancing rules as they packed into nightlife districts such as Soho in London and the centres of other big cities. While there were isolated incidents of violence, the widespread disorder predicted by some police did not materialise. Fears of a second wave of coronavirus were heightened, however, by images of crowded streets with drinkers hugging each other without wearing masks.” – The Times
Fears of widespread disorder unfounded as English pubs reopen – The Guardian
Lockdown easing in England threatens cautious approach of devolved nations – FT
Spain locks down more towns in Galicia and A Mariña after outbreaks – The Times
Young people at the heart of America’s Coronavirus infection explosion – The Times
Covid-19 may not have originated in China – Daily Telegraph
Hancock 2) … and threatens to lockdown Leicester factories for breaking Covid-19 rules
“The Government has “significant concerns” about clothing factories in Leicester opening behind closed doors and won’t hesitate to shut them down if they break the rules, Matt Hancock has said. The Health Secretary said the Government was monitoring concerns about employment practices at the factories, amid reports one paid its staff less than the minimum wage and not enforcing social distancing. “We have the authority to shut down businesses if they don’t follow the guidance,” he said. “We’re not just asking nicely.” The Health Secretary added businesses could face “very significant fines” if employment laws and Government workplace safety guidance were found to have been breached.” – Daily Telegraph
Leicester sweatshops face criminal inquiry on “slaves” – The Times
>Yesterday:
Coronavirus 1) Covid-19 survivors to get personal recovery plans “The NHS is rolling out a personalised recovery programme for tens of thousands of patients suffering from the long-term effects of coronavirus. Your Covid Recovery is for people who are experiencing breathing difficulties, muscle damage from being on a ventilator or mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Patients will be given a face-to-face consultation with a rehabilitation team, which usually includes physiotherapists, nurses and mental health specialists. After their initial assessment, they will be given a personalised 12-week package of online aftercare.” – The Times Scientists investigate cases of post-Covid-19 fatigue – The Guardian
Winter flu jab scheme will need to be biggest yet, warns NHS chief – The Times
Coronavirus 2) Extra 35,000 deaths from cancer expected next year
“Thirty-five thousand more people could die of cancer next year because of the impact of coronavirus, expert modelling has suggested. Research by Health Data Research UK, the national institute for health data science, warned that the overwhelming focus on Covid-19 was likely to cause 18,000 excess cancer deaths. It said that this could almost double to 35,000 in the worst-case scenario. It said that urgent referrals for cancer care had dropped and that treatments had been delayed or cancelled.” – The Times
Cash crisis leaves 13 universities on the brink of collapse
“As many as 13 universities could go bust as higher education faces losing a quarter of its annual income in the coronavirus crisis, a report says. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) estimated that universities would lose £11 billion as foreign student numbers fell and income from conferences dried up due to social distancing. The institute warned that pension deficits would rise steeply as investments dropped in value, putting universities under pressure to fund the shortfall. The think tank advised against propping up institutions, however. The government has already stepped in with support, bringing forward £2.6 billion of tuition fee payments to ease cash-flow problems. But universities are asking for up to £3.2 billion more help.” – The Times
Less prestigious universities most likely to face insolvency – FT
The Government is trying to shrink the university sector, says Jo Johnson – The Times
Comment:
Not everybody needs to go to university, and the Tories should say so, Simon Heffer – Daily Telegraph
Taxpayer may prop up train firms until 2022
“Train companies face being propped up by the taxpayer for up to two years amid warnings that passenger numbers may fail to return to pre-Covid levels. Emergency contracts between the government and train operators are set to be extended into 2022 to prevent companies going bust or walking away. Rail industry sources told The Times that it was feared that a fifth of passengers would fail to return “for the foreseeable future”, even after the end of the coronavirus crisis because of changes to working patterns. It is believed that many who have worked at home will not return to a daily commute.” – The Times
Labour wants wealth tax if the economy fails to recover
“Labour has called for the government to introduce a wealth tax if the economy fails to recover because “those with the broadest shoulders should be making more of a contribution”. Anneliese Dodds, the shadow chancellor, said it was fair that the “very best-off people” should help to pay for the cost of the coronavirus crisis if the economic recovery stalled. The Conservatives accused Labour of advocating a “tax raid on ordinary families” and targeting people’s homes and savings. Ms Dodds declined to say how Labour’s plan for a wealth tax would work, but did not deny that it could involve a tax on assets.” – The Times


conservativehome--2020-07-06--This is the most socially liberal Conservative government in history

On Saturday , David Gauke ended his column on this site by mentioning two groups of people on the centre-right : small state free marketeers and One Nation social liberals .
It would be easy to assume that both groups automatically cohere .
But they don ’ t .
Here ’ s why .
Those who support free markets will also believe in a small state .
And the same holds the other way round .
However , backing for One Nation and for social liberalism isn ’ t similarly , automatically aligned ( not that David was suggesting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back at recent history shows .
One Nation Toryism has been associated with two main causes during the past 50 years .
The first was Keynesianism .
The left of the Conservative Party , with which the One Nation tradition is broadly associated , was hostile to monetarism .
Geoffrey Howe ’ s 1981 Budget marked the apex of the Tory struggle between the two schools , was a monetarist work from beginning to end , and paved the way for a decade of privatisation , supply-side economic reform , and Thatcherism .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s to say , support for European Community and European Union membership .
Its peak moment was the Single European Act of 1986 .
Its trough was the 2016 EU referendum .
The climb back may not come for a long time , if ever .
You may think that there ’ s no necessary connection between a concern for the unity of the nation , with a particular focus on the disadvantaged , and a school of economics that had run out of answers to the problem of inflation .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservatives were Keynesians of some kind .
Edward Heath , Peter Walker , Jim Prior , Ian Gilmour , Francis Pym , and the high priest of the school , Harold Macmillan , elevated to the Lords during the mid-1980s : all were suspicious at least and hostile at most to the monetarist experiment .
You may also believe that it is a contradiction in terms for One Nation Tories to believe in supernational government , at least as far as the UK is concerned .
But that wing of the party was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the EU .
We give you Ken Clarke , Michael Heseltine , Chris Patten , Douglas Hurd , Nicholas Soames and Damian Green , more or less off the top of our heads .
There is the odd outrider among the younger generation , such as Richard Fuller .
But almost all the One Nation branch of the Conservative Party voted Remain four years ago .
There is no such unity of purpose among One Nation Tories when it comes to social liberalism – unless that is defined to be broad support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past quarter century or so .
Support for which would now reach across not just nearly all One Nation Conservatives but most of the Party as a whole .
If social conservatism means a sympathy for stronger families , preserving custom and tradition , an instinct for the place of faith in society and a concern for community , then some of its supporters can certainly be found on the One Nation wing of the party .
Let ’ s take same sex marriage as a litmus test .
Tory MPs who voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robert Buckland , David Burrowes , Alan Haselhurst , David Lidington , Nicky Morgan , Andrew Selous and Robert Walter .
All of these were or are party centre-lefters .
You don ’ t like that vote , now seven years old , as an indicator ?
Then consider the discreetly-operating Social Justice Caucus of Conservative Parliamentarians .
The MP who heads it up is Iain Duncan Smith – not a man usually associated with the Left of the Conservative Party .
But many of its leading members have been of a different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on this site that the Government should show more compassion to refugees , is very much a One Nation Tory by inclination .
So is Andrew Selous , who has written on ConservativeHome about the limits of markets .
Or consider a prominent new MP who is the epitome of a One Nation conservative – Danny Kruger .
Here he is on this site earlier this year , proclaiming that “ our focus is on neither the individual nor the state , but on what lies between them ” .
He was prominent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s liberalising divorce reforms .
That might almost be a definition of the One Nation conservatism of the One Nation group founded post-war by Angus Maude .
( For further details , start with Alastair Lexden . )
Other members included Iain Macleod , Robert Carr , Cub Alport , Gilbert Longden and Enoch Powell .
We apologise to those who find these intra-Tory distinctions tedious or even meaningless .
They have a point .
Is it useful or even correct , for example , to place Duncan Smith , social justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right of the Conservative Party ?
Tory MPs in particular tend to dislike these categories , especially in our experience if they are on the party ’ s centre-left , perhaps because politicians like to leave themselves a little wriggle room .
But they are nonetheless unavoidable in politics .
Parties have their left and right wings , and one must strive to make sense of them .
In any event , we think we have provided enough evidence to prove our point : that there is no necessary connection between One Nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who find it slight , we add another : talking of social liberalism , this is surely the most social liberal Conservative government in history .
For evidence , we give you : those divorce law changes , which remove fault from our legal framework and make divorce automatic if a party to a marriage says it has broken down .
The decriminalisation of abortion in Northern Ireland – leaving that part of the United Kingdom with some of the most permissive laws in the world .
Immigration ?
Boris Johnson has just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three million Hong Kongers .
The rainbow flag flies above government buildings ; it decorated the Prime Minister ’ s Twitter account for a month .
To be sure , it is taking a more restrictive position on trans .
But the trans debate is sui generis .
Unlike these other subjects , it divides the left – hence the antipathy between “ trans and terfs ” – that ’ s to say , trans rights activists and trans-exclusionary radical feminists .
The poster woman for the latter is J.K.Rowling , whose politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trans argument is an intra-liberal one .
Few Conservatives , with the exception of the authors of our fortnightly Radical column , have yet taken much of an interest in it .
In any event , Liz Truss is writing to Conservative MPs about the Government ’ s committment “ to end the vile practice of so-called conversion therapy ” .
Whatever you think of all these changes and policies , they add up to a body of socially liberal change bigger than that of any Tory government to date .
Which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led by Boris Johnson – social liberal as he is to his fingertips .
He may be clad in the right , white and blue of Brexit , but he is brandishing the rainbow flag .

On Saturday, David Gauke ended his column on this site by mentioning two groups of people on the centre-right: small state free marketeers and One Nation social liberals. It would be easy to assume that both groups automatically cohere. But they don’t.
Here’s why. Those who support free markets will also believe in a small state. And the same holds the other way round. However, backing for One Nation and for social liberalism isn’t similarly, automatically aligned (not that David was suggesting that it is). As a glance back at recent history shows.
One Nation Toryism has been associated with two main causes during the past 50 years. The first was Keynesianism. The left of the Conservative Party, with which the One Nation tradition is broadly associated, was hostile to monetarism.
Geoffrey Howe’s 1981 Budget marked the apex of the Tory struggle between the two schools, was a monetarist work from beginning to end, and paved the way for a decade of privatisation, supply-side economic reform, and Thatcherism.
The second has been Europeanism – that’s to say, support for European Community and European Union membership. Its peak moment was the Single European Act of 1986. Its trough was the 2016 EU referendum. The climb back may not come for a long time, if ever.
You may think that there’s no necessary connection between a concern for the unity of the nation, with a particular focus on the disadvantaged, and a school of economics that had run out of answers to the problem of inflation. But the fact remains that most One Nation conservatives were Keynesians of some kind.
Edward Heath, Peter Walker, Jim Prior, Ian Gilmour, Francis Pym, and the high priest of the school, Harold Macmillan, elevated to the Lords during the mid-1980s: all were suspicious at least and hostile at most to the monetarist experiment.
You may also believe that it is a contradiction in terms for One Nation Tories to believe in supernational government, at least as far as the UK is concerned. But that wing of the party was almost entirely united in endorsing UK membership of the EU.
We give you Ken Clarke, Michael Heseltine, Chris Patten, Douglas Hurd, Nicholas Soames and Damian Green, more or less off the top of our heads. There is the odd outrider among the younger generation, such as Richard Fuller. But almost all the One Nation branch of the Conservative Party voted Remain four years ago.
There is no such unity of purpose among One Nation Tories when it comes to social liberalism – unless that is defined to be broad support for the changed social attitudes of the past quarter century or so. Support for which would now reach across not just nearly all One Nation Conservatives but most of the Party as a whole.
If social conservatism means a sympathy for stronger families, preserving custom and tradition, an instinct for the place of faith in society and a concern for community, then some of its supporters can certainly be found on the One Nation wing of the party.
Let’s take same sex marriage as a litmus test. Tory MPs who voted against it included: Tony Baldry, Robert Buckland, David Burrowes, Alan Haselhurst, David Lidington, Nicky Morgan, Andrew Selous and Robert Walter. All of these were or are party centre-lefters.
You don’t like that vote, now seven years old, as an indicator? Then consider the discreetly-operating Social Justice Caucus of Conservative Parliamentarians. The MP who heads it up is Iain Duncan Smith – not a man usually associated with the Left of the Conservative Party.
But many of its leading members have been of a different outlook. Burrowes, who wrote recently on this site that the Government should show more compassion to refugees, is very much a One Nation Tory by inclination. So is Andrew Selous, who has written on ConservativeHome about the limits of markets.
Or consider a prominent new MP who is the epitome of a One Nation conservative – Danny Kruger. Here he is on this site earlier this year, proclaiming that “our focus is on neither the individual nor the state, but on what lies between them”. He was prominent in the recent revolt against the Government’s liberalising divorce reforms.
That might almost be a definition of the One Nation conservatism of the One Nation group founded post-war by Angus Maude. (For further details, start with Alastair Lexden.) Other members included Iain Macleod, Robert Carr, Cub Alport, Gilbert Longden and Enoch Powell.
We apologise to those who find these intra-Tory distinctions tedious or even meaningless. They have a point. Is it useful or even correct, for example, to place Duncan Smith, social justice warrior that he is, on the right of the Conservative Party?
Tory MPs in particular tend to dislike these categories, especially in our experience if they are on the party’s centre-left, perhaps because politicians like to leave themselves a little wriggle room. But they are nonetheless unavoidable in politics. Parties have their left and right wings, and one must strive to make sense of them.
In any event, we think we have provided enough evidence to prove our point: that there is no necessary connection between One Nation conservatism and social liberalism. For those who find it slight, we add another: talking of social liberalism, this is surely the most social liberal Conservative government in history.
For evidence, we give you: those divorce law changes, which remove fault from our legal framework and make divorce automatic if a party to a marriage says it has broken down. The decriminalisation of abortion in Northern Ireland – leaving that part of the United Kingdom with some of the most permissive laws in the world.
Immigration? Boris Johnson has just committed to a pathway to citizenship for three million Hong Kongers. The rainbow flag flies above government buildings; it decorated the Prime Minister’s Twitter account for a month. To be sure, it is taking a more restrictive position on trans.
But the trans debate is sui generis. Unlike these other subjects, it divides the left – hence the antipathy between “trans and terfs” – that’s to say, trans rights activists and trans-exclusionary radical feminists. The poster woman for the latter is J.K.Rowling, whose politics are certainly not centre-right.
Essentially, the trans argument is an intra-liberal one. Few Conservatives, with the exception of the authors of our fortnightly Radical column, have yet taken much of an interest in it. In any event, Liz Truss is writing to Conservative MPs about the Government’s committment “to end the vile practice of so-called conversion therapy”.
Whatever you think of all these changes and policies, they add up to a body of socially liberal change bigger than that of any Tory government to date. Which is as one would expect from one led by Boris Johnson – social liberal as he is to his fingertips. He may be clad in the right, white and blue of Brexit, but he is brandishing the rainbow flag.


conservativehome--2020-07-06--Richard Holden: On Wednesday, Sunak needs to show as much confidence in Britain as local publicans i

Richard Holden: On Wednesday, Sunak needs to show as much confidence in Britain as local publicans in North West Durham

As Saturday approached , you could feel the febrile excitement and demand for “ the story ” across the media .
Television news and radio bulletins boiled over with predictions of carnage on Saturday night .
The broadcasters and papers were eagerly anticipating Freshers Week-esque scenes of drunken debauchery as the public decided to get wasted in a post-lockdown bacchanal .
In North West Durham , I spent Saturday evening visiting the : Duke of Wellington , Consett Rugby Club , the Wheatsheaf in Leadgate and finally the Black Lion , my local in Wolsingham .
I ’ m afraid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friendly were the orders of the evenings – as it appears were the scenes across the rest of the country too .
Tog , the landlord of the Duke , four doors down from my office on Medomsley Road , took me to his beer garden to show me a mural he ’ d commissioned during lockdown from a local artist .
Sarah-Jane , at the Black Lion , had me take a peak at how she ’ d transformed her beer garden from a flagged smoking area to a lively and welcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colourful plants and flowers .
It was superb to see responsible local businesses at the heart of their communities investing in their businesses , and ensuring a safe and socially distanced experience for their customers .
This hope of better things to come from local firms , with small but significant investments in themselves , is really welcome at a time when I know so many people are not only worried by the virus , but also about their jobs and their incomes .
However , in many sectors of the economy the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic is coming through hard , and is reflecting just how interconnected demand is across our economy .
To give one example : at first as the crisis broke , I had travel agents and their staff get in touch .
Then came had pilots and crew from Easyjet and British Airways based at Newcastle airport , as the airlines cut back .
More recently , I ’ ve been in touch with a local manufacturing firm which makes inner parts for the wings of Airbus planes , and which is having to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their factories across the UK have closed completely and will not re-open ) .
Very quickly , the lack of ability to – and demand for – travel has led to manufacturing job losses well down the chain .
It ’ s clear that some sectors have been far more badly affected than others , and that base consumer demand is having a rapid knock-on effect .
Looking out of the panoramic window of the just re-opened Dairy Barn Café , I can see right up Weardale , and am reminded of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last election campaign .
“ Remember , we ’ re the working dale , Richard ” a man in late middle-age in local authority housing in Stanhope had said to me .
At the time it made me think of where I grew up on the other side of the Pennines – walking up Pendle Hill in Lancashire 20 years ago , and looking south to the mill towns of East Lancashire nestled in the valleys below .
Working towns like Burnley , Colne and Accrington which have since switched to electing Conservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which protected so many jobs at the height of the lockdown is wound down , we ’ ve got to do everything we can to help return demand to the economy – the demand that comes from confidence in the future .
Demand that means work for decent working people up and down the seats of the ‘ Blue Wall ’ .
This confidence and positive view to the future is not something anyone ’ s hearing from the Labour leadership under Keir Starmer .
The best thing he could muster last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving “ mixed messages ” by saying , “ get out and about , have a drink , but do so safely ” .
Which shows that he ’ s struggling to get cut-through – especially when the man in the village pub in County Durham is by and large is doing exactly what the Government has suggested .
Labour ’ s shambolic response to getting children back to school , by saying one thing nationally and another in Labour-run local authorities , certainly inspires no-one with confidence – except a growing confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was , after all , remarkably quiet on anti-semitism under Jeremy Corbyn , in order to keep hold of Momentum votes for the leadership .
And he tried to play both sides with Labour ’ s disastrous “ we ’ ll accept the result , but negotiate a new deal , and then have a second referendum ” policy on Brexit .
Perhaps most interestingly , this weekend marked the first time that any constituent has mentioned the Labour leader to me unprompted .
She was a former Labour voter who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and had managed to convince her husband to do so in 2019 ) , and it was clear that , after being initially open-minded , the new Labour leader was leaving them increasingly cool .
The Government has done well in giving support to business and jobs – Rishi Sunak has certainly won fans across the country for that .
But without wanting to pile too much pressure on the Chancellor ahead of his statement on Wednesday , we ’ re all only as good as our most recent decisions in politics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ stages of lockdown , Rishi ’ s decision must be to put confidence as much confidence and therefore demand back into the economy – especially in hard hit sectors – as he can .
Everyone knows that it ’ s going to a difficult time and no-one expects the Government to get everything a hundred per cent right , but voters do expect us to really try .
And in doing so over the next few weeks and months , the Government has got to show the confidence in Britain that my local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And , as they press ahead with “ levelling up ” their pubs , we must also keep that long-term goal in mind too for the North .
Confidence is the thing that underlies every relationship with the state that we have – from policing with consent to the value of the fiat currency in our pocket .
Confidence that governments have the people in mind and the ability to deliver is what keeps them in office .
The electorate here in County Durham and in the mill Towns of East Lancashire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their votes upon us .
Despite the difficulties of the pandemic , the Government has supported people .
Now our task is to give our businesses the confidence to look to the future positively , which will in turn give the people who work for them the confidence to invest and spend in a virtuous circle , bouncing forward out of the fear of recent months and towards the hope of a brighter future .

Richard Holden is MP for North West Durham.
The Dairy Barn Cafe, North Bitchburn
As Saturday approached, you could feel the febrile excitement and demand for “the story” across the media. Television news and radio bulletins boiled over with predictions of carnage on Saturday night. The broadcasters and papers were eagerly anticipating Freshers Week-esque scenes of drunken debauchery as the public decided to get wasted in a post-lockdown bacchanal.
In North West Durham, I spent Saturday evening visiting the: Duke of Wellington, Consett Rugby Club, the Wheatsheaf in Leadgate and finally the Black Lion, my local in Wolsingham. I’m afraid that I must report that calm and friendly were the orders of the evenings – as it appears were the scenes across the rest of the country too.
Tog, the landlord of the Duke, four doors down from my office on Medomsley Road, took me to his beer garden to show me a mural he’d commissioned during lockdown from a local artist. Sarah-Jane, at the Black Lion, had me take a peak at how she’d transformed her beer garden from a flagged smoking area to a lively and welcoming garden of tables, tasteful lighting and colourful plants and flowers.
It was superb to see responsible local businesses at the heart of their communities investing in their businesses, and ensuring a safe and socially distanced experience for their customers. This hope of better things to come from local firms, with small but significant investments in themselves, is really welcome at a time when I know so many people are not only worried by the virus, but also about their jobs and their incomes.
However, in many sectors of the economy the broad economic impact of the global Coronavirus pandemic is coming through hard, and is reflecting just how interconnected demand is across our economy.
To give one example: at first as the crisis broke, I had travel agents and their staff get in touch. Then came had pilots and crew from Easyjet and British Airways based at Newcastle airport, as the airlines cut back. More recently, I’ve been in touch with a local manufacturing firm which makes inner parts for the wings of Airbus planes, and which is having to lay off half its staff (some of their factories across the UK have closed completely and will not re-open).
Very quickly, the lack of ability to – and demand for – travel has led to manufacturing job losses well down the chain. It’s clear that some sectors have been far more badly affected than others, and that base consumer demand is having a rapid knock-on effect.
Looking out of the panoramic window of the just re-opened Dairy Barn Café, I can see right up Weardale, and am reminded of a conversation I had early in the last election campaign. “Remember, we’re the working dale, Richard” a man in late middle-age in local authority housing in Stanhope had said to me.
At the time it made me think of where I grew up on the other side of the Pennines – walking up Pendle Hill in Lancashire 20 years ago, and looking south to the mill towns of East Lancashire nestled in the valleys below. Working towns like Burnley, Colne and Accrington which have since switched to electing Conservative MPs.
As the furlough scheme, which protected so many jobs at the height of the lockdown is wound down, we’ve got to do everything we can to help return demand to the economy – the demand that comes from confidence in the future. Demand that means work for decent working people up and down the seats of the ‘Blue Wall’.
This confidence and positive view to the future is not something anyone’s hearing from the Labour leadership under Keir Starmer. The best thing he could muster last week was to suggest that the Government was giving “mixed messages” by saying, “get out and about, have a drink, but do so safely”. Which shows that he’s struggling to get cut-through – especially when the man in the village pub in County Durham is by and large is doing exactly what the Government has suggested.
Labour’s shambolic response to getting children back to school, by saying one thing nationally and another in Labour-run local authorities, certainly inspires no-one with confidence – except a growing confidence that Sir Keir is a political opportunist. He was, after all, remarkably quiet on anti-semitism under Jeremy Corbyn, in order to keep hold of Momentum votes for the leadership. And he tried to play both sides with Labour’s disastrous “we’ll accept the result, but negotiate a new deal, and then have a second referendum” policy on Brexit.
Perhaps most interestingly, this weekend marked the first time that any constituent has mentioned the Labour leader to me unprompted. She was a former Labour voter who switched to the Conservatives in 2017 (and had managed to convince her husband to do so in 2019), and it was clear that, after being initially open-minded, the new Labour leader was leaving them increasingly cool.
The Government has done well in giving support to business and jobs – Rishi Sunak has certainly won fans across the country for that. But without wanting to pile too much pressure on the Chancellor ahead of his statement on Wednesday, we’re all only as good as our most recent decisions in politics.
As we move out of the initial stages of lockdown, Rishi’s decision must be to put confidence as much confidence and therefore demand back into the economy – especially in hard hit sectors – as he can. Everyone knows that it’s going to a difficult time and no-one expects the Government to get everything a hundred per cent right, but voters do expect us to really try.
And in doing so over the next few weeks and months, the Government has got to show the confidence in Britain that my local publicans in North West Durham are showing. And, as they press ahead with “levelling up” their pubs, we must also keep that long-term goal in mind too for the North.
Confidence is the thing that underlies every relationship with the state that we have – from policing with consent to the value of the fiat currency in our pocket. Confidence that governments have the people in mind and the ability to deliver is what keeps them in office.
The electorate here in County Durham and in the mill Towns of East Lancashire took us into their confidence and bestowed their votes upon us. Despite the difficulties of the pandemic, the Government has supported people. Now our task is to give our businesses the confidence to look to the future positively, which will in turn give the people who work for them the confidence to invest and spend in a virtuous circle, bouncing forward out of the fear of recent months and towards the hope of a brighter future.