I would like to think I have founded a small tradition in that I always complain in this column about the Conference Recess. Whilst shorter this year, quite rightly because of the Queen’s state funeral, it is still two weeks of no Parliamentary activity coming so soon after the summer recess. They don’t even last a week. If they cannot run consecutively then at least they could squeeze them all into one week.
Whether it’s offering change, a brighter future, a greener future, saving our NHS, backing hardworking people and building more homes, the speeches are almost all the same. Keir Starmer is outraged with the last mini-budget whilst backing 80% of the tax changes and apparently backing but not backing broken energy market intervention. Angela Rayner absolutely will stand on a picket line with the workers while Starmer pleads with his MPs not to during the rail strikes. Despite all this they were so close to calling it a success until an unfortunate intervention by Ealing MP Rupa Huq who announced that Kwasi Kwarteng is only superficially Black.
Clearly the economy is at the centre of debate. Whilst there has been turbulence in financial markets which are illiquid due to rising global interest rates, some concerns expressed do not take enough account of the need for growth in making the debt burden that has been incurred sustainable over the long term, and the importance of competitiveness in achieving that. It’s something I am working to help deliver in my new role as Minister for Exports in the Department for International Trade. Whilst it’s a national activity, there are many, many Somerset and South West businesses who could export or make more of their export potential, and more focus on competitive tax and regulation as well as more resilient energy policy can assist with that.
The war in Ukraine and under investment in certain sectors have meant significant difficulties for a lot of businesses and people and the issue has needed addressing head on. Labour won’t do enough on this and would exacerbate the problems in other ways, and the Lib Dems actually remain committed to putting taxes up including on income tax, fuel duty and heating as well as driving out energy investment. The Government will be making further policy announcements designed to encourage growth while tackling inflation by releasing bottlenecks in the supply of goods and services in the coming weeks, including one on childcare which could unlock a great deal of potential in the country. There are also set to be new economic forecasts in November and a review of spending to help tackle the deficit.
It was brilliant to be at Yeovil Rugby Club on Saturday to watch the match against Avondale and also support Chairman Paul McHugh with his nominated charity, Veterans Lifeline. Yeovil had a thumping win but it was also great to find out more about the charity. Their approach of early intervention and focus on sense of purpose is a very sensible one. I want to encourage more support for local veterans and will be looking for ways to do that. If you are involved with a veterans’ organisation or have any thoughts on positive steps please do get in touch.