Thousands want Manchester, Sheffield and the north to become part of “New Scotland” May 14, 2015 Thousands of northerners want to break away from the UK, even as chancellor George Osborne announces new devolved powers to cities across the country. More than 12,000 people have signed a petition calling for the north to secede from the UK and join Scotland, creating a "New Scotland" that includes Manchester, Sheffield and some of the country's [...]
Can Labour win in 2020? The tectonic plates are shifting in the Tories’ favour May 13, 2015 Deja vu about 1992 is back. In the immediate aftermath of the 1992 election, speculation was rife that the Labour Party would be out of power for a generation. Five years later, Tony Blair won in a landslide. Will we see the same political cycle over the coming years, with Labour gradually re-establishing itself and [...]
David Cameron says English votes for English laws will go ahead in first 100 days of Tory government April 24, 2015 David Cameron and William Hague have outlined their plans for English Votes for English laws (EVEL) which include an England-specific rate of income tax. The proposals are part of the Conservative Party's first ever English manifesto. The Tory campaign has zoned in on the possibility of a SNP-Labour deal as a key issue that could sway [...]
Tory General Election pledge: English votes for English laws within a year April 23, 2015 English votes for English laws would come into effect within the first year of a Conservative government, it will be announced today. Speaking alongside outgoing leader of the House of Commons William Hague, Prime Minister David Cameron will vow to bring proposals of English votes for English laws before parliament within the first 100 days [...]
General Election 2015: Mastercard’s Ann Cairns wants greater devolution and more technological innovation April 21, 2015 ELECTION COUNTDOWN: 15 DAYS TO GO Every day until the final week of the election campaign, we ask a business leader to say what policies would entice them to vote for a particular party. ANN CAIRNS: PRESIDENT, INTERNATIONAL MARKETS, MASTERCARD ■ Reduce reliance on cash to drive economic growth – Cash costs [...]
It’s high time Britain faced up to the risks of radical devolution of power March 25, 2015 In all the sound and fury of the coming election, it’s important not to forget the areas where the parties agree. This includes support for much greater “localism” and devolution of power from central government – and not just to Scotland. One example is George Osborne’s support for an elected Manchester “super mayor”, a move [...]
London should turbo-charge devolution by creating a Thames City super-region January 28, 2015 Devolution is the flavour of the month, with plans to transfer powers from Westminster to Scotland sparking widespread debate about how else we can fix Britain’s over-centralised system of government. But London will have to take a very different approach to other regions. Yes, the capital desperately needs more fiscal autonomy, but it also needs [...]
William Hague outlines English votes for English laws: Here’s what you need to know December 16, 2014 William Hague has outlined proposals for English votes for English laws (EVEL). Speaking to the House of Commons, Hague revealed his party's plans to put an end to the so-called West Lothian question that has divided opinion across the UK for decades. Under the current system Scottish MPs have the right to vote on issues [...]
Further devolution is great news for Scotland: Now it’s London’s turn November 27, 2014 THE AGREED conclusion of the Smith Commission into further devolution for Scotland is excellent news – real power to tax and spend, including responsibility over income tax rates and bands, is now set to be wielded by the Scottish Parliament. Now it’s London’s turn. The capital is the UK’s economic powerhouse, providing a staggering £34bn [...]
Truly radical devolution of powers could banish big government in the UK forever September 21, 2014 If necessity is the mother of invention, politicians of all stripes will have to be spectacularly inventive in dealing with the fallout from the Scottish referendum result. And we may yet stumble upon a new constitutional settlement that will go some way to encouraging both innovation and constraint in the bloated public sector both north [...]