It’s hard to say this was a Autumn Statement for ordinary working-class voters though – the voters who gave the Party its massive 2019 majority
Rather than eroding that protection, it should be strengthened. There should be more power to challenge excessive spending.
The Chancellor promised to turn Britain into the next Silicon Valley, but was heard mostly in silence by his own side.
The entire speech, as delivered to the House of Commons earlier today.
The Chancellor says “we want low taxes and sound money but Conservatives know sound money has to come first”
Those earning £150,000 or more will pay just over £1,200 more a year.
The Triple Lock, 3% spending on defence, lower inheritance tax and HS2 – all should be for the chop if we are to balance the books.
The Government had next to no living standards message at the election. It needs one now – and to explain how it fits in with those three priorities.
The Chancellor needs to help deliver the sense of direction so strikingly absent in Manchester last month, and indeed since last June’s election.
The harsh truth is that, nearly seven years into Conservative-led Government, we are still living beyond our means.
We need to value ourselves more highly and create, capture and share that value with others.
It would be a betrayal of every value we hold dear if we deny the next generation the chance to own their own homes.
Hammond is a rare beast – most holders of his office have done everything they can to extend their power.
It should be used to pay for what we owe in our pensions and benefits system – and thus provide more inter-generational justice.