Keir Starmer’s economic growth plan doesn’t allow for contingencies. Awkward…
There are two serious flaws in Keir Starmer’s plan to fund public services by growing the economy.
While you’re watching this clip, have a go at working out what they are:
Keir Starmer says Labour will fund our public services through growing the economy. As Victoria Derbyshire points out, this means that if the necessary growth isn't achieved, there will be no extra money for public services. #BBCLauraK pic.twitter.com/dDjE1ED1rK
— Saul Staniforth (@SaulStaniforth) October 8, 2023
Firstly, economic growth doesn’t necessarily mean more money for the Treasury.
In order to put new public money into services, a responsible government (that isn’t borrowing) will need to tax a similar amount out of us all – and a responsible Labour government would ensure that such taxation is weighted to put most of the burden onto the rich and profitable businesses.
Has Keir Starmer publicised plans for a new taxation structure for the UK? No. He has been courting businesses because he wants their donations. In turn, this means they’ll want tax breaks from him, or they’ll threaten to remove their financial support.
So it is hard to envision much extra cash making its way into the public purse under Starmer (although we would see more of it than under the Tories, who want to cut both taxes and public services to the bone).
Worse still is this: Keir Starmer has no contingency plan if the economy does not grow.
Three times, in the interview above, he was asked to explain what he would do then – and all three times, his only answer was that he believes the economy will grow.
Faith is a wonderful thing, but you can’t fuel the economy of a developed western nation on hot air and fantasy.
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