Trim the VAT
NO ONE can credibly argue that the Tories have neglected the lowest-paid over the last 12 years. Every Budget has measures designed to cut inequality.
But those are not laurels Boris Johnson can rest on as soaring costs now threaten to inflict genuine hardship.
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Labour is farcically trying to pin rising inflation on Tory economic bungling, when it is a global problem. But they are right to demand action to alleviate it.
Why is the PM fighting shy of scrapping VAT on energy, as The Sun suggested?
His fear that it would cut bills for better-off families too is daft. Tories SHOULD slash taxes across the board. Boris would hardly face critical headlines: The VAT cut is Labour policy too.
Besides, it was his pre-Brexit promise. Why hand diehard Remainers the propaganda gift of welching on it?
The Government is right to reject energy suppliers’ pleas for a bailout, given their profiteering. But what NEW measures, specifically, do Boris and his Chancellor have for helping the public with the ruinous cost of sky-high bills?
Let’s hear them. Because the only tax policy on the horizon is a RISE.
Bravo Boris
BORIS has commendably held his nerve again over Covid curbs.
That takes some doing amid the soaring cases, hospitals declaring “critical incidents” and the clamour from the lockdown-loving Left.
Would Keir Starmer have such resolve under fire? Do us a favour.
The PM is still, rightly, being guided by the data. By the fact that Omicron is milder, that the peak may soon be past, that the majority have three jabs and by the knowledge that lockdowns have hideous consequences in themselves.
We applaud too the shift away from pricey and needless PCR tests towards the simple, cheap lateral flows which detect infectious Covid perfectly well.
Binning PCRs and self-isolation for returning holidaymakers is a big boost for families and the travel industry.
More of this, PM, as we live with Covid.
Statue anarchy
DOES the rule of law still stand? It seems not after a like-minded jury cleared four statue-toppling social justice warriors.
Edward Colston was a 17th Century slaver whose Bristol memorial offended many. That is unarguable, but beside the point. Some statues like his may well have had their time. But there is a legal process to debate their removal.
We cannot let mobs just destroy them, believing jurors will let them off by delivering politically-motivated verdicts in criminal cases. That way lies anarchy.
Where is the line drawn? Who decides which statue, painting or building can be attacked with impunity? The Left?
How long, then, before Churchill is hauled from his plinth and hurled in the Thames?
Boris Johnson announces Covid travel changes as pre-departure tests are scrapped
