SNP is not ‘Labour with a saltire’, fumes Sarwar
Spectator (UK)Sep 29
UK: Starmer Claims UK 'Simply Isn't Working' in Jobs Push
Above: Keir Starmer, UK prime minister, meets workers during a visit to the Encirc Glass factory in Chester, UK, on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. Image copyright: Anthony Devlin/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Facts
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has claimed that the UK "simply isn't working," as the Labour government published its Get Britain Working White Paper on Tuesday.
The government has pledged to invest £240M (US$302M) in employment reforms. This includes replacing JobCentres with a National Jobs and Careers Service, guaranteeing all 18-21 year-olds access to an apprenticeship, training or education, and increased NHS investment and mental health support.
The Spin
Left narrative
Labour's approach to tackling the productivity crisis is a measured one that will help encourage economic growth. Instead of a blinkered focus on welfare state slashes, the government has correctly identified that any future changes to the benefits system must be balanced with investment and reform aimed at modernizing the job market and incentivizing individuals to participate in society.
Right narrative
With the Starmer government choosing to kick any attempt to tackle the ongoing benefits scandal down the road into 2025, Labour's allegedly-groundbreaking White Paper is nothing more than ineffective tinkering around the edges. Delaying necessary cuts to the spiraling benefits system, while forcing businesses to cut jobs thanks to increased national insurance contributions, is a recipe for an unemployment disaster.