Yes, but what is Labour going to offer different from the Conservatives? Starmer’s policies are virtually indistinguishable from Rishi Sunak’s. Starmer does not intend to renationalise the utilities, nor abolish tuition fees, nor impose a super tax on the rich, nor to hold a second Referendum, all of which he advocated previously. He also supports Rishi Sunak’s stance on Israel, rightly so, in my opinion. As far as I can see, the only policy differences are:1) Starmer intends to tax non-Doms on their foreign earnings as well as their UK income (on which they have always had to pay tax). Previous governments, both Labour and Conservative, have considered this policy change but have always rejected it on Treasury advice, the reason being that non-Doms faced with a huge increase in tax liability are likely to leave the country. The flat rate tax of £30k to £60k which they currently pay on their foreign earnings is better than 45% of nothing if they leave.2) He intends to reimpose the 2030 deadline for the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles, even though the EU’s deadline has been set at 2035. He has not explained how ‘working people’ (a phrase he often uses) are going to find the money to buy electric vehicles in the next six years, nor how Labour intends to increase the number of charging points in that time.3) He intends to impose VAT and business rates on independent schools. Far from promoting equality this is likely to make private education unaffordable except for the very rich. Those who cannot afford higher fees will be compelled to send their children into the state sector, imposing an additional burden on the education budget. It will also impair the ability of independent schools to offer scholarships to poorer children, something which Starmer himself benefited from when Reigate Grammar School went private while he was there.
Steven Rose ● 568d