New chancellor Philip Hammond has his first chance to prove himself next week… we hope he has a better grasp of Sun reader’s needs than his predecessor
George Osborne made good calls — but to him ordinary workers were just another income group on a Whitehall spreadsheet
NEXT week the new Chancellor has his first chance to improve the lot of Sun readers. We hope he has a better grasp of their needs than his predecessor.
In fairness, George Osborne made many good calls — but to him ordinary workers were just another income group on a Whitehall spreadsheet.
His gimmicky Budgets were often contradictory. He would freeze fuel duty, a big deal for our readers, then slap a tax on takeaway grub.
He praised those working hard on low pay, then took away the tax credits keeping them afloat amid soaring costs.
Philip Hammond is more cautious and expensive giveaways are unlikely. But there are measures costing little which together would make a difference.
Energy firms should be given an ultimatum to place all customers on lower tariffs or face Government action. Their profits, exposed by The Sun, show they can comfortably afford it.
Scrapping the 2p fuel rise will help. But economists say cutting it by 3p would pay for itself in new jobs and income tax. Mr Hammond should be bold.
Slashing or ending air passenger duty will boost business and make holidays cheaper. Raising income tax thresholds will give almost everyone a pay rise.
Cutting red tape will help small firms and the self-employed. And committing to build more homes should, long-term, ease soaring prices.
Individually none will change anyone’s life. Together they would be a good start.
A Trump card
A FREE trade agreement with America would be a huge economic boost for post-Brexit Britain. Let’s get on with it.
Donald Trump loves a deal and is said to be keen to sign one with us. He won’t wait for ever. But the Government is still bound by EU rules barring us from negotiating outside the Brussels club before our final exit. That must change.
The current rhetoric from the continent is aggressive. We are told there will be no concessions. That we will have to pay into EU coffers for ten years.
We should be similarly uncompromising in doing what’s best for Britain.
That means finding a way to begin talks with the Americans — and signing the deal the day we leave the EU.
Fifa fatheads
WHAT a day of shame for football. Our players are to be judged, by the moral bankrupts of Fifa, over the moving rendition of the Last Post on Armistice Day.
A poppy shown on the big screen at Wembley is also considered an unauthorised “political statement”. A poppy — that simple, poignant, historic symbol of remembrance for the fallen.
It is sickening and insane.
Just like the fact that this toxic, corrupt organisation still runs the game.