Stuart Trow, Columnist

Labour's Pledges Favor Populism Over Real Reform

There is only so much revenue that can be raised from additional taxation. What Britain’s economy needs are new incentives for growth.

May 21, 2024 at 4:00 AM UTC

By Stuart Trow

Stuart Trow is co-host of “Money, Money, Money” on Switch Radio and author of “The Bluffer’s Guide to Economics.” Previously, he was a strategist at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Can we think bigger?
Photographer: Leon Neal/Getty Images Europe

Provide news feedback or report an error

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

This article is for subscribers only.

Despite standing 20 points ahead in the polls, the UK opposition Labour party seems to have just begun fleshing out its policy objectives ahead of a general election. Last week, it pledged to cut NHS waiting times and recruit 6,500 new teachers, as well as to tackle issues from immigration to clean energy provision.

However, the manner in which these commitments are to be funded suggests little reforming zeal and instead more of the populism we have grown accustomed to over 14 years of Conservative rule.