Broken or unfulfilled promises
Today, the government announced that it is rowing back on the new planning laws.
The PM has to understand that he cannot carry on giving people hope and then snatching it away at the last minute. The planning laws is just the latest in a long line of promises that are not implemented.
I’m a Tory supporter and I’m a big supporter of the PM; but he’s got to get a grip on the government before the government gets a grip on him!
Some of the disappointments:
Social care; we were told that there would be a cross party review of social care and it would take into account the relationship between social services and the NHS. A report has been prepared - on hold.
Planning laws; we were told that there would be a review of the planning laws with a view to make it easier to extend your home and to build on non-essential land. Scrapped with no real explanation.
Military Spending; we were told that there would be a comprehensive review of the military requirements for equipment and resources and a 10 year funding plan put in place. We got a one year plan which allows the military to patch some holes, but not plan for the future.
Brexit; we were told that it would be easy to get a deal as we needed the EU and they need us. Here we are 2 weeks away from the end of the withdrawal agreement and we have no idea if there will be a deal or no deal or something in-between.
Covid; We were told that lessons would be learnt and implemented by the NHS. There is no plan at the moment to overhaul the NHS with what we have learnt.
Grenfell; we were told that there would be a comprehensive review of the health and safety rules to ensure a Grenfell couldn’t happen again. Despite the judicial review we still haven’t changed a single law. Also, the promise was made that the cladding would be removed at no cost to the resident yet some owners are facing extortionate bills to put right something the review has already identified as fraud and criminal activity. Not one criminal case has been started.
Overseas Development Aid; we were told that the methodology of awarding monies to countries to aid their development would be overhauled. There are no plans to review this process and we continue to give aid to China even though they have just landed a vehicle on the moon and it returns today with rock samples.
Uplifting the Regions; we were told that we would see a new economic model implemented that concentrated on regenerating the whole of the UK and revitalising all areas of the UK. This has not happened, and there are no plans afoot to do so.
Devolution; we were told that Mr. Blair had made a mess of devolution and that the PM would put it right. New plans were discussed to extend devolution, moving power closer to the people. Part of this was the suggestion that we move government departments to the regions. There is no plan, nor is one in the planning.
Law and Order; we were told that their would be a root and branch review of law and order. This is prompted by our overflowing prisons, lack of police resources, a judicial system that is on it’s knees. There’s a lot of rhetoric but little action.
Benefits System; we have been told repeatedly that the benefits system, benefits few people. We don’t have an eco system that takes care of citizens from cradle to grave and ensures that whatever befalls them, they are supported (nit subsidised) by the state. There is no plan, just rhetoric and small tweaks.
Governance; we have been told repeatedly that the House of Lords needs to be reformed. It’s clear from recent events that the only value the Lords have is to delay legislation but in the end they cannot stop legislation. Governance also means looking at the structure of government and suggesting changes to make the HM machine function in an effective and efficient way for the benefit of the people.
Conclusion
Sadly, there are many more examples but I haven’t planned to write a book!
Two things the PM needs to understand.
First, write a plan
We need a plan just as any CEO would produce that outlines the aims, objectives and goals of the PM over the next 10 years. 10 years because that’s how long the PM can reasonably expect to be in power.
The PM is in power, he should say ‘This is the Plan’.
Second engagement
The PM needs to get as many experts as he can from his own MP’s and society at large and form Special Interest Groups who would be given a specific task from the plan to complete and then disband when they make their recommendations.
Why Prime Ministers ignore the fact that they have 65m people at their beck and call and fail to utilise them is beyond me. Why are these leaders not involved in helping the government in reshaping our society:
Richard Branson
Alan Sugar
Andy Burnham
Nicola Sturgeon
Mark Carney
Sir David Attenborough
Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber
Andy Street
Caroline Flint
Sajid Javid
Sir Keir Starmer
And many more