Lib Dems vow to end 'computer says no' economy to boost growth
Deputy leader Daisy Cooper also proposes a Growth and Defence Partnership with the EU in a speech to her party conference.
Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper has criticized the UK's economic growth being stifled by a "computer says no" mentality. During a speech at the Lib Dem conference in Brighton, Cooper unveiled a 30-page growth plan designed to eliminate obstacles for businesses. As the party's Treasury spokesperson, Cooper highlighted that numerous ideas, startups, and research originating in Britain often end up being taken overseas.
To address this, she proposed a new Growth and Defence Partnership with the EU, aiming to counter the economic repercussions of Brexit, which she estimated cost the UK £90bn annually in lost tax revenue. Cooper emphasized that Britain possesses immense potential, but current systems hinder its realization. She advocated for a digital one-stop-shop service for businesses and investors, streamlining tax, regulatory, legal, and general business services within a new Department for Growth.
This initiative would simplify bureaucracy and bolster small and medium-sized enterprises in competing and expanding. Cooper also called for rekindling ties with Europe, asserting that the Lib Dems would pursue this regardless of opposition. On Friday, Chancellor John Healey engaged with EU ministers to secure UK entry into the Made in Europe scheme, aimed at safeguarding industries from competitive pressure from China.
Healey also sought enhanced UK-EU collaboration in technology, defense, and manufacturing during a meeting of EU finance ministers in Dublin. Cooper differentiated the Liberal Democrats from other parties by rejecting Labour's plan for further tax hikes and the Conservatives' approach of making cuts. She dismissed their strategies as lacking vision and credibility.
Cooper also criticized the recent mini-budget by Chancellor Andrew Griffith, which she said had adversely impacted the economy. She warned against Nigel Farage's leadership, likening him to Trump, and emphasized the need to prevent the Conservatives from placing him in power.
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