Cutting ‘red tape’ is nothing but a red herring – and arguably counterproductive

‘When it comes to the labour market, Labour has unashamedly adopted a pro-regulation stance.’ Illustration: Guardian Design Team

Before becoming prime minister, Andy Burnham pledged to “end 40 years of neoliberalism”. But as he prepares for his first budget on Wednesday, his government is yet to let go of one of its most tedious cliches: red tape.

In the run-up to the chancellor John Healey’s high-stakes Commons address, the government issued a press release last week promising his plans would include measures to “slash the red tape choking firms”.