Sir Keir Starmer’s pro-business stance signalled to voters that Labour has shifted from the days of Jeremy Corbyn. However, expectations of a Labour government – equality, fairness, and social justice – remain. Voters wouldn’t be impressed by ministers arguing for freedom from regulations that protect against unscrupulous companies seeking to maximise profit at the cost of public harm.
Most people understand that businesses seek fewer restrictions to boost profits, often at the expense of society’s other stakeholders. Perhaps that’s why Sir Keir mentioned “the tragedy of Grenfell Tower” at the government’s summit for international investors, only to then champion the removal of “red tape” that he claims hinders investment and growth.
