By tradition, the Commons does not sit before 2.30pm on a Monday, as MPs journey from their constituencies to Westminster. Jeremy Hunt did not have that kind of time.
The new Chancellor made a statement this morning in which he sought to further reassure the markets that the Government had a plan to control Britain’s finances in the wake of Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng’s disastrous mini-Budget, which contained numerous unfunded tax cuts.
The interest rate on Britain’s debt fell on the news that Hunt was to make such an announcement, which would have come as a relief to the Treasury, given that today is also the first working day since the Bank of England withdrew its emergency support. However, the fact that a major economy such as Britain is having to rush out financial statements to maintain the confidence of the markets is testament to the missteps of the last few weeks.
Indeed, the scale of the challenge facing Hunt and the Government is immense. Not only to win over the markets but Conservative backbenchers and voters, who may not yet appreciate the magnitude of the spending cuts ahead.
Meanwhile, the Tory reputation for economic competence has been battered. An Ipsos MORI poll for the Standard finds that the Conservatives lag behind Labour on 14 out of 15 issues, including the economy, tax and dealing with the cost-of-living crisis. It is the first time Labour has led on the economy since September 2007. Hunt is moving fast to try to clean up the mess, but it is not a one-day task.
Met’s line in the sand
If anyone were still in any doubt as to the scale of the challenge facing the new Met Police Commissioner, then this should do it. A report by Dame Louise Casey into the Met’s misconduct procedures has found the internal disciplinary system to be racist and misogynistic, with allegations of sexual misconduct or discrimination less likely to result in a case to answer than other claims.
The review is a damning indictment of Scotland Yard, revealing that some officers are getting away with breaking the law and committing misconduct, and that hundreds should be fired. It is clear that disciplinary rules must be strengthened. At present, the Met does not have enough power to sack misbehaving officers swiftly.
One of the main problems, however, uncovered by this report is that the Met hasn’t been tough enough, even with the powers it does have, and needs to take misogyny, sexual misconduct and racism within its ranks more seriously than it has done and do all it can to remove those responsible.
The Home Office is therefore right to review these systems to ensure bad actors can be investigated and removed from the force with greater speed. To be blunt, there are people currently working in the Met who you would not want in any workplace, let alone policing the streets of London. This report must lead to root and branch reform so that officers who never belonged in the Met are thrown out.
ES takes centre stage
The curtain is rising once again. The Evening Standard Theatre Awards, a night of glitz and glamour as well as an opportunity to celebrate London’s dramatic scene, is back following a two-year, Covid-induced hiatus. Today, we reveal the talent-packed shortlist. It is oh-so-good to be back.
