The prime minister’s levelling-up policy risks falling far short of what is required, economists have warned, adding the process will be a matter of “decades and trillions, not years and billions”.
It comes after Boris Johnson today offered only the “skeleton” of his plans – in a speech billed as a major bid to define his vision for the UK. During a press conference in Coventry, the PM was asked where, “after two years into the job”, his clear strategy for levelling up was. “I do think that in all fairness there was at least the skeleton of what to do,” he responded.
Mr Johnson added a levelling-up policy paper was expected to be published later this year, but the speech has already being panned as inconclusive.
A significant moment did, however, come when Mr Johnson answered a question about the National Food Strategy, published this morning, suggesting his government will not enforce the proposed snack tax set out by Henry Dimbleby. “I’m not, I must say, attracted to extra taxes on hardworking people,” the PM said.
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