Labour must get real on economy
WHEN Sir Keir Starmer stood outside Downing Street the day after his election victory, he promised a new era in politics.
His first 100 days in power were supposed to prove the grown-ups were back in charge after years of Tory chaos.
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Instead, his party has been hit by a cavalcade of freebie scandals, fury over winter fuel cuts and a civil war that has ousted his controversial aide Sue Gray.
Now the Government has a vital opportunity to seize back the initiative at a glitzy business summit tomorrow, attended by some of the world’s wealthiest entrepreneurs.
It should provide Sir Keir with the ideal platform from which to trumpet his key ambition — economic growth.
But the summit was almost blown off-course by Transport Secretary Louise Haigh’s untimely comments on ferry operator P&O, which plunged a £1billion investment in the UK by the firm’s owners into jeopardy.
The row seems to have been resolved, but Labour can no longer indulge in naive boss-bashing now they need big business.
They must operate in the real world, for the sake of voters who desperately need secure, well-paid jobs — and not be hidebound by their trade union paymasters.
Insult to justice
ADAM Swellings was 19 when he and two drink and drug-fuelled mates kicked innocent Garry Newlove to death outside his house in front of his daughters.
This mindless thug is now in his mid-30s and could soon walk free — giving him the chance to build a family life he so viciously denied to others.
Garry’s widow, Baroness Newlove, who has since become a powerful and eloquent voice for victims’ rights, is said to be devastated by the prospect.
Labour’s decision to free thousands of violent lags early to ease prison overcrowding sends out an alarming message.
The PM must put his money where his mouth is by urgently ensuring there are enough prison places for such monsters to serve the sentences they deserve.
Look Roo’s talking
UNTIL recently, the words “Rooney in big-money signing” were restricted to the world of football transfers.
But this time it’s Coleen Rooney’s turn as she’s getting a Premier League-sized fee to join I’m A Celebrity.
Imagine the secrets she could spill . . .
There’s definitely one person who won’t be looking forward to it, though — her old mate Rebekah Vardy.
