Editorial: The Guardian

• Successive Conservative administrations have left the economy and the public finances in a worse position than many of our competitors.
• There is growing need in basic public services such as food, education, health, and safety due to lack of resources.
• It is unclear how the government will account for the extra funds needed to support the Ukraine war effort.
• Austerity policies have undermined the growth potential of the private sector and denied the public sector vital funds.
• A severing of the link with inflation is planned to fund tax cuts, resulting in a reduction in public investment over the next five years.
• Significant cuts in unprotected department budgets and in investment are seen as unrealistic, leaving meager funds for a rescue operation by the next government.

Conclusion: This is a disastrous policy that mirrors those of his Tory predecessors who have regularly cut public investment to offer sweeteners when an election nears.

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