The New Statesman | UK politics and culture
It's time to debloat the flabby state
Mar 13, 2025
Andrew Marr, a veteran political journalist and political editor for the New Statesman, teams up with Will Dunn, the business editor, to dissect the latest reforms proposed by the UK Prime Minister. They dive into the implications of scrapping NHS England and slashing quangos, discussing the ambitious vision of 'Starmerism' for a more focused state. The duo also highlights the growing challenges in the welfare system, particularly concerning mental health and long-term sickness, while advocating for better support for low-income individuals seeking employment.
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Quick takeaways
- Keir Starmer's plan to streamline the state involves cutting non-essential bodies and reshaping NHS England for enhanced accountability.
- The rise in long-term sickness among youth presents economic risks, highlighting the need for welfare reform that encourages workforce participation.
Deep dives
Keir Starmer's Vision for State Reform
Keir Starmer's recent address highlights the perceived inadequacies of Britain's state, labeling it as 'flabby and overcautious'. He proposed substantial cuts to non-essential regulatory bodies, including a drastic reduction of staff at NHS England, aiming to streamline operations and enhance accountability within the health sector. This move is intended to shift the focus of governance from an oversized bureaucracy to a more efficient state that meets the actual needs of its citizens. Starmer believes that by addressing the disconnect between voters and politicians, the government can regain public trust and ensure that essential services, such as education and healthcare, function effectively.
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