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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Starmer's Vision
- Starmer's vision focuses on a more effective state, not ideology.
- He believes a functional state is key to a happier, successful country.
Civil Service Concerns
- Cabinet ministers are privately disappointed with civil service support.
- Downing Street will likely target press and communication staff for cuts.
Starmer's State Philosophy
- Starmer believes in the state's importance, unlike the populist right.
- His goal is a smaller, more effective state, not eliminating it.