The New Statesman | UK politics and culture Eurostarmer | Politics with George Eaton
Aug 6, 2025
George Eaton, Senior Editor at The New Statesman, dives into the Labour Party's transformation nearly a decade post-Brexit. He discusses how the dream of 'Singapore-on-Thames' has faded, replaced by a government favoring higher taxes and enhanced workers' rights. Eaton analyzes the shift towards a more European model and scrutinizes the implications of new employment legislation. He also navigates the challenges the Labour Party faces as it seeks to redefine its identity and policies amidst evolving political dynamics.
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Singapore-on-Thames Brexit Dream Fails
- The Singapore-on-Thames Brexit idea aimed to slash taxes, regulation, and state spending as a post-Thatcher goal.
- This vision failed to materialize, overshadowed by competing Brexit promises and conservative inaction.
UK Moves Toward European Tax Model
- Post-Brexit UK tax levels are approaching those of European neighbors like Germany and the Netherlands.
- The UK public favors European-style high-tax, high-service model over low-tax American style.
Public Tax Support Mismatch
- British public broadly supports higher taxes for public services but resists personal tax increases.
- This discrepancy causes the Labour government to promote subtle policy shifts over explicit tax rhetoric.