The most refreshing aspect of the Andy Burnham economic prescription for Britain was his avoidance of ad nauseam attacks on Tory chaos.
There were even points of optimism about Britain’s science, innovation, and creativity. For those critical of Britain’s insistence on allowing overseas companies to bid for major new contracts, squeezing out domestic firms, there were encouraging words.
It is possible that a Number 10 North, based in Manchester, would more clearly see the impact of great chunks of British business disappearing into foreign and private equity hands under the noses of Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves. Then again, pigs might fly.
Among firms under threat are budget airline easyJet, logistics and data centres group Segro and Unilever’s food arm.
Overseas ownership will mean decision-making moving abroad along with a slug of tax revenues. Forget British local and community control. Such deals will put executives in Minneapolis, San Francisco and Baltimore in charge.
