Menu
24/09/2003
Lib Dems pledge to scrap DTI and cut red tape
The Lib Dems have claimed that business could be set free from red tape and excessive regulation from Whitehall and Brussels under proposals unveiled at the party's annual conference.
Under the proposals, launched by Lib Dem Shadow Trade & Industry spokesman Vince Cable, the DTI would be scrapped as it "cannot continue to operate as poacher and gamekeeper", promoting business and protecting consumers, the party said.
A Department of the Consumer, bringing together the principal consumer protection agencies such as the Office of Fair trading, the Competition Commission and the Food Standards agency, would ensure the market operates fairly and in the interests of consumers, Dr Cable said.
He also rejected Tory suggestions, which were later championed in a robust fashion by a tabloid newspaper, that the Lib Dems had become a socialist party which was more socialist in character than the Labour Party.
"The Liberal Democrats have never been a socialist party. We have always believed in setting people free, not cutting them down to size. This applies to business too. We must resist measures which strangle business with red tape from Whitehall and Brussels or with Byzantine tax regulations: the hallmarks of a Brown economy," Dr Cable said.
"The Liberal Democrats are not a corporatist party. Setting business free - to make money or to go bust - means we reject the begging bowl culture of industrial - or agricultural - welfare state.
"The DTI, and its army of Sir Humphrey's, should be scrapped. The £3.4 billion slush fund the government has legislated for to provide unspecified industrial assistance, or the hundreds of millions spent each year subsidising arms exports, can surely be better spent."
Dr Cable said that money would be better spent on education, the "real driver of a modern knowledge economy".
(gmcg)
Under the proposals, launched by Lib Dem Shadow Trade & Industry spokesman Vince Cable, the DTI would be scrapped as it "cannot continue to operate as poacher and gamekeeper", promoting business and protecting consumers, the party said.
A Department of the Consumer, bringing together the principal consumer protection agencies such as the Office of Fair trading, the Competition Commission and the Food Standards agency, would ensure the market operates fairly and in the interests of consumers, Dr Cable said.
He also rejected Tory suggestions, which were later championed in a robust fashion by a tabloid newspaper, that the Lib Dems had become a socialist party which was more socialist in character than the Labour Party.
"The Liberal Democrats have never been a socialist party. We have always believed in setting people free, not cutting them down to size. This applies to business too. We must resist measures which strangle business with red tape from Whitehall and Brussels or with Byzantine tax regulations: the hallmarks of a Brown economy," Dr Cable said.
"The Liberal Democrats are not a corporatist party. Setting business free - to make money or to go bust - means we reject the begging bowl culture of industrial - or agricultural - welfare state.
"The DTI, and its army of Sir Humphrey's, should be scrapped. The £3.4 billion slush fund the government has legislated for to provide unspecified industrial assistance, or the hundreds of millions spent each year subsidising arms exports, can surely be better spent."
Dr Cable said that money would be better spent on education, the "real driver of a modern knowledge economy".
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2003
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
11 May 2010
Government Still Hangs In The Balance
The future of the UK's hung parliament is still unsure as the Liberal Democrats continue to hold out for a better deal with either Labour or the Tories.
Government Still Hangs In The Balance
The future of the UK's hung parliament is still unsure as the Liberal Democrats continue to hold out for a better deal with either Labour or the Tories.
07 October 2009
Osborne Defends Tory Spending Plans
George Osborne has stood-over the spending proposals announced at yesterday's Conservative Party conference. Under a Tory government, the Shadow Chancellor said public sector pay would be frozen, child tax credits would be stripped from higher earners and the pensionable age would rise to 66.
Osborne Defends Tory Spending Plans
George Osborne has stood-over the spending proposals announced at yesterday's Conservative Party conference. Under a Tory government, the Shadow Chancellor said public sector pay would be frozen, child tax credits would be stripped from higher earners and the pensionable age would rise to 66.
14 September 2015
Jeremy Corby Elected New Labour Party Leader
Jeremy Corbyn has been elected the new leader of the Labour Party with a majority of almost 60%. Mr Crobyn beat Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall, taking 251,417 votes in the first round of voting. In his first act as party leader, Mr Corbyn has been selecting his shadow cabinet, with Tom Watson as Deputy Leader.
Jeremy Corby Elected New Labour Party Leader
Jeremy Corbyn has been elected the new leader of the Labour Party with a majority of almost 60%. Mr Crobyn beat Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall, taking 251,417 votes in the first round of voting. In his first act as party leader, Mr Corbyn has been selecting his shadow cabinet, with Tom Watson as Deputy Leader.
26 March 2012
Cameron Refuses To Reveal No 10 Dinner Guests
Prime Minister David Cameron has refused to reveal who has been invited to dinner at his home, saying that such details are “private”. The request was made after the Sunday Times filmed co-treasurer Peter Cruddas saying Tory party donors could gain influence at No 10's policy committee.
Cameron Refuses To Reveal No 10 Dinner Guests
Prime Minister David Cameron has refused to reveal who has been invited to dinner at his home, saying that such details are “private”. The request was made after the Sunday Times filmed co-treasurer Peter Cruddas saying Tory party donors could gain influence at No 10's policy committee.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
