Daisy Cooper, the Liberal Democrat deputy leader and Treasury spokesperson, has announced a comprehensive 30-page plan designed to stimulate UK economic growth by removing what she described as excessive bureaucratic obstacles. Delivering her keynote address at the party conference in Brighton, Cooper warned that the nation’s potential was being stifled by a rigid “computer says no” mentality.
Cooper argued that Britain frequently generates brilliant start-ups and world-class research, yet too often fails to capitalize on them domestically, allowing competitors abroad to reap the benefits. She asserted that the current system holds back investment, innovation, and skills development, and her proposed plan aims to tear down these barriers.
Central to the proposal is the creation of a new Department for Growth, which would oversee a digital one-stop-shop service for businesses and investors. This platform would consolidate tax, regulatory, legal, and Companies House services into a single interface,旨在 simplifying red tape and helping small and medium-sized enterprises compete more effectively.
The plan also outlines a significant shift in foreign economic policy, specifically calling for a new Growth and Defence Partnership with the European Union. Cooper described this partnership as the “single biggest growth lever” available, claiming it could reverse the economic damage attributed to Brexit. She estimated that current trade frictions are costing the UK £90bn annually in lost tax revenue.
“In power, we will strike the deal on the single market, we will strike the deal on a customs union, we will strike the deal on defence,” Cooper stated. She added that the Liberal Democrats intend to champion a closer relationship with Europe, asserting that “Britain belongs at the heart of Europe, and we will take her there.”
Seeking to distinguish the Liberal Democrats from their political rivals, Cooper criticized Labour Chancellor John Healey for a recent speech that she claimed lacked vision and made no mention of Europe. She also attacked the Conservatives and Reform UK for engaging in a “race to the bottom” without credible economic costings.
Cooper specifically targeted the legacy of the Liz Truss mini-budget, noting that Shadow Chancellor Andrew Griffith had helped defend the policy that she said crashed the pound and spiked mortgage rates. She further warned against the influence of Nigel Farage, comparing his potential ascent to Donald Trump and cautioning against allowing such politics to take hold in the UK.
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