Scotland and Denmark began the century on similar footing. Twenty-five years later, Denmark is richer, healthier and growing faster 👇

The balance sheet often remains difficult to manipulate, which is why Kemi Badenoch chose to overlook it completely. Back in 1989, regional authorities were sold off debt-free — the government wiped out approximately £4.9 billion of debt and added a £1.5 billion “green dowry." The companies paid £7.6 billion for these assets. Fast forward to the early 2020s, and Financial Times analysis based on regulatory data revealed that dividends had soared to around £78 billion in today’s money, with net debt climbing above £60 billion from a starting point of zero. Industry figures estimate that capital spending during this period ranged between roughly £190 billion and £236 billion. Yet, shareholders didn't fund this expansion through fresh equity; instead, dividends were extracted while customer bills covered the capital investments, and debt financed the payouts. Thames is a striking example: initially debt-free at privatisation, it now carries around £16–20 billion in debt and has repeatedly teetered on the brink of special administration.

Cutting red tape costs taxpayers nothing. It’s a common sense solution to get Britain building.

Prisons are overcrowded because we are locking up tens of thousands of people with drug problems, mental health issues and low educational attainment. Meanwhile, Michelle Mone, Post Office bosses, billionaire tax dodgers and those responsible for Grenfell Tower walk free.