Former PM Warns of Long-Term Damage to Political Consensus Over Infrastructure Projects

David Cameron has strongly criticised Rishi Sunak’s decision to cancel the northern extension of the HS2 rail project, describing it as a loss of a “once-in-a-generation opportunity.” Cameron warned that the cuts to the high-speed rail project would make it much harder to achieve long-term political consensus for future infrastructure developments in the UK.

HS2, initially designed to connect London and Manchester via high-speed rail, will now be limited to running between Euston in London and Birmingham, with cities like Manchester missing out on the benefits. The £36 billion savings from scrapping the northern leg of the project will be redirected into other transport schemes, according to Sunak’s announcement.

Cameron, in a post on social media, stated, “Today’s decision on HS2 is the wrong one. It will help to fuel the views of those who argue that we can no longer think or act for the long-term as a country; that we are heading in the wrong direction.” He highlighted the historic, cross-party support that HS2 had garnered over the years, which he claimed would be undermined by this latest move.

The former prime minister emphasised that HS2 was a crucial investment aimed at improving the country’s infrastructure for future generations, helping to balance the economy and deliver the Northern Powerhouse. He argued that the cuts would undo 15 years of consensus, spanning six administrations, and hinder the ability to unite on long-term projects in the future.

Cameron concluded by pointing to other nations where transformative infrastructure projects are being completed, which he believes show a forward-thinking approach that the UK is now at risk of abandoning.

Leaked Messages Reveal Discontent Among Grassroots Members Ahead of Election

Grassroots members of the right-wing Conservative Democratic Organisation (CDO) have sparked controversy after leaked messages mocked Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, labelling him “uninspiring” and forecasting a heavy defeat for the Conservatives in the upcoming election.

The WhatsApp messages, obtained by Sky News, included harsh critiques of Sunak’s leadership, with one member even comparing his charisma to a “door knob.” Several activists within the group predict that the party will lose power, with one remarking that the Tories could be “out of power for much longer than four years” and could face an uncertain future.

The CDO, which has been a platform for right-wing figures like Nadine Dorries and Jacob Rees-Mogg, is composed of various grassroots members, many of whom are frustrated with the current leadership. Members complained that the party’s establishment has sidelined “true conservatives.”

The messages also voiced discontent over recent appointments within the government, including Grant Shapps as Defence Secretary, with some labelling his appointment as a “crony” move.

Despite the division within the group, Claire Bullivant, the CDO’s co-founder, defended the organisation’s approach, highlighting the diverse political views of its members, some of whom also belong to other parties such as Reform UK. She reiterated that the CDO’s mission is to strengthen democracy and provide a platform for voices that feel unheard within mainstream politics.

Scotland’s First Minister backs Katy Loudon in crucial battleground for SNP

Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf, has expressed optimism about the SNP’s chances in the upcoming by-election in Rutherglen and Hamilton West. Speaking ahead of the vote on Thursday, October 5, Yousaf highlighted the “stark choice” facing voters between Labour’s candidate, Michael Shanks, and SNP’s Katy Loudon, emphasising the SNP’s commitment to representing the local community.

The by-election follows the resignation of former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier after a recall petition triggered by her Covid-19 restrictions breach. Yousaf argued that the choice for voters is clear: to either back “Keir Starmer’s man” in Scotland or elect Loudon, who would prioritise the people’s needs over party interests. He also pointed to the SNP’s strong position in addressing issues like the Westminster-driven cost-of-living crisis.

While acknowledging the challenging context of the by-election, Yousaf maintained confidence in Loudon’s grassroots campaign, with the candidate tirelessly engaging with the community. Loudon also seized the opportunity to criticise Westminster policies, including austerity and Brexit, suggesting the by-election could serve as a powerful political statement against the current system.

In response, Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie dismissed the SNP’s campaign as “dishonest” and claimed that only Labour’s candidate, Michael Shanks, would focus on key local issues, such as healthcare and fair wages. Meanwhile, Scottish Conservative candidate Councillor Thomas Kerr reinforced the need for a representative focused on the constituency’s priorities, not the SNP’s pursuit of independence.

Prime Minister and Opposition Clash Over Tax Plans for Independent Education

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has accused the Labour Party of instigating a “class war” with its proposal to introduce a 20% VAT on private school fees if it wins the next election. Sunak, who attended the prestigious Winchester College, argued that Labour’s policy would unfairly target the aspirations of parents who work tirelessly to afford an independent education for their children.

Speaking to BBC South Today, Sunak criticised Labour’s stance, claiming the party failed to understand the hard work and sacrifices made by parents to secure a better future for their children. “Labour’s approach is to clamp down on that aspiration,” he said. “They want to punish families as part of some class war.”

The Prime Minister’s comments were swiftly condemned by Labour’s shadow education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, who called them an “insult” to families across the country. She argued that the VAT change would help fund a better education system for all, ensuring that state schools received the investment they needed to improve. Labour’s proposal includes not only the VAT on school fees but also plans to remove business rates relief currently enjoyed by private schools.

The controversy deepened when it was revealed that Sunak, while serving as Chancellor, had personally donated £100,000 to Winchester College to support bursaries for children unable to afford the school’s hefty fees, which exceed £36,000 per year. This led Labour to accuse the Prime Minister of being out of touch with the reality faced by most families in the UK.

The debate also drew attention from Sir Keir Starmer’s former school, Reigate Grammar, where the headmaster, Shaun Fenton, urged the Labour leader to reconsider the VAT proposal. Fenton warned that the new tax could drive thousands of children from independent schools into the state system, potentially causing more strain on an already overburdened sector. He argued that the measure would not improve education for any child, nor would it generate significant revenue.

The Labour Party, citing a study by the Institute for Fiscal Studies, believes that reforming tax rules for private schools could raise as much as £1.5 billion annually, money that could be reinvested into the state school system. Starmer has defended the policy, insisting that it is part of Labour’s mission to ensure that state schools offer an education “just as good” as the independent sector, and maintaining that private schools would not need to pass the extra costs on to parents.

However, the proposal has sparked fierce debate within the political arena, with the Conservatives accusing Labour of backtracking on its plans. Chief Secretary to the Treasury John Glen remarked that the Opposition was acknowledging that their school tax proposal “just doesn’t work” and would fail to deliver the intended outcomes.