Ruth Davidson believes that Britain needs higher taxation and more immigration. That sounds like a winning formula.
To be specific, Ms Davidson said: ‘The UK government has a choice to make. And if that choice is between extra spending on the NHS or introducing further tax breaks beyond those already promised, I choose the NHS.’
Given that the NHS is a bottomless pit of need, that would make tax increases inevitable. This wise call from Davidson came on the day that the Adam Smith Institute found that ‘the tax burden faced by British families is the highest for more than 20 years’.
I can see the crowds now: What do we want? More taxation! When do we want it? Now!
On top of this Davidson believes the target to bring immigration down to below 100,000 should be dropped. ‘I have said this before but I will repeat it tonight: I see neither the sense nor the need to stick to an immigration figure devised nearly a decade ago, which has never been met and does not fit the requirements of the country.’ She is probably being honest here: it will never be achieved as what would the Tory donors do without all that cheap labour?
All together: What do we want? More immigration! When do we want it? NOW!
Mind you, the ironic thing is that Jacob Rees-Mogg is in agreement with Davidson on each of these points (both are seen as potential leaders but from opposite wings of the party). So, on two of the biggest issues facing the country – immigration and taxation – Rees-Mogg and Davidson speak with one voice.
To cap it all, Labour are obviously in favour of increased taxation and their immigration policy is confused, to say the least.
That’s British politics for you. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
