Now is time to turbo-charge economy but Boris Johnson is slamming on brakes

Brake on Britain

IT’S all very well stealing Labour’s clothes on the NHS — but do the Tories ever intend to return to being pro-business, pro-jobs Conservatives

For those like The Sun who believe a smaller state and lower taxes are vital for growth and enterprise, the new tax burden is mountainous and terrifying.

Every job now carries an extra 2.5 per cent National Insurance levy paid by workers and their employers, the latter also facing a big corporation tax leap.

But low rates were key to conjuring up a million jobs after 2010 in the teeth of a recession.

The conditions were ripe for start-ups and foreign firms to invest in Britain.

Higher rates are overwhelmingly likely to slam that into reverse.

Hiking tax to clear NHS backlogs and rebuild social care was a huge punt politically if the new money achieves little or nothing.

Boris Johnson’s gamble with the economy is even greater.

This Tory Government seems to want to ape New Labour spending which led to ruin when the financial crisis hit.

Our overall taxes will be the highest since the war.

What a signal that sends to entrepreneurs or job-creating foreign employers choosing where to settle.

What is Boris’s plan for growth?

He was champion of the Brexit buccaneers vowing to rip up Brussels’ red-tape and free our economy.

When will this start?

He can point to new trade deals and freeports

He can argue Covid has hamstrung his Government so far.

But with more normality returning, now is the time to turbo-charge the economy.

Instead he is slamming on the brake.

Keep us free

WE need no measures to avoid another lockdown.

We must just refuse to have one.

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The vast majority are double-jabbed.

The NHS will not be overwhelmed.

Booster shots and far simpler travel rules make good sense regardless.

But when the Left’s doom-mongers lobby for more house arrest, Boris must echo his hero Churchill: Never. Never. Never.

Vote Barnier

OUR jaws drop at the brass-necked hypocrisy of Michel Barnier.

Remember him?

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The EU negotiator who piously insisted their rules and courts were sacred.

That leaving was all or nothing.

Now, standing for French President, he wants to ditch free movement and EU judges and — yes — take back control.

Better late than never, Monsieur.

Congrats . . . and welcome aboard the Brexit bus!

Off the rails

THOMAS the Tank Engine’s “modern” makeover is a trainwreck.

From cheeky and cheerful to a snarky yob from the wrong side of the tracks.

Parents should no-platform him.