Cameron’s radicalism is best for Britain

The Observer’s leading article asks the question: will David Cameron’s modernism serve Britain’s interests? The article’s conclusion is a firm ‘no’; its key is that the ‘Conservatives’ apparent relish in tackling the budget deficit is not entirely economic in motivation. It expresses a broader ideological commitment to a smaller state.’

A smaller state is better for Britain. The consistent growth of the state over more than a decade has demolished Britain’s financial strength. In changed economic circumstances, its continued growth is unsustainable. July is a month that should produce a revenue surplus, as tax receipts outweigh borrowing. This year saw a £8.1bn deficit. Nothing expresses the nation’s parlous financial position and the degree to which old orthodoxies have been inverted more effectively. Radical change is required.

Spending cuts are more than an ancient Conservative ideological commitment; they are an immediate necessity. Britain cannot fund itself with tax hikes whilst it waits for the return of growth.