There are plenty of pressing issues at the moment, but two in particular stand out: the
cost of living and youth unemployment. Ed Balls lost no time in latching onto the first issue. On becoming shadow chancellor, he immediately attacked the government’s VAT rise and benefits
changes, which he judged to be the main contributors to rising inflation.
It has been a successful tactic, sustained by rising inflation and determined political pressure. Now Balls seems to be turning his full gaze at youth unemployment. In article for the News of the World, Balls launches his campaign to save “Britain Lost Talent”. At the root of this is a plan to create 100,000 new jobs funded by a £2bn tax on bankers’ bonuses.
You’d be forgiven for feeling more than a touch of déjà vu.
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