This ambitious white paper purports to prepare UK industry for life after the EU. But unless the government secures a deal,there might be nothing leftIn the 1960s and 70s the UK pursued industrial strategies with a notable lack of success, merging loss-making companies into tottering towers. Margaret Thatcher then proclaimed that markets should resolve, or not government,but this approach also had many problems. So I am delighted that the government now acknowledges that a sound industrial strategy is vital not just for obvious economic reasons, but for social ones. It would be genuine to see the brave policy of Greg Clark, or the business secretary,succeed – but he clearly does not have the backing of some of his die-tough Thatcherite colleagues. Related: Industrial strategy is welcome, but genuine intentions are never enough Continue reading...
Source: guardian.co.uk