Keir Starmer Gets Real About Business Rates at Camden Pub
On a breezy Monday, Labour’s leader, Sir Keir Starmer, turned the spotlight toward the 3 Locks Brewing Company and told that the business rates system is a long‑gone problem that needs a solid fix. He didn’t just talk about numbers; he promised a level playing field for every company, whether it’s a brick‑and‑mortar shop or a thriving online venture.
Why The Current System Feels Like a Bad Joke
- Big firms still get to roll over their overdue invoices while the smaller ones are left holding the short end of the stick.
- Government has had plenty of chances but stuck a “fix” in the back pocket instead.
- Small businesses—those are the real backbone of our economy—have been hit hard by the high “cost of living” in recent years.
Keir’s plan? Replace the glitchy system with one that actually works. He wants to give each business a chance to thrive, and that starts with reducing their energy bills and the unpredictability that lumbers around their budgets.
Deborah Meaden Adds a “Brilliant” Endorsement
Dragon Den’s own Deborah Meaden, who was sipping ale alongside Keir, said Labour’s blueprint was “absolutely brilliant.” She praised the idea of an energy scheme that keeps costs under control and highlights that energy hikes are one of the few variables businesses can’t manage.
Great British Energy—The Small‑Biz Solution
- Publicly owned renewables entity that offers stable, lower energy prices.
- Designed to lift the “drag” that business rates place on small enterprises.
- Fortifies the economy by ensuring that small firms don’t have to fight over volatile energy costs.
Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves Fires Back
Rachel Reeves, channeling the Labour spirit, went into the Sun with a vow: no hollow tax cuts. She pledged to keep any tax changes transparent, explaining where the funding will come from—unlike the Conservatives or an old‑fashioned “fantasy manifesto.”
In short, Keir Starmer and his crew are tackling two stubborn beasts: the broken rates system and the insane price swings in energy. If everything plays out as promised, small businesses may finally get their chance to breathe easy and prosper.
