I agree with that recognition in full. The problem is that he did seem to lack basic knowledge of such factors as debt vs deficit, what the highest rate of income tax is. So it’s not just working out how to communicate it, it’s actually making sure he properly understands it.

Great interview. Rory’s rant at the end was hysterical - and 100% accurate. Polanski operates in an economic la la land and it’s about time his fantasist policies were properly called out

I very much used to enjoy Warner when he was at The Independent. Could never quite work out how he ended up at The Telegraph. (Well, money I guess…)

Great piece of work. Absolutely spot on regarding the extremely slippery Prescott

I’m truly devastated. Typical Corbynite - loses their temper in a fit of self righteousness, starts ranting away and then shuts down the discussion

I think vast oil reserves in the case of Norway and being neutral in WW2 are rather stronger drivers of their low ratios than their being not neoliberal. Oh, and the 2024 Reeves budget increased public spending by £70bn per annum: hardly neoliberal

Take a quick look at the debt/gdp ratios of Norway, Sweden and Denmark. If the UK’s was at that level then we could do a huge amount of what any left of centre thinker would like. But it isn’t - and we can’t. Yes the presentation and comms of this govt has been hopeless - that’s what needs fixing

Because Lewis, and folk such as Burgeon, McDonnell, Polanski who you also champion, exist in a fantasy world in which everyone is just crying out for a left wing programme on everything & where global economic realities can be ignored. Well, the 83, 17 & 19 elections all showed the merits of that!

If you think Clive Lewis is the answer then you really need to get out more.

Exactly right. Lewis is a motormouth self publicist with a political judgement void. He backed Corbyn in 2015 and Long-Bailey in 2020, which tells you all you need to know.

Took me a while to read this (email backlog) but a truly excellent piece. And particularly grateful for the handy to cut out and keep list of reasons (to date) of why to detest the orange one

Agreed in full. I can only assume that Barnett is auditioning for a Daily Mail column