The Road to Brexit | Will Rishi Sunak succeed Boris Johnson? | FT

The FT's Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green discuss 'brand Sunak', how the chancellor has handled the coronavirus pandemic, and the challenges ahead that could damage his popularity


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[Andygb]

I like how Keir Starmer is depicted with an oblong head as his most defining characteristic.

[BOBO]

17:15 Self employed Scot here, UK government didn't save my job. Started trading as a second source of income in 2014, went full time in 2019. based on my previous tax returns, i was only granted £270. I'm now eating into my mortgage deposit to survive. others in my sector haven't been so lucky and are now relying on foodbanks, moving back in with family and selling off business assets.
We understand exactly where the money comes from, but we haven't seen it.

[OrcusMaximus]

"The government are not deliberately evil". Well, that's reassuring.

[coinparadise]

I love❤ Uk & Eu.
Everything is temporary, dont worry people, god is by our side, i wish you a happy week,

[WilliamMahmood]

Brilliant analysis, love the whiteboard.

[thomasyoung]

How do you think Sunak will balance the recent economic shift towards the left (more state intervention with its limits- seen pre covid), with Thatcherite fiscal prudence which has dominated and been the core vote of the Conservative Party for decades? Thanks!

[christopherdickinson]

The whole argument over food standards is such a misnomer.

These policy areas while devolved the specific powers in reference to trade and internal market were an EU competence, so no government in the UK has actually had these powers.

Surely they must see that we need some semblance of an internal market in Scotland? The fact is that they will actually have more powers to regulate these areas under a UK internal market than if they were to go join the EU as an independent nation!

I hope Scots see through this vain attempt once again to make the UK government look like the villain.

[richardcope]

Some great facts. Fate of Chancellor comments were spot on. A thoughtful and informative video.

[tracycove]

Will Brits accept Indian guy as their head? don't think so.

[misterx]

Rishi Sunak seems to have a good comprehension of economics. He hasn't done anything unpopular yet and he would be the perfect candidate to be the UK's next PM. Plus, his age works is his advantage. He is 'only' 40 years of age.

[whatsinanamescotland]

How can the Scottish Government pay for COVID when they have no powers to do so. More English voices saying we are ‘Too wee, too poor and too stupid’ to make our own decisions. Money trees grow in Scotland as well.

[fokkewijngaarden]

Why were years ago not told more about the benefits from EU instead only complaining the spending taxpayers money to this -what Brexiteers were shouting - undemocratic bloc? Now mrs Sturgeon and SNP seems to handle the UK like Brexiteers did to EU, cookie from own flower?

[maddwarf]

I really enjoy this format, even as a non UK citizen.
But one thing I can't get my head around. It was said that the UK govermant paid for the workers in the covid crisis.
What I thought is, sure the did because scotland doesn't has a big budget.
Isn't it the case that all the tax money goes to the UK govermant first and they give the scottisch govermant a bit of money for their own poltics.

[FredGumbo]

Boris 2 hours late this morning looking for his lost 'best scientific advice' regarding beauty salons.
His excuse this time was that the baby ate his homework...

[matthewrichard]

I guess you guys arent coming back then.

[martinshaw]

FYI this man knows nothing of Scottish independence

[F-J.]

Shaking that reappearing money tree does not make one a good chancellor or a future PM.

[julianshepherd]

London takes Scotland's taxes and gives some back, tell us how to spend it and then demands we say Thank You Maister.
Indyref2 please.

[DonnieDio]

Have to take issue with the idea that food, animal welfare and environment standards are really devolved powers that each U.K nation controls. Those are powers held by the EU (while we were part of the EU and currently still are through the transition period). When those powers transfer to the U.K parliament that won't see any reduction of devolved powers.

Also obviously there can never be a situation where these powers can be truly devolved to each nation. As they point out in the video there has to be a internal UK market and that cant happen with each nation setting separate standards. As that would create trade barriers between England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, and would also mean trade deals would need to be conducted separately for every U.K nation.

Incidentally I find it really funny, or more accurately laughable, that Scotland are complaining about not having the power to decide on these standards themselves, while at the same time extolling the virtues of EU membership. When as a member of the EU through UK union they had absolutely no say at all to over these standards to begin with. At least now they will have some influence directly through their MP's in parliament who will set the standards for the UK. Rather than just having a indirect influence over 28 EU members setting those standards Europe wide.

[anapombeiro]

It's a pity that you don't talk about how much money does Scotland contributes to the UK budget and that the oil revenue from Scotland is not included as revenue, as it should be. You might get to the conclusion that the amount given from the ok it's peanuts.