A summer recess for finding answers
Parliament has broken up and MPs should make the most of a well-earned rest. But the Tories cannot afford to let the summer slip through their fingers: their problems aren’t magically about to disappear. Labour is ahead in the polls and Remainers dominate the domestic debate around Brexit. The Conservatives need to be battle-ready when they return to work on September 5. Waiting for them will be the second reading of the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill and the party conference.
To avoid either atrophy or chaos, the Tories have to do three things. First, reorganise No 10 – something that has already begun with the hiring of Robbie Gibb from the BBC, who promises to put some vim back into communications. The public needs to hear a clear and coherent message from the Government. Neither drift nor silence can be tolerated any more.
Secondly, the Tories need a more proactive approach to legislation, to step letting the Left set the agenda. They have to work out in advance which issues Brexit is going to throw up – such as Britain’s withdrawal from Euratom – and be ready with answers. The Government also needs to stop talking about which parts of its manifesto are to be shelved and explain instead what it’s going to do to get the economy moving. It certainly needs to talk about house-building.
Finally, the Tories need to offer a very specific, very detailed vision of Brexit and its aftermath. Last week, Michael Gove set an example for the rest of the Cabinet by laying out what Brexit will mean for agriculture. Now we need specifics on the rest. What exactly will Britain’s immigration system be after leaving the EU? What kind of trade deal is the Government looking to get from Brussels? And what steps are being taken to protect the interests of the financial services sector? What exactly is the intention when it comes to car-making? How long will the transition period be? Which regulations will go?
The Conservatives can enjoy their summer, of course, but they also have to fight and prepare for the challenges ahead. They deserve some time out – but time is not on their side.