The Conservatives’ ‘better tomorrow’ only includes rich people | Letters
Two letter writers challenge Kemi Badenoch’s claim that her economic programme offers “a better tomorrow”, arguing that its emphasis on freer markets, lower taxes and spending, and tougher welfare policies revives old ideas and favours the wealthy. They also dispute her case for cutting inheritance tax, saying it overlooks how inherited wealth grows and the pressure facing people on low incomes.
Terry Peach compares Badenoch’s views with those of early 19th-century economist David Ricardo, who advocated minimal taxation, free trade and abolishing the Poor Laws. Penelope Turton argues that much inheritance tax revenue comes from inherited or asset-based wealth that rises in value without being taxed during the owner’s lifetime, while many working people cannot build enough wealth to pass on.
- Writers say Badenoch’s economic vision revives long-standing market arguments.
- One argues inheritance tax mainly concerns accumulated wealth.
- Another highlights the gulf between inherited wealth and low-paid workers.
New here? Start with this
Kemi Badenoch leads the Conservative Party, which sets out policies on tax, public spending, markets and welfare as part of its economic programme. These choices affect how the government raises and spends money, and what support is available to people on low incomes.
Inheritance tax is charged on some estates when a person dies, though exemptions and thresholds mean many estates pay none. The letters refer to David Ricardo, a 19th-century economist associated with free trade and limited government, as writers debate whether lower taxes and less welfare support would benefit people broadly or chiefly those with greater wealth.