Devil in the details

Michael Meacher MP: we must have the details

Michael Meacher, MP for Oldham West & Royton
I AM strongly in support of devolution but we have to look at the finer details.

I want devolution to go ahead and each of the 10 member associations of Greater Manchester must be heavily involved. It is casting a beacon to the rest of the country and has long been needed.

“Government is far too centralised and it always says it is in favour of devolution, but when you look at the details not much is happening or changing, or it has the opposite effect.

George Osborne is always making vain political announcements to prove why he should be the next Prime Minister. An example of this is the living wage announced in the Budget. It was reported as a sensational move, but when you looked at the minimum wage with its increases it would reach the same level in the time frame anyway. He is very good at making people think that he is making great announcements.

In principle the idea is a very good one, but I would add a caveat to beware and look at all the details.”