Story perspectives

Lib Dems Propose Department for Growth to Boost Economy

2/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Liberal Democrats propose replacing the Treasury with a Birmingham-based Department for Growth to strengthen long-term economic strategy.
Daisy Cooper (Liberal Democrat deputy leader) criticized the Treasury as 'anti-growth' and focused on short-term policies.
Cooper says the plan could improve UK-EU relations and generate £25 billion annually to fund public services and address the cost-of-living crisis.

History

Historical Context

In 1964, the UK established the Department of Economic Affairs to tackle economic challenges amid a global recession and rising inflation, which peaked at 26% in 1975. This initiative aimed to coordinate economic policy, reflecting past frustrations with short-term strategies. The proposed Birmingham-based Department for Growth echoes this historical context, with potential annual revenues of £25 billion impacting public services and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

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Story summary

The Liberal Democrats propose replacing the Treasury with a Birmingham-based Department for Growth to strengthen long-term economic strategy.
Daisy Cooper (Liberal Democrat deputy leader) criticized the Treasury as 'anti-growth' and focused on short-term policies.
Cooper says the plan could improve UK-EU relations and generate £25 billion annually to fund public services and address the cost-of-living crisis.

1 / 2