In a statement, Mike Salem, the UK Country Associate for the leading international consumer group, the Consumer Choice Center (CCC), expressed support for housing reform, especially on planning, as well as investing in new technologies and developing powerful AI models.
Salem particularly welcomed Starmer’s decision not to include an AI Bill, which would have placed constraints on AI innovation and impeded the UK’s role as a global innovator.
However, despite these promising signs, Salem raised concerns about renationalising the railways and energy, introducing an “independent” football regulator, VAT on private schools and crucially prohibiting cigarettes while imposing limits on the sale and marketing of vapes.
Salem stated, “Starmer misled the public when he announced he changed the Labour Party and presented himself as the Prime Minister of Change.
“In reality, he has returned to the Labour Party’s old roots in meddling with people’s livelihoods, businesses, and personal affairs. These plans are illogical, unworkable, and in the case of the prohibition of cigarettes, extremely dangerous.”
Salem added, “At a time when the tax burden is at its highest, the government’s priority should have been to restore taxation levels to lower levels, helping consumers to spend money revitalising a stagnant UK economy.
Instead Labour chose to implement gimmick policies that harm consumer rights.”
The Consumer Choice Center continually advocates for consumer rights and freedom of choice through grassroots campaigns. During the election period, it released its own consumer manifesto to inform political parties and new MPs about the steps needed to ensure that consumers are empowered to make informed decisions in the 21st century.
