David Vance SubstackRead More
I am sure that you will have seen that the UK economy has stalled completely, recording 0.0% growth in January —the latest flashing red sign of stagnation under Labour. This flatlining follows months of the most tepid performance, with restaurants slashing orders, pubs reporting sharp drops in footfall, and housebuilding in freefall. Events in the Middle East will most likely make all of this even worse.
Now, another iconic British firm has succumbed: Denby Pottery, a 217-year-old pottery maker, has ceased operations, marking the end of centuries-old craftsmanship. It’s so sad to witness this. Of course, Denby’s collapse underscores much deeper structural woes.
Once a symbol of industrial resilience in Derbyshire, the company has cited insurmountable challenges: skyrocketing energy bills, escalating employment costs, and regulatory burdens tied to Net Zero mandates.
Energy prices, still elevated post-Ukraine crisis and accelerated by green levies, have hammered manufacturers reliant on gas and electricity for kilns and production lines.
Labour’s policies—higher National Insurance contributions, minimum wage hikes, and stringent carbon targets—have all added to the the strain, making it untenable.
It’s not just Denby. The Hospitality sector is reeling, with pubs facing a “drinks recession” as punters tighten belts amid 5-7% inflation on food and drinks. Construction output has plunged 12% year-on-year, as Net Zero building regulations inflate material costs and delay projects.
Small firms, the traditional backbone of our economy, report stagnant employment as recruitment risks have surged with employment tribunal claims up 20%.
The truth is that woke ideology has captured Government policy. Net Zero imposes levies that add 15-20% to business energy tariffs—far above many global competitors. Combined with employment taxes and compliance red tape, it prices UK industries out of markets.
Foreign rivals in China and the US face much more relaxed rules. Investment has largely evaporated: business confidence hit -40% in Q1 2026. MINUS 40%!!!
Labour defends its radical agenda by touting “green jobs” and long-term savings. Yet in the long run, we are all dead. Growth forecasts have been slashed to 0.8% for 2026; unemployment increasing to 4.5%. Starmer and Reeves may feigns surprise, but there is a very clear pattern in play.
Once companies like Denby vanish, they rarely return.
Turns out that Net Zero means net zero jobs!
