![\"Chancellor](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/rotherham-england-chancellor-of-the-exchequer-rachel-reeves-views-advanced-robotics-6709174.jpg\" "\\"Chancellor")
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves (Image: Getty)<\/p>\n
Rachel Reeves\u2019 rigid economic philosophy is straitjacketing entrepreneurship and will strangle the free market<\/a>, a financial expert has claimed. In a scathing critique, Bob Lyddon argues that the Chancellor<\/a>‘s approach expands the state’s role to provide a “stable, predictable, and secure base” for private investment\u2014but it devours resources, leaving no room for genuine market freedom.\u00a0<\/p>\n The founder of Lyddon Consulting Services, who set out his ideas in a lengthy blog, told Express.co.uk: “Rachel Reeves<\/a> may appear not to have an economic credo, or to have any idea about how businesses and markets work, or to understand how businesses react to government intervention<\/a>, high taxation, and high regulation.<\/p>\n Read more: Keir Starmer has finally lost patience with Rachel Reeves <\/a><\/p>\n Read more: Rachel Reeves dealt huge ‘kick in the nuts’ by Keir Starmer with snub <\/a><\/p>\n Reeves says that she’s ‘commited’ to ‘our non-negotiable rules’ <\/p>\n “There is a credo, though, and Reeves\u2019 lack of apparent grip derives from her adherence to it. It is called Securonomics.<\/p>\n “Labour\u2019s plans spell the death of the free market, of wealth creation, and of economic freedom.””<\/p>\n This model, unveiled in the November 2025 Budget, reverses Thatcher-era privatisations without outright renationalisation.<\/p>\n Instead, it compels private firms in energy, water, transport, education, health, and a dozen key industries to follow state directives through regulations, incentives, and penalties. Oil and gas sectors face deliberate inhibition, while Net Zero ambitions take centre stage.<\/p>\n Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in China (Image: Getty)<\/p>\n Mr Lyddon’s analysis<\/a> paints a grim picture: Labour’s \u00a31.64 trillion investment over 10 years\u2014equivalent to 57% of 2024 GDP\u2014will swell the state-directed economy. Adding this to the existing 42% public sector could see government controlling nearly 60% of UK activity.<\/p>\n Mr Lyddon said: “The government\u2019s \u2018investment\u2019 plans amount to nearly \u00a31.7 trillion (60% of the UK\u2019s 2024 GDP) to be spent on its Net Zero\/Clean Energy, Infrastructure, and Industrial strategies over the next 10 years.<\/p>\n “Public policy objectives \u2013 not market opportunities \u2013 determine where the money will be spent.”<\/p>\n Such intervention, Mr Lyddon warned, mirrors what he saw as the EU’s stagnant model. The UK’s EU “Re-set” under Labour could ironically align it with this failing system just as Europe awakens to its flaws.<\/p>\n Get top stories from The Express sent straight to your phone Join us on WhatsApp<\/a><\/p>\n Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy<\/a><\/p>\n He continued: “Reeves\u2019 implementation of Securonomics is the most insidious element in the government\u2019s EU Re-set: it will make the UK\u2019s economy work exactly like the stagnant EU.”<\/p>\n Net Zero forms the credo’s core, promising insulation from energy shocks like those from Russia<\/a>‘s Ukraine<\/a> invasion. Yet, Lyddon highlights flaws: the UK’s ban on North Sea exploration licences ignores supply risks, while renewables lock in high costs.<\/p>\n A recent Institute of Economic Affairs report questioned transition expenses, met with government spin about becoming a “clean energy superpower”.<\/p>\n Mr Lyddon echoed the sentiment, saying: “Net Zero, with its huge allocations of money and resources as well as its huge body of regulations, is intrinsic to Securonomics: supposedly ensuring abundant supplies of cheap, home-produced energy as part of our stable, predictable, and secure economic base.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n![\"CHINA-BRITAIN-DIPLOMACY\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/britains-prime-minister-keir-starmer-buys-a-box-of-biscuits-on-a-visit-to-yuyuan-garden-in-6709241.j.jpeg\" "\\"CHINA-BRITAIN-DIPLOMACY\\"")
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