Lib Dems call for ‘anti-growth’ Treasury to be split up – UK politics live

The Guardian - World NewsEN 14 min read 100% complete by Andrew SparrowFebruary 11, 2026 at 11:38 AM

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long article 14 min

The Liberal Democrats in the UK are proposing to break up the Treasury, arguing it hinders economic growth. This idea, similar to Harold Wilson's 1960s Department of Economic Affairs, aims to separate long-term economic strategy from the Treasury's tax-raising functions. The Lib Dems, echoing concerns from figures like the CBI's director general, believe a dedicated growth ministry would better boost GDP by focusing on long-term vision and directing the economy towards goals like decarbonization and regional equality. Critics suggest the Treasury's focus on fiscal conservatism acts as a barrier to growth. However, some argue that political obstacles, not departmental structure, are the primary impediments to economic expansion.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Theresa May 40% Gordon Brown 40% IPPR 40% George Dibb 50% Confederation of British Industry (CBI) 50% Tony Danker 50% Department of Economic Affairs 50% Rachel Reeves 60% Harold Wilson ×260% Daisy Cooper ×270% Liberal Democrats ×280% Treasury ×1090%

Keywords

treasury 100% economic growth 90% liberal democrats 80% department split 70% long-term strategy 60% economic planning 60% daisy cooper 50% whitehall 50% uk politics 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Neutral

Score: -0.10

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The Guardian - World News

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90%

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treasury economic growth liberal democrats department split long-term strategy economic planning daisy cooper whitehall uk politics

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