Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper unveils tech‑focused growth plan to cut red tape and boost UK innovation

At a packed Liberal Democrat conference in Brighton, deputy leader Daisy Cooper warned that the United Kingdom’s economic engine is sputtering under a “computer says no” mentality, a phrase that has come to symbolize bureaucratic inertia. While the UK boasts world‑class research and a thriving start‑up ecosystem, Cooper argued that excessive red tape forces many innovators to relocate abroad, draining potential tax revenue and stalling growth.

Cooper, also the party’s Treasury spokesperson, unveiled a 30‑page “Growth Plan” that centres on a digital one‑stop‑shop for businesses. The proposed service would consolidate tax, regulatory, legal and Companies House functions into a single online portal, housed within a new Department for Growth. By automating routine compliance tasks, the portal aims to cut processing times from weeks to days, freeing entrepreneurs to focus on product development rather than paperwork.

The plan does more than streamline paperwork. It signals a broader shift toward technology adoption across the UK’s industrial landscape. Cooper highlighted that automation‑driven workflow transformation can reshape sectors ranging from fintech to media infrastructure, where legacy systems often impede rapid content delivery. By embedding programmable interfaces and API‑first standards, the one‑stop‑shop could become a catalyst for industry‑wide digital modernization.

Beyond domestic reform, Cooper announced a “Growth and Defence Partnership” with the European Union, branding it the “single biggest growth lever” for the country. She estimated that Brexit‑related barriers cost the UK roughly £90 billion in lost tax revenue each year. Re‑engaging with the EU single market and customs union, she claimed, could be achieved within twelve months, unlocking cross‑border data flows, joint research programmes, and defence procurement efficiencies.

The EU angle is not merely political; it carries concrete technological benefits. A tighter EU partnership would grant UK firms access to the bloc’s digital single market, facilitating the deployment of advanced cloud services, AI research collaborations, and shared cybersecurity frameworks. For the media sector, this could mean faster adoption of automated content distribution pipelines, reducing latency and expanding audience reach across Europe.

Cooper’s proposal also touches on the emerging field of automation‑driven media infrastructure. By encouraging investment in AI‑powered production tools and programmable broadcast systems, the plan seeks to modernise the UK’s creative economy, which has traditionally lagged behind the United States in leveraging automation for content scaling.

Critics argue that creating a new department adds another layer of bureaucracy. However, Cooper counters that consolidating existing functions under a technology‑focused umbrella will eliminate duplication and deliver measurable cost savings. The proposal aligns with Chancellor John Healey’s recent push for the UK to join the EU’s “Made in Europe” scheme, aimed at protecting industries from unfair competition, particularly from China.

If implemented, the plan could reshape the UK’s innovation landscape. Small and medium‑sized enterprises would gain faster access to capital and regulatory approval, while larger firms could tap into a more agile supply chain supported by EU standards. The ripple effect would likely boost employment in high‑skill tech roles and reinforce the country’s reputation as a hub for cutting‑edge research.

Ultimately, Cooper’s growth blueprint is a test of whether the UK can reconcile its post‑Brexit identity with a pragmatic, technology‑first approach to economic policy. The success of the digital one‑stop‑shop and the EU partnership will depend on legislative will, cross‑party cooperation, and the ability to deliver on the promised timelines.