Not all is doom and gloom: a recession is not the only possible scenario facing Britain November 2, 2022 The prime minister and the Chancellor are struggling to “balance the books”. Around £50bn might be needed from a combination of cuts to spending plans and increases in taxation. This has led to a chorus of voices squealing about austerity creating a major economic recession. The argument goes back to Keynes, writing in the aftermath [...]
It’s time to go back to basics and go about fixing our deficit before more tax cuts October 26, 2022 As inflation pushes prices further and further up, food has been getting more expensive for some time. But, as the cliche goes, there was never such a thing as a free lunch.
Our public services will keep falling apart as long as our economy continues to stagnate October 19, 2022 The major issue in the UK and other European nations is a lack of economic growth. Liz Truss was correct to focus on a tonic for this, even if her plan fell flat.
An information campaign on energy usage would have made a lot of economic sense October 12, 2022 The prime minister’s apparent veto of a plan to persuade people to use less energy this winter has stirred up controversy. The usual rabble have been quick to decry Liz Truss for abdicating responsibility, following the old lines of those who wanted more or less restrictions during the pandemic. But economic theory can readily justify [...]
Our politicians must wake up to the public debt effect October 5, 2022 In a novel by C.P. Snow, a physicist turned author who served as science minister under Harold Wilson in the 1960s, the master of a Cambridge college says that “gratitude isn’t an emotion, but the expectation of gratitude is a very lively one.” The prime minister and her Chancellor may well be having exactly the [...]
Low tax regimes only matter as much as their longevity September 28, 2022 Ireland, of course, is an oft-cited pin up for low corporation tax. But it is an aggressive policy several decades in the making. They have been rewarded, with tech giants setting up shop there.
We’re hardwired to accept bumper salaries for sports stars but not our City bankers September 21, 2022 In a bid to prove her free market credentials – and those of her chancellor – Liz Truss has widely trailed the idea of lifting the cap on bankers’ bonuses. Cue outrage from the usual quarters. At the same time, there was another headline in the Guardian on remuneration which might be thought would cause [...]
Strikes are a part of the bargaining process but many current jobs are on their way out September 14, 2022 Strikes are a reasonable tool for workers to use, but for declining industries, they would be wise to focus on negotiation.
How Truss pays for her plan for energy prices is just as important as what she does September 7, 2022 Our new prime minister already has a long list of detractors. Yet something many are failing to take notice of is how well she grasps the fundamental importance of generating economic growth. This is the central issue facing the economy and it will determine how, ultimately, we pay for an intervention in the energy market. [...]
Our scientists were given responsibility in the pandemic but no public accountability August 31, 2022 LAST week, Rishi Sunak rehashed old wounds and stirred up more controversy over lockdowns during the height of the pandemic. The former Chancellor now says scientists were given too much power, where policy choices should have rested with those elected policy makers known as our leaders. Unlike most other government policies, there was little cost-benefit [...]
