Author: julianhjessop

Bank of England rate cut should be the first of many

The Bank of England’s decision to cut UK interest rates to 5% this week was finely balanced but surely correct. The aim now should be to return rates to a 'neutral' level of around 4% early next year. The obvious starting point is that CPI inflation has now been at or very close to the … Continue reading Bank of England rate cut should be the first of many →

“Abacus Economics 2.0”

It is tempting to dismiss Rachel Reeves’ statement to Parliament on the health of the public finances as merely a piece of political theatre. The main purpose was indeed to blame the Conservatives for the consequences of decisions taken by the new Labour government, and to prepare the ground for tax rises in the Autumn. But there … Continue reading “Abacus Economics 2.0” →

Justice was done to the ‘Just Stop Oil’ Five

Over the last few days I've read some terrible takes on the jail sentences of four to five years handed out to five ‘Just Stop Oil’ protestors (aka 'the Whole Truth Five'). Here’s my assessment of why the sentences were justified and where the critics have gone wrong. First, the facts. If you have not … Continue reading Justice was done to the ‘Just Stop Oil’ Five →