In my unpopular view, the social benefits of an extra Bank Holiday are overstated, while the economic costs would be too high. But political realities suggest we’ll get one anyway, if the football gods allow! An extra Bank Holiday would obviously be popular, and few politicians would be able to resist. Indeed, Keir Starmer has … Continue reading Should there be an extra Bank Holiday if England win the World Cup?
Category: Applied economics
Another lurch to the left under Burnham could tip the economy over
Better news on inflation might lower bond yields regardless of the changes in Downing Street. But it seems more likely that honeymoon disappointment and Budget speculation will sap confidence further. This Friday, Andy Burnham is set to be confirmed as the new leader of the Labour Party and hence as the next Prime Minister of … Continue reading Another lurch to the left under Burnham could tip the economy over
Why Gary Stevenson is wrong on (almost) everything
Mercifully, we may now be at "peak Gary", but there seems to be an endless appetite for the sort of slop he has been feeding the unfortunate for many years... If you have not yet heard of Gary Stevenson, consider yourself lucky. The self-styled “world’s top trader” turned leading economist has been a fixture on … Continue reading Why Gary Stevenson is wrong on (almost) everything
The Brexit Debates: Has Brexit been good for Britain’s economy?
400 words for The Independent, published on 24 June 2026 A decade ago, the British people voted to leave the EU and restore sovereignty to the UK government. Westminster has since regained control over laws and borders, run its own trade policy, and saved tens of billions of pounds in contributions to the EU budget. … Continue reading The Brexit Debates: Has Brexit been good for Britain’s economy?
Plain-speaking Economics 