Category: defence

Weekly wrap – Has the UK economy really “turned the corner”?

Including thoughts on UK GDP, “rocket and feather” pricing at the pumps, should the BoE follow the ECB, US bond market intervention, German defence spending, and the latest UK evidence on “second round” effects... Theme of the Week The reassuringly strong GDP data added to evidence that the UK economy is holding up better than … Continue reading Weekly wrap – Has the UK economy really “turned the corner”?

Weekly wrap: a perfect 10 for stagecraft, a shaky 3 for substance

My regular review of news over the past seven days, including thoughts on Burnham’s first policy announcements, overseas aid, “anti-social businesses”, and the latest economic data (good, in parts). A week may be a long time in politics, but the new team at No.10 has navigated it well. A polished sequence of flashy policy announcements … Continue reading Weekly wrap: a perfect 10 for stagecraft, a shaky 3 for substance

Weekly wrap: “meet the new boss, same as the old boss”?

Andy Burnham is now a shoo-in to replace Keir Starmer as PM. Indeed, he has already U-turned almost as often. But his pick as Chancellor and any talk of new fiscal rules could still move markets. Welcome to the latest weekly wrap of the key points from my social media posts. Monday 15 June On … Continue reading Weekly wrap: “meet the new boss, same as the old boss”?

The hard sell: Britain needs to step up to fund its own defence

The BBC is reporting today that the Prime Minister is considering a significant increase in defence spending or, more precisely, that Keir Starmer is looking at bringing forward increases that have already been promised. The Labour government has previously committed to raising core defence spending from a little under 2.5% of national income currently to the new … Continue reading The hard sell: Britain needs to step up to fund its own defence