Category: Everyday Economics

The Chancellor’s gaslighting has reached new lows

When in opposition, Rachel Reeves claimed that “the Conservatives are gaslighting the British public". When she became Chancellor, she insisted that she would not “gaslight” working people herself. This can surely now be added to the long list of broken promises. The prolonged uncertainty ahead of the Budget had already harmed the economy. But confirmation … Continue reading The Chancellor’s gaslighting has reached new lows

Rachel Reeves gambles on a ‘make do and break promises’ Budget

After months of damaging speculation, the Chancellor delivered yet another ‘tax and spend’ Budget which will do little to tackle any of the UK’s deep-rooted economic problems. The Chancellor’s biggest challenge was to persuade enough people that she will not just be coming back again for more next year. Only time will tell whether this … Continue reading Rachel Reeves gambles on a ‘make do and break promises’ Budget

It’s time to call out “Tesco derangement syndrome”!

One surefire way to harvest ‘likes’ on social media is to blame higher food prices on “greedy companies”. It is best to ignore the tediously repetitive posts from attention-seeking ‘engagement farmers’. But many people who might have some real influence are now pushing the ‘greedflation’ line too. Most strikingly, Sharon Graham, head of the Unite … Continue reading It’s time to call out “Tesco derangement syndrome”!

Will the July inflation data reveal an “Oasis bump”?

There has been some speculation that Wednesday’s UK CPI data for July will include an “Oasis bump”. In fact, the fallout from the reunion gigs is unlikely to have a significant impact on UK-wide inflation, and even less likely to influence UK monetary policy. Nonetheless, this is an interesting angle, so here goes anyway. (I’ve … Continue reading Will the July inflation data reveal an “Oasis bump”?