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”
Category: UK economy
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
Sorry kids, you are still too young to vote
The Labour Party has promised to give 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote in all elections. I am against this. The reality is that most people of this age are still children in full-time education or training, living at home, and dependent on their parents. They have not yet earned the right to vote, … Continue reading Sorry kids, you are still too young to vote
Broken Britain: can a Labour government fix it?
Keir Starmer’s suited and rebooted Labour Party looks set to sweep to power and says it is ready for business. But Labour will also inherit an economy suffering from a chronic lack of growth, a housing crisis, and failing public services. Nothing seems to be working properly and productivity has stagnated. Can Labour get the … Continue reading Broken Britain: can a Labour government fix it?
Plain-speaking Economics 