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”!
Tag: business
What is the real cost of the Chagos deal?
Many people are understandably still confused about the huge differences between the official figure of 'just' £3.4 billion for the cost of the Chagos deal, as cited by the Prime Minister, and other estimates which are as high as £30.3 billion. Here's my best attempt to clarify. The top figure of £30.3 billion (which I … Continue reading What is the real cost of the Chagos deal?
UK-India trade deal is a win-win, despite fears over NI exemptions
The last 24 hours have been frustrating and, frankly, a little weird. ‘Frustrating’ because the benefits of the new UK-India trade deal – a clear Brexit win – are still being overshadowed by the row over social security contributions. ‘Weird’ because I have found myself siding with a Labour government against many people who I … Continue reading UK-India trade deal is a win-win, despite fears over NI exemptions
UK economy on a knife edge
The latest official data are perhaps not as bad as some headlines suggest, but they do confirm that the UK economy made a poor start to 2025. First, the raw numbers. Monthly GDP fell by 0.1% in January, against the consensus forecast of a 0.1% rise, led by a 0.9% fall in the production sector … Continue reading UK economy on a knife edge
Plain-speaking Economics 