Brexiteers can be forgiven for indulging in a little ‘schadenfreude’ at the news that the EU has agreed the principles of a trade deal with the US on worse terms than the UK was able to achieve. Nonetheless, there are very few winners here. For a start, a final agreement is still some way off. … Continue reading US-EU trade ‘deal’ avoids an even worse outcome, but this is still little to cheer
Tag: economy
One and a half cheers for Rachel Reeves!
The Chancellor has a taxing job (pun intended), but we all deserve a break occasionally. So, I’m going to be positive about her latest Mansion House speech. Admittedly, there is nothing here to justify the hype about a new ‘Big Bang. The so-called ‘Leeds Reforms’ (in a nod to Reeves’ constituency) are little more than a … Continue reading One and a half cheers for Rachel Reeves!
The UK economy’s strong start to the year was a flash in the pan (reprise)
On Monday the Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed that the UK economy grew by 0.7% in the first quarter of the year, as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP). That may sound impressive and was certainly better than most had expected a few months earlier. But unfortunately, it was as good as it gets. … Continue reading The UK economy’s strong start to the year was a flash in the pan (reprise)
Lies, damn lies, and Spending Review soundbites
On Wednesday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will present her ‘Spending Review 2025’. This will set day-to-day budgets for all government departments for the three years from 2026-27 to 2028-29, and investment spending plans for a further year, to 2029-30. As usual, many of the details have already been revealed. In particular, ministers have trumpeted a ‘transformative … Continue reading Lies, damn lies, and Spending Review soundbites
Plain-speaking Economics 