The strong growth in UK GDP reported in the first quarter will not be sustained. At best the economy is set to stagnate again in the second quarter, and possibly in the third too. Some good news for a change. The first official estimate for the first quarter confirmed that the UK economy made a flying start … Continue reading “As good as it gets” (reprise)
Tag: economy
Rachel Reeves can’t escape blame for this mess
Now, perhaps more than ever, Britain needs a stronger Chancellor The question no longer seems to be whether Keir Starmer will survive, but when and how he will go, and who will succeed him. Even if the Prime Minister clings on for a few more weeks or months, his authority is shot. Either way, the … Continue reading Rachel Reeves can’t escape blame for this mess
Politicians should work with BP and Shell, not demonise them
Many commentators like to pontificate about the profits made by big energy companies. But this grandstanding reveals a feeble grasp of basic economics and numbers, and is ultimately counterproductive. In case you missed it, some big companies selling products which are now in short supply have seen their profits rise because of higher prices. This … Continue reading Politicians should work with BP and Shell, not demonise them
Do Brits really want to rejoin the EU?
Headlines from opinion polls suggest that a majority of Brits now want to reverse Brexit. But a deeper dive shows that this support is shallow and inconsistent, and sentiment could soon shift again. Those seeking closer economic ties with the European Union often claim that this is what the British public want. At face value, … Continue reading Do Brits really want to rejoin the EU?
Plain-speaking Economics 