In response to overwhelming public demand (not really!) here is my take on the impact that the incoming Labour government has had on the UK economy. Clearly, it’s early days and there is still all to play for, but the initial signs are not encouraging. The obvious place to start is the health of the … Continue reading Labour’s first 100 days – the economy
Tag: GDP
Yes to a ‘step increase’ in public investment – but only a small one
Eight prominent economists have written a letter to the Financial Times arguing that the UK needs a ‘step increase’ in public investment in order to boost growth and to fix social and environmental problems. There is clearly something in this, but many risks too. As the writers correctly note, there is an emerging consensus that … Continue reading Yes to a ‘step increase’ in public investment – but only a small one
“How sustainable is our national debt?”
Earlier this year I gave oral evidence to the Economic Affairs Committee of the House of Lords on the state of the public finances. I'm pleased to say they included many of my thoughts in their final report, available here. Some excerpts. On the level of the debt-to-GDP ratio... 31. When considering the implications of … Continue reading “How sustainable is our national debt?”
A presentation on Brexit
Here are the slides (with a few tweaks and additions) from a presentation I made recently to an audience of economists in London. The presentation covers some strengths and weaknesses of the OBR's Brexit analysis and of 'doppelganger' models, and attempts to correct some common misunderstandings. It also includes some of my favourite charts! Brexit … Continue reading A presentation on Brexit
Plain-speaking Economics 