The Chancellor’s speech had some positives as well as negatives, and perhaps revealed something about interdepartmental rivalries too. But the chasm between rhetoric and reality seems as wide as ever. Six points struck me about John Healey’s first major speech as Chancellor on Monday. The first was that he was giving it all. This is not … Continue reading Six takeaways from John Healey’s “Growth Speech”
Tag: investment
Weekly wrap – The heroes, villains, and victims of the Arday scandal
Like many others, I spent much of the week both amused and angered by the Jason Arday scandal (mostly angered). But there's also still plenty to write on the latest UK economic data and policy news. Theme of the week If you missed it (well done!), Jason Arday is a plagiarist, a serial liar and … Continue reading Weekly wrap – The heroes, villains, and victims of the Arday scandal
Six charts to mark “Brexit at 10”
Here is a selection of charts designed to challenge some of the shakier claims about the economic impacts of Brexit, including on the pound, investment, food prices, trade, and overall GDP. Many newspapers and magazines have published sets of charts to mark the tenth anniversary of the UK’s vote to leave the EU – most … Continue reading Six charts to mark “Brexit at 10”
Politicians should not play at being ‘tech bros’ with taxpayers’ money
The British Business Bank's much-hyped £25 million (yes, “million”) investment in Kraken is a perfect example of spin over substance. The Business Secretary, Peter Kyle, has long been on a mission. In January, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he promised to “bet big” and “pick winners” when taking direct government stakes in growing businesses. … Continue reading Politicians should not play at being ‘tech bros’ with taxpayers’ money
Plain-speaking Economics 