Tag: news

Burnham’s first big idea: lower your bills by raising your taxes?

It is obviously a bit harsh to judge anyone’s premiership by just one announcement on the first day, but a token cut in VAT on domestic electricity bills does not bode well. In case you missed it, the new government has announced that the rate of VAT charged on domestic electricity bills will be cut … Continue reading Burnham’s first big idea: lower your bills by raising your taxes?

Weekly wrap: don’t forget the US-Iran war…

The spotlight is on Andy Burnham, but the immediate prospects both for UK markets and for the economy may depend more on events in the Middle East than in Westminster for quite a while yet. Welcome to the latest summary of news that caught my eye over the past seven days. Theme of the week … Continue reading Weekly wrap: don’t forget the US-Iran war…

Another lurch to the left under Burnham could tip the economy over

Better news on inflation might lower bond yields regardless of the changes in Downing Street. But it seems more likely that honeymoon disappointment and Budget speculation will sap confidence further. This Friday, Andy Burnham is set to be confirmed as the new leader of the Labour Party and hence as the next Prime Minister of … Continue reading Another lurch to the left under Burnham could tip the economy over

The Brexit Debates: Has Brexit been good for Britain’s economy?

400 words for The Independent, published on 24 June 2026 A decade ago, the British people voted to leave the EU and restore sovereignty to the UK government. Westminster has since regained control over laws and borders, run its own trade policy, and saved tens of billions of pounds in contributions to the EU budget. … Continue reading The Brexit Debates: Has Brexit been good for Britain’s economy?