First, the short version… In my opinion, the UK should rejoin the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention, which would allow British firms to use components sourced from anywhere within this zone and still qualify for tariff-free trade with other members. This would not be a ‘betrayal of Brexit’, despite what some are claiming. Crucially, the PEM Convention is … Continue reading The UK probably should rejoin the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention – but it’s not a big deal either way
Tag: Politics
Is there hope for Britain’s economy in 2025?
In the memorable words of one official statistician, Britain’s economy was “going gangbusters” at the beginning of 2024. Unfortunately, last year appears to have ended with a whimper. The best hope now is that this pattern will be reversed in 2025, with a sluggish start giving way to a strong and sustained recovery. But the … Continue reading Is there hope for Britain’s economy in 2025?
Trump’s ‘MAGAnomics’ adds to the downside risks to the UK economy in 2025
On Monday 20 January, Donald Trump will complete a remarkable comeback when he inaugurated as President of the United States for the second time. But the world economy needs to brace for another outbreak of ‘Trumponomics’ or, as the man himself puts it, ‘MAGAnomics’. So far, investors in US equities have responded positively. In part, … Continue reading Trump’s ‘MAGAnomics’ adds to the downside risks to the UK economy in 2025
Is Brexit really costing the UK economy £100 billion a year?
One of the most dramatic claims made by those seeking to reverse Brexit is that leaving the EU is costing the UK economy ‘£100 billion every year’ in lost output, or about 4pc of GDP. Moreover, that would translate into about £40 billion in lost tax revenues, which happens to be roughly the same as … Continue reading Is Brexit really costing the UK economy £100 billion a year?
Plain-speaking Economics 