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
Tag: UK
Subdued money growth should limit inflation risks
The jump in UK inflation from 3.0% to 3.3% in March is obviously bad news but not quite as bad as some had feared (or at least no worse). In particular, the Bank of England had expected this number to be “close to 3½%” when interest rates were left on hold last month. Moreover, this jump can … Continue reading Subdued money growth should limit inflation risks
How should the UK respond to Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland?
President Trump has surely hit a new low with his threats to impose tariffs on European allies for daring to challenge his ambition to “acquire” Greenland. But the UK should not overreact and especially should not retaliate, whether with tariffs of our own or with other economic and financial sanctions. For a start, Trump’s latest … Continue reading How should the UK respond to Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland?
Does the UK’s weak growth in GDP per head really “lay bare the full costs of Brexit”?
Many people have asked me about this chart, which appeared in David Smith’s regular (and usually excellent) column in the Sunday Times this weekend. The chart shows that GDP per head has grown much faster since 2016 in the euro area than it has in the UK – ‘nearly three times as fast’, according to … Continue reading Does the UK’s weak growth in GDP per head really “lay bare the full costs of Brexit”?
Plain-speaking Economics 