As the pound plunges to a 31-year low against the dollar, should the UK fear the dramatic fall in sterling? June 27, 2016 Joe Rundle, head of trading at ETX Capital, says Yes. Britain is a net importer with a large current account deficit that needs to be sustained. That’s going to get even more expensive with a weak pound and possible rating downgrade combining to weigh heavily on our nation’s finances. Consumer prices will rise sharply as imports [...]
Be careful what you wish for: Seven Brexit takeaways June 27, 2016 The result of the UK’s EU referendum came as a massive shock to the markets and was no fun for a large number of people. Unlike those in the Remain camp, who pointed to the market turmoil yelling “I told you so”, it gives me no sense of schadenfreude thinking of people seeing their pension [...]
Britain needs a liberal post-referendum plan June 27, 2016 Does the country feel different to you? Do you feel it stands a little taller in the world or has it already shrunk in status? Whatever your perspective on the referendum result, Britain now finds itself at an historic and unprecedented juncture. First and foremost, the outcome of this vote must be accepted as the democratic [...]
Set out a real plan for Brexit – and prepare for fiscal stimulus – to put a floor under business confidence June 26, 2016 With the EU referendum concluded, attention has already turned to defining what type of exit the government will pursue. Whatever view you hold on the merits of an exit from the EU, the exact economic impact is uncertain. This is mainly because “it” is not predetermined – there exist a range of views among Brexiteers. [...]
The UK must remain in the Single Market to protect our vital financial services industry June 26, 2016 The City of London has thrived as a financial and trading centre for more than a thousand years and will continue to do so. While there will be some uncertainty as Brexit negotiations begin, London remains the financial centre of one of the largest economies in the world, and indeed for most of Europe. There [...]
As he says he’ll be gone by October, was Prime Minister David Cameron right to resign? June 26, 2016 Alex Deane, a common councilman who sits on the Corporation of London’s Policy and Resources Committee, says Yes. The Prime Minister was right to resign. Leadership after defeat would have proven exceptionally difficult. The former Cabinet secretary, Lord Butler, was right to say of the PM before the referendum that his position “would be untenable if we [...]
It’s Independence Day for Britain: Now the country needs to find a global role June 24, 2016 “You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not – I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the gloom I can see Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see [...]
Brexit or Bremain, the future is bright for the British economy – at least compared to the rest of the EU June 24, 2016 Much ignored in the EU referendum debate was the fact that Europe’s population is ageing rapidly. From having four working-age people for every person aged over 65 today, within a generation the EU will have just two people to support those over 65. However, there are vast differences across the EU, and the good news [...]
In and Out backers must unite after this depressing campaign to build a fraternity for liberty June 24, 2016 When you read this column, the result of the referendum on Britain’s EU membership will be known. Whatever the outcome, we must leave behind the depressing campaigns and move on to a politics of optimism and hope. Whether we vote to stay or vote to leave, those who believe in free trade, openness and a [...]
Has the EU referendum left the United Kingdom a more divided country? June 24, 2016 Brendan O’Neill, editor of spiked, says Yes. The drip-drip message of the Remain camp has been: “politics isn’t for you little people.” With their beatification of experts and sneering at plebs who lack PhDs – for whom the EU is “too difficult” an issue, says Richard Dawkins – they’ve split the public into know-alls and know-nothings. [...]