How Stalin’s right-hand man could help the UK in EU exit negotiations July 5, 2016 The topic of behavioural economics is very fashionable. But many economists remain rather sniffy about it, arguing that it often does not really add to what the discipline already knows. But one of its most distinctive and strongest results from a policy perspective is its emphasis on what is called the “architecture of choice”. Economists love [...]
George Osborne and the government share some of the blame for post-Brexit uncertainty July 5, 2016 "Businesses and markets hate uncertainty”. How many times have we heard that recently? In the aftermath of the referendum result, when the value of the pound fell and the FTSE 100 and 250 indices contracted, “uncertainty” was the buzzword. This suggests that the market reaction was a manifestation of investors asking the question: “what is [...]
As Mark Carney warns of a “material slowing in the economy”, can Britain avoid a recession? July 5, 2016 Simon French, chief economist at Panmure Gordon, says Yes. Avoiding a recession is now the number one challenge facing our economic policy-makers. Despite a base rate at 0.5 per cent and public sector deficit still in excess of 4 per cent of GDP, the Bank and the Treasury still possess a well-resourced policy arsenal. Nimble use [...]
Why we need to make the Brexit vote work for women July 5, 2016 Imagine voting with a sense of hope that you can make your life and country better. Imagine voting – and then being told that you were wrong and that you don't count. Many people on either side of the Brexit vote are feeling that way now, but many women have been that way after every election [...]
After opinion polls got the EU referendum result wrong, is social media the future of polling? July 5, 2016 For years now, marketers have been trying to tap into consumer insight. Methods used include anything from planned focus groups and online surveys, to people standing on the high street with a clipboard and pen. Understanding and capturing the thoughts and opinions of the public as well as the conversations that are happening in everyday life is vital [...]
Game of unknowns: why Gove’s attacks on corporatism are the last thing the economy needs July 5, 2016 An establishment outcast with a skill for political maneuver – there is an unnerving parallel between Michael Gove and Tyrion Lannister from Game of Thrones. And with the blood barely dry from his bludgeoning of Boris, the wannabe PM has wasted little time pin pointing his next line of attack, none other than the world of [...]
The Libor trial could be a turning point for SFO July 5, 2016 The UK's fraud squad has had a rough ride in recent years. Wave after wave of criticism has battered its modest West End headquarters, especially since the botched investigation into property tycoon Vincent Tchenguiz. Just over four years have passed since the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) admitted that there were “no longer reasonable grounds” for pursuing [...]
There’s no need for a messy divorce: Europe should “consciously uncouple” from Britain July 5, 2016 Sitting in Gatwick’s departure terminal on the afternoon of Friday 24 June felt a bit like leaving a car crash before the ambulance arrived. Hours earlier I was standing in front of a plunging sterling-dollar chart reporting live that Sunderland voted Leave by a much wider margin than expected. The journalist in me was anxious [...]
Let’s embrace the new opportunities for prosperity Brexit has opened up July 5, 2016 Although we were on opposing sides of the Brexit debate, one the employment minister and the other an asset manager in London, there is one thing we are in absolute agreement on: Britain has opportunities ahead and there is a job to do to ensure the country becomes as great as it can be. We [...]
London needs a seat at the decision-making table to make Brexit work for the capital July 5, 2016 London is, and always will be, open for business. Once, we were the world’s largest port – from which ships traded around the globe. Over the last century, we grew to become the world’s most competitive financial centre. And now, as we face the challenges thrown up by the result of the referendum on our [...]