The King’s Speech is a test of whether the UK is serious about growth April 24, 2026 For the government to prove it means what it says about growth, it should include a Financial Services Bill in the King’s Speech, says Miles Celic When the King’s Speech is delivered in the coming weeks, it will be read as a signal not just of legislative intent, but of economic credibility. For a government [...]
On this day: The Suez Canal reopens April 24, 2026 Today 69 years ago, on 24 April 1957, the Suez Canal reopened after six months of closure. What can history teach us about the current predicament in the Middle East, asks Eliot Wilson A strategically vital global waterway was re-opened to maritime traffic after conflict between a Middle Eastern state and Western powers had seen [...]
Back to the 1970s: Brits know the damage being done to our economy April 23, 2026 By late 1978 Britain was in the grip of what became known as the Winter of Discontent. Waves of strike action caused huge economic and social disruption as rubbish piled up on the streets and bodies went unburied. It was a crisis for the Labour government and a low point in Britain’s recent history. It [...]
Pensions belong to savers, not the state April 23, 2026 No government should have the power to direct where pension savings are invested, says Helen Whately Alongside the Starmer-Mandelson debacle, the everyday work of government is stumbling on. The Pension Schemes Bill, for instance, should by now be approaching the end of its legislative journey. Instead, it has run into sustained resistance in the House [...]
Strikes have no place in a competitive market economy April 23, 2026 There is no reason why Tube drivers on objectively high incomes with working conditions many would kill for are able to force their employers to ask of them even fewer hours and even more pay – and the employers are forbidden by the state from simply hiring other people, says Tom Harwood I’m just going [...]
Voters have not understood the reality of a zero growth economy April 23, 2026 Since 2019, UK national income per head has grown by just 0.1 per cent a year on average. In other words, essentially zero growth. It means that the resources available to the economy, whether for private or public use, do not change, says Paul Ormerod Does life imitate art? Evelyn Waugh’s comic masterpiece Vile Bodies, [...]
Lord Khan of Tooting? Sounds like a great idea to me! April 23, 2026 It is time that our failing Mayor moved on to challenges new, argues James Ford Our illustrious Prime Minister is rumoured to be considering raising the Mayor of London to the House of Lords, possibly as soon as next month. There may even be a seat around the Cabinet Table in the offing too. I, [...]
Stashing cash is nuts – just ask Savvy the squirrel April 23, 2026 A new campaign fronted by Savvy the squirrel will spread a nationwide message encouraging people to invest in stocks and shares rather than just stashing cash, says James Ashton ROLL up, roll up: this is the week when efforts to get Britain investing again start in earnest. An industry-funded marketing campaign, expected to be fronted [...]
Carolyn Dawson: If you’re the smartest person in the room, get out April 23, 2026 Founders Forum CEO Carolyn Dawson takes us through her career in tech, from her most embarrassing interview to her best job advice.
How to tax in an energy crisis April 23, 2026 Whether the government wants to maximise North Sea oil extraction or home grown renewables, tax policy can help, says Tim Sarson Recent global events seem to have a knack of happening in places that send energy prices through the roof. Last time it was the loss of piped gas from Russia into Europe. Now it’s [...]