Stop the fearmongering on hung parliament risk
The Conservatives have this week argued that a hung parliament will lead to economic Armageddon. But the markets are already comfortable with the idea.
Green Politics
UK’s emergence from recession confirmed
Official figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show UK GDP increased by 0.2 per cent in the first quarter of 2010.
Tory tough talk on welfare won’t help people into work
Tough talk may win votes, but it doesn’t create jobs. The reality is that continual investment is what is needed to Get Britain Working.
Drop in short-term unemployed as JSA count falls
Today’s unemployment figures – showing a rise of 43,000 people looking for work – underlines that the jobs market remains fragile
Taxing banks – the IMF proposals are the best we’ve seen
Limit taxpayer-exposure to future financial crises, raise revenue to replenish government finances, address supernormal, often grotesque, profits and bonuses.
IMF: Britain’s unemployment lower than expected
New unemployment figures are out today. But research from the IMF shows that Britain’s unemployment rate has been kept lower than economic models anticipated.
Lib Dem minimum wage plans make sense in long run
Last week’s election manifesto from the Liberal Democrats contained a proposal to “set the minimum wage at the same level for all workers over 16”.
Still not top of the class – Lib Dem finance policies fall short
The broad objectives of the Lib Dem finance proposals are to make banks smaller, encourage them to lend and help local businesses access capital.
Lib Dems ‘get’ climate change (but do the sums add up?)
The Liberal Democrats’ £3 billion green stimulus package has much to commend it. It shows they understand the need for a new, populist approach to climate issues.
Labour turns up heat on Osborne’s planned emergency budget
Labour have mocked up a fake newspaper from June 25th, the day after George Osborne’s planned emergency budget. The website highlights the “backlash” they may face.