New rights for families are good news for business
This new policy on parental leave provides families with more choice in their work/family balance, and allows children to spend more time with their fathers.
Green Politics
Better transport, more jobs, healthier lives… oh, and a safe climate
Tackling climate change by championing the additional benefits that flow from decarbonisation is a sound messaging strategy, winning support from progressives.
Ken Clarke backtracks on VAT
On Channel 4 News last night, Ken Clarke categorically denied that he had ever called for a VAT cut. In fact, he repeatedly called for a cut in November 2008.
McFadden turns on Tory manufacturing policy
Pat McFadden spoke last night on ‘The new industrial revolution’. He discussed the future low carbon economy and attacked the Tory approach to manufacturing.
UK has highest GDP per capita rise in G7 since 1997
Britain had the highest per-capita rise in GDP in the G7 since Labour came to power. But critics are calling for an end to “unsustainable” growth.
Muted cheers as the UK limps out of recession
Today’s increase in GDP of just 0.1 per cent, though welcome, falls short of the 0.3 per cent gain that was widely forecast by City economists.
New GDP figures may herald return to growth, but worst performing cities continue to struggle
Tomorrow’s GDP figures will show a return to growth. In many places, however, it won’t feel like the good times are back, with the North-South gap widening.
Cable sets out economic vision, but tax policy could be more “radical”
Vince Cable set out his economic manifesto today. But he conceded that his party’s flagship tax policy was not as radical as other approaches to redistribution.
Frank Luntz: Now Republicans support action on climate change
Frank Luntz was credited with helping George Bush block action on climate change. He now says there is bipartisan support for US cutting climate change emissions.
Obama’s climate reforms “a winning issue”
There are fears, following the Massachusetts by-election defeat, that Pres. Obama’s climate reforms could hit the rocks as swing state Democrats start wobbling.