Like many, I read Ed Miliband’s New Statesman interview with interest. Some parts of it pleased me greatly, like the seeming acceptance of not having money to spend. And the corollary to that, which is that we could not redistribute wealth which, well, we didn’t have. A sigh of relief was breathed, and I thought,… Continue reading Eight reasons why Labour should think twice about predistribution
Category: economy
Labour vindicated on the economy? Not so fast
Polly Toynbee On Monday Alastair Campbell ran a positive blog piece which points out that a billion pounds worth of infrastructure projects signals a change in the Tories’ previous policy of “no plan B”: “It is not exactly plan B. But it is an admission of sorts that plan A isn’t working, that their hope… Continue reading Labour vindicated on the economy? Not so fast
The euro paradox: the lesson is better institutions, not less
This week, our sleepy European politicians seem to be waking up to the dangers of the euro crisis: even George Osborne seems to be starting to panic just a little. Aside from the delicious irony of a Euro-sceptic Tory Chancellor arguing for more integration, there are important lessons which we need to be drawing. Britain, it is surely… Continue reading The euro paradox: the lesson is better institutions, not less
The seven-year itch: a cautionary tale of tax, cuts and debt
There was this bloke. And there was this girl. They met, fell in love, got married, usual story. It was a big, special wedding – everybody went. A match made in heaven, everyone said. People came out of their houses to wave as they went to the church. Kind of wedding that fills everyone with… Continue reading The seven-year itch: a cautionary tale of tax, cuts and debt
Britain convulses, but Europe burns
“Los indignados” demonstrate in Madrid We cannot ignore the weighty events going on around the Murdoch empire, which are at least starting to wobble, if not rock, the foundations of the British Establishment. But these are heady times. We – and it seems, even the European media, also obsessed with NewsCorp – have rather taken… Continue reading Britain convulses, but Europe burns
Looking to 2014, not 1974: the case for spending limits
During the last two weeks, pieces by Uncut regulars Atul Hatwal and Peter Watt seem to have caused something of a controversy in Labour circles by suggesting that Labour keep to Tory spending limits. Peter’s piece was followed by a passionate defence of the current position by LabourList’s Mark Ferguson; not to mention a more… Continue reading Looking to 2014, not 1974: the case for spending limits
That high risk economic policy again: ours
Recess. Time for us all to reflect on where we’re at before the elections are upon us. And what will people be wanting to hear on the doorstep this month? That the cuts are awful, and that we’re with them. Right? Probably. The idea that we might be taking a risk with this line seems… Continue reading That high risk economic policy again: ours
Tax: it’s the politics, stupid
Not content with the questionable strategy – not to mention thoughtful gift to David Cameron – of our insisting on the extension of 50% tax band indefinitely, Ed Balls has now indicated in a Progress interview that he is thinking about implementing one of his leadership campaign planks as well, and lowering the threshold of the band. Now, I have no doubt… Continue reading Tax: it’s the politics, stupid