For once, Humza Yousaf has set an example other politicians should follow March 15, 2024 In overriding the advice of “experts” and channelling aid to Gaza, Yousaf did what politicians are elected to do, says Paul Ormerod Humza Yousaf, the First Minister of Scotland, does not often attract plaudits. But last week he overrode the advice of his officials. Shock, horror. Surely Sir Humphrey and the “experts” always know best. [...]
Oil prices continue resurgence amid escalating supply shortage fears April 13, 2022 Both major benchmarks extended gains today, with Russia revealing peace talks with Ukraine had reached a dead end.
Crude moves: End of oil rally may be in sight with US ramping up production November 16, 2021 Soaring oil prices could be reduced by a global rebound in supplies, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said yesterday. In its November oil report, the organisation argued “the tide might be turning” in the market as supplies catch up with demand. The IEA now expects oil production to increase by 1.5m barrels per day over [...]
Spending without productivity improvements won’t lead to better public services September 4, 2024 Restoring the differentials in public and private sector pay to those which prevailed in 2010 without quid pro quo increases in productivity is simply stirring up trouble for the future, says Paul Ormerod The decision by the government to stuff money into the bank accounts of the train drivers and junior doctors has been widely [...]
Let’s be honest, China’s economy is suffocating under President Xi August 1, 2024 President Xi’s protectionist policies and hostility to foreign investors mean China is no longer the country to bet on for growth – and that’s a lesson for the West too, says Matthew Lesh Prior to entering government, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the Conservatives’ approach to China was excessively confrontational and inconsistent. He reportedly now [...]
The great student loans swindle July 26, 2024 Vast quantities of student loans will never be repaid, representing a massive subsidy not just to students themselves but to universities. No other industry is cosseted in this way, failing universities should be allowed to go to the wall, say Paul Ormerod The university sector in the UK is in financial trouble. The annual fee [...]
Start-ups and spin-outs: The secret ingredients to growth July 3, 2024 In the US, start-ups create 3m jobs in their first year and employ 2.6m workers five years later. Britain is lagging way behind when it comes to innovation and entrepreneurship, says Paul Ormerod Going into the election tomorrow, the two main parties agree on a crucial issue. Economic growth is needed to achieve their respective [...]
We can’t borrow our way back to growth June 12, 2024 When 7.3 per cent of public spending goes on interest spending, the debt burden is completely unsustainable – and it’s only getting worse, says Paul Ormerod This week’s manifesto launches have made the poor state of the public finances clear – simply put, there’s very little money for any party to play with. One reason [...]
Economic performance under Labour and Conservative governments: a reckoning May 29, 2024 Voter apathy over the upcoming election is rational – history suggests the economic outcome will be broadly the same regardless of whether Labour or the Conservatives form the next government, says Paul Ormerod The election campaign has kicked off and already the air is thick with promises and counter-promises. Despite all the efforts of politicians [...]
Why gas – yes, gas – is set for a starring role in the green transition January 15, 2024 Natural gas is going to play a big role in bridging the world towards cheaper renewables, but not everyone's happy about it