Showing posts with label UK economy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UK economy. Show all posts
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Michael Lambert: The UK Economy Is Heading for Trouble
I know this has been stated so many times before, but I will state it again: This country’s economic woes begin and end with Brexit.
The country has been in terminal decline since the end of the Great War, but we hitched our wagon to Europe’s for that very reason: to arrest that terminal decline. I am old enough to remember the very first referendum on the European question. The people who voted for that idiotic Brexit were taken in by the likes of Farage because of their lack of understanding of the history of this nation’s decline. Harsh though it sounds, it must be re-iterated: Brexiteers were taken in because they knew no better. Because they knew no better, people like Farage could fool them.
Even Thatcher, who was no lover of the European Project, realised the importance of the European Single Market. In fact, without her unstinting efforts, the Single Market would probably not have come about. Margaret Thatcher was one of the Single Market’s main architects, arguably the main architect. She knew that there was no prosperity for Britain unless we were in it, unless we took an active part in it. Not so much politically, perhaps, but certainly economically.
There is therefore only one solution to this problem, and it is this: we MUST correct our mistake and re-join that market. Our main obstacle to our doing so is our dullard politicians. Some say that Europe won’t let us back in. Poppycock! With Russia knocking on Europe’s door and with Trump abandoning Europe in favour of befriending Vladimir Putin, the European Union needs all the friends it can get. It also needs Britain’s first-class military expertise to help guarantee Europe’s continued security.
So, we need a leader who is charismatic, powerful, and courageous. One who will swim against the tide. One who will take us back into the European Union as FULL MEMBERS, with no ifs and buts. We need to embrace the euro as well and ditch the pound. We need not only to be taken back into the EU, but we need to demonstrate our absolute commitment to the Project. Our place in the EU needs to be locked in. Then, and only then, will this country have a fighting chance for a full economic recovery. Re-entering the European Union would not only help stimulate economic growth for this country, it would also help stimulate European economic growth, too. Our re-entrance would shore up optimism. Nothing hampers economic growth as much as pessimism and restrictions to trade. Commerce thrives on optimism and freedom from restrictions.
Moreover, it should be added that many of our other woes would be solved by re-entry into the EU as well. The problem of a shortage of labour, for example, and the problem of illegal immigrants.
Thank you, Michael, for your most interesting video. Watching your videos is always a pleasure. — © Mark Alexander
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Why Britain No Longer Makes Things — and How We Rebuild
For forty years, we were told that Britain didn’t need manufacturing — finance would make us rich. That experiment has failed. We import more than we export, our towns have been hollowed out, and our prosperity rests on hot money and property bubbles rather than productive capacity.
In this video, I explain why Britain’s industrial collapse was a political choice, how Thatcherism destroyed long-term investment, why Labour still worships foreign takeovers, and why rebuilding national capability now requires deliberate government action.
We need regional public investment banks, a tax system that rewards real production, not speculation, and a new industrial strategy that blends modern manufacturing with care, education and innovation. This is about well-being, security, and the future of our democracy.
In this video, I explain why Britain’s industrial collapse was a political choice, how Thatcherism destroyed long-term investment, why Labour still worships foreign takeovers, and why rebuilding national capability now requires deliberate government action.
We need regional public investment banks, a tax system that rewards real production, not speculation, and a new industrial strategy that blends modern manufacturing with care, education and innovation. This is about well-being, security, and the future of our democracy.
Saturday, November 08, 2025
Michael Lambert: The Grim Reality of Britain's Economic Future
Nov 8, 2025 | I was tempted to begin this video by warning anyone of a nervous disposition to look away — because the truth about Britain’s economic future is not pleasant.
In this video, I explain why I believe the U.K. faces long-term decline, why genuine recovery is almost impossible, and how Brexit has made everything worse by cutting us off from our largest trading partner.
I also look briefly at the U.S. economy, where an AI bubble may soon burst, but the heart of this video is Britain — its structural weakness, political chaos, and loss of direction.
Michael Lambert's new channel: How Thinking for Ourselves Is Becoming Harder »
In this video, I explain why I believe the U.K. faces long-term decline, why genuine recovery is almost impossible, and how Brexit has made everything worse by cutting us off from our largest trading partner.
I also look briefly at the U.S. economy, where an AI bubble may soon burst, but the heart of this video is Britain — its structural weakness, political chaos, and loss of direction.
Michael Lambert's new channel: How Thinking for Ourselves Is Becoming Harder »
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Michael Lambert: Why Blindly Following Farage's Immigration Policies Will Be Disastrous for the British Economy
Oct 11, 2025 | Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, is responsible for Brexit and its catastrophic consequences for the British economy but is now telling his followers that foreigners are responsible for many of our problems and that stopping immigration is a priority.
This policy above all is attracting many new supporters and the Labour government and the Conservative Party are copying his policies. All three main parties are now campaigning to reduce immigration and to return many of those who are already living in the UK.
The UK badly needs more workers in many sectors if the economy is to grow, but political policies which oppose immigration will only ensure that the British economy continues to decline. …
Listening to Mr Lambert's excellent synopsis this morning, it reminded me of that famous musical from my youth… So, here we go…
How do you solve a problem like Nigel?
How do you catch a clown and pin him down?
How do you find a word that means dickhead?
A flibbertigibbet
A will-o’-the-wisp
A clown …
😊
This policy above all is attracting many new supporters and the Labour government and the Conservative Party are copying his policies. All three main parties are now campaigning to reduce immigration and to return many of those who are already living in the UK.
The UK badly needs more workers in many sectors if the economy is to grow, but political policies which oppose immigration will only ensure that the British economy continues to decline. …
Listening to Mr Lambert's excellent synopsis this morning, it reminded me of that famous musical from my youth… So, here we go…
How do you solve a problem like Nigel?
How do you catch a clown and pin him down?
How do you find a word that means dickhead?
A flibbertigibbet
A will-o’-the-wisp
A clown …
😊
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Michael Lambert: Why the UK Economy Will Collapse without Immigrants
Aug 30, 2025 | The UK economy is not doing well. The much-needed growth is not happening and the national debt is almost 100% of GDP whilst interest amounts to £116 billion per annum or over £2 billion per week. We know that taxes will have to rise in the forthcoming budget.
The UK has an ageing population who are living longer and costing more in terms of care and medical treatment. To maintain our current population level we need a birth rate of 2.1 children per woman whereas the current rate is just 1.4. This means that the proportion of the population who are earning is diminishing and so is taxable income. This can only be solved by immigration.
However, Nigel Farage the man who brought us the disastrous Brexit, and his party, Reform UK have been pursuing a very public anti-immigration campaign. At the same time, the government under Keir Starmer have made it almost impossible for anyone to come to the UK to work unless they first secure employment at a rate of at least £37,000 per annum.
Without a larger workforce expanding the tax-take for the government, it is difficult to see how the UK will survive financially.
For the time being, Farage leads an ever-growing anti-immigration policy which both Starmer and the Conservatives have decided to follow.
At the start of this video, I discuss last week's cabinet meeting in the White House which was little more than an event to boost the ego of Donald Trump who ranted about how good he is for 45 minutes before being praised by most of his Secretaries of State. Steve Witkoff, who features in this video, was exceptionally embarrassing in lavishing praise upon the president.
The UK has an ageing population who are living longer and costing more in terms of care and medical treatment. To maintain our current population level we need a birth rate of 2.1 children per woman whereas the current rate is just 1.4. This means that the proportion of the population who are earning is diminishing and so is taxable income. This can only be solved by immigration.
However, Nigel Farage the man who brought us the disastrous Brexit, and his party, Reform UK have been pursuing a very public anti-immigration campaign. At the same time, the government under Keir Starmer have made it almost impossible for anyone to come to the UK to work unless they first secure employment at a rate of at least £37,000 per annum.
Without a larger workforce expanding the tax-take for the government, it is difficult to see how the UK will survive financially.
For the time being, Farage leads an ever-growing anti-immigration policy which both Starmer and the Conservatives have decided to follow.
At the start of this video, I discuss last week's cabinet meeting in the White House which was little more than an event to boost the ego of Donald Trump who ranted about how good he is for 45 minutes before being praised by most of his Secretaries of State. Steve Witkoff, who features in this video, was exceptionally embarrassing in lavishing praise upon the president.
Saturday, August 09, 2025
How Private Equity Hollowed Out the UK’s Economy – Angus Hanton | Spectator Cover
Jul 25, 2025 | Britain has become a ‘vassal state’ to foreign money – and especially to American private equity.
In this episode, economist and author Angus Hanton joins Spectator TV to explain how private equity is hollowing out the UK economy, why the profits are heading overseas, and what the government could do to stop it.
Angus is the co-founder of the Intergenerational Foundation and author of Vassal State: How America Runs Britain.
In this episode, economist and author Angus Hanton joins Spectator TV to explain how private equity is hollowing out the UK economy, why the profits are heading overseas, and what the government could do to stop it.
Angus is the co-founder of the Intergenerational Foundation and author of Vassal State: How America Runs Britain.
Thursday, July 24, 2025
UK Firms Cutting Staff at Fastest Pace since February as Economy Struggles
THE GUARDIAN: Headcounts being reduced in response to higher taxes and uncertainty over US tariff threats, PMI survey shows
UK businesses are cutting jobs at the fastest pace since February in response to higher taxes and global uncertainty caused by Donald Trump’s tariff threats, according to a closely watched survey of the private sector.
The flash S&P Global purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for July showed a decline in fresh orders, hitting jobs and dragging down growth.
According to the report: “Survey respondents widely commented on the need to reduce headcounts in response to higher payroll costs and subdued customer demand.”
Posing a dilemma for the Bank of England as inflation remains above its target, the early snapshot of activity this month showed manufacturing growth was static while sales in the services sector weakened. » | Phillip Inman | Thursday, July 24, 2025
UK businesses are cutting jobs at the fastest pace since February in response to higher taxes and global uncertainty caused by Donald Trump’s tariff threats, according to a closely watched survey of the private sector.
The flash S&P Global purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for July showed a decline in fresh orders, hitting jobs and dragging down growth.
According to the report: “Survey respondents widely commented on the need to reduce headcounts in response to higher payroll costs and subdued customer demand.”
Posing a dilemma for the Bank of England as inflation remains above its target, the early snapshot of activity this month showed manufacturing growth was static while sales in the services sector weakened. » | Phillip Inman | Thursday, July 24, 2025
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Michael Lambert: Will Targeting the Poor Really Fix Britain's Financial Issues?
Mar 15, 2025 | The UK economy is doing very badly. Donald Trump is ensuring that the US economy will also suffer by applying tariffs to America's neighbours and others all over the world. This is likely to seriously damage the US economy just as Brexit has damaged the UK economy.
T rump last week applied 25% tariffs to all imports into the US of aluminium and steel. The EU and others immediately responded with reciprocal tariffs. The UK did nothing, but will be sending the Secretary of State for Business to the US for talks.
In the meantime, Trump's state visit is still going ahead and promises to be a major embarrassment for the UK and King Charles.
The Labour government of Kier Starmer has decided to investigate benefit recipients for fraud. This is likely to be very expensive and to yield very little compared to the vast losses associated with Brexit, supplies of faulty PPE, and the writing off of £19.7 billion of unpaid Bounce Back loans.
The government under Starmer seems wary of offending the rich, whilst dirty money floods into London, often to take advantage of our tax havens.
Council tax needs reform when a £150 million house in London only pays £4000 per year.
Many retail businesses throughout the UK seem to be unviable and yet are able to continue to operate in what is almost certainly money laundering.
The government appears to be afraid of offending the many rich who come to London for whatever reason.
T rump last week applied 25% tariffs to all imports into the US of aluminium and steel. The EU and others immediately responded with reciprocal tariffs. The UK did nothing, but will be sending the Secretary of State for Business to the US for talks.
In the meantime, Trump's state visit is still going ahead and promises to be a major embarrassment for the UK and King Charles.
The Labour government of Kier Starmer has decided to investigate benefit recipients for fraud. This is likely to be very expensive and to yield very little compared to the vast losses associated with Brexit, supplies of faulty PPE, and the writing off of £19.7 billion of unpaid Bounce Back loans.
The government under Starmer seems wary of offending the rich, whilst dirty money floods into London, often to take advantage of our tax havens.
Council tax needs reform when a £150 million house in London only pays £4000 per year.
Many retail businesses throughout the UK seem to be unviable and yet are able to continue to operate in what is almost certainly money laundering.
The government appears to be afraid of offending the many rich who come to London for whatever reason.
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Michael Lambert: 4 Reasons UK Economy Is in a Desperate State
Feb 15, 2025 | The UK economy is failing and there seems to be no way for it to recover without growth and there is very little possibility of this happening.
In this video, I point out three reasons why the UK economy is doing so badly.
First, London has become the world centre for money laundering, attracting dirty money, much of which ends up in British tax havens. In towns and cities throughout the UK can be found retailers who are almost certainly, and often by their own admission, laundering money.
Secondly, the UK made the mistake of privatising vital utilities, water, gas, electricity and the railways. The majority of these are now foreign-owned.
Thirdly, American companies now dominate much of the UK economy. They dominate much of the retail sector including fashion, food, and coffee shops. Amazon now commands 30% of the UK online market. Many of these US owned commercial giants pay little or no taxes in the UK. Instead, licensing payments and other devices are used to divert profits to friendlier tax jurisdictions such as Luxembourg and Ireland. A detailed account of American activities in the UK economy can be found in 'Vassal State' by Angus Hanton.
Finally, the UK has economy has been badly damaged by Brexit which is now widely acknowledged as being a massive and very costly failure. The UK is now alone in a world dominated by China, the EU, and an America which is now ruled by an eccentric and unreliable president. Despite the obvious damage which Brexit has caused to the UK economy, Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, insists that there will be no return to the Customs Union, the Single Market or to Freedom of Movement.
Given the above it seems impossible to see how the UK economy can even begin to recover.
This is an excellent synopsis of the mess that is the UK economy. Thatcher must be blamed for so many of our economic woes. She sold off almost all of the “family silver”. It goes without saying that I agree with all Michael Lambert has said. – © Mark Alexander
In this video, I point out three reasons why the UK economy is doing so badly.
First, London has become the world centre for money laundering, attracting dirty money, much of which ends up in British tax havens. In towns and cities throughout the UK can be found retailers who are almost certainly, and often by their own admission, laundering money.
Secondly, the UK made the mistake of privatising vital utilities, water, gas, electricity and the railways. The majority of these are now foreign-owned.
Thirdly, American companies now dominate much of the UK economy. They dominate much of the retail sector including fashion, food, and coffee shops. Amazon now commands 30% of the UK online market. Many of these US owned commercial giants pay little or no taxes in the UK. Instead, licensing payments and other devices are used to divert profits to friendlier tax jurisdictions such as Luxembourg and Ireland. A detailed account of American activities in the UK economy can be found in 'Vassal State' by Angus Hanton.
Finally, the UK has economy has been badly damaged by Brexit which is now widely acknowledged as being a massive and very costly failure. The UK is now alone in a world dominated by China, the EU, and an America which is now ruled by an eccentric and unreliable president. Despite the obvious damage which Brexit has caused to the UK economy, Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, insists that there will be no return to the Customs Union, the Single Market or to Freedom of Movement.
Given the above it seems impossible to see how the UK economy can even begin to recover.
This is an excellent synopsis of the mess that is the UK economy. Thatcher must be blamed for so many of our economic woes. She sold off almost all of the “family silver”. It goes without saying that I agree with all Michael Lambert has said. – © Mark Alexander
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
‘Britain Has Sold Its Economy to the US’ – Angus Hanton on How America Really Runs Britain
So much for the sovereignty we got back after Brexit! And so much for Thatcher’s jumble sale of all things British! What a sh***y mess we have got ourselves into! – © Mark Alexander
Saturday, February 08, 2025
Michael Lambert: Why Would Any Young People Stay in the UK? UK Politics after Brexit
Feb 8, 2025 | This week I am in Thailand visiting my son and his girlfriend who moved here 18 months ago and will not be returning to the UK. Thailand is a much poorer country than the UK. Both countries have similar populations of around 70 million but Thailand’s GDP per capita is only one seventh of that of the UK. Bankok, the capital of Thailand, is however is a very dynamic and bustling metropolis of 9 million. The quality of life for anyone with a reasonable income is very good indeed as I hope to show in a later video.
Given the deteriorating state of the UK economy, it is not at all surprising that so many young people, especially those with qualifications, are leaving the UK. London is now the 8th most expensive city of 226 cities surveyed by Mercer. High taxes, the cost-of-living, property prices and stagnant wages are all reasons to seek alternative places to live and work. It is hardly surprising that 30% of people surveyed by YouGov said that they were actively considering emigrating from the UK
Given the deteriorating state of the UK economy, it is not at all surprising that so many young people, especially those with qualifications, are leaving the UK. London is now the 8th most expensive city of 226 cities surveyed by Mercer. High taxes, the cost-of-living, property prices and stagnant wages are all reasons to seek alternative places to live and work. It is hardly surprising that 30% of people surveyed by YouGov said that they were actively considering emigrating from the UK
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Michael Lambert: How Farage and Brexit Wrecked the British Economy
Jan 25, 2025 | Nigel Farage is a conman. He is only interested in his own fame and making money. For twenty years he was a member of the European parliament during which time he complained and argued incessantly for the UK to leave the EU ich resulted in the disastrous Brexit which has caused so much harm to the UK economy and reputation.
Nigel Farage is now an MP and yet he earns more than £1 million per year from outside activities and claims that he received more than £2 million in expenses over a ten-year period whilst he was an MEP.
He recently told reporters in America that he could be the next UK prime minister.
Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer attended the World Economic Forum in Davos this week accompanied by Johnathan Reynolds the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade where they were both interviewed by Bloomberg . The interview was a disaster in which Reynolds demonstrated his lack of understanding of his job or how to create any growth in the UK economy.
It is difficult to see how Keir Starmer and Reeves can survive given the constant flow of bad economic news. One person who might be able to save the situation is the First Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones.
Nigel Farage is now an MP and yet he earns more than £1 million per year from outside activities and claims that he received more than £2 million in expenses over a ten-year period whilst he was an MEP.
He recently told reporters in America that he could be the next UK prime minister.
Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer attended the World Economic Forum in Davos this week accompanied by Johnathan Reynolds the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade where they were both interviewed by Bloomberg . The interview was a disaster in which Reynolds demonstrated his lack of understanding of his job or how to create any growth in the UK economy.
It is difficult to see how Keir Starmer and Reeves can survive given the constant flow of bad economic news. One person who might be able to save the situation is the First Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones.
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Saturday, December 28, 2024
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Bank of England Holds Interest Rate at 4.75% but Warns of UK Stagnation Risk
THE GUARDIAN: Central bank downgrades growth forecast amid threat from budget fallout, rising inflation and Trump trade tariffs
The Bank of England has kept UK interest rates unchanged but warned Britain’s economy is on the brink of stagnation after Rachel Reeves’s budget as the world faces stubbornly high inflation and the risk of Donald Trump reigniting trade wars.
Holding interest rates at 4.75% in a widely expected decision, the central bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) said on Thursday it had slashed its UK forecasts for the final three months of the year with a prediction of zero economic growth. The Bank had predicted growth of 0.3% as recently as November.
Highlighting the chancellor’s £40bn tax-raising budget, alongside rising geopolitical tensions and trade policy uncertainty after Trump’s November election victory, the MPC said growth was faltering while inflation risks remained. » | Richard Partington, Economics correspondent | Thursday, December 19, 2024
The Bank of England has kept UK interest rates unchanged but warned Britain’s economy is on the brink of stagnation after Rachel Reeves’s budget as the world faces stubbornly high inflation and the risk of Donald Trump reigniting trade wars.
Holding interest rates at 4.75% in a widely expected decision, the central bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) said on Thursday it had slashed its UK forecasts for the final three months of the year with a prediction of zero economic growth. The Bank had predicted growth of 0.3% as recently as November.
Highlighting the chancellor’s £40bn tax-raising budget, alongside rising geopolitical tensions and trade policy uncertainty after Trump’s November election victory, the MPC said growth was faltering while inflation risks remained. » | Richard Partington, Economics correspondent | Thursday, December 19, 2024
Friday, December 13, 2024
UK’s Economy Shrinks Unexpectedly by 0.1% in October
THE GUARDIAN: GDP figures underline scale of challenge for Labour to get the economy growing
Britain’s economy shrank by 0.1% in October, underlining the scale of Labour’s challenge to get the economy growing.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics showed the unexpected fall in GDP was driven by declines in construction and production, while the dominant services sector stagnated. » | Guardian staff and agencies | Friday, December 13, 2024
THE TELEGRAPH:
Britain ‘on recession watch’ as economy shrinks: Britain has been placed “on recession watch” after official figures showed the economy shrank for the second month in a row in October. »
Britain’s economy shrank by 0.1% in October, underlining the scale of Labour’s challenge to get the economy growing.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics showed the unexpected fall in GDP was driven by declines in construction and production, while the dominant services sector stagnated. » | Guardian staff and agencies | Friday, December 13, 2024
THE TELEGRAPH:
Britain ‘on recession watch’ as economy shrinks: Britain has been placed “on recession watch” after official figures showed the economy shrank for the second month in a row in October. »
Saturday, December 07, 2024
Michael Lambert: Making Brexit Work with Mission Led Milestones and Other Nonsense
Dec 7, 2024 | Keir Starmer this week announced six new milestones to go with his 'Mission led' government. He made no mention of the economy or how he expects to pay for the missions.
Also discussed in a tongue-in-cheek manner pointing out how businesses are suffering and how the UK economy is suffering from new post Brexit regulations.
UK immigration has reached over 800,000 partly because of the shortage of workers following Brexit.
The UK government continues to blame Covid, the Ukraine, and the EU for their own failings.
Also discussed in a tongue-in-cheek manner pointing out how businesses are suffering and how the UK economy is suffering from new post Brexit regulations.
UK immigration has reached over 800,000 partly because of the shortage of workers following Brexit.
The UK government continues to blame Covid, the Ukraine, and the EU for their own failings.
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Michael Lambert: So Many Problems with the UK Economy
Nov 23, 2024 | The UK economy is in a bad way and it is difficult to see how it can improve. Government borrowing in October was £17.4 billion, much more than expected and a record amount for any October since records began. Interest on the national debt is currently £102 billion per year, equal to twice the defence budget.
Retails sales in October were down and energy prices are set to rise further. The government's plan is to go for growth whilst businesses are closing, and many are struggling.
Electricity prices are 78% higher than the average in the EU and four times the rate in the USA. Foreign investors own much of our infrastructure and major businesses, and a Japanese consortium has just been contracted to operate the new Elizabeth Line (Crossrail), taking over from the Hong Kong Metro.
Government waste seems out of control. Under the Public Order Act, police are able to detain and punish anyone who expresses opinions which they disapprove of.
In another apparent waste of public money 470 delegates from the UK attended Cop29 in Baku in Azerbaijan, and the owner of Clearsprings Ready Homes Ltd which provides accommodation for asylum seekers made a profit of £62.5 million in the year ending (y/e) January 2023 and £91 million in y/e January 2024. It is difficult to see any positive outcome for the British economy.
Michael, I wholeheartedly agree with your take on the state of the UK. I hate to sound negative, but I have lived long enough to see how the UK operates. I am sorry to say that I see no future whatsoever for this country. The country will just go on bungling along. First, we lost the Empire. Then, our economy went down and down until we became the “Sick Man of Europe”. Then, along came Lady Luck who shined upon us, blessing the nation with great good fortune — a fortunate stroke of serendipidy. We were given the chance to enter the then Common Market. The UK economy started to bloom again. That was until economically illiterate, backward-thinking people insisted that the British electorate be given that stupid Brexit referendum. The result is well-known, and its effects on the UK economy, too. So, we are now on a downward slide into poverty and insignificance.
Current British attitudes amongst the far right show no signs of contrition. On the contrary, they are doubling down, and they are pinning their hopes on the recently elected felon in the USA to reverse their fortunes. I fear that they are “whistling Dixie”. – © Mark Alexander
Retails sales in October were down and energy prices are set to rise further. The government's plan is to go for growth whilst businesses are closing, and many are struggling.
Electricity prices are 78% higher than the average in the EU and four times the rate in the USA. Foreign investors own much of our infrastructure and major businesses, and a Japanese consortium has just been contracted to operate the new Elizabeth Line (Crossrail), taking over from the Hong Kong Metro.
Government waste seems out of control. Under the Public Order Act, police are able to detain and punish anyone who expresses opinions which they disapprove of.
In another apparent waste of public money 470 delegates from the UK attended Cop29 in Baku in Azerbaijan, and the owner of Clearsprings Ready Homes Ltd which provides accommodation for asylum seekers made a profit of £62.5 million in the year ending (y/e) January 2023 and £91 million in y/e January 2024. It is difficult to see any positive outcome for the British economy.
Michael, I wholeheartedly agree with your take on the state of the UK. I hate to sound negative, but I have lived long enough to see how the UK operates. I am sorry to say that I see no future whatsoever for this country. The country will just go on bungling along. First, we lost the Empire. Then, our economy went down and down until we became the “Sick Man of Europe”. Then, along came Lady Luck who shined upon us, blessing the nation with great good fortune — a fortunate stroke of serendipidy. We were given the chance to enter the then Common Market. The UK economy started to bloom again. That was until economically illiterate, backward-thinking people insisted that the British electorate be given that stupid Brexit referendum. The result is well-known, and its effects on the UK economy, too. So, we are now on a downward slide into poverty and insignificance.
Current British attitudes amongst the far right show no signs of contrition. On the contrary, they are doubling down, and they are pinning their hopes on the recently elected felon in the USA to reverse their fortunes. I fear that they are “whistling Dixie”. – © Mark Alexander
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