Cut now, pay later: the floods show what happens when you strip back the...
From a failure to invest in flood defences or renewable energy to cuts to social care, austerity has left Britain dangerously exposed“Money is no object in this relief effort,” came the passionate...
View ArticleThe Guardian view on business short-termism: arrested development | Editorial
The charges against a notorious Manhattan hedge fund manager expose a lazy business model that puts shareholder profits above investment in the products of the futureSchadenfreude, thy name is Martin...
View ArticleUK house prices: 4.5% rise in 2015 sparks calls for policy intervention
Nationwide figures find average home increased to £196,999 in 2015, as latest data shows average pay increasing 2% a yearPolicymakers are facing renewed calls to intervene in Britain’s frothy housing...
View Article2015 newsmaker: Murphy's law – meet the man behind Corbynomics
Tax expert Richard Murphy, widely credited with inspiring Labour’s economic policy, explains why he’s not suited to being behind the scenes“It was amazing how quickly the cold shoulder came on.”...
View ArticleThe UK economy in 2016: a flying start but watch the brakes
Cheap credit and petrol have got Britain motoring but the Bank of England must hit the controls at the right timeThe UK ends 2015 as one of the fastest growing of the major developed economies....
View ArticleTrain operators given new rules on communication after 'political bias' row
Department for Transport draws up guidelines with Rail Delivery Group after complaints from Labour over promoting privatisationTrain companies have agreed to act with “propriety” and curb any...
View ArticleThe Guardian view on British politics in 2016: the year the luck may run out...
The Conservatives dominated the old year, and they are a formidable machine, but the country does not love the Tories. Economic shocks or European disarray could cost them dear in 2016It is human...
View ArticleOsborne prepares to pick right moment for Lloyds share sale
Chancellor will be keeping close eye on banking group’s share price to ensure taxpayer does not lose out in public privatisation George Osborne will be scrutinising the share price of Lloyds Banking...
View ArticleThe Observer view on the floods and budget cutting | Observer editorial
The water pouring into defenceless homes and businesses symbolises the disastrous effects of George Osborne’s economic ideologyInundated; crumbling; overwhelmed: there could hardly have been a more...
View ArticleUK set for worst wage growth since the 1920s, Labour research finds
Low forecasts for pay growth contradict chancellor’s claim that rise in wages will compensate for Tory cuts to in-work benefits, says oppositionThe 10 years between 2010 and 2020 are set to be the...
View ArticleUK rail passengers 'hit six times harder' on fares than European travellers
As UK commuters return to work after latest fare increase a campaign highlights vast discrepancies across Europe in season ticket pricesBritish commuters spend as much as six times more of their...
View Article95% consensus of expert economists: cut carbon pollution | Dana Nuccitelli
A survey of economists with climate expertise finds a consensus that climate change is expensive and carbon pollution cuts are neededThe Institute for Policy Integrity at the New York University (NYU)...
View ArticleTreasury permanent secretary Sir Nicholas Macpherson to step down
Surprise announcement that Treasury’s most senior civil servant will quit role in April triggers search for his successor Sir Nicholas Macpherson, the Treasury’s most senior civil servant, will step...
View ArticleRob the poor and give to the rich – housing policy for 2016 | Aditya...
The bill before parliament is ideology at its purest: a full-throttle attack on social tenants everywhereThis afternoon, MPs will vote on a proposed law. As a bit of policy, it is as belligerently...
View ArticleDon't bet against deflation's return
Indebted households without asset wealth are particularly vulnerable to deflationary dynamics - and the UK has a lot of themThis time last year the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) made a...
View ArticleDenials and devaluation as China's currency tumbles to five-year low
Weaker yuan revives fears of a currency war, a global conflict by other means that directly affects millions of workersThe phrase “currency war” speaks to a seemingly phoney battle between the world’s...
View ArticleUK manufacturing will continue to suffer in 2016, warns BCC
British Chambers of Commerce says sector ‘close to stagnation’ after domestic and export sales fall to below pre-recession levelsManufacturing exports slumped at the end of last year, and will continue...
View ArticleGeorge Osborne has tied a knot of fear and optimism – but is it unravelling?...
The chancellor says global storms justify a course of continued austerity. Yet he crows about British economic recovery. He needs to get his story straightThe chancellor teeters along a tightrope in a...
View ArticleLabour defence review will consider case for leaving Nato, says Livingstone -...
Rolling coverage of all the day’s political developments as they happen1.25pm GMTThere is some good comment around today about the Labour reshuffle. Here are six of the best articles I’ve seen.For the...
View ArticleGeorge Osborne 'getting his excuses in early' for economic failure, says Labour
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell says he warned his opposite number about threats to UK economy more than three months agoGeorge Osborne is “getting his excuses in early” for economic failure, the...
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