UK Economy … Politicians hope fracking will provide relief

There has been much said about the potential dividends of fracking to the UK economy. Councils are being offered inducements to give planning permission for fracking in their areas, to counteract the strong opposition or "nimbism" that is evident. We are told it is safe and carries little risk. What about: North Dakota or Exploding …

UK Economy … Pizza Express sale a bad sign!

While I believe in Globalisation as the ultimate route to peace in the world, there are many thorny issues along the bumpy way. UK Economic policy has focused on Government deficit since the credit crunch, instead of the wider issue … our trade deficit. We can only "pay our way"  in the world by keeping …

England Cricket … time to re-think

I guess it is easy to criticize, and I am perhaps guilty of being too quick with criticism. Hopefully I am also constructive with my criticism.   The England cricket team possess a wealth of talent with almost every member capable of match winning performances against any side in the world. They have risen to …

Lost at sea … the sailor’s nightmare

I can really feel for the families of the four on Cheeki Rafiki, I know the gut wrenching feeling when a friend or former crew mate disappears at sea. It is natural to cling on to hope … and yes there is a chance that they are still alive … but it is remote. Having …

Scotland … there are unintended consequences!

When Salmond first proposed holding a referendum during the current Scottish parliament, it was not going to be a simple in or out vote but a referendum that would allow the Scottish people to express the extent to which they would like a greater say over their affairs. There is little doubt that a referendum …

UK Economy … Is growth sustainable?

The general call from politicians and economic commentators is for growth. We all instinctively accept this will solve our economic problems and somehow believe that growth is always possible and within the capability of our politicians to engineer. Alas, sadly our belief is misplaced! Before continuing let us examine growth. Growth like many other words …

UK Monetary system … severe case of constipation

  In creating our model we saw that its sustainability was dependent on two factors. Firstly imports should equal exports over the medium term, and secondly that a natural flow of money from consumer to producer and back to consumer needed to exist.     In the case of the UK, currently, neither of those …

UK Monetary System … Misfiring on some cylinders!

Having read our model, we can take a closer look at our economy and monetary system. It is only once we get rid of all our preconceptions that we can understand and reach rational conclusions, and then only if we can free ourselves from our own vested interests.   The economy is about Money.   …

Economics … Monetary System and GDP explained

To understand economic issues, we need some understanding of GDP and the monetary system. I have constructed a few simple tables based on a primitive economy that should help to show what GDP actually is, and demonstrate how the monetary system works … you might even be able to conclude that “there is no money!” …

UK Tax … time for a re-think!

The UK Tax System requires an overhaul, so … Imagine a Chancellor who opens his budget speech with the following words; “Today I bring you tidings of great joy! I bring you a budget designed not only to reduce our annual deficit in absolute terms but to put back in your pay packets the money …