Monthly Archives: November 2016

Autumn Statement 2016: Philip Hammond’s speech – Oral statements to Parliament – GOV.UK

November 24, 2016 By in Brexit, Business Administration, Defense Policy, Education, Fiscal Policy, George Osborne, Growth, Healthcare, Immigration, People, Politicians, Politics Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

Read the Autumn Statement speech in full.

Source: Autumn Statement 2016: Philip Hammond’s speech – Oral statements to Parliament – GOV.UK.

This is a good read. According to the Guardian, Hammond admits that Brexit will blow a GBP59bn in public finances. Meanwhile, the FT reports that the chancellor puts GBP27bn aside as a Brexit shock absorber.

At least, the UK is now not in denial about the financial impact of Brexit and evidence is back in fashion.

Hammond’s statement was grey and considered, lacking the gimmicks of some of his predecessors. But the central messages are clear, the UK is facing a black hole with Brexit and UK productivity seriously lags major competitors.

Thoughts?

 

Donald Trump’s New York Times Interview: Full Transcript – The New York Times

November 24, 2016 By in Business Administration, Defense Policy, Ed Miliband, Extreme right, Far Right, Growth, Healthcare, Immigration, People, Politics, Reform, US Election Tags: , , Leave a comment

Read the full text of the president-elect’s meeting with reporters, editors and opinion columnists from The Times.

Source: Donald Trump’s New York Times Interview: Full Transcript – The New York Times

This is an outstanding and historical interview. I have been highly suspicious of Donald Trump but was impressed with his answers to the NYT‘s top editors and journalists.

Of course, it’s just the beginning. I was interested in how measured and reasonable Trump’s position on many issues. Most importantly, for both Trump and the NYT, a big line seems to have been drawn on things said in the election. The future is still uncertain but perhaps not quite so bleak?

Thoughts?