Move fast and break the civil service: Will Whitehall get its own Elon Musk? February 12, 2025 Whether it sees Elon Musk’s DOGE as a success or a failure, Whitehall should see it as a warning. Because institutions which won’t reform themselves can only ever be reformed by outsiders, usually in unpredictable ways, says Joe Hill In December, the Prime Minister pledged to “rewire the State”, and Cabinet Minister Pat McFadden told [...]
If we want growth, we should listen to the small businesses that create it February 12, 2025 Small business owners are creative and impactful entrepreneurs, adept problem-solvers with a natural optimism. If we want answers on driving growth, it’s worth asking: what would they do? Says Charlotte Keenan It’s no secret what this government is focused on: achieving growth. It’s a mission that is essential but challenging to put into practice, and [...]
I’m sorry Ed Miliband, your big green energy plan is all fantasy February 12, 2025 Ed Miliband's green vision is admirable, but the history of energy consumption shows it is but a fantasy, writes Paul Ormerod.
Net zero is making Britain colder, poorer and less productive February 12, 2025 Far from leading the way, Britain is a cautionary tale on the dangers of net zero zealotry. We are too poor to continue a policy of self-harm, says James Price A friend came back from a trip to the United States recently and told me her biggest takeaway was how warm every home and business [...]
As the US snubs Paris summit, how can we keep AI under control? February 11, 2025 The US and UK have refused to sign a declaration on AI safety at the Paris Summit. Is there a 'third way' for regulation, asks Russ Shaw.
Londoners are getting a bad deal from local government February 11, 2025 Ever rising council tax means London boroughs are better funded, yet they continue to spend beyond their means, with a £500m shortfall expected this year, says Shimeon Lee London is a city steeped in history. The governance of London is equally ancient, with Canada dating back to medieval times. Yet while the [...]
Dear Gen Z, put down the mini golf clubs and get to the pub February 11, 2025 Gen Z, our pubs are depending on you - so stop playing mini golf and get to your local, writes Katie Perrior in today's Notebook.
Post-Brexit immigration wave could cost Brits £234bn February 11, 2025 Canada is an immigration success story, but most of those who have entered the country since we ‘took back control’ of our borders will never pay enough tax to cover the cost of the public services and welfare they consume, representing a net fiscal cost of £8,200 for every UK household, says [...]
Commercial real estate: Why London needs 15 new Walkie Talkies February 11, 2025 Commercial real estate can be the growth lever the government is looking for, but as the industry gathers in London today, the global investment community has its eyes on the current shortfall of London offices, says Philip Hobley As Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves cast around for the `growth lever’ there [...]
As tariffs loom, the UK-India trade deal is all the more important February 10, 2025 Tariffs are the road to ruin. But the UK still has many opportunities with trade partners like India, writes Lord Mayor Alastair King.