What to do with Britain’s railways in the post-Covid era?

Len Shackleton
18 October 2021
Transport

What to do with Britain’s railways in the post-Covid era?

Troubles for governments rarely come alone. Another is hurtling along the track towards us like a high-speed train – what to do with Britain’s railways in the post-Covid era. Recently I’ve been travelling by train quite a lot again. You generally have plenty of room. Passenger journeys are running at only about 55-60% of pre-Covid ... Continue reading
Len Shackleton
18 October 2021
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British industry is bearing the brunt of climate unilateralism

Andy Mayer
14 October 2021
Energy and Environment

British industry is bearing the brunt of climate unilateralism

The UK can either be net zero or have secure and affordable energy. It cannot have all three, at least not with current technology, and the path to solving that trilemma is long, difficult, and a planet-sized challenge, not something that’s going to be fixed by flag-waving eco-stunts on this small island. The failure to ... Continue reading
Andy Mayer
14 October 2021
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British politics needs optimism, not more catastrophising

13 October 2021
Society and Culture

British politics needs optimism, not more catastrophising

Emily Carver writes for Conservative Home

In her bi-weekly Conservative Home column, IEA Head of Media, Emily Carver, argued that every problem in UK politics has recently been characterised as an impending catastrophe, leading to national angst and panic which is demoralising the nation. Whether it is the Covid pandemic, fuel shortages,  climate change or leaving the EU, we lack the ... Continue reading
13 October 2021
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BA’s gender neutral salutations the latest example of ‘Woke capitalism’

13 October 2021
Society and Culture

BA’s gender neutral salutations the latest example of ‘Woke capitalism’

Annabel Denham writes for The Spectator

In an op-ed for The Spectator, IEA Director of Communications, Annabel Denham, took aim at British Airway's (BA) move to drop ‘ladies and gentlemen’ from its announcements. Annabel suggested that BA has bigger problems than gender neutral salutations to deal with after 18 months of travel restrictions. Annabel argued: "There’s still little evidence to suggest ... Continue reading
13 October 2021
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Strong employment data should ease fears of recession

12 October 2021
Labour Market

Strong employment data should ease fears of recession

Julian Jessop quoted by Politics.co.uk

IEA Economics Fellow, Julian Jessop, was quoted by Politics.co.uk commenting on the latest employment figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Julian argued: "Today’s strong employment data should help to calm fears that the UK is sliding back into recession, although they also make it harder to argue that interest rates still need ... Continue reading
12 October 2021
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Adam Smith and problems with the new paternalism

Erik W. Matson
11 October 2021
Economic Theory

Adam Smith and problems with the new paternalism

The economist Carl Menger claimed in 1891 that “in every conflict of interest between the rich and poor, the strong and weak, Smith sides without exception with the latter.” Menger’s claim has been vindicated by recent research. Adam Smith’s advocacy of the interests of the poor is of a piece with his advocacy of what ... Continue reading
Erik W. Matson
11 October 2021
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Climate policy to blame for industry woes

11 October 2021
Energy and Environment

Climate policy to blame for industry woes

Andy Mayer writes for CapX

In an op-ed for CapX, IEA Chief Operating Officer, Andy Mayer, argued that the UK cannot implement net zero policies and also have secure and affordable energy, saying government policy is to blame for crippling energy costs. Andy argued: "The pattern is always the same, the Prime Minister or another part of government gets an ... Continue reading
11 October 2021
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Boris Johnson faces a backlash from industry leaders after conference speech

7 October 2021
Labour Market

Boris Johnson faces a backlash from industry leaders after conference speech

IEA cited in The Times

The Prime Minister used his conference speech to argue that the present stresses and strains in the economy, which have led to supply shortages, are part of the transition towards a high-wage, high-skill economy. Boris Johnson believes that by restricting the inflow of cheap labour, British businesses will be forced to pay UK workers more. ... Continue reading
7 October 2021
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IEA Economics Fellow: Artificially creating labour shortages will ‘disrupt the economy’

7 October 2021
Labour Market

IEA Economics Fellow: Artificially creating labour shortages will ‘disrupt the economy’

Julian Jessop appears on BBC Newsnight

IEA Economics Fellow, Julian Jessop, appeared on BBC Newsnight to discuss the government's plan for a high wage economy by reducing the inflow of cheap foreign labour. Julian argued that "Artificially creating labour shortages isn't a great way to boost productivity ..It can disrupt the economy". Watch highlights here.... Continue reading
7 October 2021
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Opposition to the government’s ‘high wage economy’ plan grows

7 October 2021
Labour Market

Opposition to the government’s ‘high wage economy’ plan grows

Mark Littlewood quoted by Sky News

Boris Johnson used his speech at Conservative Party Conference to announce his intention to transform Britain into a high wage economy by restricting the inflow of cheaper foreign labour, forcing British business to pay more to British workers. The announcement has been criticised across the business community. Mark Littlewood, IEA Director General, was quoted by ... Continue reading
7 October 2021
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