The gains in economic activity derived from free trade are well established. Adam Smith and David Ricardo, who respectively discussed … Continue reading “The importance of free trade – and how to derive its full benefits”

The practice of economic sanctions is not new. 2,400 years ago, Athens declared a trade embargo on the neighbouring city … Continue reading “Either goods will cross borders, or armies will”

Earlier this year, India celebrated 71 years of independence – and what a journey it’s been. From being an impoverished … Continue reading “What are the chances of a UK/India trade deal?”

On this day in 1776, the thirteen colonies of America, then at war with Britain, declared themselves to be states … Continue reading “Brexit and the lessons of US Independence”

News over the weekend that Theresa May might be considering a customs union with the EU post-Brexit was baffling to … Continue reading “We can disagree on the merits of the Single Market – but there’s no case for staying in the Customs Union”

David Ricardo, the classical economist has been dead for nearly 200 years – but his insights and theories remain immeasurably … Continue reading “Ricardo’s ideas are as indispensable today as they were 200 years ago”

From fears that a trade agreement with the US will lead to an American takeover of the NHS, to hand-wringing … Continue reading “Most arguments against a UK-US free trade deal are based on snobbery and anti-Americanism”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has published yet another negative assessment of the long-term economic consequences of Brexit. The … Continue reading “Groundhog Day in Brexitland”

The prospect that the UK will be leaving the EU in March 2019 without a formal trade deal is focussing … Continue reading “Would post-Brexit tariffs really cost UK consumers £930 a year?”