Monthly Archives: November 2010

If someone invited me to scrawl my incoherent thoughts on the side of a whiteboard in the Labour party press office for the next year or so, then “Well paid jobs = paid down debts” would definitely be one of … Continued

Back when the Labour party was in the throes of debating our future leadership, I wrote a series of posts denigrating each of the candidates. It was half thought experiment, half attempt to prove personal independence. The response was generally … Continued

Someone at the Treasury decided that the Office of Budget responsibility’s estimates of economic growth needed to be “handled”. So after they were given the data yesterday, someone from the Treasury got on the phone to the FT, and told … Continued

An impudent upstart by the name of Akehurst has dared to disagree with me. This “Akehurst” is apparently a member of some obscure body called the “National Executive” of the Labour party, which is clearly some tuppenny-happeny gathering of insignificant … Continued

over at comment is free. Full original text below the jump, in case it’s been sub-edited. (I hope it has, editing gets rid of mistakes). Feel free to comment here or there. I understand it’s traditional for about two thirds … Continued

For work reasons, I won’t be around much ’till later today. However, I should have an article up at comment is free sometime this morning on the gripping subject of Labour’s National Policy forum. I’ve auto-posted the full version to … Continued

So hands up – who thinks that Ireland new, double bonus extra severe ultra austerity plan is actually going to make things better there? I doubt Paul Krugman will. As far as I can tell, the only way this demand-squeezing … Continued

I’ve mentioned my interest in North Korea before. Given the current tension, I thought It’s be useful to share a quick reading list. Aquariums of Pyongyang The most sobering book about North Korea I’ve ever read. Kang Chol-Hwan’s grandfather was … Continued

Research from Family Action suggests that the proposed “Universal credit” will increase marginal tax rates for “striving families” – those who work, get tax credits, but not other state benefits. “For workers in households currently paying Income Tax and National … Continued

George Osborne is right to say Ireland is a friend in need and deserves our support. The prevention of financial collapse in Ireland is important to the UK. Even if the medicine Ireland will have to take to survive is … Continued