I think most can agree that in order to properly function any state requires a system of defence and of justice. Considering the modern state perhaps we should add that it also needs to have the right to create its own currency. We know that creating a currency for public purpose requires just two conditions:… Read more
Category:
European Union
Back to the Backstop (Possibly the DUP are not sensible?)
Introduction It has been a fairly grim week Brexit-wise with the HoC again putting fantasy over reality. I have to admit to being so depressed by the whole saga I have found it difficult to put pen to paper. Fortunately three of my favourite commentators, Prof Chris Grey, Ian Dunt and Prof Simon-Wren Lewis have… Read more
Has an Avalanche of EU Legislation really been Imposed on the UK by Brussels?
One of the persistent arguments for Brexit is that we are being dictated to by Brussels against our will. There is an endless stream of laws and regulations being showered upon the country – or so this particular argument goes. There are numerous estimates as to the percentage of laws dictated to by Brussels, ranging… Read more
Travelling hopefully is better than arriving
This French cartoon is too good not to share at a time of what is called the ‘Meaningful Vote’. The caption reads, SatNav style, ‘You have arrived at your destination’. Whoever remarked that it looked pretty similar to a few of the places the Prime Minister has given speeches has a point… Meanwhile I feel… Read more
Not another one? Why not use the numerical evidence to guide us?
I agree with Clement Atlee and Margaret Thatcher, referenda are “a device of dictators and demagogues”. The whole point of representative democracy is that we elect representatives to make decisions on our behalf. If we do not like their decisions, we can elect new representatives. Adding referenda into this mix creates conflicting mandates leading to… Read more
Is This the Chart that Spells Doom for the Brexit Dream? – A Guest Post by Neil Robertson
Figure 1 shows the monthly average of the long-running poll series asking the question “In hindsight, do you think it was right or wrong to vote to leave the EU?” This poll series is interesting for a couple of reasons: the initial results agree approximately with the split in the referendum itself so… Read more
From being ironical, ‘local currency’ is now of the essence
FT Alphaville (which is generally free) has an article on an Italian bank that has gone bust entitled ‘The curious case of Banca Carige’. It certainly is – the European Central Bank (ECB) is acting as a receiver! It states: The ECB assumed new powers in 2014, through the implementation of the Single Supervisory Mechanism… Read more
Leaving the EU and Abandoning the “American” Dream – guest post by Neil Robertson
The UK leaving the EU risks giving up the same influence and Freedom of Movement (FoM) that Americans take for granted. Having been lucky enough to visit America on a few occasions, one of the things I find most striking about it is its scale and openness. The fact that you can drive for thousands… Read more
Our ‘island’ language
I think we should give a little more understanding to the idea that, although Jeremy Corbyn is supposed to be in favour of Brexit, he is demonstrably only 70% in favour of the EU, and we should realise that he’s married to a Mexican and does at least speak fluent Spanish. How many Brexiters speak… Read more
Scotland and Ireland the Road to Independence (part III)
Introduction In part I the common heritage of the Scots and Irish was explored. Part II explored the comparative performance of the two economies over the past few hundred years. In part III the current situation is examined. Has independence been a success for Ireland? Should Scotland look at Ireland with envy or pity? Ireland… Read more