Vince Cable is right to lay into the Bankers and their lobbyists. To delay re-structuring is to play with fire. Even if there is some slowing of economic recovery as a consequence, it is far preferable to the economic collapse which would follow doing nothing. The banks are still in a precarious state. A lot of their […]
The problem with recognising any rebel government in a civil war, however laudable its cause, is that there has to be some certainty that it has the capacity to govern. There is now anxiety about the general breakdown of affairs in Tripoli and the apparent inability of the TNC to offer, so far anyway, coherent […]
Before the advocates of the NATO intervention celebrate success, they must be reminded of its purpose. This was to protect civilians and, as a sub text to support the rebels in the drive to get rid of Gaddafi. But all of that stood not alone, but on a foundation which was fundamental to everything. To […]
This blog has been opposed to the NATO intervention, but there can now be cautious optimism that the mission, essentially driven by France and Britain, has paid off. There is no longer stalemate. The Gaddafi family has clearly lost even if it is not entirely clear who has won. This is because nobody knows for […]
David Cameron and Tony Blair have been busy in the weekend papers giving their take on the state of our society and the causes of the riots. The Prime Minister had a prescriptive list of ills and potential actions. Blair was essentially defending New Labour’s social legacy. The truth is that both Labour and Tory […]
The continuing inability of the politicians in the Euro zone to come forward with timely proposals for fiscal integration is not just something that spooks markets. A currency without proper control will eventually cripple both the banking system and the markets in which the currency is used. Thus Euro zone banks are thought to be […]
The Sunday media has reports of various senior police chiefs expressing their views on government policy. Irrespective of whether we think government policy on policing, riots or whatever, is right or wrong, we know it is wrong for police to become involved in political debate. This must stop. Having made that point, it is indeed true […]
Cameron has earned himself some points. Neither May nor Clegg appeared to have a clue, until the Prime Minister arrived back from holiday. Then the tide began to turn. His leadership, which has been tainted by u-turns and poor judgement over Coulson and Libya, is now shown in a much bolder and decisive light. We […]
The violence, destruction and looting, in London mainly, but other cities too, is terrifying to the law abiding and the innocent. The government, having turned its back on the whole thing with a few unctuous comments about ‘keeping in touch by phone’ is now returned hot foot from holiday and working. It will need to […]
So, it has happened. Americans, especially the government, will not see it this way, but this may turn out to be a good thing. For too long the United States has followed a financial policy that is potentially ruinous. Spending up to twice your income and borrowing the rest. Always the mantra is that you […]