Does allow for inflation over the period which has for various reasons been among worst and most persistent in U.K?

What we know is the people are living longer. Older peeps make greater demands on health and welfare services. Also, we experienced a period of dramatically reduced investment which would have boosted productivity through austerity and Brexit. Not surprisingly we flat-lined!

Note that I say relatively small movement in population numbers (I suspect the distribution of which is more the issue with an aging population in mix) but roads, rail, hospitals, schools - hard infrastructure, not to mention the costs of running/staffing them….

No. GDP matters too. Much of the cost of running the country is a fixed cost in infrastructure etc not hugely sensitive to relatively small movements in population. So we need to grow GDP to maintain…or higher burden on fewer.

An incredibly dim and arrogant man: a deep embarrassment to Maggie despite her motherly love.

Ironically he is a lawyer!

Where was the money directed? Can government go after the Directors?

😂 of course he has….soon to be followed by Sue Ellen I would wager!

A painful listen. His references to ‘so called data of unknown source’ to emphasise his assertions should have been probed by Robinson. Disappointing.

Hugely informative and insightful as ever - always leaves me wondering how on earth did we get into this mess! Obviously I will have to read the book for that….

It is a good article. Worth a read!

Excellent as ever Chris. I note the progress of Labour in dealing pragmatically with the UK’s immediate needs and realities but I remain disappointed that there has not been a more open discussion/explanation of where we are and why! Lib Dem’s sort of trying but lack heft and power.

For context, Mel was a strong advocate for remain - perhaps he doesn’t really feel responsible for the shit show created by previous administrations.