Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 5d

You can either increase taxes or cut public spending - the macroeconomic effects, in general, are pretty similar. Question is which policy would be a bigger risk to growth given the current state of the UK economy. I say the economy needs a more effective and well-resourced government, not lower tax

1 2

Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 7d

I would also direct this meme towards the specious whattaboutery on energy costs now being pushed by mainstream commentators (like the economist...)

www.economist.com/britain/2025...

Is Britain’s net-zero push to blame for its high energy prices?

A mighty rise in electricity costs has complicated the drive for clean power

www.economist.com

1

Reposted by Pranesh Narayanan

Sam Alvis @samalvis.bsky.social · 21d

This is an ace paper. We are far beyond "China dominates supply". Building domestic/regional supply chains are contingent on Chinese firms/expertise. The most interesting qus for govts now around tech transfer and leapfrogging rather than competition

www.netzeropolicylab.com/china-green-...

2 8

Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 22d

www.politicshome.com/news/article...

Why Rachel Reeves Faces A Very Tricky Autumn Budget

The Chancellor is walking an economic tightrope heading into the Autumn Budget.

www.politicshome.com

1 1

Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 22d

The UK isn't close to broke but it does have a problem with fiscal drama. Tax rises will help - higher revenues will mean that HMT is less under pressure from chaotic financial markets, and the UK economy is more stable.

Pleased to be quoted in
@politicshome.bsky.social by @nadinebh.bsky.social

2 1 3

Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 27d

t.co/SNmF3SktQy

@martinsandbu.ft.com @rjpartington.bsky.social

http://ft.com/content/37af2ffd-0a82-4150-b89c-3d5390ea9062

t.co

Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 27d

Banks should use the liquidity generated by these excess savings to provide financial backing for real investments, to create new assets in the UK economy (businesses or infrastructure). Instead they want to pump money into existing assets and make a quick buck

1

Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 27d

@barclaysuk.bsky.social
says savers should shove cash savings into stocks for “higher returns” and to “help the economy.” What it really means is more risk for households, no guarantee of new UK investment, and one certainty—banks rake in more fees. Financial assets ≠ real investment.

1

Reposted by Pranesh Narayanan

Dario Perkins @darioperkins.bsky.social · Sep 5

We are just the only country stupid enough to discuss "black holes" every time yields rise 10bps

Toby Nangle @tobyn.bsky.social · Sep 5

🚨 How bad is UK fiscal vs G7 peers?
on.ft.com/462WKLd

Historic budget deficits and IMF projections through 2030 for G7 members

6 32 140

Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · Jul 24

Lots on cost curves, technology, etc but nothing on what problem this *actually* solves. If road safety is the ultimate benefit, the same thing could be achieved through more public transport provision (buses, trams, light rail). This is another shiny big tech solution seeking a problem

1 2

Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · Jul 22

This isn't really true though. Borrowing over the quarter is completely in line with OBR's expectations. Borrowing was higher than expected in June, lower than expected in May, overall no deviation to the OBR's forecast. Economists in the city just got it wrong...

5 7

Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · Jun 23

The only questions are ones of longevity and scale - will this 10-year strategy be seen to completion, and is it going to be backed by enough funding firepower to get the job done? 8/8

Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · Jun 23

The focus on reducing energy costs and building long-term certainty for these industries is very welcome. The use of strategic, catalytic finance and a new skills offer will help to make the UK a very attractive place to invest in the industries of the future. 7/8

1

Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · Jun 23

There is also a very welcome focus on foundational sectors such as ports, steel and other materials manufacturing. The presence of these industries are vital for the success of factories around the country who rely on their supply of material inputs. 6/8

1

Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · Jun 23

The strategy doubles down on green transport with support for zero emissions vehicles and sustainable aviation. Low-carbon transport technologies, such as battery powered electric vehicles, are growing much faster than their fossil fuel equivalents around the world. 5/8

1

Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · Jun 23

With a bit of investment in factories and skills, the UK's strengths in boilers can transition to heat pumps 4/8

1

Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · Jun 23

Second, heat pumps. Once again, there’s a global manufacturing shortage. The UK has one of the largest heating and cooling industries in Europe but is currently specialised in boiler manufacturing. We know that there is significant overlap in making boilers and heat pumps 3/8

1

Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · Jun 23

First, Wind. The UK has seen some of the fastest growth in offshore wind energy in the world, but has been slow to develop an industry around the supply chain. With supply shortages emerging, it is a great time for to invest in expanding wind manufacturing in Britain. 2/8

1 1

Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · Jun 23

Today’s industrial strategy made some clear strategic choices for the future direction of the UK economy. @ippr.org found that there are opportunities for the UK in three key clean technology industries, all of which are featured in the strategy 1/8

1 4 6

Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · May 15

GDP stats today were a pleasant surprise for the Chancellor.

BUT there are real headwinds coming up. There needs to be a real commitment to long-term investment.

It was great to talk about this on the BBC (with a brief intrusion from Trump...)

youtu.be/l5r5ib4Jb24

Pranesh Narayanan on BBC News discussing GDP

YouTube video by Institute for Public Policy Research

youtu.be

1 4

Reposted by Pranesh Narayanan

Sam Alvis @samalvis.bsky.social · May 1

Thanks @prospectmagazine.co.uk @aloner.bsky.social who let me write about Tony Blair's recent tribute act to the TB-GBs of New Labour, with some more serious consideration of where his NZ antipathy comes and the new politics if climate

mini 🧵

www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/698...

Tony Blair’s ideas for net zero are expensive and unpopular

The former PM’s clumsy climate intervention exposes the new political contest over the environment

www.prospectmagazine.co.uk

4 33 52

Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · Apr 15

we outline several recommendations to support electric rail and all kinds of transport manufacturing growth here
www.ippr.org/articles/pla...

Planes, trains and automobiles: How green transport can drive manufacturing growth in the UK | IPPR

Along with investment in infrastructure, the production of green transport equipment – electric trains and cars, for example – here in the UK, is the solut

www.ippr.org

1

Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · Apr 15

This is what growth looks like - innovation leading to successful export opportunities in things that the world needs.

UK rail manufacturing is small right now but it has potential - the new government's Industrial Strategy has to support it

www.telegraph.co.uk/business/202...

Battery breakthrough to help UK train factory ‘leapfrog overseas rivals’

County Durham plant to help Hitachi Rail take on intercity giants Siemens and Alstom

www.telegraph.co.uk

1 5 33

Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · Apr 2

I'm thinking this is more to do with the kind of work we have - lots of workers, particularly on the minimum wage, are in sectors like hospitality and retail - Baumol effect sectors, rather sectors that are capable of dynamic productivity growth

3 8

Reposted by Pranesh Narayanan

Stephen Frost @sfrost.bsky.social · Apr 2

Green transport manufacturing, including e-bikes, buses and EVs, can play a key role in the UK's industrial strategy

Governance matters: this strategy must fit with creating a better transport system - one that embraces 'multimodal mobility' and reduces car dependency

New @ippr.bsky.social report👇

Planes, trains and automobiles: How green transport can drive manufacturing growth in the UK | IPPR

Along with investment in infrastructure, the production of green transport equipment – electric trains and cars, for example – here in the UK, is the solut

www.ippr.org

2 10 20