A timely report – from Ed Balls, no less – suggests that a lack of graduates is not the reason for our productivity deficit. Rather, our productivity deficit explains the lack of graduate-level jobs.
In addition to the broad question about the Chancellor’s political judgement, I think he faces three specific problems.
In this feature, we look at some of the most memorable podcasts of the last few weeks.
They described Johnson as a “dictator”, and want a local champion. The Conservatives have now selected their candidate.
It’s a contest between Sunderland and Newcastle. But even if Labour does badly in early results, how much will that tell us?
Jon Davis and John Rentoul’s new book contains valuable material, but cannot efface Iraq, or the former Prime Minister’s self-righteousness.
He’s a Brownite of Brownites with a Leave-voting seat – and one of Corbyn’s main critics. Which explains why he’s going and what he’s doing.
Plus: Crouch’s revenge. Islam’s departure. Brexit, May’s prospective deal and Labour’s internal agonies. And: Trumpety-Trump as the President claims victory.
He never resolved his conflict between being brought up to repress his emotions and as a politician having to express them.
The Chancellor sounded as if he was auditioning for a role in the Christmas panto.
As the referendum vote looms, Corbyn’s party is caught on immigration in a trap of its own devising.
Plus: Thank you for the three bottles of vintage wine…but you forgot to enclose a note with your name. Christmas, eh?
The heart of the heart of Osbornomics is reducing past excess in order to invest in our future.
Conservative values underpin what it can achieve – whether in apprenticeships, manufacturing exports, jobs or contributions to good causes.