British politics – Page 2 – Dr Oliver Hartwich

Brexit’s history lessons

A British withdrawal from the emerging EU superstate would be a strong move toward a more competitive Europe. It would be a Europe returning to the strengths of its diversity. Even if Niall Ferguson does not agree. [...]

The great British sugar scam

Britain's sugar tax is pure political circus. It is a sweet distraction from the more pressing, serious and important issues of government. And it won't work. [...]

Cameron’s gamble could destroy his premiership — and the EU

The coming months until the June referendum will be a crucial time for Britain and Europe. Neither of which will be the same any more irrespective of the result. [...]

Britain’s localist revolution

George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, delivered nothing short of a revolution to the way that Britain is governed. A radical devolution of power and money from central government in London to the cities of the UK has begun. [...]

Good ideas take time

Good ideas are more powerful than political posturing. I presume David Cameron would not call his Chancellor’s views insane now. [...]

The problem with the centre-left

The centre left is in desperate need of a new narrative if it wants to win elections once again. The old, socialist narratives may make traditionalists feel nostalgic but will not win votes. [...]

A Pyrrhic victory for Cameron?

David Cameron faces some of the most difficult problems any peace-time UK government ever had to tackle. And neither his party’s mediocre share of the popular vote nor his thin parliamentary majority will help. [...]

A wild forecast for Britain

Eventually, once all the political dust has settled and Britain gets a stable government, we could talk about some more interesting questions. Such as Britain's budget deficit. [...]

Britain’s choice between the devil and the deep blue sea

Few things about this year’s British general elections are predictable. The one exception is that governing Britain will not be any easier after May 7. [...]

Why Scotland’s vote has Brussels spooked

As Scotland votes on independence from the UK today, it would be courageous to speculate on the result. Recent opinion polls have been so tight that the referendum could go either way. But whatever the Scots decide, the implications will be severe -- not just for the (still) UK but also for the EU as well. [...]