FreeThink News Blog
Slash and grow? CentreForum examine whether we really can cut the deficit and grow the economy PDF Print E-mail
Written by Giles Wilkes   
Monday, 02 November 2009 11:55

 I've produced a very quick piece of research putting the Conservatives' recent espousal of growth-through-exports-and-investment into historical context - and asking whether their reliance on this model is realistic, or very risky. The answer: very risky.   It's all very fine raging against the debt being loaded on our grandchildren.  But they don't want to inherit a ****ed economy either. 

 

 

It's called Slash and grow? Public spending and economic growth. If you visit that page you can read the pdf for free - obviously - and, as an extra bonus, you can download a whizzy spreadsheet* for playing with future GDP levels.  Enable the macros for extra fun. 

No-one can deny that Osborne's prescription of growth without extra consumption would be nice.  It's what any indebted country really needs - a way of boosting its earning power without increasing its debts.  But if we are faced with a choice, like Angela Merkel we should choose growth. To quote from a soon-to-be-published CommentisFree piece,

If forced to choose between deficit cutting and growth, George Osborne should remember that there’s no point bequeathing less debt on our grandchildren, if he also bequeaths a shattered economy. Like it or not, the government’s deficits are a vital ingredient for recovery – and recovery should come first.  

  Recognising that there is a dilemma is the first step.  Osborne's Plan A - endless easy money and a devalued currency leading to sustainable growth (conveniently ignoring the shame that Cameron still feels about Black Wednesday) is very nice.  But let's hope he has a Plan B, C and D as well. 

*I am going to keep updating this beast, so stay tuned to this channel

Comments (13)
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
1 Monday, 14 December 2009 12:36
ugg classic cardy
ugg sundance
ugg classic short
ugg classic tall
ugg ultra tall
ugg classic crochet
ugg classic mini
ugg nightfall
women ugg boots
ugg boots sale
cheap ugg boots
ugg boots on sale
classic ugg
cheap ugg
ugg sale
ugg for women
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
2 Tuesday, 15 December 2009 03:22
ugg classic cardy
ugg sundance
ugg classic short
ugg classic tall
ugg ultra tall
ugg classic crochet
ugg classic mini
ugg nightfall
women ugg boots
ugg boots sale
cheap ugg boots
ugg boots on sale
classic ugg
cheap ugg
ugg sale
ugg for women
christian louboutin
3 Saturday, 19 December 2009 03:52
Welcome to our website,and you will enjoy the sunshine service. Let's abandon all the worry,and enjoy the happy shopping travel.All the discount handbags and MBT Shoes are most in fashion boutique this year.christian louboutinand christian louboutin discount and the cheap MBT Shoes show your chaming temperament. In addtin, the louis vuitton handbags and the other designer handbags make you mold your unique glamour this winter.The replica handbags have the high quality but low price. ugg classic tall boots and UGG Classic Short have all the size and cheapest price ugg boots. Enjoying the fun of net purchase! tory burch shoes We will supply you the perfect service and after sale support system. Our honest will bring you absolute satisfaction.
prada handbags burberry handbags yves saint laurent bags ghd hair straighteners MBT M.Walk shoes MBT Lami shoes UGG Classic Tall Boots UGG Classic Cardy Boots UGG Classic short Boots UGG Classic Short Metallic UGG Bailey Button Boots UGG Classic Tall Metallic UGG Cozy Slippers UGG Infant Erin Boots knock off designer handbags ugg sheepskin boots Ugg Classic Tall Boots Chocolate MBT Chapa Azul MBT Chapa Brich balenciaga motorcycle bag louis vuitton bag louis vuitton luggage louis vuitton speedy 30 louis vuitton speedy louis vuitton bags louis vuitton replica louis vuitton monogram handbag louis vuitton monogram multicolor louis vuitton monogram vernis louis vuitton monogram denim louis vuitton alma bag louis vuitton coin purse gucci bags gucci bags discount louboutin bootss red sole ysl shoes burberry shoes yvessaintlaurent jimmy choo patent leather pumps christian louboutin saleChristian Louboutin Leather patent pigalle pumps White Christian Louboutin Leather patent pigalle pumps Yellow Purple Christian Louboutin Platform d'Orsay Christian Louboutin python pump Christian Louboutin patent Leather pigalle pumps Black WhiteChristian Louboutin toe platform pumps Christian Louboutin Very Prive 120 suede platform pumps Red Christian Louboutin Yarn Platform Pump Black Christian Louboutin Yarn Platform Pump Christian Louboutin Mini Bout pumps pink
123@!123.com
4 Friday, 25 December 2009 08:53
ugg classic cardy
ugg sundance
ugg classic short
ugg classic tall
ugg ultra tall
ugg classic crochet
ugg classic mini
ugg nightfall
women ugg boots
ugg boots sale
cheap ugg boots
ugg boots on sale
classic ugg
cheap ugg
ugg sale
ugg for women
cheap mbt shoes
5 Friday, 25 December 2009 19:41
Today,a good shoes to a people is more and more important.Let me tell you something about MBT shoes.[url=http://www.showcu.com]MBT Anti Shoes[/url] have been known as the world’s smallest gym.Since they increase muscle activity,strenthening and toning of the leg,buttock,stomach and back muscles takes place during everyday activities like walking and standing.
Since celebrities like Cher,Gwyneth Paltrow,and Heidi Klum have reportedly added [url=http://www.showcu.com]Anti Shoes[/url] to their shoe collection,[url=http://www.showcu.com]MBT Shoes[/url] have received a lot of press.Their unique design has supposedly help wearer’s tone up,lose weight,and even smooth cellulite,and it has garnered the brand a lot of attention as well.
Shop your MBT Anti Shoes on Showcu of [url=http://www.showcu.com]Mbt Shoes Sale[/url].We are the stockist of Cheap Anti Shoes.Our Anti Gravity Shoes Sale in huge stock.You can enjoy Free Shipping on our MBT Anti UK and [url=http://www.showcu.com]MBT US[/url].Buy Now!
MBT US
6 Saturday, 26 December 2009 11:23
The Cubs used the long-ball to their advantage tonight. DeRo, DLee and The Riot all hit homeruns to lead the Cubs in Dusty Baker's return to Chicago. Ryan Demspster didn't have his best outing(5 walks), but he still got a quality start and his second win of the year. The Cubs pulled ahead for good with 3-run HR by Lee in the bottom of the 5th. Mike Fontenot made a sweet diving stop up the middle to keep the Reds from tying the game and on the next play Carlos Marmol induced Ken Griffey's Jr. into an inning-ending double play. Marmol was straight flithy tonight and Kerry Wood shut down the Reds in the 9th. Go Cubs Go! Big Z on the hill tomorrow!
ugg boots
7 Wednesday, 20 January 2010 08:51
Ugg Boots,also called Ug or Ugg boots,are nowadays one of the most popular boots.They existed already in 1930's and became popular in 1960's when Australian surfers found out,that they can warm their feet after coming out from cold water.They have everything you need-comfort and warmth.You will never be cold in those boots because 100% sheepskin will warm you even in the coldest days.The natural thermal properties of sheepskin make possible that Ugg Boots will warm you in the winter but in the summer your feet will not be wet.It is true that Ugg is shorter from ugly,but if you know even little bit about fashion you will know that Ugg boots are not ugly.We can see famous people like Pamela Anderson or Kate Hudson wearing Ugg Boots.
Nowadays we have new improved Ugg boots for sale.You can get them for anybody.We have women boots,children boots,slippers and casuals.

Our UGG Australia Boots are all authentic.Their properties and features as below:

*In cold temperatures,the fleece works as an insulating layer of warmth and keeps the warmth of body heat inside of the boot.
*In the heat,the wool fibers keep the air circulating; thus keeping your fee dry and pulling the perspiration away from your skin.Sheepskin also contains lanolin,which moisturizes your feet when worn barefoot.
*ugg boots have reinforced toes,which are double stitched and extra durable heels.
*feature a natural,thick fleece on a removable in-sole for arch support.
*The sole is usually durable in most terrain,lightweight and provides traction as well.-http://www.gouggs.com/
ugg boots
8 Wednesday, 20 January 2010 08:52
We have been exporter of UGG Australia Boots for many years,our product are all authentic.Welcome to buy any boots of them in our website,we charge the shipping fee.
We just take 7 days to deliver the products to your door.
As everyone knows,UGG Australia Boots in australia, and many other countries as well, ugg boots also ug or uggs are a style of footwear that has been used generically for well over a hundred years.Everywhere you go now you find that the ugg boot has become the latest fashion trend.uggsmax.com

Our UGG Australia Boots are all with top quality:

*100% authentic sheepskin for unrivalled comfort
*flexible molded EVA outsole
*Insole features a genuine sheepskin sockliner that naturally wicks away moisture and keeps feet dry
*Wool blend knit uppers with suede heel guards
*Approximate Shaft Height (Uncuffed): 14.5"
*By UGG Australia;Imported.-http://www.uggdress.com/
great
9 Friday, 29 January 2010 07:26
Fantasy is the destination. Logic is the journey.

Interesting thing!
This is my first time comment at your blog.
Good recommended website.
Great
10 Monday, 01 February 2010 01:38
ugg fashion shoes--classic,cove,nightfall,sundance,mini...
great
11 Friday, 26 February 2010 02:34
If you want to have high quality goods online, you can click the websites below
http://www.inuggshopping.com
great
12 Friday, 26 February 2010 02:36
If you want to have high quality goods online, you can click the websites below
http://www.prevalentbags.com/
13 Friday, 05 March 2010 06:08
JZP20100206 The spring and summer of 2010, Gucci creative director Frida Giannini released The New Bamboo, The classic Gucci Handbag loaded with new faces in The 21st century. In traditional Giannini high-tech and high fashion, the profound historical classical style will be redeductioned. The New Bamboo has a unique, with brand-new dynamic variation of recreational style, reflect the Giannini luxury fashion ideas. Designer Gucci Handbags are launched with large size and new classic style. The bag interval adhering to the classical design, with two pocket for a zipper pockets; (for a button, and the bag with a mirror. The original design of the Ming by fashion concise raised-face leather stitches. Edge The first brand in nickel alloy adornment cixin handbags, for it on the type of grid air. The new design not only to retain the original length of leather straps, metal chain belt, line and stubby tassel adorn, make modelling more sexy.
Last Updated ( Monday, 02 November 2009 12:44 )