The British economy is beset by poor productivity - and it is about to start putting a real squeeze on growth. Its effects have been cushioned by high employment, but with few workers left to add to the Labour market, the only way to boost GDP is to improve productivity. With his deficit target under threat from productivity downgrades, the Budget represents the Chancellor's best chance to tackle the problem.
The UK is the “ideal place from which to pursue the kind of open, liberal trade and investment policy that has served Australia well in recent decades… As one of the UK’s closest friends, we offer our example of the opportunities that might exist for a nation in the UK’s position”, writes Alexander Downer, Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK.
CPS welcomes MPs' decision to debate the current instability in Venezuela and publishes research into the effects of the Chavez reforms often lauded by politicians on the left.