Britain is going through a difficult time, when its sustained ability to punch above its weight, economically and diplomatically, is ebbing. The end of irrational exuberance found the country ill at ease with itself, with rising inequalities and unhealthy nationalism, just when it needs to be fleet-footed in recognising that many of the traditional pillars of its strengths have changed. The need is to recognise other supports and partners and find a new common purpose after the pandemic. I live in hope.

the axe person cometh

Good coverage and editorial in the local newspaper of a report we wrote for manchester's ten leaders on the likely affect of the current spending cuts. They are about to form themselves into a new statutory authority covering nearly 3 million people, so this intelligence is important. We concluded that things will be very grim, but you'd rather be in manchester than anywhere else in northern england. Despite the gloom, good things are afoot and if we stick with the programme, we'll reap the rewards.

Attached File: spending review.pdf