August 22, 2016
As readers will have noticed, the theme of my blog is respect for facts, which is essential for evidence-based policy. In this piece, I’d like to look at a related topic: the need to use plain language – saying it clearly, in other words. After all, if we cannot understand what is being said or… » read more
Posted by pbye
July 29, 2016
In the wake of the UK referendum vote to leave the EU, there has been no shortage of analysis of the voting patterns of the electorate: who voted to leave and why. Given the momentous – and unexpected – result, the level of interest is hardly surprising. While some patterns are clear, others are harder… » read more
Posted by pbye
June 27, 2016
Own goals can play a critical part in football. Northern Ireland has just been knocked out of the Euro 2016 tournament by Wales; the only goal was an own goal. I suspect there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth in the dressing room afterwards. The UK has, however, scored the own goal to end… » read more
Posted by pbye
April 27, 2016
In the EU referendum campaign in the UK, those in favour of remaining (Britain Stronger in Europe) issue warnings of the dire consequences of leaving, primarily economic. A number of economic forecasts are used as evidence[1]. The Brexit people (Vote Leave) assert that staying is a risk and a better world is available outside, a… » read more
Posted by pbye
April 5, 2016
I recently received a brochure from Vote Leave[i]. It says that it presents ‘5 positive reasons to Vote Leave and take back control’. How do these claims stand up? Number one is called ‘Our money, our priorities’. The brochure claims that ‘we send over £350 million to the EU every week’, or an annual figure… » read more
Posted by pbye
March 1, 2016
In my previous piece (2nd February) I said that immigration was close to the top of Britons’ concerns, according to an Economist/Ipsos MORI poll[1]. Security, identified in the poll as ‘Defence/foreign affairs/terrorism’, was regarded as the most important issue, although it was only just ahead of immigration. However, as I suggested, the various concerns are… » read more
Posted by pbye
February 2, 2016
Given the media attention to David Cameron’s dealings with the EU, it might seem surprising that a recent Economist/Ipsos MORI poll on issues facing Britain does not put the EU in the top 10 concerns. The poll asked ‘what do you see as the most important/other important issues facing Britain today?’. ‘Immigration/immigrants’ was close to… » read more
Posted by pbye
December 14, 2015
On the 25th November, George Osborne, the UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced his spending plans for the next year. In common with many other European countries – and beyond – the UK is struggling to get its finances in order following the recent financial crisis. The government aims to close the gap between revenue… » read more
Posted by pbye
October 7, 2015
In my last piece, I said that Jeremy Corbyn was the unexpected favourite in the race to become Ed Milliband’s successor as leader of the Labour Party in the UK. He more than maintained his position: he won on the first ballot, with 59% of the vote. Shortly after, on the 29th September, he gave… » read more
Posted by pbye
August 24, 2015
Ed Miliband resigned the leadership of the British Labour Party immediately following the party’s unexpectedly heavy defeat in the May 2015 general election. The resignation triggered a contest for leadership of the party. Nominations for leadership candidates are made by members of the parliamentary party – the MPs. Each successful candidate requires the support of… » read more
Posted by pbye
