Ben Chu
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Ben Chu
@benchu.bsky.social
Policy and analysis correspondent, BBC Verify.

https://www.benchu.co.uk/

Author of "Exile Economics: What Happens if Globalisation Fails", published May 2025

https://linktr.ee/exileeconomics
....The data also shows a significant increse in the margins of non-supermarket retailers on fuel sales
November 5, 2025 at 10:26 AM
...And here's the latest Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts for both.

Both measures essentially flat as a share of GDP over the Parliament.

obr.uk/data/
November 4, 2025 at 6:32 PM
...Many thanks to the series producers Caroline Bayley, Ivana Davidovic and the editor Richard Vadon 🙏
November 3, 2025 at 4:18 PM
...And episode 3 of The Tax Conundrum available here 🎧👇

www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
The Tax Conundrum - Episode 3: The Politics - BBC Sounds
What are the politics behind tax policy?
www.bbc.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 4:15 PM
...There's also a whole chapter which delves deep into soybeans and China's reliance on imports of them to feed its livestock (and provide enough meat for its population) in Exile Economics 👇

www.amazon.co.uk/Exile-Econom...
Exile Economics: What Happens if Globalisation Fails
Buy Exile Economics: What Happens if Globalisation Fails by Chu, Ben (ISBN: 9781399817165) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.
www.amazon.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 4:56 PM
...Data from USDA here...

apps.fas.usda.gov/gats/Express...
Untitled Page
apps.fas.usda.gov
October 30, 2025 at 4:56 PM
...Not especially.

They would take China's purchase volumes back to where they were before this year's trade war and China's moratorium on buying US soybeans...
October 30, 2025 at 4:56 PM
...James writes: "There is much talk of “political cowardice” on Chu’s programme but perhaps we, the public, have to shoulder our part of the blame."

Indeed!

Tune in to part 3 on Monday 3 November for a big discussion of whether we get the tax system we deserve.

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - The Tax Conundrum, Episode 3: The Politics
What are the politics behind tax policy?
www.bbc.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 9:25 AM
ICYMI you can catch-up on episodes 1 & 2 here...

👇

bsky.app/profile/benc...
Why do we seem to find it so hard to have a rational conversation about how MUCH we pay in tax and HOW we pay it?

I'm exploring that in a new 3 part series for BBC Radio 4.

Episode 1 of The Tax Conundrum available here 🎧👇...

www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
The Tax Conundrum - Episode 1: The Problem - BBC Sounds
What's wrong with our tax system?
www.bbc.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 9:25 AM
...and here is short social video featuring a couple of the Swedes we spoke to in making the episode

📺👇

www.instagram.com/reel/DQCFqu-...
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October 27, 2025 at 12:19 PM