George Dibb
@georgedibb.bsky.social
Assoc Director & Head of Centre for Economic Justice IPPR. Previously IIPP at UCL. Innovation is political. All things policy, politics & running. Views own. 🌈
You can't cut your way to prosperity and as @jrf-uk.bsky.social have shown the big risk is that the effect of cuts to front line services and public spending will ultimately lead to falling living standards - breaking the mission the gov set itself just 3 months ago
www.jrf.org.uk/cost-of-livi...
www.jrf.org.uk/cost-of-livi...
March 24, 2025 at 9:06 AM
You can't cut your way to prosperity and as @jrf-uk.bsky.social have shown the big risk is that the effect of cuts to front line services and public spending will ultimately lead to falling living standards - breaking the mission the gov set itself just 3 months ago
www.jrf.org.uk/cost-of-livi...
www.jrf.org.uk/cost-of-livi...
Brilliant to host @jigarshahdc.bsky.social, who ran the DoE Loan Programs Office under President Biden, in conversation with @pilitaclark.bsky.social and Dan McGrail to launch our new report on GB Energy
March 19, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Brilliant to host @jigarshahdc.bsky.social, who ran the DoE Loan Programs Office under President Biden, in conversation with @pilitaclark.bsky.social and Dan McGrail to launch our new report on GB Energy
Absolutely delighted to host Secretary of State Ed Miliband to launch @ippr.bsky.social report out today on GB Energy
GBE must be given the capabilities and the funding to ultimately become a systemic public player in the UK energy system
GBE must be given the capabilities and the funding to ultimately become a systemic public player in the UK energy system
March 19, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Absolutely delighted to host Secretary of State Ed Miliband to launch @ippr.bsky.social report out today on GB Energy
GBE must be given the capabilities and the funding to ultimately become a systemic public player in the UK energy system
GBE must be given the capabilities and the funding to ultimately become a systemic public player in the UK energy system
This point was well-made by Yael Selfin of KPMG - yes there are downside risks, but with government spending rising growth is very likely to accelerate out of the current limbo period later this year
January 21, 2025 at 4:13 PM
This point was well-made by Yael Selfin of KPMG - yes there are downside risks, but with government spending rising growth is very likely to accelerate out of the current limbo period later this year
Inflation down in December, with Core CPI down 0.3%
The UK economy continues on track for disinflation. Inflation is not an immediate cause for concern for the economy, but weaker-than-expected growth is
To boost growth, investment and prosperity, interest rates must come down
The UK economy continues on track for disinflation. Inflation is not an immediate cause for concern for the economy, but weaker-than-expected growth is
To boost growth, investment and prosperity, interest rates must come down
January 15, 2025 at 7:24 AM
Inflation down in December, with Core CPI down 0.3%
The UK economy continues on track for disinflation. Inflation is not an immediate cause for concern for the economy, but weaker-than-expected growth is
To boost growth, investment and prosperity, interest rates must come down
The UK economy continues on track for disinflation. Inflation is not an immediate cause for concern for the economy, but weaker-than-expected growth is
To boost growth, investment and prosperity, interest rates must come down
As the now-well-read Death of Deliverism article argued:
"progressive[s]... must take identity, emotion, and story much more seriously"
"Progressive[s]... will need to better identify and make clear for people the culprits fueling our discontents. Stories without villains make no sense to anyone."
"progressive[s]... must take identity, emotion, and story much more seriously"
"Progressive[s]... will need to better identify and make clear for people the culprits fueling our discontents. Stories without villains make no sense to anyone."
December 20, 2024 at 8:09 AM
As the now-well-read Death of Deliverism article argued:
"progressive[s]... must take identity, emotion, and story much more seriously"
"Progressive[s]... will need to better identify and make clear for people the culprits fueling our discontents. Stories without villains make no sense to anyone."
"progressive[s]... must take identity, emotion, and story much more seriously"
"Progressive[s]... will need to better identify and make clear for people the culprits fueling our discontents. Stories without villains make no sense to anyone."
The government are right to focus not just on disposable incomes but on their regional inequality too
As @ipprnorth.bsky.social have shown, on GDHI per person, the UK has the most unequal living standards in the OECD
As @ipprnorth.bsky.social have shown, on GDHI per person, the UK has the most unequal living standards in the OECD
December 5, 2024 at 11:20 AM
The government are right to focus not just on disposable incomes but on their regional inequality too
As @ipprnorth.bsky.social have shown, on GDHI per person, the UK has the most unequal living standards in the OECD
As @ipprnorth.bsky.social have shown, on GDHI per person, the UK has the most unequal living standards in the OECD
A year-long project.... Done!
November 13, 2024 at 9:12 PM
A year-long project.... Done!
Comparing 🇬🇧&🇺🇸here shows just how detached the British commentariat are from the reality of UK relative decline
Bidenomics was layered on top of a growing economy, approaching pre-pandemic GDP, with growing wages
Even before the pandemic the UKs GDP&real wages were *far* worse
Bidenomics was layered on top of a growing economy, approaching pre-pandemic GDP, with growing wages
Even before the pandemic the UKs GDP&real wages were *far* worse
November 6, 2024 at 3:52 PM
Comparing 🇬🇧&🇺🇸here shows just how detached the British commentariat are from the reality of UK relative decline
Bidenomics was layered on top of a growing economy, approaching pre-pandemic GDP, with growing wages
Even before the pandemic the UKs GDP&real wages were *far* worse
Bidenomics was layered on top of a growing economy, approaching pre-pandemic GDP, with growing wages
Even before the pandemic the UKs GDP&real wages were *far* worse
The idea that no one backed industrial policy until Biden did Inflation Reduction Act and gave cover is wild
Theresa May & Greg Clark didn't need Biden's cover for the 2017 industrial strategy, nor did Mandelson in the 2010 manifesto, or Miliband in 2015
Just ask Korea in 70s!
Theresa May & Greg Clark didn't need Biden's cover for the 2017 industrial strategy, nor did Mandelson in the 2010 manifesto, or Miliband in 2015
Just ask Korea in 70s!
November 6, 2024 at 3:51 PM
The idea that no one backed industrial policy until Biden did Inflation Reduction Act and gave cover is wild
Theresa May & Greg Clark didn't need Biden's cover for the 2017 industrial strategy, nor did Mandelson in the 2010 manifesto, or Miliband in 2015
Just ask Korea in 70s!
Theresa May & Greg Clark didn't need Biden's cover for the 2017 industrial strategy, nor did Mandelson in the 2010 manifesto, or Miliband in 2015
Just ask Korea in 70s!
Disagree w Sam Coates - The case for public-investment-fuelled, industrial-strategy-coordinated growth for the UK has never been stronger
Was the IRA an inspiration? For IPPR & others, in its ambition, yes
In substance? No, wrong tools and Ind Strat existed before IRA!
Was the IRA an inspiration? For IPPR & others, in its ambition, yes
In substance? No, wrong tools and Ind Strat existed before IRA!
November 6, 2024 at 3:50 PM
Disagree w Sam Coates - The case for public-investment-fuelled, industrial-strategy-coordinated growth for the UK has never been stronger
Was the IRA an inspiration? For IPPR & others, in its ambition, yes
In substance? No, wrong tools and Ind Strat existed before IRA!
Was the IRA an inspiration? For IPPR & others, in its ambition, yes
In substance? No, wrong tools and Ind Strat existed before IRA!
Previous Conservative and Labour plans had public investment (General Gov Gross Inv) falling below recent levels of Italy and USA
#Budget24 now sees public investment in Britain approaching the average for the rest of the G7
#Budget24 now sees public investment in Britain approaching the average for the rest of the G7
October 30, 2024 at 3:40 PM
Previous Conservative and Labour plans had public investment (General Gov Gross Inv) falling below recent levels of Italy and USA
#Budget24 now sees public investment in Britain approaching the average for the rest of the G7
#Budget24 now sees public investment in Britain approaching the average for the rest of the G7
#Budget24 plots a course for Starmer to be the highest investing Prime Minister (on average) since Harold Wilson in the 1970's
This is a major revision in investment plans between the Labour Manifesto and now
This is a major revision in investment plans between the Labour Manifesto and now
October 30, 2024 at 3:39 PM
#Budget24 plots a course for Starmer to be the highest investing Prime Minister (on average) since Harold Wilson in the 1970's
This is a major revision in investment plans between the Labour Manifesto and now
This is a major revision in investment plans between the Labour Manifesto and now
🔟Industrial Strategy Council
Its a bit weird that this one thing has become so totemic of the fall of IS, but its good to have it back. I'd probably prefer to see more in remit holding gov to account if it is to really safeguard longtermism, but a good statement of intent
Its a bit weird that this one thing has become so totemic of the fall of IS, but its good to have it back. I'd probably prefer to see more in remit holding gov to account if it is to really safeguard longtermism, but a good statement of intent
October 14, 2024 at 11:52 AM
🔟Industrial Strategy Council
Its a bit weird that this one thing has become so totemic of the fall of IS, but its good to have it back. I'd probably prefer to see more in remit holding gov to account if it is to really safeguard longtermism, but a good statement of intent
Its a bit weird that this one thing has become so totemic of the fall of IS, but its good to have it back. I'd probably prefer to see more in remit holding gov to account if it is to really safeguard longtermism, but a good statement of intent
9️⃣Place
Shoutout to the excellent work of @ipprnorth.bsky.social &
@ipprscotland.bsky.social here who will no doubt be pleased to see this
The GP recognises the need to boost growth outside London & SE - this is both an economic and a political imperative- and talks of supporting clusters in places
Shoutout to the excellent work of @ipprnorth.bsky.social &
@ipprscotland.bsky.social here who will no doubt be pleased to see this
The GP recognises the need to boost growth outside London & SE - this is both an economic and a political imperative- and talks of supporting clusters in places
October 14, 2024 at 11:51 AM
9️⃣Place
Shoutout to the excellent work of @ipprnorth.bsky.social &
@ipprscotland.bsky.social here who will no doubt be pleased to see this
The GP recognises the need to boost growth outside London & SE - this is both an economic and a political imperative- and talks of supporting clusters in places
Shoutout to the excellent work of @ipprnorth.bsky.social &
@ipprscotland.bsky.social here who will no doubt be pleased to see this
The GP recognises the need to boost growth outside London & SE - this is both an economic and a political imperative- and talks of supporting clusters in places
8️⃣A brief diversion to defend competition
A lot of the coverage today seems to have focussed on the CMA and competition for some reason
The answer is easy: monopolies have no interest in investing or innovating so a pro-growth regime is one that *robustly* supports competition
A lot of the coverage today seems to have focussed on the CMA and competition for some reason
The answer is easy: monopolies have no interest in investing or innovating so a pro-growth regime is one that *robustly* supports competition
October 14, 2024 at 11:50 AM
8️⃣A brief diversion to defend competition
A lot of the coverage today seems to have focussed on the CMA and competition for some reason
The answer is easy: monopolies have no interest in investing or innovating so a pro-growth regime is one that *robustly* supports competition
A lot of the coverage today seems to have focussed on the CMA and competition for some reason
The answer is easy: monopolies have no interest in investing or innovating so a pro-growth regime is one that *robustly* supports competition
7️⃣Tools&levers
OK how does this become a reality? The GP sets out a toolkit that is broad but also broadly right. IS should align every tool at govs disposal
Headlines below but other levers mentioned include: R&D,data,planning,transport,regulation,capital,tax,procurement,trade
OK how does this become a reality? The GP sets out a toolkit that is broad but also broadly right. IS should align every tool at govs disposal
Headlines below but other levers mentioned include: R&D,data,planning,transport,regulation,capital,tax,procurement,trade
October 14, 2024 at 11:50 AM
7️⃣Tools&levers
OK how does this become a reality? The GP sets out a toolkit that is broad but also broadly right. IS should align every tool at govs disposal
Headlines below but other levers mentioned include: R&D,data,planning,transport,regulation,capital,tax,procurement,trade
OK how does this become a reality? The GP sets out a toolkit that is broad but also broadly right. IS should align every tool at govs disposal
Headlines below but other levers mentioned include: R&D,data,planning,transport,regulation,capital,tax,procurement,trade
6️⃣Beyond manufacturing vs. services
Much ink has been spilt over this but the green paper comes down on the right side: you dont have to pick, the UK is good at both, we need both in the future
In a welcome move, this shifts the debate away from manufacturing- or AI-fetishism
Much ink has been spilt over this but the green paper comes down on the right side: you dont have to pick, the UK is good at both, we need both in the future
In a welcome move, this shifts the debate away from manufacturing- or AI-fetishism
October 14, 2024 at 11:49 AM
6️⃣Beyond manufacturing vs. services
Much ink has been spilt over this but the green paper comes down on the right side: you dont have to pick, the UK is good at both, we need both in the future
In a welcome move, this shifts the debate away from manufacturing- or AI-fetishism
Much ink has been spilt over this but the green paper comes down on the right side: you dont have to pick, the UK is good at both, we need both in the future
In a welcome move, this shifts the debate away from manufacturing- or AI-fetishism
5️⃣To have a strategy is to choose
One of the main things I want to see from an IS is not an economywide plan but strategic prioritisation, it has to say what the UK thinks itll be good at in the future
Like them or not, this strategy has priority sectors and data for why those:
One of the main things I want to see from an IS is not an economywide plan but strategic prioritisation, it has to say what the UK thinks itll be good at in the future
Like them or not, this strategy has priority sectors and data for why those:
October 14, 2024 at 11:49 AM
5️⃣To have a strategy is to choose
One of the main things I want to see from an IS is not an economywide plan but strategic prioritisation, it has to say what the UK thinks itll be good at in the future
Like them or not, this strategy has priority sectors and data for why those:
One of the main things I want to see from an IS is not an economywide plan but strategic prioritisation, it has to say what the UK thinks itll be good at in the future
Like them or not, this strategy has priority sectors and data for why those:
4️⃣Balance between now & future
A big tension within an IS will be the balance between protecting the jobs & specialisms that exist today and the need to foster future strengths - IMO the latter should be the priority of an IS but the former as an important part - both are here:
A big tension within an IS will be the balance between protecting the jobs & specialisms that exist today and the need to foster future strengths - IMO the latter should be the priority of an IS but the former as an important part - both are here:
October 14, 2024 at 11:48 AM
4️⃣Balance between now & future
A big tension within an IS will be the balance between protecting the jobs & specialisms that exist today and the need to foster future strengths - IMO the latter should be the priority of an IS but the former as an important part - both are here:
A big tension within an IS will be the balance between protecting the jobs & specialisms that exist today and the need to foster future strengths - IMO the latter should be the priority of an IS but the former as an important part - both are here:
3️⃣A strategy has an objective
Industrial policies shift economic activity, industrial strategy does that in line with a wider objective or goal in mind
The green paper has 4 objectives that @ippr.bsky.social has backed:
📈economic growth
🍃net zero
🗺️regional growth
🌐economic security
Industrial policies shift economic activity, industrial strategy does that in line with a wider objective or goal in mind
The green paper has 4 objectives that @ippr.bsky.social has backed:
📈economic growth
🍃net zero
🗺️regional growth
🌐economic security
October 14, 2024 at 11:48 AM
3️⃣A strategy has an objective
Industrial policies shift economic activity, industrial strategy does that in line with a wider objective or goal in mind
The green paper has 4 objectives that @ippr.bsky.social has backed:
📈economic growth
🍃net zero
🗺️regional growth
🌐economic security
Industrial policies shift economic activity, industrial strategy does that in line with a wider objective or goal in mind
The green paper has 4 objectives that @ippr.bsky.social has backed:
📈economic growth
🍃net zero
🗺️regional growth
🌐economic security
2️⃣Its clear about what *it is*
IS is not about state planning or subsidy races or picking winners - its about a strategic state as an active participant in the economy, with embedded institutional capacity, working to prioritise and coordinate
IS is not about state planning or subsidy races or picking winners - its about a strategic state as an active participant in the economy, with embedded institutional capacity, working to prioritise and coordinate
October 14, 2024 at 11:47 AM
2️⃣Its clear about what *it is*
IS is not about state planning or subsidy races or picking winners - its about a strategic state as an active participant in the economy, with embedded institutional capacity, working to prioritise and coordinate
IS is not about state planning or subsidy races or picking winners - its about a strategic state as an active participant in the economy, with embedded institutional capacity, working to prioritise and coordinate
1️⃣The green paper is very clear about what its *not* which is important
Industrial strategy is *not* the entirety of a growth strategy, if you want something to solve every problem in the economy you're in the wrong place. This is one intervention among many needed for growth
Industrial strategy is *not* the entirety of a growth strategy, if you want something to solve every problem in the economy you're in the wrong place. This is one intervention among many needed for growth
October 14, 2024 at 11:47 AM
1️⃣The green paper is very clear about what its *not* which is important
Industrial strategy is *not* the entirety of a growth strategy, if you want something to solve every problem in the economy you're in the wrong place. This is one intervention among many needed for growth
Industrial strategy is *not* the entirety of a growth strategy, if you want something to solve every problem in the economy you're in the wrong place. This is one intervention among many needed for growth
📢After a brief hiatus the UK appears to have an industrial strategy again! This is very welcome news!
🇬🇧The publication of the Green Paper is an important first step to securing long-term green growth for the UK: gov.uk/government/c...
👇A few thoughts on its content below
🇬🇧The publication of the Green Paper is an important first step to securing long-term green growth for the UK: gov.uk/government/c...
👇A few thoughts on its content below
October 14, 2024 at 11:46 AM
📢After a brief hiatus the UK appears to have an industrial strategy again! This is very welcome news!
🇬🇧The publication of the Green Paper is an important first step to securing long-term green growth for the UK: gov.uk/government/c...
👇A few thoughts on its content below
🇬🇧The publication of the Green Paper is an important first step to securing long-term green growth for the UK: gov.uk/government/c...
👇A few thoughts on its content below