Dennis Leech
@leechd.bsky.social
Quantitative Economist. Emeritus prof.
I stand with @DeclassifiedUK.org - I've just signed my name. Join me in telling Westminster that you care about freedom of the press.
secure.declassifieduk.org/page/178447/...
secure.declassifieduk.org/page/178447/...
Defend Press Freedom
I stand with Declassified UK - I've just signed my name. Join me in telling Westminster that you care about freedom of the press.
secure.declassifieduk.org
September 27, 2025 at 11:49 AM
I stand with @DeclassifiedUK.org - I've just signed my name. Join me in telling Westminster that you care about freedom of the press.
secure.declassifieduk.org/page/178447/...
secure.declassifieduk.org/page/178447/...
Reposted by Dennis Leech
✍️Governments and businesses serve vastly different purposes.
IIPP Director @mazzucatom.bsky.social and Co-Deputy Director @rainerkattel.bsky.social expand on these key differences, arguing for public sector reform to focus on long-term capability building.
🔗Read more here: buff.ly/o02kLJZ
IIPP Director @mazzucatom.bsky.social and Co-Deputy Director @rainerkattel.bsky.social expand on these key differences, arguing for public sector reform to focus on long-term capability building.
🔗Read more here: buff.ly/o02kLJZ
April 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM
✍️Governments and businesses serve vastly different purposes.
IIPP Director @mazzucatom.bsky.social and Co-Deputy Director @rainerkattel.bsky.social expand on these key differences, arguing for public sector reform to focus on long-term capability building.
🔗Read more here: buff.ly/o02kLJZ
IIPP Director @mazzucatom.bsky.social and Co-Deputy Director @rainerkattel.bsky.social expand on these key differences, arguing for public sector reform to focus on long-term capability building.
🔗Read more here: buff.ly/o02kLJZ
No new drilling in the North Sea! - secure.avaaz.org/campaign/en/...
No new drilling in the North Sea! Sign now
Oil companies want to keep drilling – and are pushing the UK government to backtrack on its commitments. But we have to stop drilling for oil. Now. Will you join me and call on Prime Minister Keir Sta...
secure.avaaz.org
April 8, 2025 at 8:42 AM
No new drilling in the North Sea! - secure.avaaz.org/campaign/en/...
Reposted by Dennis Leech
No politician dares to say this but eventually middle earners are going to have to pay more tax.
Fantastic article by @tomcalver.bsky.social: not only is the UK not a high-tax country, taxes on *middle-income* earners are low by international standards.
If taxes are to rise - and they should - it can't/won't be just on "the rich".
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
If taxes are to rise - and they should - it can't/won't be just on "the rich".
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
March 30, 2025 at 6:07 PM
No politician dares to say this but eventually middle earners are going to have to pay more tax.
Keir Starmer's Government Votes to Block UN Plan to Tackle Global Tax Avoidance – Byline Times bylinetimes.com/2025/02/04/k...
Keir Starmer's Government Votes to Block UN Plan to Tackle Global Tax Avoidance
The UK has joined with the United States and a handful of other rich nations in rejecting the UN push
bylinetimes.com
March 22, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Keir Starmer's Government Votes to Block UN Plan to Tackle Global Tax Avoidance – Byline Times bylinetimes.com/2025/02/04/k...
Reposted by Dennis Leech
Appeal Court *very slightly* reduces sentences on some of the 16 peaceful climate protesters, jailed for total of 41 years. This isn’t justice. People desperate for climate action to save lives treated like organised criminals, while big oil & gas get away with ecocide @defendourjuries.bsky.social
Just Stop Oil: Co-founder's sentence reduced in Court of Appeal
Sixteen climate protesters were jailed last year for their roles in Just Stop Oil demonstrations.
www.bbc.co.uk
March 7, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Appeal Court *very slightly* reduces sentences on some of the 16 peaceful climate protesters, jailed for total of 41 years. This isn’t justice. People desperate for climate action to save lives treated like organised criminals, while big oil & gas get away with ecocide @defendourjuries.bsky.social
Don’t be fooled. They lie as easily as they breathe.
open.substack.com/pub/annpetti...
open.substack.com/pub/annpetti...
Don’t be fooled. They lie as easily as they breathe.
Their real purpose? The demolition of democracy.
open.substack.com
February 24, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Don’t be fooled. They lie as easily as they breathe.
open.substack.com/pub/annpetti...
open.substack.com/pub/annpetti...
Reposted by Dennis Leech
This January, global temperatures were a shocking 1.75°C above preindustrial levels, making it the hottest on record.
It is our moral duty to do everything we can to stop climate change in its tracks.
This is why the Heathrow expansion and Rosebank development cannot happen.
It is our moral duty to do everything we can to stop climate change in its tracks.
This is why the Heathrow expansion and Rosebank development cannot happen.
February 6, 2025 at 3:05 PM
This January, global temperatures were a shocking 1.75°C above preindustrial levels, making it the hottest on record.
It is our moral duty to do everything we can to stop climate change in its tracks.
This is why the Heathrow expansion and Rosebank development cannot happen.
It is our moral duty to do everything we can to stop climate change in its tracks.
This is why the Heathrow expansion and Rosebank development cannot happen.
Reposted by Dennis Leech
Speaking truth to power
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, whose appeal to President Trump for mercy on behalf of immigrants and the LGBTQ community made headlines on Tuesday, was also critical of Trump during his first term.
Bishop Budde is the first woman to serve as the spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.
Bishop Budde is the first woman to serve as the spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.
Who Is Mariann Edgar Budde, the Bishop Who Made a Plea to Trump?
The first woman to serve as the spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, Bishop Budde had a message for President Trump during his first term, too.
www.nytimes.com
January 22, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Speaking truth to power
Reposted by Dennis Leech
"These airports are funnels for UK cash to go overseas - I'd like to hear the rationale for how that generates growth benefits in the UK."
@alchap.bsky.social explains why airport expansions won't create the growth the chancellor wants
@alchap.bsky.social explains why airport expansions won't create the growth the chancellor wants
January 22, 2025 at 4:02 PM
"These airports are funnels for UK cash to go overseas - I'd like to hear the rationale for how that generates growth benefits in the UK."
@alchap.bsky.social explains why airport expansions won't create the growth the chancellor wants
@alchap.bsky.social explains why airport expansions won't create the growth the chancellor wants
Reposted by Dennis Leech
📽️ "The BBC is a mouthpiece of the British foreign policy establishment, not a public service broadcaster".
What the BBC is not telling you about Israel, Keir Starmer and Gaza
👉 Watch on YouTube: youtu.be/Q_n3Ng2JC-8?...
What the BBC is not telling you about Israel, Keir Starmer and Gaza
👉 Watch on YouTube: youtu.be/Q_n3Ng2JC-8?...
What the BBC will NOT tell you about Israel, Keir Starmer and Gaza
YouTube video by Declassified UK
youtu.be
January 17, 2025 at 9:43 AM
📽️ "The BBC is a mouthpiece of the British foreign policy establishment, not a public service broadcaster".
What the BBC is not telling you about Israel, Keir Starmer and Gaza
👉 Watch on YouTube: youtu.be/Q_n3Ng2JC-8?...
What the BBC is not telling you about Israel, Keir Starmer and Gaza
👉 Watch on YouTube: youtu.be/Q_n3Ng2JC-8?...
Reposted by Dennis Leech
Tony Blair tells Brits to stop self-diagnosing with depression as 'UK can't afford spiralling benefits bill'.
Multi-millionaire declares war on the less well off.
Mental health problems caused by insecurity, poverty, lack of healthcare, mostly due to govt policies.
www.lbc.co.uk/news/tony-bl...
Multi-millionaire declares war on the less well off.
Mental health problems caused by insecurity, poverty, lack of healthcare, mostly due to govt policies.
www.lbc.co.uk/news/tony-bl...
Tony Blair tells Brits to stop self-diagnosing with depression as 'UK can't afford spiralling benefits bill'
Tony Blair has warned British people against self-diagnosing with mental health conditions, pointing to the country's spiralling sickness benefits bill.
www.lbc.co.uk
January 13, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Tony Blair tells Brits to stop self-diagnosing with depression as 'UK can't afford spiralling benefits bill'.
Multi-millionaire declares war on the less well off.
Mental health problems caused by insecurity, poverty, lack of healthcare, mostly due to govt policies.
www.lbc.co.uk/news/tony-bl...
Multi-millionaire declares war on the less well off.
Mental health problems caused by insecurity, poverty, lack of healthcare, mostly due to govt policies.
www.lbc.co.uk/news/tony-bl...
Reposted by Dennis Leech
HMRC says it failed to collect around £500bn in tax since 2010. Others says £1,400bn.
£570bn held by UK residents in financial accounts in tax havens. Tax dodged.
Companies dodge taxes by profit shifting to low/no tax havens. No HMRC estimates.
Govts hit the poor, don't upset corporations/rich.
£570bn held by UK residents in financial accounts in tax havens. Tax dodged.
Companies dodge taxes by profit shifting to low/no tax havens. No HMRC estimates.
Govts hit the poor, don't upset corporations/rich.
December 29, 2024 at 12:17 PM
HMRC says it failed to collect around £500bn in tax since 2010. Others says £1,400bn.
£570bn held by UK residents in financial accounts in tax havens. Tax dodged.
Companies dodge taxes by profit shifting to low/no tax havens. No HMRC estimates.
Govts hit the poor, don't upset corporations/rich.
£570bn held by UK residents in financial accounts in tax havens. Tax dodged.
Companies dodge taxes by profit shifting to low/no tax havens. No HMRC estimates.
Govts hit the poor, don't upset corporations/rich.
Here is the link to this very important, intelligent and morally empathic article by Israeli economics professors Ariel Rubinstein and Motty Perry that you can read without having to first go through the Haaretz paywall.
arielrubinstein.org/articles/Per...
arielrubinstein.org/articles/Per...
December 27, 2024 at 12:24 AM
Here is the link to this very important, intelligent and morally empathic article by Israeli economics professors Ariel Rubinstein and Motty Perry that you can read without having to first go through the Haaretz paywall.
arielrubinstein.org/articles/Per...
arielrubinstein.org/articles/Per...
I've just signed this petition. Will you add your name and share too?
December 18, 2024 at 4:21 PM
I've just signed this petition. Will you add your name and share too?
Reposted by Dennis Leech
Should Pension Schemes Ditch Gilts (part two)
Yesterday I published part one of Pension Oldie's compelling argument that gilts are not the best way to discount pension liabilities for valuation purposes. Tonight is the Mansion House Speech where we are expected to hear something about DB funding.…
Yesterday I published part one of Pension Oldie's compelling argument that gilts are not the best way to discount pension liabilities for valuation purposes. Tonight is the Mansion House Speech where we are expected to hear something about DB funding.…
Should Pension Schemes Ditch Gilts (part two)
Yesterday I published part one of Pension Oldie's compelling argument that gilts are not the best way to discount pension liabilities for valuation purposes. Tonight is the Mansion House Speech where we are expected to hear something about DB funding. It would be surprising, but not impossible for Pension Oldie's ideas to be adopted by Government. We are sorely in need of innovative thinking - here it is.
henrytapper.com
November 14, 2024 at 4:42 AM
Should Pension Schemes Ditch Gilts (part two)
Yesterday I published part one of Pension Oldie's compelling argument that gilts are not the best way to discount pension liabilities for valuation purposes. Tonight is the Mansion House Speech where we are expected to hear something about DB funding.…
Yesterday I published part one of Pension Oldie's compelling argument that gilts are not the best way to discount pension liabilities for valuation purposes. Tonight is the Mansion House Speech where we are expected to hear something about DB funding.…
Reposted by Dennis Leech
Should Pension Schemes Ditch Gilts?
Yesterday saw the implementation of the funding code, tomorrow may see it rewritten We are fast approaching the Mansion House Speech (Thursday) when we can confidently expect Government to address the issue of valuing and funding defined benefit pension schemes.…
Yesterday saw the implementation of the funding code, tomorrow may see it rewritten We are fast approaching the Mansion House Speech (Thursday) when we can confidently expect Government to address the issue of valuing and funding defined benefit pension schemes.…
Should Pension Schemes Ditch Gilts?
Yesterday saw the implementation of the funding code, tomorrow may see it rewritten We are fast approaching the Mansion House Speech (Thursday) when we can confidently expect Government to address the issue of valuing and funding defined benefit pension schemes. In advance of this speech I will be publishing two important blogs by Pension Oldie, the first - today - address the question…
henrytapper.com
November 13, 2024 at 5:38 AM
Should Pension Schemes Ditch Gilts?
Yesterday saw the implementation of the funding code, tomorrow may see it rewritten We are fast approaching the Mansion House Speech (Thursday) when we can confidently expect Government to address the issue of valuing and funding defined benefit pension schemes.…
Yesterday saw the implementation of the funding code, tomorrow may see it rewritten We are fast approaching the Mansion House Speech (Thursday) when we can confidently expect Government to address the issue of valuing and funding defined benefit pension schemes.…
Reposted by Dennis Leech
In praise of the NHS, those who work for us and for its patients!
My new home! One month in and so much healthier. — Henry Tapper (@henrytapper.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 7:47 AM Thankyou for reading this. This is my first public blog since November 14th. On Friday 14th November I was…
My new home! One month in and so much healthier. — Henry Tapper (@henrytapper.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 7:47 AM Thankyou for reading this. This is my first public blog since November 14th. On Friday 14th November I was…
In praise of the NHS, those who work for us and for its patients!
My new home! One month in and so much healthier. — Henry Tapper (@henrytapper.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 7:47 AM Thankyou for reading this. This is my first public blog since November 14th. On Friday 14th November I was knocked off a Santander bike and suffered broken bones, a beat up brain and an inability to explain myself. These impacts have reduced over the past month but I am far from 100%.
henrytapper.com
December 16, 2024 at 8:08 AM
In praise of the NHS, those who work for us and for its patients!
My new home! One month in and so much healthier. — Henry Tapper (@henrytapper.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 7:47 AM Thankyou for reading this. This is my first public blog since November 14th. On Friday 14th November I was…
My new home! One month in and so much healthier. — Henry Tapper (@henrytapper.bsky.social) December 16, 2024 at 7:47 AM Thankyou for reading this. This is my first public blog since November 14th. On Friday 14th November I was…
Reposted by Dennis Leech
Finance Curse
2023: £18.8bn raised in new shares on London Stock Exchange. Share buybacks £46.9bn
Major companies pay 70%+ of profits in dividends
UK ranks 28 among 31 OECD countries for investment in productive assets
Can't grow economy by indulging the City.
leftfootforward.org/2024/12/the-...
2023: £18.8bn raised in new shares on London Stock Exchange. Share buybacks £46.9bn
Major companies pay 70%+ of profits in dividends
UK ranks 28 among 31 OECD countries for investment in productive assets
Can't grow economy by indulging the City.
leftfootforward.org/2024/12/the-...
The government shouldn’t pin all of its hopes for economic growth on the finance industry
Such a strategy was tried in 1970s and came to grief in the mid-1970s secondary banking crash.
leftfootforward.org
December 14, 2024 at 2:16 PM
Finance Curse
2023: £18.8bn raised in new shares on London Stock Exchange. Share buybacks £46.9bn
Major companies pay 70%+ of profits in dividends
UK ranks 28 among 31 OECD countries for investment in productive assets
Can't grow economy by indulging the City.
leftfootforward.org/2024/12/the-...
2023: £18.8bn raised in new shares on London Stock Exchange. Share buybacks £46.9bn
Major companies pay 70%+ of profits in dividends
UK ranks 28 among 31 OECD countries for investment in productive assets
Can't grow economy by indulging the City.
leftfootforward.org/2024/12/the-...
Reposted by Dennis Leech
Wessex Water’s Malaysian owners under investigation for corruption
Won't happen in England, Govts protect companies
Wessex is serial offender, dumps sewage in rivers, paid £78m dividend last yr, £3bn debt; 47 criminal convictions; but no investigation.
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/revealed-w...
Won't happen in England, Govts protect companies
Wessex is serial offender, dumps sewage in rivers, paid £78m dividend last yr, £3bn debt; 47 criminal convictions; but no investigation.
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/revealed-w...
Revealed: Wessex Water’s Malaysian owners under investigation for corruption
Malaysian anti-corruption investigators have launched probe into YTL Power subsidiary over £700m public contract
democracyforsale.substack.com
December 14, 2024 at 11:15 AM
Wessex Water’s Malaysian owners under investigation for corruption
Won't happen in England, Govts protect companies
Wessex is serial offender, dumps sewage in rivers, paid £78m dividend last yr, £3bn debt; 47 criminal convictions; but no investigation.
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/revealed-w...
Won't happen in England, Govts protect companies
Wessex is serial offender, dumps sewage in rivers, paid £78m dividend last yr, £3bn debt; 47 criminal convictions; but no investigation.
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/revealed-w...
Reposted by Dennis Leech
Thames Water customers face £263 bill rise, it is downing in £18bn debt.
After extracting billions in dividends shareholders won't invest. Thames wants to raise capital from customers, but shareholders will own company and extract even more cash.
Rip-off.
metro.co.uk/2024/12/11/c...
After extracting billions in dividends shareholders won't invest. Thames wants to raise capital from customers, but shareholders will own company and extract even more cash.
Rip-off.
metro.co.uk/2024/12/11/c...
Water customers face huge bill this Christmas
'A higher water bill is the Christmas present nobody asked for.'
metro.co.uk
December 14, 2024 at 11:48 AM
Thames Water customers face £263 bill rise, it is downing in £18bn debt.
After extracting billions in dividends shareholders won't invest. Thames wants to raise capital from customers, but shareholders will own company and extract even more cash.
Rip-off.
metro.co.uk/2024/12/11/c...
After extracting billions in dividends shareholders won't invest. Thames wants to raise capital from customers, but shareholders will own company and extract even more cash.
Rip-off.
metro.co.uk/2024/12/11/c...
Reposted by Dennis Leech
Growth has disappeared – so what is Rachel Reeves going to do now ? youtu.be/cmgqyeR3OZs?... The latest figures for the UK’s GDP suggest that growth is flatlining, and the problem with that for Labour is that everything they said they’d do was based on growth happening. So, what now, Rachel Reeves?
Growth has disappeared – so what is Rachel Reeves going to do now ?
YouTube video by Richard J Murphy
youtu.be
December 14, 2024 at 8:14 AM
Growth has disappeared – so what is Rachel Reeves going to do now ? youtu.be/cmgqyeR3OZs?... The latest figures for the UK’s GDP suggest that growth is flatlining, and the problem with that for Labour is that everything they said they’d do was based on growth happening. So, what now, Rachel Reeves?