0:00
/
0:00
Transcript

In this episode of the Institute of Economic Affairs podcast, host Colin Price, Director of Communications, is joined by Tom Clougherty, Executive Director, and Dr. Kristian Niemietz, Editorial Director, to discuss the Chancellor's Spring Statement. The team analyses the updated growth forecasts, which have been halved for the current year to 1%, and examines how planning reforms could potentially add 0.2% to GDP growth.

The conversation shifts to President Trump's upcoming tariffs on cars and light vehicles, with Tom and Kristian arguing against retaliatory measures from the UK. They also address the closure of British Steel's Scunthorpe plant, discussing whether the UK needs sovereign steel capability and how energy policy impacts heavy industry.

The panel concludes with a critical examination of wealth tax proposals, particularly the 2% tax on wealth over £10 million advocated by Gary Stevenson. Tom outlines why such taxes have been abandoned by most countries that implemented them, arguing they would be economically destructive and administratively complex. We bring you a public affairs podcast with a difference. We want to get beyond the headlines and instead focus on the big ideas and foundational principles that matter to classical liberals.