The Latest Breaking News from Simon French

Five questions facing Andy Burnham on the UK economy

The new PM can’t afford to be any more daring when it comes to the economy as financial mistakes could be costly, warn experts

The Independent UK · Jul 17

Brexit is a work in progress nearly a decade on from the referendum

I am constantly being asked with disbelief why I voted for Brexit, my answer is inevitably complex

Evening Standard · Jan 1

On Zack Polanski’s Magic Money Tree, economic gravity simply doesn’t exist

The Green Party leader thinks Modern Monetary Theory is a cure for Britain’s woes — others see it as snake oil at best, writes Jonathan Prynn

Evening Standard · Dec 5, 2025

FTSE ends above 9,300 for first time amid brighter PMI print

UK public sector borrowing was also better than expected last month, although the data is unlikely to end talk of tax rises in the autumn budget.

Evening Standard · Aug 21, 2025

Labour’s economic illiteracy is dragging us into a doom loop

A debt disaster is looming — and too many backbenchers just don’t understand the grim reality

Evening Standard · Jul 17, 2025

Pound and UK bonds recovering after Starmer backs Reeves; US economy adds 147,000 jobs in June – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news, as economists predict that Wednesday’s sell-off has strengthened Reeves’s position

The Guardian - UK · Jul 3, 2025

Chancellor could have to break one annual fiscal event commitment – experts

The Chancellor will deliver a statement on March 26 in response to the latest forecast from the budget watchdog.

Evening Standard · Mar 6, 2025

Big City development thwarted by men with tiny paintbrushes

“The UK economy is dealing with sclerosis of old age, and unable to politically chart the trade-offs.” Those were the thoughts this week of top economist Simon French.

Evening Standard · May 12, 2024

City on watch for Bank of England rate cut after latest lacklustre growth data

UK heads away from recession as economy grows in November but weak expansion adds to pressure on the BOE for action

Evening Standard · Jan 11, 2024

Week-long Tube strike could cost London economy £100m a day

‘Entire country will suffer’ if capital grinds to a halt, leading business groups tell The Independent

The Independent UK · Jan 4, 2024