On VoxEU, Diane Coyle examines the debate in how we measure progress. Criticisms of GDP have grown recently and many argue that subjective wellbeing (or happiness as it is sometimes known) should take its place. She argues that “There are good arguments for paying less attention to GDP and more to indicators of welfare and sustainability, but it would be a mistake to adjust or replace GDP”.
On the University of Manchester policy blog, Colin Talbot explores reasons why we might see a premature end to the coalition government. “Can the Tories and Lib Dems really agree a tax and spend set of policies [in the 2015 Budget,] that close to the General Election? Won’t the desire to put clear blue/orange water between them be overwhelming by then?”
On the What Scotland Thinks blog, Stephen Quinlan documents how the Scottish referendum debate is playing out over the internet. If social media activity were a good reflection of voting intention the ‘Yes’ side would be ahead, but the challenge remains in translating the online enthusiasm into real-life support.
On the Fabian Society blog, Marie-Noelle Loewe looks ahead to the upcoming European Union Parliament elections, arguing that “a UKIP electoral success would increase Britain’s image as the ‘the naughty child no one wants to play with’ among those on the continent dedicated to a united Europe”.
On SPERI Comment, Craig Berry and Scott Lavery remark on the persistence of Britain’s trade imbalance despite a devalued Sterling.
