Osborne’s First Budget

Just as George Osborne prepared his Emergency Budget, we heard from three very well placed voices on the economy: Justin Urquhart Stewart, Anthony Hilton and Sir John Gieve – former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England.

Justin is co-founder of Seven Investment Management and a frequent media commentator. On the Today Programme he suggested the Euro might be replaced by the ‘Neuro’ (for stronger nations) and a ‘Eurolite’ currency for the rest.

Anthony is the long-serving Financial Editor of the Evening Standard. In his view “we can’t cut our way out of the mess and we can’t tax our way out. The only way is to grow.” (Click here to read a short Q&A with him on our site.)

As well as his role at the BoE and on the Monetary Policy Committee, Sir John has carried out spending reviews for both Labour and Conservative governments – the next task for Osborne’s team at The Treasury. He provided a valuable insight into the practical choices facing the new Coalition.