Gosling's Grouse: Has the Chancellor come of age?

In a speech two minutes short of an hour, George Osborne at times sounded like a headmaster sending a young pupil out into the big wide world of work.

clock

In a speech two minutes short of an hour, George Osborne at times sounded like a headmaster sending a young pupil out into the big wide world of work.

Was he remembering his own final days at school when he was told about ‘earning his way in the world'? We may never know, but certainly for his third budget Osborne repeated on a number of occasions his desire for Britain to pay its way and tried to compare the country's economy with those of China, Brazil and India. And indeed he revealed that last year the UK exported more to Ireland than it did to the four BRIC nations combined and he committed to improving exports. But where are those exports going to come from? Sadly some of it will be more versions of Downton Abbey and what h...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Gilt yields fall after Donald Trump backs down in 'tariff war'

Gilt yields fall after Donald Trump backs down in 'tariff war'

US president pauses most additional tariffs

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 10 April 2025 • 2 min read
Reeves defends yearly Budget to avoid 'constant chopping and changing'

Reeves defends yearly Budget to avoid 'constant chopping and changing'

Treasury Committee scrutinises chancellor on Spring Statement

Isabel Baxter
clock 02 April 2025 • 3 min read
Five key takeaways from the Spring Statement 2025

Five key takeaways from the Spring Statement 2025

OBR growth, ISA reforms and defence

Sorin Dojan
clock 27 March 2025 • 4 min read