Two interesting graphs from today's IFS report into the highest tax rises in history. First, the change in total tax receipts per parliament since 1900, coloured according the party in charge: Second… (View Post)

Do many Red Wallers really see Sunak as a fellow driver? He doesn't know how to buy petrol, and he's famous for his use of helicopters. Who's going to think "oh, he's just like me"? Yesterd… (View Post)

People have been telling fibs about HS2's impact on ancient woodland from the start. The biggest increase in projected cost for the line came from changing the Chiltern tunnel from cheap(-ish) cut &a… (View Post)

Yes, Phase 2a (Birmingham to Crewe) is by far the cheapest part of HS2. That's why it was separated out from the rest of Phase 2 and brought forward after the Oakervee Review - it was seen as a quick… (View Post)

It must be that he's hoping to get the kudos for a "surprise" announcement that Phase 2b (aka the core of Northern Powerhouse Rail) is going ahead, whilst scrapping everything else that's n… (View Post)