Agreed. I think rates do need to be tied to ability to pay, in practice profitability. The problem there, profits are easily manipulated unlike property, so you have the Starbucks situation where the… (View Post)

I think the fundamental problem is that low margin businesses requiring high rent properties struggle to pay correspondingly big rates bills. The issue is structural. Sunak applied a band aid, which … (View Post)

There are 20 seats where the Lib Dems came second to the Conservatives in 2024, according to Google AI. These would be the obvious targets for them if the Conservatives fall back further relative to … (View Post)

I'm not sure the US would defend Korea or Japan against China. Albeit those scenarios are unlikely right now. They have the same questions about their erstwhile ally as Europe does. (View Post)

Indeed. I'm interested in what effect a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would have on American perceptions of its own place in the world. It would be the first major Chinese military incursion outsid… (View Post)