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What happened at the Liaison Committee?
Apr 8, 2025
Isabel Hardman, the Deputy Political Editor at the Spectator, and Michael Simmons, Economics Editor, join the discussion. They analyze Keir Starmer's recent questioning at the Liaison Committee, diving into tariffs, defense, and welfare amidst a modest market recovery sparked by potential US-China negotiations. The duo debates the sustainability of this optimism and the challenges Starmer faces in maintaining his fiscal rules. Additionally, they address welfare reforms and political dynamics as the Lib Dems adjust their messaging ahead of local elections.
14:49
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Quick takeaways
- Keir Starmer faced scrutiny during the Liaison Committee regarding tariffs and the government's economic strategies amid ongoing challenges.
- The Liberal Democrats are shifting their focus towards national security and current global issues to appeal to a new demographic of voters.
Deep dives
Market Recovery and Influencing Factors
Recent market fluctuations have led to signs of recovery, with the FTSE index showing a notable increase. This uptick in markets is attributed to two main factors: retail investors seizing the opportunity to buy stocks at lower prices and optimistic speculation surrounding potential trade agreements between the United States and China. The commentary from Donald Trump regarding possible tariff negotiations has contributed to this optimism, although there remains skepticism about whether such agreements will materialize. Despite the positive shift in market indicators, experts caution that uncertainty persists, particularly concerning the ongoing trade tensions.
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