The Economics Show How to kickstart the UK economy. With Tim Leunig
41 snips
Oct 23, 2025 
Tim Leunig, a London School of Economics professor and former adviser, shares insightful strategies to revitalize the UK's sluggish economy. He highlights the historical and international contexts of the UK's performance, discusses the fiscal stance needed to restore market confidence, and advocates for easing planning restrictions to boost housing supply. Leunig also emphasizes the importance of smarter tax policies and eliminating cash transactions to recover significant lost revenue. His pragmatic approach to transport and local planning aims to balance development with environmental protections.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
UK Not As Broken As Headlines Say
- Tim Leunig argues the UK isn't historically in a dire mess and is richer than ever before.
- He rates the current situation around a 2.5–3 out of 10 despite pessimism about growth.
US Energy Luck Drives Growth
- Leunig says the US outperforms due to integrated markets and sustained energy advantages.
- He calls the US's repeated energy 'jackpot' a decisive growth factor over Europe.
Build A Big Fiscal Buffer
- Leunig advises Chancellor Rachel Reeves to target a large fiscal surplus to reassure markets.
- He links a credible surplus to lower interest rates and needed economic stimulus.