The New Statesman | UK politics and culture Hunter Biden and South Korea: What's going on in the world?
Dec 6, 2024
Will Dunn, the Business editor for the New Statesman, and Katie Stallard, the International editor, dive deep into urgent global issues. They analyze President Biden's unexpected pardon of his son Hunter, dissecting its political and familial implications. The discussion takes a dramatic turn as they unpack the declaration of martial law in South Korea, exploring the government's motivations and citizen reactions. Their insights shed light on the intersection of economics and international affairs, making for a riveting conversation.
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Who Lends to the UK Government?
- UK government borrowing is primarily done through issuing bonds, similar to IOUs with interest payments.
- The biggest lenders are overseas investors, insurance/pension funds, and even individual citizens through pensions.
Economically Inactive vs. Vacancies
- 9.25 million people of working age are economically inactive in the UK, alongside 831,000 job vacancies.
- Surveys suggest potential underestimation of actual worker numbers due to low response rates, especially post-pandemic.
Hunter Biden's Pardon
- President Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, for gun and tax charges, despite previous statements against such action.
- This decision raises concerns about democratic norms and potential misuse of presidential power.