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The OBR and the Politics of UK Growth amidst Brexit, Uncertainty and Austerity

The OBR and the Politics of UK Growth amidst Brexit, Uncertainty and Austerity banner image, Union Jack and EU flag in front of London skyline and stormy skies

There may be trouble ahead ...

Exploring the politics of economic performace assessments during times of pervasive uncertainty

Financial data analysis charts and graphs

Firm evidence?

To what extent are economic forecasts grounded in firm evidence and scientific analyis? Are economic projections also themselves political constructs?

  • UK Economy's Growth Path
  • Economic growth forecasting ...art or science?
  • the end of Austerity?
  • which way now?
  • what will all this mean for British manufacturing?
  • what future for British capitalism?
Research theme 1: The politics of constructing economic performance assessment

Research theme #1: The politics of constructing economic performance assessment


Assessing present and future economic growth is a deeply political process, with major implications for UK economic policy

Data analysis chart, pen and glasses

Research theme #2: Piloting economic policy under conditions of pervasive uncertainty


Economic forecasting always faces significant uncertainties. How do the OBR and others deal with such uncertainty?

Union Jack and stock market graphs

Research theme #3: Brexit, UK economic growth and the British model of capitalism


How will Brexit change the UK economy’s structure, performance, productivity and growth potential?

Union Jack and European Union flag in front of London skyline

Research theme #4: Brexit and the UK's economic growth in the public debate


How well-informed are the positions on Brexit’s economic impacts within the public debate and political process?