Author Archives: Stuart Barrow

The “just add an egg” theory of taxation

Before we all rush to agree with Nick, is it in fact fair and right to increase the personal tax allowance to £10,000? Is it, as Tim Montgomerie suggests, ‘One Nation’ for Britain to be split so markedly between the … Continue reading

Posted in Economics | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Localism should take us back to Blackpool. Let’s encourage it.

No offence to our great cities, but I much prefer a conference in a seaside resort.   Sadly, after years of losing competitive advantage against cities investing heavily in tourism infrastructure and bed spaces, the seaside has been all but abandoned by … Continue reading

Posted in Party Politics | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Don’t be grateful for gay marriage

Just over 10 years ago I wrote a 45 minute speech for Michael Portillo to a conference of brewers and licensed retailers.  The speech contained proposals I had hammered out with Michael and Oliver Letwin for reduced excise duty on beers … Continue reading

Posted in General | Tagged , , | 13 Comments