Germany’s trade surplus is a threat to global stability, and must be fixed

[Mordac]

Could someone please explain why the UK doesn't have a trade surplus?

Because we can't produce our own Prosecco, and we don't make BMW convertibles. Otherwise we'd be fine.

[darmstadt]

Because we can't produce our own Prosecco, and we don't make BMW convertibles. Otherwise we'd be fine.

Nice try but not quite true:

English sparkling wine beats champagne in Paris blind tasting

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini_(...009_to_2015.29

(Actually the Mini Convertible might now be produced in Holland, not too sure about that)

[PurpleGorilla]

Germany’s trade surplus is a threat to global stability, and must be fixed

What that chart does not show is the devaluation of the pound against other major currencies. George's QE has made everyone poorer.

Indeed.

This probably sums up Brexit in a single chart!

[PurpleGorilla]

All spending should have been reduced pro-rate by 10% over 5-10 year period, that would have given nice budget proficit.

I'm all for taking away all soft benefits and means testing the rest.

Why a boomer in a 6 bed detached on 3 acres needs heating allowance is beyond me!

[scooterscot]

When you consider that chart above, it's not just that Brits have suffered a -10% wage growth but they now find themselves with a difference of 25% wage growth compared to some of their EU counterparts. 25%

I'm not sure what the UK's game plan is but I hope it works out for them!

[Platypus]

I'm all for taking away all soft benefits and means testing the rest.

Why a boomer in a 6 bed detached on 3 acres needs heating allowance is beyond me!

Often, means testing is more expensive than just giving the money away to everyone, no questions asked.

[AtW]

I'm all for taking away all soft benefits and means testing the rest.
Why a boomer in a 6 bed detached on 3 acres needs heating allowance is beyond me!

Means testing is totally wrong - it costs money and most importantly cuts off those who pay tax to support the system in the first place.

[PurpleGorilla]

Germany’s trade surplus is a threat to global stability, and must be fixed

Means testing is totally wrong - it costs money and most importantly cuts off those who pay tax to support the system in the first place.

Tie it to council tax band then. If you are in a high band - you are rich. So no winter fuelZ

[AtW]

Tie it to council tax band then. If you are in a high band - you are rich. So no winter fuelZ

Your envy will consume you

[PurpleGorilla]

Your envy will consume you

Lol. All I'm saying is if you live in a massive house then you clearly are wealthy enough not to need heating allowance..