Brexit Bites: UK Farm Exports Plunge 37% as Trade Barriers Mount
Today's digest reveals how government intervention shapes our economic landscape, from Brexit's impact on British farming to the hidden costs of caring responsibilities. We explore international trade barriers (4.2.4), government spending decisions (4.1.5), and how changing consumer tastes are reshaping Britain's high streets (4.1.2). Plus, we discover why Team GB's rejected skeleton helmet is actually a fascinating case study in innovation versus regulation. And find out what happened on this day in economic history when European nations took a giant leap towards monetary union.
Post-Brexit sales of British farm products to EU fall by 37%
British farm product exports to the EU have fallen by 37% in the five years since Brexit, according to National Farmers' Union analysis of HMRC data. The decline affects products from beef to cheddar cheese, highlighting trade barriers from the UK's departure from the EU, and could take years to restore despite UK-EU reset efforts.
Exam Tip
This article is highly relevant for Paper 2 international trade questions (4.2.4.2) and protectionism discussions (4.2.4.4). Students can use concrete data on Brexit's trade impact to evaluate arguments about free trade versus protectionism, trading blocs (4.2.4.3), and non-tariff barriers. The 37% decline provides specific evidence of how trade barriers affect export volumes. It's excellent for evaluation in 25-mark essays - students can discuss the magnitude and persistence of trade effects, time lags for adjustment, and whether trade deals can restore losses. The NFU's warning it could take years illustrates dynamic effects of leaving trading blocs. Also useful for discussing balance of payments (4.2.4.5) impacts of reduced exports, and supply-side effects (4.1.2.6) of reduced market access on farmers.
UK’s ‘unsung army’ of full-time unpaid carers needs more support, report says
A Resolution Foundation report reveals that 1 million people in the UK provide full-time unpaid care, with one in three carers from poorer families unable to work due to their caring responsibilities. The trend reflects an ageing society and increasing ill-health and disability concentrated among working-age families in the poorest half of the population.
‘We need to accept the cost’: future of British Steel unclear as bills for government build up
The UK government is spending over £1.2 million per day to keep British Steel's Scunthorpe site operational after taking emergency control from Chinese owner Jingye. The total cost has reached £359 million, with the government legally controlling operations while Jingye retains ownership, creating uncertainty about the steelworks' future.
Thousands of Malawi businesses close in protest over tax changes
Thousands of small businesses in Malawi closed in protest against new tax measures aimed at improving government revenue collection. The peaceful demonstrations across four major cities forced officials to delay the tax regime's introduction, with business owners arguing the changes would threaten their survival.
Trump housing policy is a mess and it won’t fix the US housing crisis
The article critiques Donald Trump's housing policy, arguing that deregulation alone cannot solve the US housing affordability crisis. It highlights the contradiction between Trump's stated desire to keep housing prices high for existing owners while simultaneously promising to halve new home costs.
How Britain became a fried chicken nation
An American-style fried chicken trend has spread to the UK, creating competition for traditional fish and chip shops. This represents a shift in consumer preferences and market dynamics in the fast-food sector.
UK trade policy: time to stop the secret deals and get systematic
Liam Byrne is calling for more transparent UK trade policy, echoing Robin Cook's ethical trade approach. The article highlights concerns about secretive trade deals and the need for greater parliamentary and public scrutiny to prevent problematic agreements.
Famous but deadly kite flying festival returns after 19-year ban
A traditional kite flying festival returns after a 19-year ban imposed due to injuries and deaths from sharp strings, falls, and celebratory gunfire. The ban's removal involves weighing cultural benefits against negative externalities and public safety costs.
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