Ben Wealthy

I am one of the 48%. In my hometown of Harrow remain won (55 to 45). I remain a remainer. The culture of bullying and name-calling (remoaners etc) targeted at those who continue - as a point of principle - to support EU membership represents some of the worst aspects of our country's political DNA. It is important to be humble in victory, as well as defeat. Whilst I accept the referendum result, I do not accept the rewriting of history which suggests it was in any respect a categorical result with clear implications.  17,410,742 votes compared to 16,141,241 was - and is - close. And reducing a complex issue with a million little issues inside it into a binary choice of yes or no was a foolish and irresponsible decision by David Cameron.  Brexit and what it means - should mean- is contestable and should be contested. I have a further, big concern though. Aside from the overwhelming cultural, economic and political case for being inside the European Union I have always feared B

I have to confess to not being a regular follower of the work of the Centre for Economics and Business Research - hence the reason I am writing a blog about a report they published in December 2014. I have clearly been missing out. But, we'll get to that in a bit.  This week has been one of those weeks when you are fully alive to the frustration and futility of being a commuter in London. Hours spent uncomfortably lodged under someone's armpit listening to [insert most despised music]. Your book unreadable whilst stuck to your face. Delays to reach further delays. Arriving at work (almost on time) looking as dischevelled as you had imaged appearing by clocking off o'clock. Repeat.  On Thursday an announcer at my local station in Metroland - a paradise constructed on the dream of living both the urban and suburban dream at once - proceeded to list the various chaos, cancellations and catastrophes of the morning. He ended with 'all other lines are running normally'