The first question is one we’ve considered from various angles over the years on this blog.  The second is, of course, timely – although the important emphasis here is on the ‘complete’.  As we’ll see, they’re very, very connected!

Trying to pursue a socialist argument in a world largely sold on capitalism is always a struggle.  You have to deal with every issue and answer every question in line with the rules of Monopoly, but you don’t want to play Monopoly: it’s a stupid game – there are far better ones – but no-one understands you – or wants to understand you – unless you do.

• Q:  So, Jeremy, how will your policies ensure that the UK GDP continues to grow after Brexit?
• A:  I don’t particularly care if it does. It’s a physical law that nothing can increase exponentially for ever: something goes ‘bang’ in the end. We need to look beyond economics for the real answers.

But, of course, if Jeremy says that, he gets carted off to a rest home.  So, instead, he has to pretend that he’s interested in GDP, and that taxing Starbucks will help it.  Well, it might or it might not – that’s close to irrelevant – but, already, we’re having to have the debate on their terms.

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