Robert Shrimsley (Opinion, March 7) argues that Westminster is struggling to articulate a coherent response to the dark cloud forming in the west. It might be easier if we considered the potential silver lining to that cloud.
The political economy that Donald Trump is building, characterised by executive fiat and insider access, creates opportunities for Britain.
First, the rule of law will be a competitive advantage. Second, the UK should hold to its “Wimbledon” model whereby anyone who qualifies and abides by the rules can come, compete and win. This will attract the diverse, creative, entrepreneurial talent which is core to a digital economy. No need to speak Maga (or have televisual hair) to have a seat at the table.
Third, at the heart of a successful modern economy is access to reliable, trustworthy information. This is critical for decision-making and as the raw ingredient for artificial intelligence. The US appears to be shuttering public data sets, browbeating irksome media and eviscerating fact checkers. The UK should invest in its information infrastructure, ranging from the BBC to the putative national data library, and aspire to be a content superpower.
Economic growth is key to sustainable security and independence. The outlook for that might just have got a little clearer.
Tim Gordon
Partner, Best Practice AI
London N1, UK
