Peace in our time! OBR not 'at war' with HM Treasury
OBR committee member Professor David Miles tells MPs that he ‘wouldn't say we were at war with the Treasury’
“Don’t panic! Don’t panic!” to quote Lance-Corporal Jones from Dad’s Army. These islands have not been magically transported back in time to the Second World War, Vladimir Putin hasn’t invaded a Nato ally (yet), and Donald Trump hasn’t even sent US troops to seize Greenland. None of these things is happening.
Furthermore, we are delighted to report that a state of war does not exist between HM Treasury and the Office for Budget Responsibility. Civil service mandarins may have been on manoeuvres and OBR tanks may have – in the view of some – been parked on the Chancellor’s lawn, but peace reigns supreme nonetheless.
That was the message from OBR committee member Professor David Miles who told MPs: "I wouldn't say we were at war with the Treasury...” Perhaps visualising the headlines, he then quickly added: “I mean, we have a very close relationship with the Treasury.”
Yes, indeed. That’s certainly what they are supposed to have. Perhaps it’s time for all concerned to calm down. Anyone for a spot of tea and a lovely piece of upside-down cake made by Godfrey’s sister Dolly?
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