In this opening session, we respond to the latest events in an attempt to better understand why economic uncertainty has defined 2026.

Economic uncertainty has defined 2026 – from the Iran war and the impact of higher oil prices, to the future of devolution given seismic developments in Scotland and Wales, questions both global and closer to home loom large. In this opening session Chaired by Ed Conway (Sky News), panellists will respond to the latest events, attempting to distil clearer stories from the noise. Our new interactive Q&A feature will allow you to give your views and pose your questions too.

Speakers:

Ed Conway (Sky News; Chair)

Richard Davies (London School of Economics)

Helen Miller (Institute for Fiscal Studies)

Ruth Curtice (Resolution Foundation)

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Ed Conway is a writer and broadcaster. He is the Economics and Data Editor of Sky News and a regular columnist for The Times and Sunday Times. He has won numerous awards for his journalism and his book Material World was a Sunday Times bestseller and nominated for multiple prizes and books-of-the-year lists.

Richard Davies is an economist and author. He is a Professor in Practice at the London School of Economics and director of the Economics Observatory. He has been Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers at HM Treasury, an economist and speechwriter at the Bank of England, and economics editor of The Economist. He has previously published work on money, banking and financial crises. His current research uses micro data to study economy-wide questions including prices and inflation, wages and productivity.

Helen Miller is Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). She joined the IFS in 2007 and has almost two decades of experience analysing UK fiscal policy and providing trusted advice to policymakers. Her work has been published in top peer reviewed journals and covered across all main media outlets. She is an excellent and experienced media commentator. She has also served as a trustee to the Royal Economic Society.

Ruth Curtice is the Chief Executive of the Resolution Foundation. She was previously Director of fiscal policy at HM Treasury (HMT) where she worked for over 15 years. Her career has focused on domestic economic policy including labour markets, tax, fiscal policy and financial regulation. Ruth has held a wide range of roles in HMT, including working in the Chancellor’s private office, supporting the Independent Commission on Banking, and leading the Treasury’s distributional analysis.

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Tickets are now available via Eventbrite. Discounts are available for groups (10+ people) and school bookings - get in touch here (https://economicsfestival.co.uk/contact/).

Artwork by Alys Jones Illustration (https://www.alysjonesillustration.com/).

Description supplied by the event organiser.