by Her Excellency Ismara Mercedes Vargas Walter, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the United Kingdom
BRITAIN has one of the largest, least diverse, most complex and interconnected financial systems of the advanced economies.
In contrast to many other countries, the banking sector in Britain is dominated by a handful of large, shareholder-owned universal banks, whose main aim is to maximise shareholder return.
Britain is also unusual in that it lacks a significant local or regional banking presence — the market is overwhelmingly dominated by national and often internationally orientated banks.
These features contribute towards a number of social and economic problems.
Can Andy Burnham’s programme deliver a productive economy – or merely a softer version of capitalism, asks VINCE MILLS
Only an ambitious programme of state-led investment can restore growth and improve living standards, argues MICHAEL BURKE
If the government really wanted to address public finances, improve living standards and begin economic recovery, it would increase its borrowing for investment, argues MICHAEL BURKE



