They can seem remote from the everyday priorities of people here at home. But at its heart, trade is a powerful way to deliver what people really care about.
The ideas of that decade are still with us, staggering around like a zombie in a garish “Global Hypercolor” t-shirt.
With Brexit negotiations intensifying, the carmakers’ decision to focus on Sunderland manufacturing gives David Frost great leverage.
This hugely important industry is undergoing rapid change. For the region that created the golden age of motoring, that’s an opportunity.
The battlegrounds of the next election, as well as the wider economy, are being shaped by new technology.
Both traditional vehicles and traditional ownership patterns are set to become a thing of the past. We must not let Brexit cloud our eyes to what really need to be done.
Number Ten has been desperate from the start that we must remain in the Customs Union – and endure a kind of semi-skimmed faux Brexit.
In a balanced economy, the north would produce around £70 billion more. Here is one way to help close that gap.
Plus: investment increasing, Heseltine declining. Listen to Farage – especially if you disagree with him. And: Activate sounds like dermatological face cream.
Since it bought British Steel ten years ago it has faced challenge after challenge.
Meanwhile, Labour continue to oppose progress at every turn.
Why are they incapable of welcoming such good news?
‘Our objective’, the Secretary of State says, ‘would be to ensure that we have continued access to the markets in Europe — and vice versa — without tariffs’