You say that but

arguably at least some of the economic success of Germany can be attributed to the political and economic power of the 16 Lander. For example, regional finance and banking which supports long term investment in manufacturing rather than short term speculation.

The UK is a horribly centralised country where economic policy is dominated by London and finance is dominated by the City and its role as a global hub.

Posted By: Knitted Jesus, Apr 24, 13:47:01