LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has named economist Minouche Shafik, formerly president of Columbia University, as his principal economic adviser. The appointment is part of a broader restructuring aimed at improving the government’s approach to economic challenges and managing political discourse around immigration. n nThe Labour administration, led by the center-left party, has faced difficulties in stimulating economic expansion and controlling inflation. These pressures have placed Treasury head Rachel Reeves in a difficult position as she prepares her autumn budget, weighing options on fiscal policy and public expenditure. n nShafik, who previously served as deputy governor of the Bank of England, brings experience from high-level roles in both academia and public service in the UK. Her tenure at Columbia University ended in August 2024 after slightly more than a year, amid controversy over her response to campus protests and divisions linked to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. n nDuring her time in New York, Shafik encountered criticism from various groups. Some student organizations condemned her for authorizing police intervention during demonstrations. At the same time, members of the U.S. Congress, particularly Republicans, urged stronger action against expressions of antisemitism on campus. n nDave Pares, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Starmer, stated that the prime minister is pleased to welcome Shafik, highlighting her “outstanding background in economic policy and leadership.” n nIn addition to this appointment, Starmer has reorganized his communications team and elevated Darren Jones, previously a Treasury minister, to the newly created role of chief secretary to the prime minister. This position will focus on aligning government efforts with key policy objectives. n nThese changes coincide with the return of Parliament following a summer recess marked by numerous small-scale but intense protests near accommodations for asylum seekers. The Labour government, which came to power in July 2024, has struggled to manage irregular migration while fulfilling its humanitarian obligations. n nThe right-wing Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, has sought to exploit public concern over the arrival of migrants via small boats across the English Channel. Farage has portrayed unauthorized entrants as a national threat and vowed to deport all such individuals if his party ever assumes office. n nAlthough Reform UK holds only a few seats in the House of Commons, it has consistently outperformed both Labour and the Conservative opposition in opinion polls. n
— news from ABC News
— News Original —
Former Columbia University president Minouche Shafik tapped as UK economic adviser
LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday appointed economist and former Columbia University president Minouche Shafik as his chief economic adviser. It’s part of a staff shakeup aimed at strengthening the government’s response to a sluggish economy and a heated political debate over immigration. n nStarmer’s center-left Labour Party government has struggled to boost economic growth and curb inflation, leaving Treasury chief Rachel Reeves facing unpalatable choices about taxes and spending in her budget this fall. n nShafik, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England, has held senior academic and civil service roles in Britain, and served a brief, tempestuous term as Columbia president. The British-U.S. national left her job leading the New York university in August 2024 after just over a year following scrutiny of her handling of protests and campus divisions over the Israel-Hamas war. n nLike other U.S. university leaders, Shafik faced criticism from many corners: Some students groups blasted her decision to invite police in to arrest protesters. Republicans in Congress and others called on her to do more to call out antisemitism. n nStarmer spokesman Dave Pares said the prime minister was delighted to have Shafik bring her “exceptional record when it comes to economic expertise” to the government. n nStarmer also shook up his communications team and appointed Darren Jones, formerly a minister in the Treasury, to the new post of chief secretary to the prime minister, tasked with coordinating work on policy priorities. n nThe moves came as lawmakers returned to Parliament after a summer break that saw dozens of small but heated protests outside hotels housing asylum-seekers. The Labour government, which was elected in July 2024, has struggled to curb unauthorized migration and fulfill its responsibility to accommodate those seeking refuge. n nThe hard-right Reform UK party led by Nigel Farage has sought to capitalize on concern about thousands of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats. Painting the asylum-seekers as a threat, Farage has pledged to deport everyone who enters the country without authorization should Reform win power in a future election. n nReform has only a handful of lawmakers in the House of Commons but regularly leads both Labour and the main opposition Conservative Party in opinion polls.