Hong Kong has become an economic powerhouse (Image: Getty)
New British cities could thrive if they were granted independence from Westminster under radical proposals from an economist.
The UK could create thriving “free cities” similar to Hong Kong, which became a global economic powerhouse despite a population of just 7.5million people.
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Link Sponsored Link
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Affordable Pre-Owned Jewelry in Excellent Condition in SingaporeRings | Search Ads Search Now
Undo
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Rachel Reeves humiliated as she heads to Davos despite being snubbed for crucial speech
96 Comments
Rachel Reeves bows down to officials with hidden tax list that impacts millions of Britons
209 Comments
Rachel Reeves' millionaire exodus was the same as losing half a million taxpayers
27 Comments
Donald Trump's pledge to impose trade tariffs 'worries' UK ministers
89 Comments
Labour panic as disastrous tax hikes to send tourists elsewhere 'costing UK ￡60bn'
32 Comments
UK households in 8 areas face huge Council Tax increases with one area seeing 25% rise
13 Comments
Seven big pension changes coming in 2025
Comments
Another disaster for Rachel Reeves as all the millionaires start abandoning UK
205 Comments
Rachel Reeves Heathrow Airport plan 'will increase cost of flight tickets by ￡40'
1 Comments
Airbnb says Spain's new holiday rental rules won't stop overtourism
Comments
Rachel Reeves warned of farmer suicide risk as 'human cost' of tax raid
39 Comments
Rachel Reeves inflames Labour rifts over airport expansion plans
23 Comments
Rachel Reeves humilated as MPs warn value for money office risks being waste of money
49 Comments
Rachel Reeves gambles with national security to 'bet on red' with China trip
355 Comments
The world’s biggest city also has some of its smallest homes. How small?CNA Money Mind Watch Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
The richest country in Asia worth ￡24tn - more money than Japan and India combined
8 Comments
The UK towns paying the highest and lowest salaries - where you need to live to earn more
23 Comments
Goodbye, thinning hair. Hello, full hair! Trying this from Watsons.Hair’s Rich Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves, this one gaping hole is why your economy is crashing down around us
88 Comments
Rachel Reeves faces fury as Treasury eyes river fund for finance boost
33 Comments
How to Meet Older Women for Dating in Singapore in 2025Online Dating | Search Ads Search Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves blasted as Labour plots U-turn with yet more economic chaos
126 Comments
Rachel Reeves must convince investors she won't wreck UK
116 Comments
Remember Tiger Woods Ex wife Try Not To Smile When You See Her NowBeach Raider
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves humiliated as she heads to Davos despite being snubbed for crucial speech
96 Comments
Rachel Reeves bows down to officials with hidden tax list that impacts millions of Britons
209 Comments
Second Hand Luxury Watches in Singapore: Online Prices Might SurpriseAsk-Albert Search Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves' millionaire exodus was the same as losing half a million taxpayers
27 Comments
Donald Trump's pledge to impose trade tariffs 'worries' UK ministers
89 Comments
Why You Always Have a Runny Nose: The Unexpected Explanation!Sinus Infection Treatment | Search Ads Search Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Labour panic as disastrous tax hikes to send tourists elsewhere 'costing UK ￡60bn'
32 Comments
UK households in 8 areas face huge Council Tax increases with one area seeing 25% rise
13 Comments
Retirement Homes In Singapore: Compare Prices Now!Senior Living | Search Ads Search Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Seven big pension changes coming in 2025
Comments
Another disaster for Rachel Reeves as all the millionaires start abandoning UK
205 Comments
The Best Anti-Aging And Facelift Creams 2023-2024: The Ranking Will Surprise YouAnti Aging | Search Ads
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves Heathrow Airport plan 'will increase cost of flight tickets by ￡40'
1 Comments
Airbnb says Spain's new holiday rental rules won't stop overtourism
Comments
Affordable Container Homes in Singapore—Grab These Deals Before They’re Gone!Container Homes | Search Ads Search Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves warned of farmer suicide risk as 'human cost' of tax raid
39 Comments
Rachel Reeves inflames Labour rifts over airport expansion plans
23 Comments
Unsold Refrigerators Given Away for Free - Check Prices!Refrigerators | Search Ads Search Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves humilated as MPs warn value for money office risks being waste of money
49 Comments
Rachel Reeves gambles with national security to 'bet on red' with China trip
355 Comments
The richest country in Asia worth ￡24tn - more money than Japan and India combined
8 Comments
The UK towns paying the highest and lowest salaries - where you need to live to earn more
23 Comments
Rachel Reeves, this one gaping hole is why your economy is crashing down around us
88 Comments
Rachel Reeves faces fury as Treasury eyes river fund for finance boost
33 Comments
Rachel Reeves blasted as Labour plots U-turn with yet more economic chaos
126 Comments
Rachel Reeves must convince investors she won't wreck UK
116 Comments
Rachel Reeves humiliated as she heads to Davos despite being snubbed for crucial speech
96 Comments
Rachel Reeves bows down to officials with hidden tax list that impacts millions of Britons
209 Comments
Rachel Reeves' millionaire exodus was the same as losing half a million taxpayers
27 Comments
Donald Trump's pledge to impose trade tariffs 'worries' UK ministers
89 Comments
Labour panic as disastrous tax hikes to send tourists elsewhere 'costing UK ￡60bn'
32 Comments
UK households in 8 areas face huge Council Tax increases with one area seeing 25% rise
13 Comments
Seven big pension changes coming in 2025
Comments
It would mean cities are free to set their own laws and tax rates.
In a new report for the Institute of Economic Affairs, economist Vera Kichanova argues that the UK risks being left behind while financial hubs in Dubai and Qatar, which use English-style common law legal systems, steam ahead.
Don't miss...
Rachel Reeves creates 'perfect storm' for six million unpaid carers across UK [LATEST]
Emergency UK 'pandemic response' to be rolled out impacting thousands [LATEST]
'Donald Trump will make UK safer and we should welcome his return as president' [LATEST]
Keir Starmer faces by-election nightmare after Labour MP admits assault [LATEST]
As of 2020, Hong Kong’s economic output per person was above $45,000 – more than the UK, Canada or Japan, and more than four times as much as mainland China.
Sponsored
www.senior-living-10818.bond Click Here
Singapore: New one bedroom senior apartments are stunning! (take a look)？
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Its success is seen as a result of its English legal system and the freedom granted to industry, which has largely continued even after the territory returned to China’s control in 1997 after 99 years of British rule.
The UK is creating five new “freeports” where industry enjoys lower taxes after Labour adopted a policy previously developed by Boris Johnson’s Conservative government.
But Dr Kichanova, a senior economist at the Free Cities Foundation, said these did not go far enough and actually added another layer of bureaucracy.
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Rachel Reeves humiliated as she heads to Davos despite being snubbed for crucial speech
96 Comments
Rachel Reeves bows down to officials with hidden tax list that impacts millions of Britons
209 Comments
Rachel Reeves' millionaire exodus was the same as losing half a million taxpayers
27 Comments
Donald Trump's pledge to impose trade tariffs 'worries' UK ministers
89 Comments
Labour panic as disastrous tax hikes to send tourists elsewhere 'costing UK ￡60bn'
32 Comments
UK households in 8 areas face huge Council Tax increases with one area seeing 25% rise
13 Comments
Seven big pension changes coming in 2025
Comments
Another disaster for Rachel Reeves as all the millionaires start abandoning UK
205 Comments
Rachel Reeves Heathrow Airport plan 'will increase cost of flight tickets by ￡40'
1 Comments
Airbnb says Spain's new holiday rental rules won't stop overtourism
Comments
Rachel Reeves warned of farmer suicide risk as 'human cost' of tax raid
39 Comments
Rachel Reeves inflames Labour rifts over airport expansion plans
23 Comments
Rachel Reeves humilated as MPs warn value for money office risks being waste of money
49 Comments
Rachel Reeves gambles with national security to 'bet on red' with China trip
355 Comments
Blepharoplasty can now be performed without surgeryBlepharoplasty Without Surgery | Search Ads Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
The richest country in Asia worth ￡24tn - more money than Japan and India combined
8 Comments
The UK towns paying the highest and lowest salaries - where you need to live to earn more
23 Comments
Discover the Latest Kitchen Trends of 2025 - Click Here to WatchKitchen Remodeling | Search Ads Search Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves, this one gaping hole is why your economy is crashing down around us
88 Comments
Rachel Reeves faces fury as Treasury eyes river fund for finance boost
33 Comments
Can antibiotic misuse put you and your family at risk?Health Promotion Board Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves blasted as Labour plots U-turn with yet more economic chaos
126 Comments
Rachel Reeves must convince investors she won't wreck UK
116 Comments
Protect Your Family. Give Them Peace Of MindPlanYourLegacy.gov.sg Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves humiliated as she heads to Davos despite being snubbed for crucial speech
96 Comments
Rachel Reeves bows down to officials with hidden tax list that impacts millions of Britons
209 Comments
Young Woman Lives in a Shed - Don't Cry When You See InsideTips and Tricks
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves' millionaire exodus was the same as losing half a million taxpayers
27 Comments
Donald Trump's pledge to impose trade tariffs 'worries' UK ministers
89 Comments
Taylor Swift Is Photographed Without Makeup, This Is How She Really Looks.The Noodle Box
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Labour panic as disastrous tax hikes to send tourists elsewhere 'costing UK ￡60bn'
32 Comments
UK households in 8 areas face huge Council Tax increases with one area seeing 25% rise
13 Comments
Best Cataract Surgeon in Singapore (Take a look)Cataract Surgery | Search Ads Search Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Seven big pension changes coming in 2025
Comments
Another disaster for Rachel Reeves as all the millionaires start abandoning UK
205 Comments
Awaken the charm of exotic women's underwear - Click to explore in 2025!Sleepwear | Search Ads Search Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves Heathrow Airport plan 'will increase cost of flight tickets by ￡40'
1 Comments
Airbnb says Spain's new holiday rental rules won't stop overtourism
Comments
How The 5AM Club Went Viral And Became The Most Talked About Book OnlineBlinkist Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves warned of farmer suicide risk as 'human cost' of tax raid
39 Comments
Rachel Reeves inflames Labour rifts over airport expansion plans
23 Comments
How Much Should You Pay A Cleaner To Clean Your Apartment in Singapore? Here Are The PricesMaid Service | Search Ads Search Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves humilated as MPs warn value for money office risks being waste of money
49 Comments
Rachel Reeves gambles with national security to 'bet on red' with China trip
355 Comments
The richest country in Asia worth ￡24tn - more money than Japan and India combined
8 Comments
The UK towns paying the highest and lowest salaries - where you need to live to earn more
23 Comments
Rachel Reeves, this one gaping hole is why your economy is crashing down around us
88 Comments
Rachel Reeves faces fury as Treasury eyes river fund for finance boost
33 Comments
Rachel Reeves blasted as Labour plots U-turn with yet more economic chaos
126 Comments
Rachel Reeves must convince investors she won't wreck UK
116 Comments
Rachel Reeves humiliated as she heads to Davos despite being snubbed for crucial speech
96 Comments
Rachel Reeves bows down to officials with hidden tax list that impacts millions of Britons
209 Comments
Rachel Reeves' millionaire exodus was the same as losing half a million taxpayers
27 Comments
Donald Trump's pledge to impose trade tariffs 'worries' UK ministers
89 Comments
Labour panic as disastrous tax hikes to send tourists elsewhere 'costing UK ￡60bn'
32 Comments
UK households in 8 areas face huge Council Tax increases with one area seeing 25% rise
13 Comments
Seven big pension changes coming in 2025
Comments
Best Ductless Air Conditioners for Singapore Homes in 2025Air Condition | Search Ads
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Symptoms of Hand Osteoarthritis: Warning Signs Not to IgnorePsoriatic Arthritis Treatment | Search Ads
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Next Generation 2025 Vinyl Flooring: Simple and Quick Installation!Vinyl Flooring | Search Ads
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Build Sales Funnels, Landing Pages, and Email Systems in Minutes—Start Now!HighLevel
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Don't miss...
Keir Starmer's plan to win the next election is already failing, say experts [LATEST]
Kemi Badenoch slams three mistakes made by Boris and Rishi [LATEST]
Schools crisis as one in five children persistently absent in wake of lockdowns [LATEST]
Rachel Reeves threatens UK's historic churches [LATEST]
Trending
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
She said: “There’s no need to reinvent the wheel — these strategies have already delivered spectacular results elsewhere. The UK has the potential to create its own Hong Kong — perhaps even multiple ones — within its borders.
“Compared to the achievements seen around the globe, the current freeports model feels uninspired. By leveraging our rich urban heritage, we can develop zones of exceptional economic growth and innovation right here at home.”
Kristian Niemietz, editorial director at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: “This is one of those proposals which may sound very radical at first, but it is really just a consistent application of the principles of decentralisation, local self-governance, market-like competition between political jurisdictions, and experimentation with different models of governance.”