We will hear from Ben Chu, BBC journalist and author of Exile Economics: What Happens If Globalisation Fails. 

Ben Chu is a distinguished British journalist, speaker, and broadcaster specialising in economics and current affairs. Currently serving as the Policy and Analysis Correspondent at BBC Verify, he previously held the position of Economics Editor for BBC's flagship programme, Newsnight. Prior to his tenure at the BBC, Ben was the Economics Editor and Chief Leader Writer at The Independent, showcasing his extensive experience in economic journalism.

Ben pursued Modern History at Jesus College, Oxford. His journalistic career commenced at The Independent, where he contributed leading articles before advancing to the role of Chief Leader Writer. His profound understanding of economic issues and adeptness at articulating complex concepts to a broad audience facilitated his progression to Economics Editor at the publication.

Throughout his career, Ben has achieved several notable accomplishments. His first book, 'Chinese Whispers: Why Everything You’ve Heard About China is Wrong', published in 2013, was nominated for International Affairs Book of the Year at the Paddy Power Political Book Awards in 2014. He has reported from countries including the US, China, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Germany, France, Switzerland, and Ireland, covering significant events such as the global financial crisis, the eurozone emergency, Brexit, and Donald Trump's trade wars. In May 2025 he published Exile Economics: What Happens If Globalisation Fails, described  in the Financial Times as "powerful" and the Sunday Times as "eloquent".