DOGE, apples and irregular migrants
Fact-checking government efficiency claims in the US, plus the carbon footprint of apples in UK versus those imported from New Zealand.
It’s been 12 weeks since President Trump announced the formation of DOGE, the so-called department of Government efficiency. We fact-check various claims connected with the drive to route out inefficiency. Listeners asked us to investigate the claim that 1 in 12 Londoners is an illegal immigrant. We look into the claim that imported New Zealand apples have a smaller carbon footprint than British grown apples. Plus - did VAT on private schools really boost the rate of inflation, or was that just a media concoction?
Presenter: Tim Harford
Series Producer: Charlotte McDonald
Producers: Lizzy McNeill, Nathan Gower and Josh McMinn
Sound Mix: Rod Farquhar
Editor: Richard Vadon
Production Co-Ordinator: Brenda Brown
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Broadcasts
- Wed 12 Mar 202509:00BBC Radio 4
- Fri 14 Mar 202516:30BBC Radio 4
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