A leading economist has told business leaders they are making a “terrible mistake” in backing drastic spending cuts announced by the coalition government.

The received wisdom perpetuated by the government is that deep and immediate public spending cuts are necessary and beneficial, says Simon Barrow. But there are strong economic arguments that point towards investment in long-term sustainability rather than hitting the most vulnerable to reduce the deficit.

Doyen US religion commentator Martin Marty gives an American perspective on the argument about civil and religious law sparked by Rowan Williams.