Boris Johnson will be the Conservative candidate in Uxbridge September 13, 2014 Cameron's star player will be on the field in 2015, after he was selected to contest the safe Tory seat in Uxbridge and South Ruislip. Johnson professed himself "thrilled" and said he expected the Tories to win in the general election in 2015. The Mayor of London, currently serving his second term in the post, [...]
Who have the US and EU put on their Russian sanctions hit lists (and why)? September 12, 2014 Further sanctions against Russia came in today, and it's safe to say that if you are in President Putin's inner circle you've probably been affected. A number of companies – including Gazprom – have also been targeted by the punitive measures for the first time. Here is our round up of who the [...]
Scottish independence: MPs blasted by Star Wars-loving Yes supporter September 12, 2014 Westminster MPs were faced with a less-than-warm welcome today, when they were greeted by an independence suppoter blaring out the sounds of the Imperial March and shouting “welcome imperial masters”. A delegation of 104 MPs and MEPs, led by leader Ed Miliband and including Lord Prescott, Yvette Cooper, Jack Straw, Peter Hain, Ivan Lewis [...]
Former DUP leader Ian Paisley dies aged 88 September 12, 2014 The former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Ian Paisley, died this morning aged 88. In a statement, Baroness Paisley said: Although ours is the grand hope of reunion, naturally as a family, we are heartbroken. We loved him and he adored us, and our earthly lives are forever changed. A controversial figure Paisley [...]
What is Formula E? Your guide to Leonardo DiCaprio and Richard Branson’s favourite new motorsport September 12, 2014 Racing goes on the grid for the first time this weekend, as the debut season of Formula E gets underway in Beijing this weekend. Formula E is the electricity powered alternative to the more gass-guzzling versions of motorsports, backed by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and an array of famous faces including Leonardo DiCaprio and [...]
UK employment rises by second fastest rate in the EU (after Hungary) September 12, 2014 The United Kingdom enjoyed the EU's second largest rise in employment in the 12 months to July, with the annualised rate up 2.7 per cent (seasonally adjusted). Only Hungary – at 3.1 per cent year on year – saw a faster rise. Eurostat released figures for employment rates across the European Union today, showing second [...]
Incoming Barclays chairman John McFarlane to face “very challenging requirements” September 12, 2014 Aviva chairman John McFarlane will face "very challenging requirements" in his new role as chairman of Barclays, said the man who recruited him today. McFarlane, who is one of Scotland's most senior businessmen, will pick up the reins at Barclays' next AGM next April when incumbent Sir David Walker steps down. He is [...]
Will Scotland vote yes? Latest independence poll suggests it’s too close to call September 12, 2014 The latest poll on Scottish independence is out, and it makes the race too close to call. The ICM poll conducted for the Guardian puts the No campaign ahead on 51 per cent, but Yes Scotland is only two percentage points behind on 49 per cent, once don't knows were excluded. The poll will provide [...]
English devolution: Clegg backs “decentralisation decade” as Scots prepare for independence vote September 12, 2014 As the debate over Scottish independence rages on and the Better Together campaign promises more powers to Holyrood, English voters have started asking whether any of this great decentralisation of power will ever be coming their way. Well, it will be if Nick Clegg has anything to say about it. Today, the deputy prime minister [...]
London Fashion Week Spring 2015: What are the highlights? September 12, 2014 Julian Assange may have cancelled his London Fashion Week appearance, but we reckon there are still plenty of reasons to attend. The Wikileaks founder had been scheduled to model for Vivienne Westwood's son Ben Westwood at a show in the Ecuadorian embassy, but it's been postponed to next season's show in February. But [...]