Rail franchising model set to be scrapped by Boris Johnson October 13, 2019 The UK’s rail franchising system is set to be drastically overhauled as early as next year. Plans will be announced in tomorrow’s Queen’s Speech to scrap the current rail franchising model – where contracts are awarded to private companies to run commercial rail services – and replace it with a system based on “performance and [...]
Rees-Mogg urges Brexiteers to trust Boris Johnson on Brexit negotiations October 13, 2019 Arch-Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg has said compromises over Brexit “are inevitable” as he seeks to get leavers to trust Boris Johnson. Rees-Mogg wrote in The Telegraph today that Brexiteers must get behind any deal the prime minister strikes with the European Union in a message aimed at members of the Eurosceptic European Research Group (ERG). Read [...]
Corbyn leans toward a general election before a second Brexit referendum October 13, 2019 Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn has hinted Labour is more likely to back a general election before a second Brexit referendum. Opinion is mixed within the party whether Labour should agree to a general election if the government is forced to seek a Brexit extension past 31 October. Read more: PM to wave through Corbyn’s election [...]
Prime Minister ‘shocked’ by Manchester stabbing incident October 11, 2019 Boris Johnson has said he is “shocked” by the stabbings in Manchester, which left four hurt. Counter-terrorism police are currently investigating the incident which took place at a shopping centre in Manchester. Read more: Four dead as knifeman attacks Paris police headquarters A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of serious assault, [...]
Quiz’s half-year revenue falls five per cent due to ‘challenging’ high street conditions October 11, 2019 Fashion chain Quiz has revealed a 5 per cent fall in half-year revenue in a trading update today. The British business blamed the “challenging” high street conditions and decreased football in stores. Read more: Peppa Pig swings to loss days before Hasbro merger vote Quiz’s sales fell to £63.3m in the six months ending 30 [...]
Government issues £10m in ‘Brexit readiness’ grants to business organisations October 11, 2019 The government is to issue £10.1m in grants to 124 business organisations to help them prepare the firms they represent for the UK’s departure from the European Union on 31 October. The grants will be issued by the Business Readiness Fund, which was launched to support trade associations and other business organisations in helping firms [...]
Potential loophole paves the way for conflicts of interest at HS2 October 10, 2019 Downing Street is being urged to close a route that could allow former High Speed 2 (HS2) rail executives to become consultants on the project without the usual vetting procedures. A number of former HS2 executives currently work at consultancy firms that advise on the controversial rail project, including former chief executive Simon Kirby. However [...]
Boris Johnson has until Monday to provide latest response to London Assembly in Arcuri probe October 10, 2019 The London Assembly has given prime minister Boris Johnson a Monday deadline to explain why it can’t publish his response to corruption allegations. A Number 10 representative delivered a submission to the assembly on Tuesday in response to an alleged conflict of interest in his dealings with businesswoman Jennifer Arcuri. The London Assembly requested details [...]
ULEZ should include all of London: Greens co-leader October 10, 2019 The ultra low emissions zone (ULEZ) charge will be levied on drivers across the whole of London if Greens candidate Sian Berry becomes mayor. The mayoral candidate said today she wants to radically alter the current road pricing system to ensure drivers contribute more to London’s transport budget. Read more: Tfl rakes in £220,000 a [...]
Business rates and Brexit eat up Pret a Manger profits October 10, 2019 Sandwich chain Pret a Manger suffered a slump in profit last year due to business rate increases and the threat of a no-deal Brexit. Turnover increased from £636.9m to £710m, but operating profit dropped from £57.9m to £19.6m in 2018. Earnings slumped to £91.38m from £97.79m. Read more: Parliament sees law to prevent allergy deaths [...]