Reducing net migration could mean the state pension age goes up and annual payments come down June 2, 2016 Hitting the government’s net migration target would put an £8bn hole in the public finances, and could lead to lower state pensions or higher taxes. New analysis, out today, from the National Institute for Economic and Social Research (Niesr) found that reducing immigration to the "tens of thousands" would hit tax revenues by £3bn a year by [...]
Tom Watson’s call to ban private exit polls shows that even Labour’s moderates are too far to the left June 1, 2016 Such is the state of Labour's front bench these days that deputy leader Tom Watson is considered markedly centrist, a throwback to an era when the top positions were not occupied by unreformed Marxists. But last night Watson reminded us that even the party's so-called moderates have an instinct for blunt, authoritarian interventionism, and policies [...]
Liam Fox and Remain campaigners clash over Brexit’s impact on housing June 1, 2016 Campaigners on both sides of the EU referendum debate are set to clash today over the impact of Brexit on the housing crisis. In a speech at Vote Leave's offices today, former defence secretary Liam Fox will blame immigration for high housing costs in the UK. Meanwhile, Britain Stronger in Europe will hit out at Fox, [...]
Tom Watson calls for ban on hedge funds commisioning private Brexit polls June 1, 2016 Deputy Labour leader Tom Watson has called for a ban on hedge funds to commission private exit polls for the EU referendum. Watson claimed that hedge funds "stand to gain millions" by knowing the outcome of the EU referendum through their private polls and called on Prime Minister David Cameron to ban them from approaching pollsters. Watson [...]
EU referendum: The industries that will – and won’t – feel the Brexit hit June 1, 2016 Big UK and European businesses could see investment dry up if the UK votes to leave the European Union on 23 June, according to Standard and Poor’s (S&P). The ratings agency warned Brexit would “paralyse capital investment”, leave companies across the continent struggling to secure funds for “years to come” and “erode the competitive position” [...]
Graduates expect to earn £28,362 in their first job after university June 1, 2016 As the class of 2016 polish off finals and prepare for graduation, eyes will turn to the prize – that lucrative and hard-earned first foray into the world of work. And this year's graduates – the second cohort to have paid £9,000 a year in tuition fees – are expecting some rather handsome pay packets to [...]
Before the bell: What you need to know before the US market open June 1, 2016 The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has warned that Brexit would play havoc with the global economy and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says the country will get fresh new stimulus in the Autumn. Here's what you need to know before the market open at 14:30 London time. US indices are pointing the wrong way in the pre-market. [...]
Sterling has plunged against the dollar after opinion polls show the EU referendum sides are neck-and-neck June 1, 2016 Sterling has crashed against the dollar over the last 48 hours after a smattering of opinion polls raised the chances of the UK voting to leave the EU. The pound was trading at $1.4428 this lunchtime, down more than three cents on the highs of $1.4739 reached last week as traders said volatility was going to increase [...]
There are 2m barrels of oil stuck in the Caribbean sea because Venezuela can’t afford to pay BP June 1, 2016 Four oil tankers carrying more than 2m barrels of oil are stuck in the Caribbean sea because of cash-strapped Venezuela. The cargo of US crude oil cannot discharge at a terminal there until it’s been paid for by Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PDVSA. The firm initially offered to pay for the imports with Venezuelan oil, but negotiations [...]
John McDonnell attacks George Osborne’s economic policy as an “absolute failure” June 1, 2016 The shadow chancellor John McDonnell has launched a stinging attack on George Osborne’s economic policy after the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) slashed its growth forecasts for the UK economy. The OECD said it now expects the UK to grow by 1.7 per cent this year, down from a prediction of 2.1 per cent [...]