U-Lez Miserable? London’s small businesses need support on new emissions rules February 25, 2019 A week is a long time in politics, or so goes the famous adage by former Prime Minister Harold Wilson. And it is apparent that a week and a half will be a very long time indeed in the world of small businesses, between 29 March and 8 April. With our departure from the European [...]
Email to the Independent Group February 23, 2019 To: Independent Group members From: Paul Blanchard Date: February 23, 2019 Subject: Strictly confidential: PR advice for your new party Dear Members, Well done on having the guts to launch The Independent Group! It led the news agenda for that day and for much of the following days. You've already attracted new recruits and, at [...]
Opinion: Banning letting agent fees is a sweeping measure that wasn’t properly thought out and doesn’t get to the root of the problems February 22, 2019 Property is one of many industries that has fallen behind the times when it comes to accountability and transparency. In my view, one of the best ways to improve any industry is with carefully thought-out investment in regulation, especially in a world that increasingly demands accountability. The lettings industry needs this as much as any [...]
Artificial intelligence could lead to huge rewards, but we must break down the barriers to AI adoption February 22, 2019 Data, both the business and personal kind, is fast becoming an essential utility like transport, energy, and water. It is critical to the efficient functioning of modern life, and I honestly do not believe that we could do without it. How we live, administer, manufacture, invest, plan, research, sell, buy, deliver, and even connect with [...]
DEBATE: Is the timing now right for a new centre party like the Independent Group to flourish? February 22, 2019 Is the timing now right for a new centre party like the Independent Group to flourish? Ben Kelly, commentator for Reaction, says YES. There is no doubt that the odds are stacked against a new centre party, but it’s a case of “if not now, when?”. The far left has completed a successful top-down takeover of [...]
Everyone deserves to feel like they belong in our great city February 22, 2019 Division is not a new phenomenon. Historically, our city has in the past experienced unbearable, seemingly irreconcilable differences. Nevertheless, London’s unique history and success have always been built not just on free markets, but on the free movement of people and an openness to those who are different from us. That is as true now as [...]
The emergence of the Independent Group offers a ray of hope for economic liberals February 22, 2019 As a free market liberal, I’m becoming more cynical by the day. After all, there seems to be something close to universal agreement across the major political parties for state interference (i.e. energy price caps), the nanny state (i.e. the sugar tax), and increasing the tax burden (admittedly by varying degrees), which is already at an [...]
Resurgent England have the edge on Wales in Six Nations Grand Slam decider February 21, 2019 The turnaround in England’s fortunes during the Six Nations has been unbelievable. Before the championship people wondered if they might finish third or fourth, but now they have a trip to Wales on Saturday for what I believe is a Grand Slam decider. It’s not just that England have beaten Ireland and France; it’s the [...]
Horse Racing Betting Tips: George will be doing the Double Shuffle after Kempton highlight February 21, 2019 TOM GEORGE has trained some very decent horses in his career and one of his very best was the dashing grey Nacarat. The son of Smadoun won the Grade One Aintree Bowl in 2011, but he will perhaps be best remembered for his two runaway victories in what was then the Racing Post Chase at [...]
Horse Racing Preview: David Pipe looks at his chances this weekend February 21, 2019 I’M REALLY excited to be launching the City Syndicate this week, so keep an eye out for the adverts in the paper. It seemed a natural progression to expand my association with City AM and what better way of doing so than by forming an exciting race horse ownership syndicate. I am currently scouting for [...]