Politicians must show some tactical nous June 29, 2016 Never will you feel more English than when, the day after a crashing defeat, you find yourself debating the state of the country’s footballers. It is a half-century long tradition in this part of the UK, one that we repeat, like clockwork, every two years – except on the occasions when our national team fails to [...]
After rancour in the European Parliament, will the remaining member states look to punish the UK for leaving? June 28, 2016 Brian Klaas, fellow in comparative politics at the London School of Economics, says Yes. As annoying as it is, politicians don’t think like investors. Everybody knows that punishing Britain would be bad for business in Europe and the UK. But Europe’s politicians also know that giving Britain a sweetheart deal that involves all the benefits of [...]
Britain said no to free movement and a Norway-style relationship – but we can still make a liberal Brexit work June 28, 2016 The consequences of the Brexit vote have been brutal for the political establishment. And rightly so given the shock result we saw last week. It highlighted a chasm between the accepted wisdom of Westminster and the position of the majority of people in Britain, and the verdict resets political and policy debates in a number of [...]
Farewell London, hello Edinburgh? Financial services will find a new home if we leave the Single Market June 28, 2016 So we know London didn’t vote to leave the EU and nor did Scotland or Northern Ireland. But we know England did. For many Scots – like me – who have built global businesses out of London as Europe’s financial capital, there is a real sense that this vote and therefore Brexit is “not in my name”. [...]
Why the only way could be down for global share prices – and Brexit is just the catalyst June 28, 2016 The Brexit vote creates many uncertainties, exciting or frightening depending on your predilection. One thing which is certain is that the Leave victory was delivered by the less-skilled sections of the electorate. It seems part of a more general stirring up of what we might think of as the dispossessed, those who feel left behind [...]
Seven ways to make sure your business gets through Brexit June 28, 2016 As the Brexit analysis continues, business leaders across the country will be wonder how quickly things will get back to normal. Some may even be wondering if they ever will. Here’s a seven-point guide to help businesses get through Brexit unscathed: Read more: Brexit: Load the fiscal bazookas to put a floor under business confidence 1. [...]
Why the Swiss model is a poor choice for Britain post-Brexit June 28, 2016 The debate over the United Kingdom’s future within the European Union has been gripping for all Europeans, in or outside the EU. No one knows for sure what would happen now Britain has voted to leave, but there is little doubt that the consequences will be felt across the continent. As a lawyer and a former president of [...]
The Norway option is far from just paying into the EU without having a say June 28, 2016 "We would be like Norway. We would pay but have no say.” This was the essence of the argument used by supporters of Remain to deter the British people from voting to leave the European Union, referring to Norway’s membership of the European Economic Area (EEA) through the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). But is [...]
Back of the queue? No, Britain’s Commonwealth friends and allies will welcome Brexit June 28, 2016 The people of the United Kingdom had a big decision to make on 23 June. It was entirely their call. The British people know better than anyone else the costs and benefits of staying or leaving the European Union – and voted accordingly. But those on the Leave side should be forgiven if they have the false impression that [...]
Do not ignore activists during difficult times June 28, 2016 As profits warnings fly and share prices tank in the post referendum world, business leaders will need to work out how to steer their companies through some choppy waters ahead. Boards will have to step up their game in terms of governance and strategy. And help may be at hand from what at first sight seems [...]