This Budget is Osborne’s chance to simplify tax and defend globalisation March 16, 2016 There are two threads – one general, the other highly specific – which I should like to see weaved into the fabric of the chancellor’s Budget statement today. First, a clear defence of globalisation and, second, firm action towards the long overdue merger of income tax and National Insurance. Despite what purists might regard as [...]
More needs to be done for mums to go to Iceland March 16, 2016 As the challenger discount supermarkets continue to expand their market share, more established rivals are reacting in differing ways in their attempts to recoup lost ground. Iceland, known for its inexpensive frozen produce, has been trying to reposition itself. By improving the quality of its offering, it is aiming to broaden its appeal in the [...]
Here be digital dragons: Why we’re much better off than the official statistics say March 16, 2016 The oldest surviving map of Britain was created in Canterbury a thousand years ago. Our ancestors had a good idea of how to get around, as the country is depicted in its familiar shape. But understanding of the world outside Western Europe remained sketchy for centuries. The phrase “here be dragons” was allegedly used to [...]
George Osborne must liberate business from burdensome red tape if he wants to bolster UK growth March 16, 2016 The rumour mill is churning. Will George Osborne ease up on businesses in today’s Budget? Companies have shouldered a lot of responsibility for his plans so far. The chancellor justified giveaways in the last Autumn Statement with better-than-expected economic growth and, crucially, a series of levies on firms. A raft of new measures have been announced [...]
As Putin starts pulling his troops out of the country, could peace finally be coming to Syria? March 16, 2016 Michael Kerr, director of the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies at KCL and author of The Alawis of Syria says Yes. On the same day that some of Syria’s warring factions attended talks in Geneva, again taking the initiative on Syria, Putin announced that Russia would withdraw some of its forces. This sent a message to the [...]
Champions League: Why the final score is not the only metric of success for Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern and Juventus in the Champions League March 15, 2016 When the elite of Europe face off in the Champions League this week, fans and pundits are likely to judge a team's success purely in terms of the score and other common stats relating to performance. Pep Guardiola and Arsene Wenger's team building abilities will be exclusively discussed in terms of their squad's showings on [...]
UK weather: Dreaming of a White Easter? Snow in March or April is more likely than at Christmas – but probably won’t happen this year March 15, 2016 In recent weeks we have seen headlines which would lead us to think that the weather forecast for this Easter could be one of two extremes. On the one hand “sudden stratospheric warming” could bring bank holiday snow and sub-zero temperatures – and on the other, you could believe that Britain is “set for a heatwave” with highs [...]
Five radical ideas for the new London mayor’s to do list, including car-sharing, devolution and the green belt March 15, 2016 In the fifteen years since five million Londoners chose Ken Livingstone as their first directly-elected mayor, Greater London has been transformed. The capital’s population has grown by one-fifth, and today London’s reputation as a global centre for finance and business is complemented by world-class universities, a rapidly expanding visitor economy, and growing tech, creative industries [...]
Budget 2016: Crossrail 2 could level the playing field when it comes to London’s house prices and office rents March 15, 2016 London is growing at an astronomical rate. Every week, more than two Tube-loads of people move into the capital and while the city’s transport infrastructure is a well-oiled machine, if we fail to invest in major projects, we run the risk of the network grinding to a halt. Set to be announced as part of tomorrow's Budget, Crossrail [...]
George Osborne is right to back Crossrail 2 – but London should pay for it March 15, 2016 Crossrail hasn’t even opened but already attention is turning to its £32bn successor. The second stage would relieve congestion on the Northern and Victoria lines, and connect Surrey and Hertfordshire with central London. The capital’s business leaders are already warning that any repeat of the wrangling that so delayed the first line would be disastrous. [...]