Liberalised Chinese visas are a boon for the UK – now what about Indian tourists? November 4, 2015 The government took the opportunity of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Britain last month to announce some extremely welcome changes to visitor visas for Chinese tourists. It said that it will introduce a new two-year multiple-entry visa from January, and thereafter a 10-year equivalent, and both products will cost just £85, the [...]
The beyond GDP myth: Why the government shouldn’t try to maximise our happiness November 4, 2015 Just at the moment when the economic literature appeared to have reached a decisive conclusion about the negative impact of government size on economic performance, the debate has shifted. Suddenly, the impact of government on happiness (subjective well-being or life satisfaction), not growth, is all the rage. We’re told three things. First, that we’re [...]
With plans to store everyone’s internet activity, is the government’s new surveillance bill a danger to freedom? November 4, 2015 Charlotte Bowyer, a digital policy researcher at the Adam Smith Institute. ‘Donut’, says Yes Let’s be clear: the draft Investigatory Powers Bill remains a “Snooper’s Charter”, and its proposals present a serious threat to the privacy and security of UK citizens. The bill requires internet companies to keep records of all the apps and websites [...]
Let the Davies report run a course to equality in boardrooms November 4, 2015 The aim of achieving gender parity in senior executive posts and in boardrooms has been rising up the agenda in recent years. This laudable objective was given a boost when, in 2010, the government commissioned Lord Mervyn Davies to conduct a review into boardroom equality. In this endeavour, nobody can argue against the motives of [...]
Why the misguided war on alcohol is bad news for London November 3, 2015 We are at a crossroads. With the Night Tube held up in negotiations, a new report from the Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) – which claims that alcohol is placing an unnecessary strain on emergency services – is now being exploited by those who want to see a reduction in pub, bar and club licensing [...]
Markets can help end discrimination – but name-blind recruitment would help November 3, 2015 The Prime Minister recently announced that the civil service will introduce name-blind recruitment. When people apply for public sector jobs, their name will not appear on the documents sent to the appointment panel. Major organisations such as HSBC, KPMG, the BBC and the NHS are following suit. Economists have produced a substantial body of evidence [...]
What can Quaker capitalism teach business today? It’s no good being ethical if you don’t make money November 3, 2015 Today, the Friends House on the Euston Road is hosting a Quaker Business Conference on the subject of “what is the purpose of business?” It is the right time to be posing the question and a good location at which to be asking it. The Quakers led the way in some of the [...]
As the Foreign Affairs Committee warns against air strikes, would UK military action in Syria simply be irrelevant? November 3, 2015 Professor Michael Kerr, the director of the Middle East & Mediterranean studies programme and the Centre for the Study of Divided Societies at King’s, says Yes There is no obvious benefit to UK military intervention at this time; bombing Syria will not significantly alter the balance of power between its warring factions. In the absence [...]
Thomas Cook report: Sorry shouldn’t be the hardest word to say November 3, 2015 When a company finds itself in crisis mode the chief executive will have a range of advice put to them. Communications and PR experts may take a view contrary to that of the company’s lawyers. Management, shareholders and media commentators may also be voicing their opinions or concerns. Ultimately, the boss has to decide how to [...]
Sanctions relief: Don’t bank on global finance returning to Iran November 2, 2015 The relief of nuclear-related sanctions on Iran is fast approaching. But for financial institutions seeking to assist clients in taking advantage of the opportunities opening up in the country after the agreement of a deal on Iran’s nuclear programme, the road ahead is fraught with complication. First, while Sunday 18 October witnessed the passing [...]