The West’s failed Syria policy: Why it’s time to do nothing September 27, 2015 When I worked in Washington, perhaps the dreariest job of all was covering congressional hearings. It is a task that only the interns end up doing, and then under protest. In fact, in my office, we literally drew straws for the ordeal, with the short straw having to spend a numbing eight hours or so [...]
It’s in London’s self-interest to support faster growth across the UK’s regions September 27, 2015 The Northern Powerhouse continues to garner much media attention, but we cannot ignore other areas of the country, and in reality we should be calling it the “Regional Powerhouse”. Just over a week ago, we saw the official opening of the newly-revamped train station at New Street in Birmingham. The five year project, costing £750m, [...]
Immigrants are fuel for the UK tech sector – but slow-moving bureaucracy is keeping them out September 27, 2015 The UK’s tech star is certainly rising. From the growing number of unicorn valuations, to the ever-larger venture capital cheques, British entrepreneurs are now commanding global attention. Yet much has been said about the UK’s poor track record in harnessing technology and science talent. This is now being addressed – Britain recently became the [...]
As the Labour Party meets for its annual conference, has the ascent of Jeremy Corbyn tarnished its brand forever? September 27, 2015 Laura Swire, director of Hanover Communications, says Yes. History would suggest not. For those with memories of the 1980s, we are in familiar terrain, with Labour’s leader once again posing a threat to national and economic security. Unilateralism, anti-Nato posing and fantasy economics, all deeply unpopular as recent polls show, are back in vogue. However, [...]
A good ancestor: Firms need to take a long, hard look at legacy September 24, 2015 Here in Britain, this year we have been enjoying celebrating 800 years since King John signed Magna Carta. It is the foundation stone for constitutions the world over – and somewhat dwarfs my native New Zealand’s 180 years of constitutional history. The Magna Carta was nothing less than a catalyst which has inspired people [...]
Why London could afford to introduce a much higher National Living Wage September 24, 2015 The chancellor's introduction of a new National Living Wage, which will raise the wage floor by 50p to £7.20 an hour for over-25s from April, is a dramatic break from the last two decades of policy. Whereas previously it had been set by the Low Pay Commission at the highest level that wouldn’t increase [...]
Debunking the great lobbying myth: We must not accept the government’s crude legislation September 24, 2015 Lobbyists might never finish first in a popularity contest, but as an industry whose job it is to stick up for causes, whether popular or not, we’ve also got to make sure that the public understands why lobbying can be a force for immense good. Now more than ever, as the government edges closer [...]
Volkswagen scandal: With BMW and others now in the firing line, should the car industry be fearing serious contagion from the VW crisis? September 24, 2015 Louise Cooper, a chartered financial analyst, columnist, broadcaster and blogger at coopercity.co.uk, says Yes Three things have struck me since this story began. First, quite how much the software cheated – emissions were up to 40 times higher when the device was turned off. VW official diesel emissions data was not that different to other [...]
Volkswagen emissions scandal: We need more power for shareholders, not less – The City View September 23, 2015 This column warned yesterday that people already suspicious of the motivations and practices of the corporate world would be buoyed by the scandal engulfing Volkswagen. A cloud of noxious fumes still lingers around the reputation of the carmaker, and is likely to do so for a long time yet. So it is with [...]
Jeremy Corbyn’s big state policies would be disastrous for long-term economic UK growth September 23, 2015 Over the coming months, the new leader of the opposition and his shadow chancellor are likely to set out a very different economic worldview, with policies built on the premise that big is beautiful in the case of the size of the state. For many, this isn’t a great concern, with received wisdom that [...]