Opinion-in-brief: Send off-shore processing the way of other junk ideas March 21, 2022 The new quarrel unfolding in Parliament is over the Home Office’s scheme to process asylum seekers offshore. The Nationality and Borders bill is currently “ping ponging” between the House of Lords and the Commons over plans to pay countries to accept asylum seekers on their territory. Reports have suggested potential candidates could be Rwanda, Ghana [...]
As London faces off threats to its global status, Dubai is waiting in the wings March 21, 2022 Since the result of the 2016 Brexit referendum on our future in the world and beyond the single market, one of the issues which has caused most angst and speculation has been the status of London as one of the world’s greatest financial centres. With the end of free movement of goods, services and people, [...]
Letters: Weaning off Covid-19 cash March 21, 2022 [Re: Small business lending tumbles amid strong economic rebound, March 14] UK Finance data shows strong economic recovery from the pandemic led to borrowing among small businesses falling off a cliff last year. However, we observed a 58 per cent year-on-year increase in SMEs seeking finance in January 2022, demonstrating a rebound in activity and [...]
Abramovich used football to wash himself clean, now Chelsea must tidy itself up March 21, 2022 The cynicism with which Roman Abramovich entangled good things into his ownership of Chelsea puts the real gains made under his tenure at risk. As a Chelsea fan, he was a person I felt some pride in. He invested in the club, and helped it win. He also created generational role models and changed the [...]
The second race to be green as cities across the world compete for the best parks March 21, 2022 Businesses across the world are increasingly focusing on the quality of life they can offer their employees, as they reassess what is needed to deliver an attractive, modern workplace environment. We know workers expect more than just an office when it comes to choosing where they relocate in the post-pandemic world. This shift was already [...]
Best of this week in our opinion pages: from the fintech world to a tax regime to sanction Putin to what social media are doing in the disinformation wars March 19, 2022 As Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove disclosed the Homes for Ukraine scheme to host people fleeing war in Ukraine, Ajaz Ahmed wrote about the countless refugees who have reached British shores and set up incredibly successful businesses, effectively contributing to the growth of this country. Ahmed also called for businesses to step up and do [...]
Russians learn the only thing worse than social media is no social media March 18, 2022 This week, Instagram feeds in Russia went dark. With Facebook already blocked, Twitter access restricted and a threat of the same to Youtube, the Russian state is silencing fora of dissent. In this column, I have often criticised the social media giants. Their business models are built on their ability to surveil you. They have [...]
Abramovich’s toxic Chelsea FC legacy must make us rethink ownership in our communities March 18, 2022 Chelsea football club is in limbo. It can’t sell tickets or shirts, it can’t even renew contracts. This is a London cup-winning team that has been sent to Coventry and has no idea how long it will stay cut off. Dozens of players, thousands of employees and millions of fans are all now suffering for [...]
Economic sanctions must be backed up by a tax regime ready to isolate the Kremlin March 18, 2022 Almost three million people have fled Ukraine since Vladimir Putin ordered the Russian invasion nearly three weeks ago. Three million people – equivalent to the population of Wales – fighting to retain some semblance of normal life while Putin’s cruel assault shatters their homeland. And as I listen to heart-wrenching stories of individuals and families [...]
My morning in the metaverse March 17, 2022 Yesterday morning, Heineken (yes, the beer), hosted a press conference for their new drink. Instead of thinking about what tube or bus I would catch, I followed a link to the brave new world of the metaverse. Their new drink – Heineken Silver – will be the booze for Decentraland, the metaverse platform. I tuned [...]