Private schools must learn to turn privilege into purpose October 7, 2019 The heat is on for privilege. As the polarisation of society continues to deepen, private schools risk becoming the tobacco of education. Banning them was a centrepiece of the recent Labour party conference. But the antagonism towards them doesn’t stop there. Even pillars of the Conservative establishment like Michael Gove have questioned the fairness and [...]
The City Corporation is leading the charge for a greener, cleaner, plastic-free capital October 7, 2019 Brexit has been top of the agenda for many City firms in recent years, but one issue that could disrupt business models even more significantly in coming decades is climate change. In the words of Bank of England governor Mark Carney, the transition to a carbon-neutral economy poses an existential challenge – and it is [...]
DEBATE: Does the former Tory leadership hopeful Rory Stewart have a shot at becoming London mayor? October 7, 2019 Does the former Tory leadership hopeful Rory Stewart have a shot at becoming London mayor? Ben Kelly, a commentator for Reaction, says YES. Rory walks on – on to London. But does he stand a chance? Of course he does. The popularity of Sadiq Khan is waning, and the Conservatives’ candidate, Shaun Bailey, is woeful. [...]
The next Bank of England governor must be prepared for a political storm October 6, 2019 When Dame Helena Morrissey revealed she was standing down from Legal & General last week, the City rumour mill was sent into overdrive. The Square Mile veteran and champion of boardroom equality said only that “in a changing Britain” she had “a lot of ideas and other things to achieve”. This rather enigmatic sign-off will [...]
Could the Prime Minister’s fledgling Brexit plan end this paralysing uncertainty? October 4, 2019 “Unrealistic and damaging proposals”, or a “genuine attempt to bridge the chasm”? That was the debate raging in parliament yesterday, as the Prime Minister briefed MPs on his new plan for a Brexit deal. The reaction to Boris Johnson’s innovative attempt to break the Brexit deadlock has been mixed. Labour and the Liberal Democrats have [...]
Green finance is still stuck in the slow lane after New York Climate Week October 4, 2019 Attendees to New York Climate Week were treated to the city at its late-September finest – blue skies, warm sunshine, and a hint of fall colour creeping into the leaves of Central Park. Unfortunately, the beauty of this backdrop did not inspire enough concrete action on climate change. For many, the overriding feeling from last [...]
Boris can talk a good pro-market game, but matching policies are yet to follow October 4, 2019 This government, unlike governments before it, is not afraid to announce its pro-market and pro-enterprise philosophy. Boris Johnson’s declaration of support for capitalism on stage at the Conservative party conference is not exactly the stuff of breaking news headlines. But while it may not be newsworthy, it is certainly noteworthy, as it represents a huge [...]
Taxes too high where you live? It’s time to vote with your feet October 4, 2019 Moving is the ultimate form of tax avoidance. It is legal and effective – although rather drastic. Often we think in terms of a person or business relocating from one country to another. Last year Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Britain’s richest businessman, decided to move to Monaco. In 2010, his company Ienos moved its headquarters to [...]
DEBATE: Should we be worried about yesterday’s services sector PMI data? October 4, 2019 Should we be worried about yesterday’s services sector PMI data? Simon Wilson, director at Icon Solutions, says YES. The UK services sector represents around 80 per cent of our overall economic output, so a contraction in this area should set alarm bells ringing for economists and business owners. The City serves as the engine of [...]
DEBATE: Can we really foresee a time when owning status symbols will be a thing of the past? October 4, 2019 Can we really foresee a time when owning status symbols will be a thing of the past? Mark Davis, co-founder and creative director of property branding agency me&dave, says YES. It’s already happening. The way we live is changing, as are the things we care about, and this is affecting our attitudes to the old [...]