How the Independent Group can build the brand for their new political party March 4, 2019 Who'd want to be a political party right now? The Conservatives are accused of becoming “Blukip”, while Labour fights a seemingly losing battle against growing allegations of antisemitism. Throw in an increasingly chaotic Brexit backdrop, and it’s not surprising that a breakaway faction has spotted the opportunity to launch a new political movement. Spotting the opportunity [...]
DEBATE: MPs are about to get a pay rise – but do they deserve it? March 4, 2019 MPs are about to get a pay rise – but do they deserve it? John Oxley, a Conservative commentator, says YES. MPs will soon earn £79,468. It’s far more than most people, but still not enough to lure the most talented individuals into our legislature. An ambitious and highly capable graduate in the City or [...]
Europe cannot afford to return to the failed policies of the past March 4, 2019 I am not one to argue for policies of centralisation. I am a great believer in the principle of subsidiarity as a practical reality rather than as empty words in a treaty. Nevertheless, there are areas where Europe is better served by acting as one. One such area is competition policy, where Europe has to [...]
Looking for space for homes in the capital? Build over rail lines March 4, 2019 A new survey of housebuilders published last week by construction consulting and design agency McBains is depressing reading for Londoners looking to get a foot on the housing ladder. Although two thirds of housebuilders in London reported that they had built more homes over the last 12 months, those that stated a decrease cited a [...]
London can strengthen its relations with Scotland March 4, 2019 On a brisk evening in January, I had the honour of hosting a Burns Supper at the Mansion House with the first minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon. The night was complete with bagpipes, haggis, and of course a “wee dram” of whisky. The event brought together leading business figures from both sides of the border, [...]
Number of late night alcohol licences falls as consumer behaviour changes March 3, 2019 The number of pubs, bars and nightclubs with late-night licences has fallen by a fifth over the last five years as would-be revellers opt for dating apps and Netflix over boozy nights out, according to new research. While the number of pubs and clubs with 24-hour licences has dropped from 919 in 2018 to 742 [...]
The magic of finance can help make the world a better place March 1, 2019 When Hollywood created a sequel to the original Mary Poppins film, the producers introduced a new character: a villainous banker who could give everybody a good scare. But why exactly is the banker the villain? After all, a healthy economy requires a healthy financial sector that is at the service of people as they pursue [...]
DEBATE: Should 18-year-olds be entitled to an extra year of free education after school, as the CBI suggests? March 1, 2019 Should 18-year-olds be entitled to an extra year of free education after school, as the CBI suggests? Matthew Fell, chief UK policy director at the CBI, says YES. As the world of work changes, people need to learn throughout their careers. The best companies help their people evolve through education. Colleges serve firms brilliantly, with tailored [...]
The NHS needs to act more like WeWork March 1, 2019 A&E waiting times are at their worst level for 15 years. In 2018, more junior doctors left the NHS than stayed. Doctors and nurses are facing untold pressures, with things set to get worse as European recruits dry up ahead of Brexit. The health service is facing a critical staffing crisis which could prove fatal. [...]
Horse racing betting tips: Sam has perfect Profile to strike in the Ballymore March 1, 2019 WITH just over a week to go until the start of the best four days in the National Hunt racing calendar, the long-range weather forecast suggests that we may be in for a wet spell in the build up. Cheltenham’s clerk of the course Simon Claisse suggested on Wednesday that there is every chance the [...]