The hubristic Lib Dems flew too close to the electoral sun November 22, 2019 Of all the Greek myths, the most famous is probably the story of Icarus, the boy who flew too close to the sun. Gifted with ingeniously crafted wings, he was warned that flying too high would risk melting the wax that held them together. Reckless and overconfident, Icarus found his wings disintegrating mid-air, and met [...]
Today’s Labour party has no excuse for its anti-business agenda November 22, 2019 Labour’s election manifesto, launched yesterday by Jeremy Corbyn, has been labelled the most left-wing since the Michael Foot era, when the party also doubled down on high taxes, nationalisation of industry, and more state interference in the economy. Personally, I don’t think the comparison holds up — it’s not generous enough to Michael Foot. While [...]
DEBATE: Should billionaires consider fleeing the country if Jeremy Corbyn gets into power? November 22, 2019 Should billionaires consider fleeing the country if Jeremy Corbyn gets into power? Craig Kemsley, head of tax at Calibrate Law, says YES. An exodus of wealth creators from the UK is already well under way, and Labour’s tax plans would only catalyse this phenomenon if the party got into office. Despite Labour’s claims that the [...]
Want to win an election? Throw the kitchen sink at your opponent November 22, 2019 The received wisdom goes that campaign messages should be as to-the-point as possible. “Keep it simple, stupid” originated in engineering, but it is credited with Barack Obama’s 2008 “change” message and Vote Leave’s successful “take back control” campaign in 2016. Certainly, both the main parties in this election seem to be sticking to this principle, [...]
General Election 2019: Tories to up stamp duty for non-UK residents November 22, 2019 Foreign residents will be slapped with a higher rate of stamp duty than UK home-owners under a Conservative government, as part of efforts to tackle the country’s housing crisis. A three per cent surcharge will be levied on companies as well as individuals buying property who are not UK tax residents, the Tories will announce [...]
Billionaire Michael Bloomberg files paperwork for US presidential bid November 21, 2019 Billionaire Michael Bloomberg has filed a statement of candidacy for US President in the latest sign the former New York City mayor will join a crowded field of Democrat candidates. Read more: Billionaire Michael Bloomberg considers possible presidential run The filing with the Federal Election Committee means the media mogul is able to raise funds [...]
Conservatives pledge temporary Hammersmith Bridge November 21, 2019 A temporary bridge will be built alongside the closed Hammersmith Bridge if the Conservatives are re-elected. Transport minister George Freeman announced this afternoon on Twitter that the proposal had gained his support, after lobbying from Richmond Park MP Zac Goldsmith. Read more: Hammersmith Bridge won’t be able to cope with electric double decker buses The [...]
General Election 2019: Labour ‘pretending’ only richest will fund its £83bn spending spree November 21, 2019 Labour’s has been criticised for “pretending” it can fund the bulk of its £83bn spending spree by raising taxes for the only the richest five per cent of the country. Revealing his party manifesto this morning Jeremy Corbyn pledged that the vast majority of British taxpayers would be unaffected by Labour’s plans, which include widespread [...]
Hey, big spenders: Conservatives rake in cash during first week of election campaign November 21, 2019 Conservatives have raked in more than £5.6m in party donations during the first week of the election campaign, Electoral Commission data has revealed. The Labour party meanwhile scraped together just £218,500 – meaning that the Tories received £25 for every £1 sent to Jeremy Corbyn and co. Even the Liberal Democrats and Brexit Party out-fundraised [...]
National insurance payment cut to mostly benefit middle and higher-earners, says IFS November 21, 2019 Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s plans to raise the national insurance contribution (NIC) threshold would mostly benefit middle and higher-income households, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has said. The Conservatives intend to raise the point at which workers pay national insurance to £9,500 in 2020/21 from its currently-planned level of £8,788. The party also intends [...]