The US midterms show that mixing politics and advertising makes a volatile concoction November 5, 2018 The US midterm elections tomorrow are set to be a significant milestone. With record voter attendance expected and the structural balance of Congress at stake, these midterms will either reduce Donald Trump’s power, or give him a mandate to pursue his political goals. It is of no surprise then, with so much on the line, [...]
Winter is coming, let the chill of change work to your advantage November 5, 2018 Winter is coming, to borrow the oft-quoted phrase from Game of Thrones. We all know what it feels like: shorter days, darkness abounds, chilled to your bones. Pull up the duvet and prepare for hibernation. But awake, Britain – throw open the doors of your toasty warm Hobbit-holes and allow the chilly gusts of reality [...]
Governmental failure has left millions of Nigerians in the dark November 5, 2018 Government is, as former President Barack Obama pointed out, just that name for what we do together. Unfortunately, in some of the poorer parts of the world, it’s really the name for what does not get done at all. Nigeria is a prime example. It is a large oil producer with plentiful resources. It is [...]
Ireland ‘would block British demand to quit Irish backstop agreement’ November 5, 2018 Ireland has hit out at reports that Britain wants the right to pull out of any so-called Irish border backstop arrangement after a short period of time. Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney said a deal in which Britain could decide to close the Irish border by itself would not pass muster with Ireland or the [...]
Investors positive about investing in UK post-Brexit November 5, 2018 Investors are more positive about investing in the UK post-Brexit this year than they were last year, according to a survey released today. The research shows that 62 per cent of investors are more likely to invest in the UK post-Brexit, up from 31 per cent last year. Overall 88 per cent of investors said [...]
Let’s make sure British sport can compete with the best beyond Brexit November 4, 2018 It is often said the UK is a nation obsessed with sport. But for once sport’s hold on top spot in the public consciousness has been usurped by another national obsession: Brexit. However, the link between Brexit and sport is far more than just a competition for public attention – Brexit poses some fundamental challenges [...]
Watchdog summons Corbyn and McConnell to meeting over misuse of statistics November 4, 2018 The staff of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and shadow chancellor John McDonnell have been summoned to a meeting by the UK’s statistics watchdog over the misuse of stats. Statistics Authority chairman David Norgrove has previously written to the Labour Party over a “lack of published information on sources, assumptions and methods to support statements”. In February [...]
‘Big Short’ investor who foresaw 2008 crash warns against ‘Trotskyite’ Corbyn government November 4, 2018 A US investor who predicted the financial crash has said he could be impelled to short up to 50 UK firms if "Trotskyite" Jeremy Corbyn becomes Prime Minister. Steve Eisman, who is the subject of Oscar-winning film The Big Short, said the UK was one of the biggest risks he was watching as it negotiates its [...]
Leave tycoon Arron Banks insists there is ‘no Russian money’ in Brexit campaign donations November 4, 2018 British millionaire and political donor Arron Banks has insisted there was "no Russian money" in the donations received by his controversial campaigns to leave the EU. Banks, a prominent Brexiter, was referred to the National Crime Agency (NCA) on Thursday by the Electoral Commission which said it had found evidence of "multiple suspected offences" committed during the [...]
Former Cabinet secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood dies of cancer aged 56 November 4, 2018 Former Cabinet secretary and head of the civil service Sir Jeremy Heywood has died of cancer, aged 56. Heywood, who served in Downing Street under Labour Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown and Tory leaders David Cameron and Theresa May, retired from the civil service on 24 October to focus on his cancer treatment. Downing Street confirmed [...]