Labour and Conservative MPs join forces to attempt to block a no-deal Brexit by stripping government of powers January 8, 2019 Labour and Tory MPs have teamed up to table an amendment that seeks to force the government to rule out a no-deal Brexit. Conservative backbencher Nicky Morgan and Labour MP Yvette Cooper’s proposed amendment to the Finance Bill would limit the government’s spending powers if the UK leaves the EU with no agreement. It reportedly [...]
A Brexit negotiated by Trump would have been a wild ride January 8, 2019 How would Donald Trump have approached negotiating Brexit? A few months ago, several commentators mused over this exact question. The current game of chicken between the President and Democrats in Congress, resulting in a partial US government shutdown, is perhaps the best insight we’ll get. And it shows the wild ride that a Prime Minister [...]
Time for a super-ministry to lead the fourth industrial revolution January 8, 2019 When I was elected to parliament, one of the first things that I campaigned on was the need to develop a comprehensive industrial strategy. The future of the country depends on a strong industrial base – not least because this is the starting point for the innovation that will maintain the UK’s position as a [...]
Yet more sugar-taxes will leave consumers with a bitter taste January 7, 2019 It's been claimed that Brexit has taken up so much political energy that the government has lost its focus on other areas of policy. But fear not – the slack is being taken up by an army of bureaucrats and campaigners who seek to exert ever more control over our lives. With relentless energy the [...]
Theresa May hopeful of more EU reassurances over backstop as MPs vote looms January 7, 2019 Theresa May is hoping to get further reassurances from the EU over her Brexit deal as time ticks down to a crunch vote in Parliament. The Prime Minister confirmed on Monday she is continuing to work with Brussels to secure a guarantee the so-called ‘backstop’ – which effectively keeps the UK in the EU’s customs [...]
No-deal Brexit would be a ‘safe haven’ claims Tory and Labour Leave campaigners January 7, 2019 No deal with the EU would lead the UK to the “safe haven” of World Trade Organisation rules, according to a joint report from Conservative and Labour Brexiters Former Conservative cabinet minister Peter Lilley and Labour Leave activist Brendan Chilton made the claim in a dossier they dub as providing “30 truths” about leaving the EU [...]
NHS England says new 10-year plan could save up to 500,000 lives a year January 7, 2019 NHS England has unveiled its 10-year plan for the health service, which sets out how the £20.5bn funding injection announced by Theresa May will be spent over the next five years. NHS England said the money could save around 500,000 lives by preventing life-threatening diseases such as strokes, heart problems and cancer by detecting them [...]
Lorries embark on no-deal Brexit test run to Dover January 7, 2019 Nearly 90 lorries took part in a no-deal Brexit test run this morning to help the government prepare for potential Dover traffic jams after the UK leaves the EU in March. The first wave of 89 lorries set off on the 20-mile journey between the disused Manston Airport and the Port of Dover at 8am, [...]
Soldiers seize radio station in oil-rich Gabon in coup attempt January 7, 2019 Soldiers have launched a coup in oil-rich West African state Gabon in attempt to oust the country’s ailing President Ali Bongo. Army officers seized the national radio station this morning and read a short statement proclaiming a "National Restoration Council". Looks like the military in #Gabon is overthrowing the government. pic.twitter.com/zuQ2yDSnxZ — Middle East Observer [...]
Forex 2019: Dollar rally to fade? January 7, 2019 | City Talk The course of 2018 saw a firming in the US dollar against just about every other currency. But the factors that contributed to this steady rise may be starting to diminish. The big question facing the FX markets this year is whether the dollar can continue to push higher or whether the softening in December [...]