Downing Street says a new Scottish referendum would create uncertainty “at the worst possible time” March 13, 2017 Downing Street has hit out at Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon after the Holyrood politician revealed she would next week kick off her bid for a second independence referendum. Sturgeon today said she had hit a "brick wall of intransigence" in seeking to present Scotland's Brexit fears to Westminster, and promised to seek a vote between Autumn [...]
Nicola Sturgeon announces she will seek second referendum on Scottish independence March 13, 2017 Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced she will seek a second referendum for Scottish independence. Sturgeon will go to MSPs next week to seek approval for a referendum between the autumn of 2018 and spring of 2019, although she said the exact timing of the referendum would be left to the Scottish parliament. The [...]
Jeremy Corbyn says a maximum wage is still being considered by Labour March 13, 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has rekindled the prospect of Labour introducing a maximum salary, months after suggesting a pay ratio scheme. Speaking on the Today programme, Corbyn said Labour is consulting on the appropriate level for a pay ratio, but he added that a hard salary cap was still on the table. “On maximum pay we [...]
Time for chancellor Philip Hammond to tinker about with his National Insurance plan March 13, 2017 Philip Hammond is unlikely to have enjoyed a peaceful weekend following his debut Budget last week. The chancellor has been on the end of a daily kicking since he announced a tax rise for self-employed workers, with some Conservatives questioning whether his political judgement is strong enough to hold such a senior position. One can [...]
The UK will get a US free trade deal post-Brexit – but Donald Trump will drive a hard bargain March 13, 2017 Back in 1783, when Britain signed a trade deal with the fledgling United States as part of the Treaty of Paris which concluded the revolutionary war, the world-class British delegation was infinitely more experienced and better prepared than their novice American counterparts. Sadly, this is not the case today. Fast forward 234 years and Britain’s [...]
Ministers put regional infrastructure plans in the spotlight ahead of “largest ever” Qatari business summit March 13, 2017 Ministers are hoping to secure a cash injection for the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine projects when the UK plays host to the biggest investment and business forum ever held with Qatar later this month. Qatar is the UK's third largest export market in the Middle East, accounting for £35bn of investment into the UK, and Prime Minister Theresa [...]
David Davis warns MPs not to tie Theresa May’s hands ahead of historic debates on Brexit legislation March 13, 2017 Brexit secretary David Davis has told MPs not to “tie the Prime Minister's hands” by approving amendments to the Article 50 Bill as the UK embarks on an historic week in which the government could kickstart the process of leaving the EU. Prime Minister Theresa May might trigger Article 50 as soon as tomorrow as [...]
Boris Johnson warns Russia is “up to all sorts of dirty tricks” and could undermine the UK’s democratic process March 12, 2017 Boris Johnson has warned Russia is "up to all sorts of dirty tricks" following an intelligence report that told political parties to protect themselves against potential cyber attacks. The foreign secretary said there's "plenty of evidence" Vladimir Putin's government is capable of undermining Britain's democratic process, and he accused the Kremlin of bringing down French TV stations, [...]
Charlotte Hogg may get a roasting from the MPs mulling whether she is fit for her job at the Bank of England, as banks slam her slip in ethics March 12, 2017 Charlotte Hogg's fate as a deputy governor at the Bank of England is facing renewed pressure, as MPs are busily mulling whether she is fit for her role. Hogg has come under fire in recent weeks for failing to declare her brother's job at Barclays as a potential conflict of interest. Prior to her promotion, she [...]
Brexit rebels in the Lords must be prepared to back down admits Heseltine March 12, 2017 Tory peer and former deputy prime minister Lord Heseltine has warned the House of Lords against waging a long-running battle to make changes to the Article 50 Bill. The unelected chamber installed two amendments to the legislation, on protections for the rights of EU nationals, and offering parliament a “meaningful” vote on any new trading relationship with the EU. [...]