Sterling falls below $1.20 again on fears over Theresa May’s Brexit speech January 16, 2017 The pound tumbled below $1.20 this morning for the first time since October's so-called flash crash, as investors nervously awaited a speech from Theresa May. Late last night the pound hit a three-month low, falling to $1.1983 as trading resumed in Australia and New Zealand. Having recovered slightly overnight, this morning it fell as low [...]
Germany is not the answer to any serious strategic question January 16, 2017 Given the nervous breakdown of America, epitomised by the election of know-nothing Donald Trump as President, it is altogether understandable and human that elites are desperately casting about for a new champion of western stability. There are precious few other candidates for the job so, largely by the process of elimination, analysts (particularly on the [...]
Davos 2017: As the great and the good descend on the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting, are we seeing the death or the dawn of the global elite? January 16, 2017 Alex Deane, managing director of FTI Consulting and common councilman in the City of London, says "death". It is all too easy to bash the so-called “global elite” and mock their gatherings. Those seeking to do good at Davos are at least trying; if there are real villains, then they’re to be found among those [...]
Davos: Why today’s leaders must make the connection between education and profits January 16, 2017 Three thousand of the world’s most important business leaders and politicians will gather together to discuss the most pressing issues facing the world this week. The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos has long been one of the defining events of the year and an opportunity to set the agenda for the global stage. [...]
Theresa May’s reported Brexit plan has been endorsed by an influential think tank January 16, 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May's reported plans to quit both the Single Market and the European customs union have been backed by a former chancellor, who also warns that no "remotely acceptable" trade deal is possible. This weekend saw reports emerge that May will this week make clear her willingness to quit the EU's trading blocs in order [...]
MPs are questioning whether more support should be provided to working fathers January 16, 2017 A parliamentary watchdog is to launch an enquiry into support available for working fathers. The Women and Equalities select committee is calling for evidence over concerns workplaces are not providing support to dads. It comes after the committee found that take-up for shared parental leave, introduced in 2015, is predicted to reach a maximum of [...]
US President-elect Donald Trump wants to seal a new trade deal with the UK “very quickly” and has said Brexit will be a “great thing” January 15, 2017 US President-elect Donald Trump has said he will move “very quickly” to secure a new trade deal with the UK when he comes to office. “I’m a big fan of the UK, we’re gonna work very hard to get it done quickly and done properly. Good for both sides,” Trump told MP Michael Gove in an [...]
Davos gathering looks to address Trump and Brexit January 15, 2017 Prime minister Theresa May, Chinese president Xi Jinping, US vice president Joe Biden and US secretary of state John Kerry will be among the 3,000 businessmen, politicians and celebrities at the annual World Economic Forum this week. This year, the organisers of the four day event in Switzerland have chosen “responsive and responsible leadership” as the theme [...]
The boss of the CIA has some advice for tweetstorm-loving Trump January 15, 2017 The outgoing boss of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has warned tweet-happy President-elect Donald Trump to think about what he says before reacting. John Brennan, who will leave office with Obama and his administration, issued a stern warning to Trump, who last week accused the intelligence organisation of practices that were "something that Nazi Germany would [...]
Nigel Farage says a US trade deal could be agreed in just three months under Donald Trump January 15, 2017 Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage has predicted the UK could agree a trade deal with the US within months of President-elect Donald Trump taking office. Trump will become the US' 45th President on 20 January, and Farage said the incoming administration will be keen to stress its commitment to the principles of global trade. "I am [...]