Theresa May’s “shared society” slogan: Another excuse for more state, less Brexit January 10, 2017 I read Theresa May’s article about the “shared society” – assuming it was she who wrote it, and not her shadowy acolytes – with interest. It is always good to know what underlies our politicians’ thinking. But it is a disappointing read, a virtue-signalling undergraduate essay. It begins with the assertion, shared with most commentators, [...]
HMRC’s plans to shutter offices will now cost £300m more by 2025 January 10, 2017 The taxman's plans to shutter large numbers of local office will now save less than half the amount originally forecast by 2025. HM Revenue and Customs is closing all of its 170 offices in a migration to 17 sites, as well as a London headquarters. The plan had been expected to generate savings of £499 [...]
Former Australian PM backs plan to target Commonwealth nations for trade deals January 10, 2017 A new paper backed by former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott is calling on the UK to quit the EU's customs union and focus on Commonwealth trade after Brexit. The report, authored by Tory Braintree MP James Cleverly, suggests a five step approach to Britain's trade priorities, beginning with the Commonwealth’s open economies. After setting [...]
Prime Minister Theresa May blames the sinking pound on media reports of a looming “hard Brexit” January 10, 2017 Theresa May has blamed the fall in sterling on press reports that she is planning a so-called hard Brexit. The pound fell to its lowest level against the dollar since October yesterday, after the Prime Minister heavily implied the UK will not stay in the Single Market after Brexit. Sterling dropped from $1.229 at the [...]
Corbyn calls for an historic return to state aid programmes and an end to freedom of movement from the EU January 9, 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wants a return to state aid programmes in the aftermath of Brexit, and has insisted his party is not "wedded" to European freedom of movement. Making a landmark speech tomorrow, Corbyn will lay out Labour's vision for Britain once the country has left the EU. "Britain can be better off after [...]
Senior Tory MP Andrew Tyrie is demanding details in Theresa May’s Brexit plans January 9, 2017 Senior Tory Andrew Tyrie is demanding the government explains its hopes for the Single Market as part of a Brexit plan promised last year. Last year, Prime Minister Theresa May committed to revealing more on the UK goals ahead of triggering Article 50, and now Tyrie, who chairs parliament's influential Treasury Committee, is demanding that any [...]
Tories slam Khan over zero strikes vow and “woeful” understanding of London transport January 9, 2017 London mayor Sadiq Khan has been slammed by London and home counties Tories over today's tube strike, with Khan accused of a “woeful” understanding of the capital's transport. Tube station workers have been on strike throughout the day, with many Londoners suffering extended commutes both to and from work. Although the strike formally finishes at [...]
Martin McGuinness resigns as Northern Ireland deputy first minister January 9, 2017 Northern Ireland's deputy first minister Martin McGuinness has resigned. McGuinness has helped to lead the assembly in Belfast since 2007, but is stepping down over first minister Arlene Foster's handling of a growing scandal involving incentives provided to businesses to use renewable heat systems, such as biomass boilers, on their premises. In his resignation letter, McGuinness said: [...]
Nuclear strike: Decommissioning workers to vote on industrial action over pensions January 9, 2017 The UK could be facing industrial disputes at nuclear power plants after unions agreed to ballot decommissioning workers over a potential strike. Workers at plants including Sellafield could launch industrial action after the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority kicked off a statutory consultation over changes to final salary schemes for staff at 19 sites across the UK. Read more: Engineering union Prospect swells to [...]
Theresa May calls for a “new partnership” with employers on mental health January 9, 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May has called for a "new partnership" between government and industry on mental health as part of a speech laying out her broad agenda for the UK. Speaking at the Charity Commission today, May brought together housing, mental health, industrial strategy and Brexit as part of her programme to create a "shared society". [...]