The Big Bang 30 years on: How the City of London has changed since 1986 October 26, 2016 Nothing stands still in the City. The world's financial services powerhouse has seen it all, from boom and bust to bouncebacks and Brexit. Its skyline has changed almost beyond recognition over the last three decades, as have the markets it serves. As we mark the 30th anniversary of the so-called Big Bang, we cannot help [...]
The chair of parliament’s new Brexit watchdog says it is “very likely” the UK will get a free trade deal with the EU October 26, 2016 The UK will “very likely” be able to secure a free trade deal with the EU according to the leader of parliament's new Brexit watchdog, although transition arrangements must also be struck. Speaking in public for the first time as the chair of the Brexit Select Commitee, Hilary Benn said a free trade deal for [...]
Restoring Britain’s reputation for liberal economic policy must be the priority in the coming Autumn Statement October 26, 2016 The forthcoming Autumn Statement brings to mind the old quote from Bill Clinton’s adviser James Carville about wanting to be reincarnated as the bond market – because then he could intimidate everyone. Philip Hammond, the new chancellor, should beware the so-called bond vigilantes. The chancellor is looking for innovative ways to shift the cost of [...]
Lost UK influence over EU financial services regulation could come back to bite the City October 26, 2016 Theresa May’s suggestion at the European Council meeting in Brussels last week that the UK would continue to play a role in EU institutions and their respective decision-making processes post-Brexit was met with thinly disguised incredulity by European leaders. Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party in the European Parliament, commented after the meeting: [...]
Michael Gove among the Leave campaigners elected to parliament’s Brexit watchdog October 26, 2016 Leading Brexiteer Michael Gove is to join a parliamentary committee designed to oversee the government's work on quitting the EU. Gove is one of ten Conservatives elected to the newly established Brexit watchdog, which also include Leave campaigners Dominic Raab and John Whittingdale. In all, eight of the 10 Tory MPs on the select committee [...]
Mike Hookem formally reprimanded after Stephen Woolfe altercation, but the former MEP is blamed for starting the fight October 26, 2016 An investigation into an "altercation" between two Ukip MEPs said it was not possible to verify what happened when they clashed at the European Parliament earlier this month, but blamed former party member Steven Woolfe for kicking off the argument. Ukip chairman Paul Oakden said that MEPs Steven Woolfe and Mike Hookem "brought the party into disrepute" when news broke of an [...]
Brexit will be fast and smooth says WTO boss Roberto Azevedo October 26, 2016 UK's transition out of the European Union will be fast and smooth and there will be no disruption to trade, the head of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) said today. Roberto Azevedo vowed that the UK would not face a vacuum or a disruption when it leaves the bloc and it would continue to be [...]
Nicola Sturgeon calls for all-Scotland coalition to unite against ‘hard Brexit’ October 26, 2016 Nicola Sturgeon is to urge politicians, businesses and universities to join to form an "all-Scotland" coalition to oppose a hard Brexit. The first minister will say today that a hard Brexit will cost Scotland 80,000 jobs within a decade, and that expanding the economy and growing tax revenues are a priority for her government. She [...]
Labour’s new shadow City minister thinks they shouldn’t fight for Zac Goldsmith’s seat, but his party disagrees October 26, 2016 A fresh rift has emerged in the Labour party after three MPs – including two on Jeremy Corbyn's front bench – called on their party to stand aside in the battle for Zac Goldsmith's Richmond Park seat. Labour maintained this morning that Corbyn's party will field a candidate. Goldsmith stepped down as an MP yesterday, protesting against the government's decision to [...]
European Parliament president refers Ukip punch-up to French police October 26, 2016 President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz is referring a recent incident between Ukip MEPs Steven Woolfe and Mike Hookem to French police, according to reports. Woolfe was hospitalised earlier this month after he collapsed at the parliament buildings in Strasbourg following an 'altercation' with Hookem. At the time of the incident, Schulz said the reports [...]