Theresa May’s industrial strategy isn’t about picking winners – but taking control of Britain’s economic destiny post-Brexit November 1, 2016 Purists likely shuddered at Theresa May’s commitment to a “proper, modern industrial strategy” as she reshaped the Business Department in July. Three decades of free market orthodoxy have convinced many business folk that a fully-fledged plan for industry represents a throwback to the 1970s, a decade when sickly British Leyland came to symbolise all that [...]
Stephen Hawking thinks Brexit is too complex even for him November 1, 2016 Stephen Hawking, perhaps the world's greatest living scientist, has said he wouldn't fancy trying to tackle the UK's exit from the European Union. Speaking last night at the Pride of Britain Awards the 74-year-old professor told Prime Minister Theresa May that Brexit may be too "complex" a situation even for him. The Brief History of Time [...]
Hillary Clinton accuses FBI chief of double standards November 1, 2016 The Clinton campaign has hit back at the FBI, accusing its chief James Comey of "double standards" for trying to hide evidence of Russia's backing of Republican nominee Donald Trump. Clinton's campaign manager said it "defied all logic" for Comey to reveal the investigation into Clinton's emails, while refusing to speak about Russia's alleged involvement with Trump's campaign because it [...]
Republican governor John Kasich has voted for John McCain rather than Donald Trump November 1, 2016 It's all going on in the US presidential election, after John Kasich, the Republican governor of Ohio, stuck to his guns and plumped for the party's 2008 nominee John McCain instead of current nominee Donald Trump. After abandoning his own bid in May, Kasich vowed not to endorse Trump, or indeed vote for him. He voted [...]
UK fintech pushes for its very own “Big Bang” moment November 1, 2016 The UK’s world leading fintech industry will this week meet with top government officials seeking to spark another “Big Bang” moment, the first of which kicked off the making of the City as a global financial powerhouse. Leaders in the industry will head to Westminster where several meetings with treasury and trade officials are on [...]
Premium Bonds stand the test of time and celebrate their 60th birthday today November 1, 2016 There aren't many government initiatives that go pretty much untouched for 60 years. But the iconic Premium Bond celebrates its diamond anniversary today and while some elements may have changed, the central idea remains the same. Harold Macmillan launched Premium Bonds in 1956 as part of a government initiative to encourage post-war Britons to save more. The [...]
Chancellor Philip Hammond will today reveal Britain’s new £1.9bn cyber security plans November 1, 2016 Chancellor Philip Hammond will today formally launch the UK's new cyber security strategy. Hammond will reveal the £1.9bn plans at a Microsoft conference in the Excel Centre in London's Docklands. He will promises that plans for defence, deterrence and fresh development would also represent a core part of the government's industrial strategy. Read More: More proof [...]
American election has been “downright embarrassing”, US secretary of state John Kerry tells Londoners October 31, 2016 US secretary of state John Kerry told London’s City Hall today that this year’s American election has been “downright embarrassing” at times. Kerry appeared alongside London mayor Sadiq Khan at an event to address young people from across the capital. Read more: Trump's just one point behind Clinton in the newest election poll Speaking just [...]
The best political reactions to Mark Carney’s decision to stay at the Bank of England to 2019 October 31, 2016 Mark Carney today revealed that he would remain as governor of the Bank of England until 2019, adding an extra year to his original plan of a five year stay. It means his tenure still falls short of the original offer of an eight year role, but still adds to Carney's long held plan to [...]
As he commits to stay until 2019, have political attacks on Mark Carney undermined the Bank of England’s independence? October 31, 2016 Kathleen Brooks, research director at City Index, says Yes. While the Bank of England’s decision-making has not been affected by recent political attacks, the fact that the government thinks that the Bank is fair game for criticism could undermine the perception of the Bank’s independence in future. Although it’s unlikely that it will take political [...]