The Midlands Engine is getting a small but significant transport boost October 3, 2016 The Northern Powerhouse may be clinging on for survival at the moment, but its trendier, younger cousin, the Midlands Engine, has received quite a bit of attention lately. Not only has it received public support from Theresa May and a great deal of talking-up from John Lewis boss and wannabe Birmingham mayor Andy Street – but [...]
What to watch for at the Conservative Party Conference day 2 October 3, 2016 City A.M.'s political reporter Mark Sands is attending the Conservative Party Conference. Here's what to expect from day 2: Bringing it from Birmingham. Read all about the very latest from #Conservative party conference on Monday #cpc16 pic.twitter.com/5tABvWBWb9 — Mark Sands (@MkSands) October 3, 2016 During the day:
Theresa May is “relaxed” about foreign ownership for British employers, according to the chair of her policy board October 3, 2016 Theresa May is “reasonably relaxed” on foreign ownership of British firms, according to the chair of her policy board. Speaking at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham this morning, George Freeman said the Prime Minister’s focus on foreign investment will relate specifically to the future of businesses in Britain. “The issue isn’t who owns it. The issue [...]
Chancellor Philip Hammond to reset George Osborne’s fiscal policies October 3, 2016 Chancellor Philip Hammond will say today that he is building a "new plan" for the "new circumstances" Britain is in, promising to break away from his predecessor's policies. Hammond is expected to say Osborne's approach was right "at that time", but that things are set to change because "when times change, we must change with [...]
Philip Hammond unveils £5bn housebuilding stimulus package October 3, 2016 Chancellor Philip Hammond has announced a £5bn stimulus package for housebuilders, including a £3bn fund to help build 25,000 homes during this parliament. The fund will give loans to small and medium sized housebuilders and those using innovative building methods such as offsite construction. It will also provide funding for infrastructure. Read more: London has fallen out [...]
Sterling falls to seven-week low as May commits to triggering Article 50 by end of March October 3, 2016 Sterling approached a new post-referendum low today after Prime Minister Theresa May said negotiations to leave the EU will start by the end of March next year and signalled she will not prioritise Single Market access. The pound drifted lower throughout the day, falling 1.1 per cent through Monday's session to stand at $1.2827 crashed to $1.2827 in the minutes [...]
Europe’s banking woes are inherently political October 3, 2016 We live in a time of political absurdity. At home, the opposition is led by an unreconstructed 1970s-style Marxist who spent the last three decades as a backbench irrelevance. Throughout continental Europe, extremist parties remain worryingly popular. And across the pond, there is a genuine threat that Donald Trump, a dangerously reactionary authoritarian megalomaniac, could get [...]
Make Budgets mean Budgets again: We need far better tax policy-making October 3, 2016 At lunchtime today, Philip Hammond will stand up in Birmingham and make his first major speech as chancellor. He will be aiming to reassure audiences that the government will manage the economic consequences of Brexit – and will give the first indications of his approach. The Institute for Government, the Institute for Fiscal Studies and [...]
As the Tory Party conference kicks off, should Theresa May use the opportunity to call an early general election? October 3, 2016 John Lehal, managing director at Insight Consulting Group, says Yes. The case for an early election is overwhelming. Like Cameron, Major and Callaghan before her, Theresa May is finding out just how difficult governing with a small majority can be. The government is divided on what Brexit should look like, while her domestic agenda, including the [...]
Two senior Eurosceptic politicians from the continent have suggested the UK could keep Single Market membership October 2, 2016 Two Eurosceptic politicians from the continent have argued Britain should be able to retain Single Market membership, and warned Europe's leaders seeking a deal to "punish" the UK for its referendum vote. Finland's foreign minister and a Flemish MEP both backed Theresa May's ambitions for free trade with EU members at the Conservative party conference in [...]