I want to build a national consensus on Britain’s bright post-Brexit future September 15, 2016 Napoleon is said to have once described Britain as a nation of shopkeepers. It was not meant as a compliment, but it highlighted one of our country’s biggest and most enduring strengths. We are one of the great trading nations of the world and the decision taken by the people to leave the EU will [...]
Autumn Statement 2016: Businesses tell Philip Hammond to cut national insurance September 15, 2016 Business leaders want Philip Hammond to cut the cost of employment in his first Autumn Statement as chancellor, rather than indulge in headline-grabbing measures like slashing corporation tax. Accountants EY found 64 per cent of top decision makers at both UK firms and multinationals with a big presence here said reducing the cost of national insurance [...]
The next Singapore: Britain must seize this opportunity to slash tax and regulation September 15, 2016 I have always been torn over Britain’s relationship with Europe. While I share the loathing of the most passionate Brexiteer for the arrogance of the Brussels elite and their job-destroying regulations, I also fear the largely unintended consequences of what EU withdrawal will mean both for Britain in terms of prosperity and influence, and for [...]
A senior Tory has issued a stinging slapdown to the government on the analyses behind HS2 and airport expansion September 15, 2016 The Conservative chair of the highly influential Treasury Select Committee has questioned the government's evidence for decisions on both High Speed 2 and airport expansion, demanding publication of data backing the projects. Andrew Tyrie wrote a furious letter to transport secretary Chris Grayling earlier this week, noting it would be the fifth time he had [...]
Outgoing BBC Trust chair condemns government decision to name highest-paid stars September 15, 2016 The outgoing head of the BBC Trust has slammed the government’s decision to force the corporation to disclose celebrity pay details. Rona Fairhead, who announced she would be stepping down earlier this week following an intervention from new Prime Minister Theresa May, said she was “disappointed” with the change. Read more: Former BBC Trust vice-chair [...]
The government has confirmed the dates of the Witney and Batley and Spen by-elections September 15, 2016 The government has confirmed that the by-elections to replace David Cameron and Jo Cox will both take place on the same day. Today it said the by-elections in Witney and Batley and Spen will both take place on 20 October this year. The by-election in Witney was triggered by former Prime Minister David Cameron announcing on Monday [...]
How business and politics reacted to the government go-ahead for Hinkley C September 15, 2016 The UK government gave the green light to plans to build the controversial Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant in Somerset today, but with a few revised conditions which should help allay its security concerns. The widely-watched decision has so far received a mixed reception across business and politics. While supporters applauded the project's ability to create [...]
Government approves Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant but with revised conditions September 15, 2016 The government approved plans to build the controversial £18bn Hinkley Point C project, but with revised conditions. The move, which paves the way for the UK's first new nuclear power plant in a generation, includes measures to ensure French utility giant EDF remains the controlling partner during the construction phase. Whitehall will also be able to intervene in the sale of [...]
What a summer: George Osborne’s epic fall from high office September 15, 2016 At the end of July, former Chancellor George Osborne delivered the annual Margaret Thatcher memorial lecture. Her legacy is mighty. What would his be? As he attempted to define it in front of a City audience in the magnificent Guildhall, he concluded that he had “much more to contribute to our nation's discussions in the [...]
Prime Minister Theresa May set to power up Hinkley Point September 14, 2016 The government is expected to press the button on two new nuclear reactors in Somerset as early as this week. Yesterday, reports suggested that the government has told France it has approved an £18bn plan by French company EDF to build two nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point in Somerset. The likely green light for the reactors is [...]