Jeremy Corbyn ramps up calls for railway renationalisation and for government to take over Southern Rail franchise August 3, 2016 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will today ramp up his pledge to renationalise the UK’s railways. At a public rally in Brighton, one of the cities worst hit by the Southern Rail crisis, Corbyn will call on the government to end the franchise and reiterate the Labour Party’s commitment to a nationalised “People’s Railway”. “If there’s [...]
Brexit vote reminds us of existing concerns August 3, 2016 The full consequences of the UK's vote to leave the European Union are not yet known. Advocates of a painless Brexit can point to data that refutes the worst fears put about by a panicking Remain campaign. But those looking for evidence to demonstrate that those fears weren't baseless have plenty to go on, too. [...]
City braced for rate cut as construction data and banking woes unsettle markets August 3, 2016 The FTSE 100 fell to a two-week low of 6,645.40 yesterday, spooked by a double whammy of gloomy UK construction data and faltering bank stocks. Official data shows that UK construction has shrunk at its fastest pace in seven years. Markets are now bracing themselves for tomorrow’s Bank of England policy meeting, at which governor Mark [...]
Labour leadership challenger Owen Smith has proposed new limits on private sector pay for government contractors August 3, 2016 Labour leadership candidate Owen Smith is facing questions over his proposals for a new “high pay commission” to explore new pay ceilings for the private sector. In a speech today, Smith will promise to explore whether to install maximum pay ratios between top and average earners for private firms doing public sector work. While he has yet [...]
Britain faces “lights out” without Hinkley Point progress, says Labour leadership challenger Owen Smith August 2, 2016 Britain faces an energy crisis with the construction of Hinkley Point on hold, according to Labour leadership challenger Owen Smith. Smith, who is bidding to replace Jeremy Corbyn as leader on September 24, said that Britain should “get on with” approving the two new nuclear reactors. Theresa May's government unexpectedly slammed the brakes on the [...]
Labour’s faces electoral “Armageddon” if it splits in the aftermath of its leadership election, the party’s largest individual donor has warned August 2, 2016 Labour faces “Armageddon” if it divides the aftermath of this summer's leadership challenge, according to the party's largest individual donor. The party is set to choose a new leader on September 24, but millionaire businessman John Mills said failure to unite afterward the contest would be a disaster for its electoral prospects. “I really hope [...]
Former MPC member and Labour adviser David Blanchflower has launched a searing attack on Labour under Jeremy Corbyn August 2, 2016 Former Monetary Policy Committee member David Blanchflower has launched a searing attack on Labour and party leader Jeremy Corbyn after backing his rival Owen Smith. Blanchflower served on Labour's economic advisory committee, but quit in June over the party's failure to effectively campaign against Brexit. And he has now hit Corbyn with another scathing blast, [...]
Ed Balls. Former Labour MP priced as 100/1 outsider as Strictly rumours mount August 2, 2016 Former shadow chancellor Ed Balls is rumoured to be joining Strictly Come Dancing this year, but the Labour man has already been priced as a 100/1 outsider. Rumours are growing that the former Morley & Outwood MP will join the show, although the BBC says any suggestions are speculation. The BBC will begin releasing the names of [...]
Prime Minister Theresa May will today chair the first meeting of the new industrial strategy cabinet committee August 2, 2016 Prime Minister Theresa May will today chair the first meeting of a new cabinet committee focused on the government's industrial strategy. May will lead the committee, which will also be attended by a raft of senior cabinet members, including chancellor Philip Hammond, defence secretary Michael Fallon, international trade secretary Liam Fox and business and energy secretary Greg Clark. [...]
Travel sickness: Tube staff took over 163,000 sick days last year, the highest level in five years August 2, 2016 Tube staff took over 163,000 sick days last year, the highest level in five years and more than twice the national average. Figures obtained by City A.M. show that staff working for London Underground took 163,152 days off sick in 2015, a year plagued by the threat of strike action as the Night Tube battled opposition [...]