Ros Altmann is right: It’s time to scrap the state pension triple-lock August 1, 2016 As with many contemporary policy debates, the furore over the state pension triple-lock has its roots with Gordon Brown. Back in 1999, when Brown was chancellor, the state pension was increased by 75p per week. “Derisory”, claimed pensioner groups. Only “enough to buy a packet of peanuts”, bemoaned national newspapers. Scarred by the backlash, political [...]
China urges Hinkley approval as its state media scolds security concerns August 1, 2016 China urged the UK government to press ahead with the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant, after it delayed making a final decision until October. Reports suggest Prime Minister Theresa May pushed back final approval last week because of security concerns regarding the involvement of China's state nuclear company, which would own about a third of the project. [...]
What is an industrial strategy? A senior committee of MPs has launched an inquiry into the government’s plans August 1, 2016 Prime Minister Theresa May's plans to launch a new industrial strategy are being examined by MPs this morning after a senior committee launched an inquiry. The Business, Innovation and Skills committee is seeking to ascertain “what the government means by industrial strategy”, and how interventionist May's government should be. Committee chair Iain Wright said: “I am [...]
The fur flies on Downing Street as two of politics’ top cats get their claws out August 1, 2016 Two of UK politics' most senior moggies had to be forcibly separated this morning after reportedly engaging in a brutal fight in Downing Street. A Downing Street photographer captured 10 Downing Street's Larry fighting with the Foreign Office's "chief mouser" Palmerston earlier today. Massive fight in Downing St was horrible to watch which I tried to [...]
In numbers: Remain campaigners and Downing St aides to get gongs – but how does Cameron’s honours list compare to previous PMs? August 1, 2016 Former Prime Minister David Cameron is facing fury over this morning over honours expected to be delivered to former members of staff and EU referendum campaigners. The Sunday Times reported that Cameron will hand out 48 gongs in his resignation honours, with exactly half predicted for former Downing Street staff. The nominations have led to the [...]
Labour’s love affair with fantasy economics August 1, 2016 In a recent interview Jeremy Corbyn was asked to identify his successes of the past year. Alongside saying sorry for the Iraq war, the Labour leader said “turning the party into one that challenges the economic orthodoxy” comes high on his list of achievements. He may be challenging it, but he's far from forging a [...]
It’ll be Clinton who destroys the transatlantic alliance – not Trump August 1, 2016 I will never vote for Donald Trump. In line with the classic modern American demagogic tradition – from Huey Long to George Wallace – the present Republican nominee often plays fast and loose with the truth. He either outright lies, as when he said large crowds of Muslims were cheering in New Jersey when 9/11 [...]
The favourite to succeed Nigel Farage will find out on Tuesday whether he is in the race after missing a deadline to enter the leadership contest July 31, 2016 The hot favourite to succeed Nigel Farage will find out on Tuesday whether his campaign has fallen at the first hurdle after he missed a deadline to submit his nomination to battle in the party's leadership contest by almost 20 minutes. Candidates were required their application alongside 50 nominations and a cheque for £5,000 to the party by [...]
London mayor Sadiq Khan has branded Labour’s anti-business reputation as an “embarrassment” July 31, 2016 Labour is seen as being “unfriendly to business”, according to the party's most senior elected politician, London mayor Sadiq Khan. Khan said the City of London in particular had “unease” with Labour both in the 2015 general election and under its current leadership. A spokesman for Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn declined to respond to Khan's comments Sources close [...]
Scrap the state pension “triple lock” urges ex-pensions minister July 31, 2016 The so-called triple lock for state pensions should be scrapped, the former pensions minister has said. The costly protection which guarantees a yearly rise in line with either inflation, average earnings or 2.5 per cent – whichever is highest – should be dropped by the government to save billions of pounds, outgoing pensions minister Baroness Altman [...]