Theresa May is lifting ban on selective schools as she announces £50m government funding for grammar schools September 9, 2016 Prime Minister Theresa May is relaxing the ban on selective schools, in controversial plans opposed by Labour and the outgoing Ofsted chief inspector, which will also see grammar schools given government funding for expansion. May said in a major speech today that it is "completely illogical to make it illegal to open good new schools". [...]
In Brexit Britain, will charity begin (and end) at home? September 9, 2016 Government is gearing back into action after a surprisingly business-as-usual summer. MPs have returned, announcements have started and there is one issue lodged at the top of the in-tray. Despite Theresa May’s pledge not to provide a “running commentary” on Brexit, it seems unstoppable. The Prime Minister has already ruled out a point-based immigration system, [...]
“What is Aleppo?” Gary Johnson’s Syria gaffe was bad but also emphasised his integrity September 8, 2016 The presidential campaign of Gary Johnson, candidate for the US Libertarian party, received one of its biggest boosts in this election cycle on Wednesday evening – a tweet from the 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney, expressing hope that the Johnson ticket would be allowed to take part in the upcoming presidential debates. The following morning, [...]
It’s pure hubris for politicians to think they can “rebalance” the economy September 8, 2016 Theresa May is reviving the idea of interventionist industrial strategy, and wants to “rebalance” the economy. Many people are jumping on the bandwagon. They should jump right off again. Even the more mature of today’s politicians were still in the school playground when these ideas last made waves. In the 1950s and 1960s, UK governments [...]
Philip Hammond has warned against attempts to lure key financial services sectors to mainland Europe after Brexit September 8, 2016 Chancellor Philip Hammond has hit back at Francois Hollande after the French president suggested that euro clearing could move to Continental financial centres in the aftermath of Brexit. Just days after Britain voted to leave the EU, Hollande said that “other financial centres in the bloc'” should prepare to carry out euro clearing if Britain [...]
Chancellor Philip Hammond has revealed the date for his Autumn Statement September 8, 2016 Chancellor Philip Hammond has revealed the date for the first major fiscal event of Theresa May's government, with the Autumn Statement now set for 23 November. Speaking in front of a House of Lords committee today, Hammond said: "The Autumn Statement will set out the government's economic and fiscal plans based on the latest forecasts from the [...]
The European Parliament has appointed Guy Verhofstadt as its representative on Brexit matters September 8, 2016 Influential MEP Guy Verhofstadt has been appointed as the European Parliament's (EP) point man for Brexit negotiations. Verhofstadt will keep the Conference of Presidents (comprising the EP president and group leaders) fully informed of developments and will help prepare the EP position in the negotiations, in close consultation with the Conference of Presidents. The former Belgian Prime Minister said [...]
UK sets up new trade group with India to prepare for future deal following Brexit September 8, 2016 Britain has set up a new working group with India to help prepare for possible trade deals after Brexit has completed. The UK can't agree trade deals with other countries until it has formally exited the EU, a process that could take years. However, the government has said that won't stop it from preparing for the [...]
Now even Donald Tusk has told Theresa May to get going on Brexit negotiations September 8, 2016 It isn't just fed-up UK politicians who want the UK to get going on Brexit negotiations: European Council president Donald Tusk has told Theresa May to start the process "as soon as possible", according to reports. Tusk told May "the ball is now in your court" during a meeting at Downing Street this morning. "Our [...]
Why we’re backing Britain’s resilient and optimistic small businesses September 8, 2016 In the run up to June’s referendum vote, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) became a focal point for both Leave and Remain camps, with each side claiming the support of small business owners for their different visions of Britain’s future. This focus on SMEs was unsurprising – these businesses are the nuts and bolts of British [...]