Beware May’s “industrial strategy”: Brexit Britain must be market-orientated July 18, 2016 It all seemed to be going so well. Our new Prime Minister had made some bold and imaginative appointments in assembling her first cabinet. This wasn’t a lazy half-hearted reshuffle, Theresa May was imposing her own stamp on government. Rather than going for continuity, she was ruthless in personnel changes. Initially, it started to look [...]
The grand edifice of President Erdogan’s regime is more fragile than ever July 18, 2016 The short-term consequences of the weekend’s stunning failed coup attempt in Turkey seem clear enough. In typical Putin mini-me fashion, surviving President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s position is strengthened, with him calling the coup “a gift from God”, allowing him to energetically purge the disloyal army of both Gulenist and Kemalist factions. In his defiant speech from [...]
Abandoning the UK’s nuclear weapons would be “gross irresponsibility”, Theresa May will today warn as Labour’s leader faces another revolt over renewing the Trident submarines July 18, 2016 Abandoning the UK's nuclear deterrent would be “gross irresponsibility” Theresa May will today warn, as Labour faces a substantial rebellion over the vote on renewing the UK's Trident submarine. The House of Commons will today host a lengthy debate on Britain's nuclear weapons, with a vote expected at around 10.00. And opening the debate, the [...]
Chancellor Philip Hammond is reportedly considering an early sale of the government’s remaining Lloyds Bank shares July 17, 2016 Chancellor Philip Hammond may be weighing a rapid sale of government holdings in Lloyds, despite the fact that shares in the bank remain almost 25 per cent below a previously estimated break-even price. Hammond, who was Prime Minister Theresa May's first appointment last week, is reportedly considering early sales for the bank shares. Lloyds shares [...]
Labour’s Owen Smith promises £200bn infrastructure fund as he attacks Jeremy Corbyn for “posturing” July 17, 2016 Labour leadership challenger Owen Smith has promised to create a £200bn infrastructure fund as part of a "British New Deal" and accused current leader Jeremy Corbyn of "posturing". Formally launching his campaign to replace Corbyn in his constituency of Pontypridd, Smith said the money would go towards physical and social projects, including hospitals and roads, as well [...]
Scotland in the EU and in Brexit Britain? Don’t rule it out, says Sturgeon July 17, 2016 Scotland could remain a part of the European Union as well as a part of a non-member UK, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said. "I don't think that should be ruled out" said Sturgeon, speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show on Sunday morning when asked if that situation was a possibility. "We're in uncharted territory and [...]
The new transport secretary says it’s full speed ahead for HS2 July 17, 2016 It's full-speed ahead for the High Speed 2 rail project – despite concerns over budget-busting costs and criticism that it is flawed a "vanity project". Newly appointed transport secretary has said the £56bn project to bring high speed train travel between London and cities in the North, including Leeds, Birmingham and Sheffield, will remain on track. "I have [...]
Brexit minister suggests cut-off date for EU migrants July 17, 2016 The minister in charge of Brexit has suggested a cut-off date for giving migrants from Europe leave to remain status to avoid a "surge" of people entering the country between now and leaving the EU. David Davis has said he will seek a "generous settlement" for EU citizens already in the UK and expats in [...]
Bonza: Australia wants a trade deal with the UK post-Brexit July 17, 2016 Australia is seeking a free trade deal with the UK after the vote to leave the EU, it has been revealed. Newly installed Prime Minister Theresa May and her counterpart in Australia Malcolm Turnbull spoke over the phone on Saturday and Turnball indicatied a desire to negotiate a deal as soon as possible. "I have been very clear that [...]
Prime Minister Theresa May makes a few more ministerial changes July 16, 2016 Theresa May has announced a number of junior ministerial appointments as she makes her mark as Prime Minister. Penny Mordaunt and Mike Penning are now both ministers are the Department of Work and Pensions and Ministry of Defence, respectively. Meanwhile, Sir Oliver Heald has taken on a ministerial position at the Ministry of Justice. Read more: May says [...]