Business groups sound alarm bells as Treasury cannot rule out apprenticeship levy hike May 16, 2016 The government is refusing to rule out a hike in the controversial apprenticeship levy beyond 2017, prompting a volley of fresh criticism from business groups who have already branded it a “payroll tax”. With George Osborne increasingly unlikely to hit his deficit-reduction targets, economists are warning that the chancellor could – yet again – target [...]
Natalie Bennett to stand down as leader of the Green Party after four years May 15, 2016 Natalie Bennett is to step down as leader of the Green Party, according to the Guardian, as she hailed her achievements in making the party a force in national politics and said it was time to move aside. Bennett, who has been leader of the party since 2012, said she always intended to stand as [...]
Donald Trump says Britain won’t be at the back of the trade queue May 15, 2016 Presidential hopeful Donald Trump has said the UK won't be at the "back of the queue" when it comes to trading with the US if he becomes leader. The nearly Republican Presidential nominee said it would make no difference if the UK voted to stay in the European Union or leave it in next month's referendum, [...]
Mark Carney defends “outspoken” Bank of England Brexit comments as former City minister Andrea Leadsom launches fresh attack May 15, 2016 The Bank of England (BoE) governor Mark Carney has defended the central bank's outspoken comments on the economic risks of Britain leaving Europe. "Absolutely not" responded Carney when asked if the comments overstepped the mark by Andrew Marr on the BBC's Sunday morning show. "The issue is much wider than the issues the Bank of England [...]
Boris Johnson compares EU to Hitler May 15, 2016 The former Mayor of London has compared the aims of the EU to build a "superstate" with that of Hitler's, in an interview. “Napoleon, Hitler, various people tried this out, and it ends tragically,” the Brexit backer said, adding that while "different methods" were being used by Brussels, unifying Europe under one "authority" was the [...]
Tooting by-election: Dr Rosena Allin-Khan chosen by Labour in battle to secure Sadiq Khan’s former seat May 14, 2016 Labour has chosen Dr Rosena Allin-Khan as its candidate in the Tooting by-election, triggered by the resignation of Sadiq Khan after he won City Hall. The by-election will take place on 16 June in a constituency that has been held by Labour since its origin. Allin-Khan was born in Tooting and lives in the area with [...]
EU referendum odds: Bookmaker says the vote could be the biggest political betting event ever May 14, 2016 The EU referendum is on course to be the biggest political betting event ever in terms of money staked, WIlliam Hill has said. Most polling indicates Remain is marginally in front ahead of the key vote on the 23 June, while bookmakers also place more likelihood on a vote to stay in the EU. The [...]
EU referendum: David Cameron, Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn get on the circuit to sell message ahead of vote May 14, 2016 Leading politicians are out on the road today in an attempt to shore up support for their cause ahead of the EU referendum in June. Former Mayor of London Boris Johnson is set to speak in the south west, urging voters to back Brexit. Meanwhile, Jeremy Corbyn will be speaking on the EU, while also [...]
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to address centrist Labour group Progess May 14, 2016 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is to appeal to some of his harshest critics as he speaks to a centrist Labour group today in an attempt to build bridges within the party and focus frustrations on the Conservatives. Corbyn will address members of Progess, including a number of MPs, in central London today. In the speech Corbyn is [...]
Sadiq Khan tells Jeremy Corbyn to get into the habit of winning May 14, 2016 Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, just over a week into his new job, has told Labour it needs to get into "the habit of winning". Speaking after his victory over Zac Goldsmith, Khan said that Labour should study the victories of John Smith and Tony Blair, using their strategy to win the election. On the [...]