Politics, like business, needs long-term ideas June 6, 2016 As Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Jean-Claude Junker remarked: “We all know what to do, we just don't know how to get re-elected after we've done it.” Today, Junker no longer has to worry about relying on an electorate for his position, having acquired the role of top dog at the European Commission. However, his past observation remains [...]
Brexit campaigners have been handed another lead in the latest polling from YouGov June 6, 2016 Leave campaigners have been handed another boost, with the latest YouGov figures again showing a lead for Brexit, while almost three quarters of voters say they don't trust the Prime Minister. The polls adds to growing suggestions of a Leave lead, with online and telephone polls last week both showing a swing towards Brexit. In a [...]
Taxpayers’ Alliance hits out at “quangocrat gravy train” June 6, 2016 Over 130 bureaucrats sit on more than a single quango board, according to research from the Taxpayers' Alliance, but less than five per cent made declarations of political activity. In data published today, the lobbying group reported that fifteen individuals sat on more than two quango boards, while board members collectively missed 1,500 meetings over 2014-15. The [...]
Cameron to accuse Brexiteers of playing “reckless” and “undemocratic” “con-tricks” June 6, 2016 Prime Minister David Cameron will today band together with political rivals to accuse Brexit campaigners of “con-tricks”, although Jeremy Corbyn will remain absent. Cameron will say that the Leave campaign must reveal their plans for Britain outside of the EU, or be guilty of “perpetuating an economic con-trick” on Britain, and accuse the Brexiteers of being [...]
French finance minister says strikes have no “substantial impact” on the economy June 5, 2016 The French finance minister, Michel Sapin, said weeks of strikes over controversial labour reform proposals would have little impact on the economy. In an interview with the business newspaper Les Echos, he said: "So far, the strikes have been partial and limited to sectors. I don't see any substantial impact on activities." Read more: French strikes spark confrontations [...]
Rolls-Royce shortlisted to build fleet of baby nuclear reactors June 5, 2016 FTSE 100-listed engineering company Rolls-Royce has been shortlisted to build a fleet of mini nuclear reactors, City A.M. understands. It's part of the government's £250m nuclear research programme unveiled in last year's Autumn Statement, which includes a competition to identify the best value small modular reactor (SMR) design for the UK. Read more: There's no way Hinkley Point project will be finished [...]
Treasury’s bank bailout tsar Kingman in talks with L&G June 5, 2016 The senior civil servant who was central to Britain's bank bailouts in 2008 is in line to chair FTSE 100-listed insurer and asset manager Legal & General. John Kingman, who is stepping down as second permanent secretary of the Treasury, has been approached about taking over the position when current chair, John Stewart, leaves the role on 1 June. It's [...]
Even Michael Gove is confused by Brexit – “Tangled words” leave Justice secretary promising UK won’t quit EU before next election June 5, 2016 One of the leading lights of the Brexit campaign has been forced into an embarrassing u-turn after stating the UK would remain in the European Union until at least 2020. Speaking on Peston On Sunday earlier today, justice secretary Michael Gove said Leave campaigners would not withdraw the UK from the EU before the next election. [...]
The European Union is “an engine for job destruction” say Brexit campaigners Boris Johnson and Michael Gove June 5, 2016 Former London mayor Boris Johnson and justice secretary Michael Gove have hit out at the European Union's effects on business, while accusing the government of misleading the public on the economy. In a 2,000 word letter to Prime Minister David Cameron, which is also signed by Labour's Gisela Stuart, the Leave campaigners played down business [...]
Hackers reportedly took down the London Stock Exchange website last week June 5, 2016 Cyber criminals reportedly shut down the London Stock Exchange website last week, keeping it out of action for more than two hours. According to the Mail on Sunday, hacker group Anonymous carried out the attack on Thursday morning. The group claims the attack on the London Stock Exchange was the latest in a series that [...]