EU referendum: Find out where your data is – or a Brexit could prove costly February 12, 2016 As Britain considers its position in Europe, UK businesses are paying increased attention to the implications of a Brexit on their operations. Until now, most have been preoccupied with political and economic factors, and companies’ contingency plans have largely reflected this. But what are the implications for one of our most important business tools – [...]
EU referendum: With David Cameron winning the backing of Theresa May and the rest of the cabinet, who would want to lead the Leave campaign now? February 12, 2016 There may be some discontent within the wider Conservative party, but David Cameron might still be forgiven for thinking that he is on a bit of roll right now. The proposals set out on Tuesday by European Council President Donald Tusk have met with broad, if muted, approval across Europe and he demonstrated that his backbench is being relatively [...]
EU referendum: The Out campaigns need to stop their infighting to secure Brexit February 12, 2016 This year brings with it an important opportunity for the British people. The forthcoming referendum will allow us to take control of our destiny, and thrive in the world. It gives us the chance, at long last and after many promises, to free ourselves from the red tape of the European Union. With the referendum looming – [...]
As the world descends into global chaos, the United States is on the border of disorder February 12, 2016 As the world’s foreign and defence policy elite descend on the Bavarian capital for this weekend’s 52nd annual Munich Security Conference participants and observers are likely to ask: Where are the Americans? True, the congressional delegation is strong, with a dozen or so senators and representatives making the trip. But apart from secretary of state [...]
Business groups doubt new equality pay tables February 12, 2016 Leading business groups have questioned the wisdom of new government proposals designed to fix the gender pay gap. The government has today unveiled plans for a national league table to shame employers that are failing to close gaps, as well as forcing up to 8,000 employers to publish how many women and men are in [...]
Ministry of Justice to close 10 London courts, including Richmond-upon-Thames Magistrates’ Court and Hammersmith County Court, by 2017 as it shuts a total of 86 across the country February 11, 2016 Just shy of 90 underused courts will close across the country, including 10 in London, following the conclusion of a Ministry of Justice consultation today. The Ministry originally opened a consultation on the provision of court and tribunal estate last July to review the fate of 91 courts and tribunals. It considered over 2,000 responses [...]
EU referendum: Senior Conservative MP presses chancellor George Osborne to “clear up important questions” around the draft EU negotiation proposals February 11, 2016 Ahead of next week's European Council summit a senior Conservative MP has pressed chancellor George Osborne to "clear up important questions" arising from elements of the draft reform proposals. "There is a lot at stake in these negotiations. They could offer gains for the UK, but a lot of important and detailed questions need to be answered [...]
Google UK tax: Public Accounts Committee grilled Matt Brittin and HMRC over so-called sweetheart tax deal, as the tech giant argues that it pays a 19 per cent corporation tax rate on average worldwide February 11, 2016 Representatives from Google have defended the technology company's various subsidiaries in so-called tax havens in a hearing with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), pointing out that the company paid corporation tax at an average rate of 19 per cent worldwide. Matt Brittin, president of Google Europe, Middle East and Africa, remarked that having a branch in Bermuda, despite the company having [...]
Pro-Heathrow group sends Valentine’s Day message to “commitment-phobe” Prime Minister David Cameron February 11, 2016 Pro-Heathrow expansion group Back Heathrow is hoping to find love this Valentine's day from Prime Minister David Cameron, sending him a romantic message urging him to "make a commitment" to Heathrow. The message is from a "busy west London airport, well-built, popular, looking for a commitment (to a third runway), hoping "David Cameron will make my [...]
US Presidential Election 2016: Can the stock market predict who is going to be the next President? February 11, 2016 The big wins in the New Hampshire primaries by candidates Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders reflects the general discontent the US currently has. This is also mirrored in the stock market and suggests the potential for a big appetite for change come November. Stock prices reflect a number of forces including economic, earnings and interest [...]