US presidential election 2016: Why has Michael Bloomberg ruled out running as an independent candidate? March 8, 2016 Former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg has ruled out making a bid for the White House as an independent candidate, fearing it would increase the chances of Ted Cruz or Donald Trump becoming the next President. Bloomberg has liberal views on key issues such as gun control, but is also viewed as business friendly, thus appealing [...]
EU referendum: British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) hits back at claims over government interference in John Longworth’s resignation March 8, 2016 The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has rejected reports that the government played a role in the initial suspension and ultimate resignation of its former boss, John Longworth. In a new statement out this morning, a BCC spokesperson said: "No politician, official, or external interest had any influence on the BCC board’s decision to suspend [...]
EU referendum: Governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney denies claims that he is making pro-Remain-esque claims about the EU March 8, 2016 Governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney has said that the bank will not be make any formal recommendation on the European Union ahead of the impending referendum. Speaking in front of MPs, Carney said that the bank's report on the EU referendum is not comprehensive, but simply looks at how the EU affects the [...]
EU referendum: Low turnout on the vote feared by pressure group as just 16 per cent of public feel informed March 8, 2016 Low turnout is feared in the impending EU referendum, as the public is ill-informed about the consequences, according to the Electoral Reform Society. New polling shows that just one in six people feel well informed about the upcoming EU referendum, as 12 per cent feel "well informed" and a further four per cent feel "very [...]
EU referendum: Mayor of London Boris Johnson makes U-turn claiming “nobody has been gagged” after City Hall email demands staff back London Mayor’s pro-Brexit stance March 8, 2016 Mayor of London Boris Johnson has made a U-turn after it emerged he had warned officials to toe his line on the EU referendum. Mayor of London Boris Johnson has been vocal about "agents of 'project fear'" attempting to silence pro-Brexit voices, and backed down on the warning after being accused of hypocrisy. An email [...]
EU migrant crisis: Turkey and EU agree to principles of deal including resettlement policy in exchange for benefits for Turkey March 8, 2016 The European Union and Turkey have agreed on a broad outline on how to tackle the ongoing migrant crisis at a summit of leaders in Brussels. The deal will give benefits to Turkey in exchange for the the country taking back all economic migrants reaching the Greek islands in an effort to close off the [...]
London mayoral election 2016: Is Morrissey about to run to succeed Boris Johnson? March 7, 2016 Iconic yet outspoken musician Morrissey is "seriously considering" running for City Hall, following a request from the Animal Welfare Party. Morrissey, himself a prominent advocate of vegetarianism and animal rights, was asked to enter the race by the Animal Welfare Party. Read more: Zac Goldsmith lays out "vision for London" And on the website True to You, [...]
EU referendum: Downing Street refuses to deny it contacted British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) over John Longworth as Grassroots Out files FOI March 7, 2016 Downing Street refused to deny this morning that Number 10 officials contacted the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) over former director general John Longworth's euroscepticism. "Of course Number 10 talks to business organisations regularly. But if you are referring to Mr Longworth’s decision to step down, that is entirely a matter for the BCC," the Prime [...]
Green Investment Bank needs safeguards on green mandate before privatisation, says Mary Creagh, chair of the environmental audit committee March 7, 2016 Tough safeguards to make sure that the Green Investment Bank continues to invest in low-carbon projects are needed before it is transferred to private ownership, the head of a parliamentary select committee has said. Chair of the environmental audit committee Mary Creagh said she welcomed "the secretary of state’s pledge to protect the bank’s green [...]
EU referendum: Remain may be in better position than polls suggest as they will almost definitely change before EU referendum March 7, 2016 Recent polling has put the Remain camp slightly ahead of the Leave camp, after having struggled in late February when voters didn't appear to respond well to Prime Minister David Cameron's EU demands. Recent polling by YouGov now puts Remain on 40 per cent of the vote, compared to 37 per cent who want to [...]