EU referendum: The five Labour heavyweights backing David Cameron on EU deal renegotiations February 14, 2016 Five Labour heavyweights have backed the Prime Minister in his attempts to renegotiate Britain's membership of the European Union. Neil Kinnock, Margaret Beckett, David Blunkett, Jack Straw and Hilary Benn have signed a letter in support of the Britain Stronger in Europe cross-party campaign group. The five supported Britain leaving Europe in the referendum of 1975. [...]
EU referendum: United States wants a strong UK to stay in a strong EU, says US secretary of state John Kerry February 13, 2016 The United States has a "profound interest in a strong UK staying in a very strong EU", according to the US secretary of state John Kerry. Speaking in Munich, Kerry said that recent events had "overwhelmed" many Europeans, but that America is confident that Europe will emerge stronger. Read more: Cameron – UK will not "retreat from the [...]
Russian prime minister Dmirtry Medvedev warns of “new cold war” after airstrikes on Syria February 13, 2016 The prime minister of Russia has warned that the world is edging closer to a "new cold war" after European leaders accused his nation's airstrikes on Syria of attacking the civilian population. Dmirtry Medvedev told the 52nd annual Munich Security Conference that a lack of cooperation in Syria was pushing Europe to where it was "40 [...]
Trident allows the UK to punch above its weight, says US defence secretary Ash Carter February 13, 2016 If Britain wants to maintain a significant role in the world it must keep its nuclear weapons, the US defence secretary has warned. Speaking to the BBC, Ash Carter said it is an "important part of the deterrent structure of Nato", allowing the UK to punch above its weight. Read more: Scottish Labour vote not to [...]
MPs’ expenses: Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow expenses revealed February 12, 2016 Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow has spent thousands of pounds just on entertaining fellow MPs and foreign politicians since April 2012. According to the Press Association, which accessed information under the freedom of information act, Bercow has spent £1,600 on lunch for his Lithuanian counterpart, £1,023 for beeswax candles (an obvious necessity) [...]
EU referendum: Prime Minister David Cameron comes up against opposition from finance ministers on “single rule-book for the financial sector” February 12, 2016 David Cameron's draft EU deal has come under pressure from the French and Dutch finance ministers over legal protection for the City of London, as Europe prepares for the EU summit next week in Brussels. French finance minister Michel Sapin has warned that nothing in the deal can be allowed to stand in the way of further Eurozone integration, [...]
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 [...]