Time is running out to save Europe’s free movement of people, warns European Council president Donald Tusk November 12, 2015 The president of the European Council warned today that “time is running out” for Europe’s open border system. The Schengen area, which allows people to move across countries without passports, was breaking down due to countries’ individual efforts to block migrants and a lack of a coordinated response, Tusk said. “Every week decisions are taken [...]
EU referendum: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi says UK is India’s entry point into the EU November 12, 2015 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has seemingly backed Britain's membership in the European Union, telling reporters this afternoon that the UK is India's "entry point into the EU". "Yes, there will be a referendum in the UK after two years. I believe that the citizens of this country are very intelligent and wise. I have nothing [...]
Why migration is necessary to unlock European growth November 12, 2015 The “European model” that has provided security and prosperity across the continent has, for the first time, found itself seriously questioned by a combination of political, economic and fiscal threats. Welfare models across Europe are seen as no longer sustainable. Flows of migrants have accelerated to crisis point. Support for right-wing and nationalistic parties has [...]
Sex Discrimination Act anniversary: What is Romania getting right when it comes to diverse tech talent? November 12, 2015 I cannot help but think there is a lot we can learn from Eastern Europe when it comes to producing female talent for our technology industry. Today is the 40th anniversary of the Sex Discrimination Act being passed in the UK and in most industries, progress has been achieved. Not least there are more women [...]
New Policy Exchange report: Tweaking Whitehall HR system could save taxpayer £1bn November 12, 2015 Cutting government spending on contractors by just 20 per cent could save the taxpayer over £1bn, according to a new report out today from a Westminster think tank. The report from Policy Exchange says that the amount of money government departments spend on external contractors has risen significantly in recent years, from £610m in 2011/2012 [...]
Prime Minister David Cameron calls two-day visit from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi an “historic opportunity” November 12, 2015 Prime Minister David Cameron has called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first official visit to the UK today an “historic opportunity” for the relationship between Britain and India, signalling billions of pounds of deals and other financial partnerships. Modi is in Britain for a two-day visit which will today include one-on-one talks with Cameron at [...]
Nearly three in four UK financial services firms say cutting skilled migration will hurt the economy November 11, 2015 Britain's financial services companies are overwhelmingly worried that proposed changes to visas for non-European Union workers will make it difficult to attract top talent. A new survey out today from the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) found that 73 per cent of finance workers think that the government’s plans to reduce the number of [...]
Former shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna to chancellor George Osborne: Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face November 11, 2015 While the deficit and debt need to be reduced, "raiding growth inducing budgets" such as that of the department of business is a "false economy", former shadow business secretary has warned chancellor George Osborne. Speaking in Warwick to a group of manufacturers including representatives from Boeing and Jaguar Landrover, Unumma warned that ahead of the chancellor [...]
Helmut Schmidt: As Germany loses a historic figure, the UK has lost the most Anglo-Saxon of all Chancellors at a crucial time for Brexit November 11, 2015 The death of Helmut Schmidt is a profound moment for all post-war Germans. More than any other German Chancellor, Schmidt was the incarnation of a deep commitment to his nation as a part of the European Community, but also as a strong member of the Atlantic alliance. As an inveterate workaholic, Schmidt was used to burning [...]
Public spending watchdog warns government over devolution deals November 11, 2015 An influential parliamentary committee is cautioning the government over its plans to devolve further powers to local authorities, calling for more transparency about how devolution is carried out in various regions. In a new report out today, the Public Accounts Committee says that the government needs to “provide clarity on accountability, funding and economic impact” [...]