SNP facing biggest crisis in 50 years, says president April 8, 2023 A senior figure in the SNP has said the party faces its biggest crisis in 50 years amid the police investigation into its finances. Mike Russell, the Scottish National Party (SNP) president and a former minister, also said he does not think independence can be achieved “right now”. On Wednesday, former chief executive Peter Murrell [...]
Could Putin pull Russia out of key Ukraine grain deal, and what would the impact be on global markets? April 7, 2023 Russia could pull out of a wartime deal that allows the export of Ukrainian grain to global markets if the West fails to remove obstacles to Russian agricultural exports, Moscow’s top diplomat has said. The deal, brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July, unblocked shipments stuck in Ukraine’s blockaded and mined ports, alleviating [...]
SNP in crisis: Auditors QUIT amid police probe into party finances April 7, 2023 Auditors for the Scottish National Party (SNP) have quit amid a long-running police investigation into the party’s finances. The SNP confirmed to CityAM that the accountants, Johnston Carmichael, “will not be providing audit services to the SNP this year.” The party added that it is in the process of finding another auditor and have informed [...]
Labour doubles down on Sunak child sex abuse attack ad despite criticism from his own party April 7, 2023 Labour has doubled down after an attack ad claiming that Rishi Sunak does not think child sex abusers should go to prison drew criticism from MPs across the political spectrum. The opposition party was accused of a “vile and desperate” campaign strategy by Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson and “cheapened and debased” politics by SNP [...]
Scott Benton: Tory MP suspended after sting shows him bragging about dodging corporate hospitality rules April 7, 2023 An MP suspended from the Tory Party over lobbying allegations was caught on camera saying there are ways for elected officials to dodge their requirement to declare corporate hospitality. Scott Benton appeared to suggest MPs allow companies to put a falsely low value on tickets they have accepted for live sports and cultural events, in [...]
Global growth to dive below three per cent and stay there till 2028, IMF chief warns April 6, 2023 World economic growth will dip below three per cent during 2023 and is likely to stay at that level for the next five years, the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said today. Kristalina Georgieva, IMF managing director, made the assessment during a prepared speech while visiting Washington DC in advance of the IMF [...]
Betting firms face new tax to fund gambling addiction support, leaked report says April 6, 2023 Betting firms may have to pay a new tax to fund support for gambling addicts, according to leaked details of the government’s upcoming gambling white paper. The exact rate has not been specified, but according to a report in The Sun, which published leaked details of the white paper late last night, said it could [...]
Labour secures 40 point lead over Conservatives in London, new poll shows April 6, 2023 Labour are now seeing a 40 point lead over the Conservatives in London, YouGov pollsters have found. It’s the largest Labour lead in London since YouGov tracking began in 2010, the polling firm says. Sir Keir Starmer’s party continues to exert political dominance in the capital, with 58 per cent of the vote share, leaving [...]
Adnams Brewery in discussions about leaving under-fire CBI April 6, 2023 Adnams Brewery is in discussions about leaving the under-fire Confederation of British Industry (CBI) after a string of sexual misconduct allegations broke. Chief executive Andy Wood told BBC Radio 4 his firm were holding conversations about withdrawing from the trade body. It follows a host of corporate members, including EY and Rolls Royce, who pay [...]
‘Had enough of experts?’ Record level of Brits now want them in charge April 6, 2023 Record levels of Britons now want experts to run the country, a global democracy survey has found. Almost two thirds of the British public – 61 per cent – in 2022, said having experts, not politicians, make decisions according to what they think best, was a good way of governing. The finding comes six years [...]