Roads reopen around Bank after police resolve report of ‘suspicious package’ – station reopens October 19, 2022 The City of London Police have reopened roads around Bank station after resolving a situation surrounding a “suspicious package”. The City of London Police closed Queen Victoria St Queen St Princes St Lothbury Threadneedle St this morning, after reports of an an unattended item at Mansion House. Bank Station was also temporarily shut. Just before [...]
Ditching the triple lock would be unpopular – and deeply worthwhile October 19, 2022 Liz Truss said she wanted to be unpopular. She’s certainly achieved that over the past few weeks, and to not much obvious benefit to either her party or the country. But if, as suggested, she takes aim at the triple lock on pensions we may finally be looking at an unpopular decision worth making. The [...]
To triple lock or unlock: Pensioners risk losing out on hundreds of pounds per year if inflation-link is dropped October 19, 2022 This morning’s inflation figures mean that retirees could see their state pension boosted by a whopping 10.1 per cent in 2023/24, but only if Chancellor Jeremy Hunt doesn’t ditch the triple-lock. The increase would be in line with September’s Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation figure, which is usually used for benefits uprating Increasing the state pension by inflation rather [...]
Foreign secretary: PM Liz Truss made mistakes but has also learnt lessons October 19, 2022 Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has come out fighting for Liz Truss, saying she has “learnt lessons” and had the “humility to make changes.” Speaking on Sky News this morning, he batted down talk of a new prime minister amid speculation backbenchers are plotting behind the scenes. “What I’m far from convinced by is that going [...]
Sadiq Khan: Tax “confusion” could hit London’s investment appeal October 19, 2022 SADIQ KHAN has warned that instability at the top of British politics could hit London’s status as a desirable investment destination. Investors are “not sure that the stability and certainty that existed in London will be there going forward,” the Mayor of London told City A.M. yesterday. “Instability is good for no-one,” he added. A [...]
Hunt mini-budget overhaul right for now but investment relief needed, Thatcherites urge October 19, 2022 New chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s decision to junk pretty much all of prime minister Liz Truss’s botched mini-budget has damaged the UK’s tax competitiveness, a new report out today says. Britain has dropped to 33rd out of the 38 nations part of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) as a result of Hunt’s tax [...]
No Brexit karma in Delhi: Whisky and visas increasingly complicate £27bn trade deal between UK and India October 18, 2022 The 24 October deadline set by Boris Johnson for finalising the UK–India trade deal will be missed after both parties have hit a roadblock in discussions. Although a detailed reason hasn’t been given by both sides, sticking points include a steep import duty on British whisky for sale in India, and demands for more visas for [...]
Pension triple lock at risk as Truss warns of ‘difficult decisions’ October 18, 2022 Number 10 has refused to commit to the state pension triple lock, after Liz Truss promised to keep the measure just weeks ago. Truss’ spokesperson refused four times to say Truss would uphold the triple lock, which would ensure state pension payments stay in line with inflation next year. New chancellor Jeremy Hunt warned yesterday [...]
Khan: Crossrail’s Bond Street station can revitalise “tired” parts of Oxford Street October 18, 2022 London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said the opening of Bond Street’s Elizabeth Line station next week will help revitalise a “tired” part of Oxford Street – and keep big-ticket retailers in the West End. The station is the last of the Crossrail stations to open, having been delayed due to the complexity of the build. [...]
Khan: Tourist tax-free shopping u-turn bad for London’s businesses October 18, 2022 Sadiq Khan has slammed the government’s decision to u-turn on a plan to give tourists tax-free shopping. The Mayor of London said he “absolutely” shared the concerns of West End businesses, who have expressed disappointment that the capital will lag behind other cities’ in efforts to welcome high-spending foreign visitors. “VAT-free shopping for international tourists [...]