It’s lift off for government plans to bolster UK space sector as new legal powers could soon send scientists into space February 20, 2017 New powers unveiled this week will allow British scientists to fly to the edge of space to conduct medical experiments. UK scientists could research and develop vaccines and antibiotics up in space, which grow differently where there is no gravity. The government said today that the powers will allow the launch of satellites from the [...]
The HS2 cost for taxpayers could top £90bn, warns the TaxPayers’ Alliance February 20, 2017 HS2 costs could top £90bn, if the high-speed rail project follows in the footsteps of other government-managed, large infrastructure projects, according to a think tank. The TaxPayers' Alliance has warned that taxpayers should "take no comfort" in government insistence that HS2 will be delivered on budget, given an "appalling track record". Ministers had said the London 2012 [...]
The Department for Transport (DfT) wants Google, Uber and co. on board to help run HS2 February 19, 2017 The government is considering plans for tech giants to be involved in running the new HS2 service and is encouraging the likes of Uber and Google to buy minority stakes in the franchise that will serve the train line. The plans, considering a range of innovative firms as possible investors, have been floated by the transport department in [...]
What you need to know about travelling during this week’s Tube strikes: Travel advice for Central and Waterloo & City Line commuters February 19, 2017 Fresh strikes on London Underground are due to disrupt travellers this week with the Central and Waterloo & City lines expected to have little to no service. Here's what you need to know about- the industrial action so you can plan ahead. What time and day are the strikes taking place? From late on Tuesday [...]
Prime Minister Theresa May to meet Peugeot boss to discuss Vauxhall takeover deal February 18, 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May will meet the boss of Peugeot SA to discuss the group’s takeover bid for General Motors’ (GM) European operations, including British brand Vauxhall. May has been invited to meet the chair of the managing board of Peugeot SA (PSA), Carlos Tavares, to discuss the deal. A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed there [...]
London’s T-charge, which will affect up to 10,000 high pollution vehicles, will be introduced in October February 17, 2017 Take a deep breath – or don't… yet. There's going to be a new emissions charge in the City starting 23 October. London mayor Sadiq Khan today confirmed his plans for a £10 emissions surcharge, or T-charge, on older polluting vehicles in the city centre. Khan announced the news on the 14th anniversary of London's congestion charge, [...]
Now German government officials are meeting with PSA and GM over Opel February 17, 2017 German government representatives have met with bosses at General Motors and Peugeot and called talks between the two carmakers over a potential takeover "advanced". The French company PSA has proposed a takeover of General Motors' European Opel operations, including Vauxhall. "I can confirm that there have been talks with GM and Peugeot", the spokeswoman for the German economy [...]
A Seoul court has officially declared former shipping giant Hanjin bankrupt February 17, 2017 Embattled South Korean shipping giant Hanjin has finally been declared bankrupt. A South Korean court made the decision today that Hanjin Shipping, formerly the world's seventh-largest container shipper, was officially bankrupt after ruling earlier in the month the firm's liquidation value would be worth more than its value as a going concern. Hanjin had debts of [...]
Business secretary Greg Clark says Peugeot-maker PSA wants to build on Vauxhall’s success February 17, 2017 Business secretary Greg Clark has called his talks with the French government and PSA "constructive", saying the French firm wants to build on the success of Britain's Vauxhall business. In a short statement, Clark said the PSA "stressed that they valued highly the enduring strength of the Vauxhall brand, underpinned by its committed workforce". Clark jetted to Paris [...]
Uber goes on a charm offensive by offering drivers free English courses and tips on how to make more money February 16, 2017 Uber is making efforts to improve its app for UK drivers, as part of a new charm offensive, including offering free English courses. Transport for London (TfL) delayed its new English tests until September, but Uber has said it will offer free courses for its drivers ahead of then. The ride-hailing app will also now allow [...]