Rishi Sunak says government bailouts are a ‘last resort’ June 26, 2020 Rishi Sunak has said that government bailouts are not an “attractive long term feature of the economy” as companies grapple with the impact of coronavirus. Speaking to Bloomberg TV, the Chancellor said the government is the last resort and the bar is “exceptionally high” for company bailouts. He noted: “This is not my money. It’s [...]
Softbank plans to sue EY over its role in Wirecard scandal June 26, 2020 Softbank is looking to sue EY over its role in the Wirecard scandal after investing in the embattled German firm last year. The Japanese company is looking to file a complaint against the accounting firm after Wirecard collapsed on Thursday owing creditors nearly $4bn, according to German newspaper Der Spiegel. Wirecard’s longtime auditor EY blamed [...]
Beaches will be closed if social distancing not observed, government warns June 26, 2020 Health secretary Matt Hancock has warned that the government does have the power to close beaches if social distancing guidelines are ignored. Speaking on Talk Radio, Hancock said that though he was “reluctant” to shut public spaces after the lockdown, ministers would do so if there was a spike in coronavirus infections. His comments came [...]
France and UK offer concessions on digital tax after US tariff threat June 26, 2020 The Treasury is offering to reduce the scope of its digital services tax if the US promises to come back to the negotiating table on a global proposal, it has emerged. Alongside the finance ministers of France, Italy and Spain, the UK said in a letter to US Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin it would “considerably [...]
Quarantine rules set to be relaxed for some countries from July June 26, 2020 Environment secretary George Eustice has confirmed the UK is considering relaxing its blanket quarantine measures to allow travel from countries with a lower risk of contracting coronavirus. Ministers are currently finalising the plans, with an announcement on the matter expected on Monday. Speaking to the BBC, Eustice said: “I know that (transport secretary) Grant Shapps [...]
FCA orders Wirecard to cease all regulated activities June 26, 2020 The Financial Conduct Authority has ordered Wirecard to cease all regulated activities after the firm disclosed a €1.9bn financial hole in its accounts. The watchdog said Wirecard should not dispose of any assets or funds or carry out any regulated activities. After news of a missing €1.9bn in the company’s accounts, the FCA said it [...]
Marston’s warns of uncertain outlook ahead of pub reopenings June 26, 2020 Marston’s warned its financial outlook in the short term is uncertain as it looks to reopening pubs and restaurants from next week. The figures The pub operator said the coronavirus outbreak had a material impact on revenues estimated at around £40m. It took a hit to profit as it reported a £9.4m profit before tax [...]
Google reveals coronavirus support package for UK businesses June 26, 2020 Google has today launched a number of pledges to support British small businesses during the pandemic, as part of a bid to help companies stay open through boosting online performance. The tech firm said it has set a goal of helping 1m businesses by the end of 2021, particularly focusing on those which rely on [...]
Intu ready to call in the administrators as funding talks fail June 26, 2020 Intu said it is set to call in administrators today after cliff-edge negotiations with lenders failed to secure its future. The retail landlord said “unfortunately, insufficient alignment and agreement has been achieved” with key creditors on a standstill on loan repayments, ahead of its debt waiver period expiring at midnight tonight. Intu was already suffering [...]
Camden Town brewery launches pub beer fundraiser June 26, 2020 Camden Town brewery has today launched a new beer with profits going towards the production of free kegs for their pub customers. Profits from the sale of cans of the new American Pale Ale, ‘To the Pub’, will be used to produce more than 250,000 pints of the beer which will be given away to [...]