‘Let history decide’: Downing Street coy on claim cabinet is most ill-disciplined ever April 1, 2019 Downing Street has refused to slap down a leading member of the government who claimed Theresa May’s top team are “the worst example of ill-discipline in cabinet in British political history.” Chief Whip Julian Smith made the remarks in an interview with the BBC, set to be broadcast on Monday evening, as he hit out [...]
Former Hewlett-Packard boss Leo Apotheker did not read most recent financial results ahead of £8.4bn Autonomy deal April 1, 2019 Former Hewlett-Packard (HP) chief executive Leo Apotheker did not read Autonomy’s half-year or quarterly results ahead of buying the software firm for £8.4bn in 2011, a court heard today. Apotheker, who was giving evidence to the High Court, admitted he had not read the firm’s April 2011 quarterly update or July’s half-year results, but had [...]
UK manufacturing hits 13-month high as Brexit stockpiling peaks April 1, 2019 Britain's manufacturing sector had its best month in over a year in March, fuelled by a record pace of Brexit stockpiling, although experts warned that no-deal preparations obscured the true picture. The UK manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) hit 55.1 last month as trends in output and employment strengthened, according to eagerly-watched data from IHS [...]
BBC takes control of UKTV channels as Discovery lines up new streaming service April 1, 2019 The BBC will take control of UKTV channels as part of a deal with Discovery that will also see the launch of a new on-demand video service for BBC nature programmes. BBC Studios – the broadcaster’s commercial arm – jointly owns UKTV with US media giant Discovery. Read more: BBC removes podcasts from rival Google [...]
Sweden decides not to investigate Swedbank over Browder money laundering claims April 1, 2019 Sweden’s financial crime squad has decided not to investigate the crisis-hit Swedbank over money laundering claims made by UK hedge fund boss Bill Browder. The prominent Putin critic filed a criminal complaint alleging that Swedbank accounts were used to launder $176m (£134m) between 2006 and 2012 linked to Russian money laundering and tax fraud. Read [...]
Easyjet shares lose altitude on weaker passenger traffic outlook April 1, 2019 Easyjet was the biggest faller on the FTSE 100 today – closing down 9.7 per cent – after investors baulked at the low-cost carrier's 'cautious' outlook for the second half. Budget airline Easyjet said earlier today it is “more cautious” in its outlook for the second half of the year, blaming macroeconomic uncertainty and Brexit for [...]
Eurozone manufacturing sector contracts with Germany shrinking fastest April 1, 2019 The Eurozone’s manufacturing sector saw its biggest contraction for nearly six years in March, according to a widely-watched report, with key producer Germany registering the biggest fall. The Eurozone manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) fell to a score of 47.5 in March, down from 49.3 in February, as demand and output slumped, statistics from data [...]
While Westminster is distracted by Brexit chaos, Labour puts the finishing touches to its plan for revolution April 1, 2019 While the Brexit process pushes the British constitution to its limits, the Labour party continues to develop and promote policy proposals that, if implemented, would make the UK's torturous departure from the European Union look like a modest tweak to our political operating system. While all of Westminster focuses on the near collapse of functioning [...]
Brexit: Commons speaker picks four indicative votes for MPs to debate April 1, 2019 A fresh attempt to break the UK’s Brexit deadlock was made today as MPs prepare to vote on four indicative motions to decide on a path forward. Prime Minister Theresa May’s deal was rejected for a third time last week by a margin of 58 votes as parliament opted against leaving the EU with her [...]
Lyft shares drop below opening price on second day of trading April 1, 2019 Shares in ride-hailing app Lyft dropped below their opening price today in the first sign of jitters over the company’s hefty $24bn (£18bn) valuation. The tech firm’s share price dropped as much as 11 per cent to $69.40 – below the initial public offering (IPO) price of $72 – before clawing back some ground. Read [...]