More than 1,000 EU firms sign up to maintain access to the City in a no-deal Brexit March 21, 2019 More than 1,000 EU firms have taken up the UK’s offer of continued access to the City in the event of a no-deal Brexit. The Financial Conduct Authority’s international director Nausicaa Delfas said the watchdog was “pleased” with the uptake and that fund managers representing thousands of funds had also signed up to the temporary [...]
House transactions edge up despite Brexit uncertainty denting Spring bounce March 21, 2019 Signs of growing activity in the UK housing market have emerged this morning, with new figures signalling a potential change in tune among buyers who have so far been holding off on deals in the run-up to Brexit. A modest rise in property transactions last month has industry experts noting that some buyers are choosing not [...]
No-deal Brexit would ‘significantly’ hurt the EU, Barclays chairman warns March 21, 2019 A no deal Brexit would "very significantly" hurt the EU, outgoing Barclays chairman John McFarlane warned. The bank's chairman, who will step down in May, also said a financial services deal would be struck between the UK and the EU whatever the outcome of Brexit. Read more: Bank of England holds interest rates amid Brexit deadlock [...]
Bank of England holds interest rates amid Brexit deadlock despite sunnier economic data March 21, 2019 The Bank of England's monetary policy committee (MPC) has voted unanimously to hold interest rates at their current level of 0.75 per cent, after weighing up “mixed” economic data, it said today. Read more: Government borrowing falls to fresh 17-year low The central bank said it will not change its primary bank rate from where [...]
Lovely jubbly: Only Fools and Horses tower could be replaced by gold Del Boy statue after demolition March 21, 2019 The planned demolition of a much-loved west London tower block featured in the 1980s sitcom Only Fools and Horses could come with a silver lining for nostalgic fans. Comedy TV channel Gold has launched a campaign to commemorate the block, called Nelson Mandela House in the show, by erecting a gold statue of Only Fools [...]
For all the fire and fury, there’s only one deal in town – and MPs should vote for it March 21, 2019 Yesterday afternoon a rumour spread around Westminster that the Prime Minister was going to make a live statement in Downing Street. The appearance of the Number 10 lectern always excites journalists as the PM tends only to use it when making dramatic announcements. Talk of her resignation or a high-stakes ultimatum continued to occupy Westminster-watchers [...]
Sadiq Khan confirms TfL will remove controversial Michael Jackson bus adverts March 21, 2019 Controversial adverts that express support for Michael Jackson are to be removed from the side of Transport for London's (TfL) buses, Sadiq Khan has confirmed. The adverts, which bear the tagline "Innocent", were pushed by a Jackson fan group in response to a two-part Netflix documentary, Leaving Neverland, in which the late singer is accused of abusing young boys [...]
Three posts revenue and profit rise as data-hungry customers gear up for 5G March 21, 2019 Mobile provider Three UK has posted a modest rise in revenues and profit for the full-year as it gears up for the rollout of 5G. Read more: Trump: UK's 5G plans put national security at risk The figures Total revenue grew one per cent to £2.4bn in the 12 months to the end of December. [...]
UK retail sales grow as consumers shrug off Brexit worries March 21, 2019 British retail sales showed strong growth last month compared to a year before, in a sign that consumers remain unaffected by the Brexit impasse. The quantity of goods UK shoppers bought increased by 0.4 per cent in February compared to January, with strong growth in non-store retailing and fuel, figures released today by the Office [...]
Sports Direct reissues its demand for Mike Ashley to be given a top job at Debenhams March 21, 2019 Sports Direct has today requested a general meeting of Debenhams to eject the board and give Mike Ashley an executive role at the struggling retailer. The requisition replaces an earlier demand which was invalid because Sports Direct was holdings its shares at that period through a third party nominee. Read more: Debenhams pressure mounts amid [...]