Brexit latest: McDonnell slams Javid over ‘dereliction of his duties’ October 24, 2019 The chancellor and shadow chancellor locked horns today, with Labour’s John McDonnell accusing his opposite number of a “dereliction of his duties”. McDonnell pointed to the government’s “working majority of minus-45″, saying it was ” obvious that this Queen’s Speech is little more than a pretty crude election stunt”. He also slammed the Tories for [...]
Brexit secretary hammered over Northern Ireland checks October 24, 2019 Brexit secretary Steve Barclay has been hammered over the prospect of checks on goods coming in and out of Northern Ireland, after apparent inconsistencies in the government’s position. Earlier this week the minister admitted that firms in Northern Ireland would have to fill out export declaration forms when sending goods to Great Britain under the [...]
Fate of Brexit 50p coins in doubt as extension becomes more likely October 24, 2019 The future of a batch of commemorative Brexit 50p coins emblazoned with 31 October has been thrown into doubt as it becomes increasingly unlikely that Britain will leave the European Union before that date. Chancellor Sajid Javid had asked for three million of the coins to be in circulation and ready for 31 October, with [...]
Dame Jayne-Anne Gadhia: Three ways UK firms can prosper post-Brexit October 24, 2019 This is an important moment for business across the UK. Whatever the final outcome of the Brexit negotiations, as business leaders we have to keep our eyes on the big picture – which means thinking years and not days ahead. I believe the fundamentals of the UK are strong. The onus now is on business [...]
Downing Street denies cabinet split over general election timing October 24, 2019 Downing Street today rejected reports of divisions within Boris Johnson’s Cabinet over when the government should try to call a general election, as it considers the next steps to deliver Brexit. The Prime Minister is thought to favour a general election if the EU suggests a Brexit delay until 31 January 2020. Read more: Moody’s: [...]
Brexit latest: Brussels figures edge towards backing 31 January extension October 23, 2019 Two key Brussels figures have indicated they would back a full extension to the Brexit process, until 31 January. The move comes as Labour confirms that a three month delay would be long enough for the party to back an General Election. Leo Varadkar, Irish Taoiseach, spoke with Donald Tusk this morning, where he backed [...]
Boris Johnson to seek general election if EU opts for longer Brexit delay October 23, 2019 Boris Johnson will press for a general election if the EU moves to delay Brexit until 2020, Number 10 has hinted. The Prime Minister was forced to pause his Brexit bill yesterday after MPs rebutted his attempt to get it through parliament in just three days. Read more: Boris Johnson ‘pauses Brexit bill’s passage after [...]
Brexit latest: Oliver Letwin urges MPs to back programme motion October 22, 2019 Oliver Letwin has urged MPs to back the government on tonight’s programme motion as “the least of the evils”, after the Prime Minister threatened to pull the entire Brexit bill if he was defeated. Introducing the Brexit bill, formally called the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, Boris Johnson this afternoon told MPs he would abandon the bill [...]
Donald Tusk opens door to Brexit extension ahead of key vote October 22, 2019 The president of the European Council Donald Tusk has indicated he is minded to back an extension to the Brexit process if MPs vote against the government’s timetable today. Speaking in Strasbourg today for the first time since he received the Benn Act-compelled letter from Boris Johnson, Tusk told MEPS: “The situation is quite complex [...]
Brexit can spark a Big Bang for life sciences October 22, 2019 Whether or not Halloween marks a new chapter in the UK’s relationship with the EU, it also marks over 30 years since the “Big Bang” reforms to the City of London. And it is this milestone – rather than any Brexit deal – which is more instructive for how the country can make its way [...]