Brexit: Geoffrey Cox and Stephen Barclay head to Brussels for final backstop push March 5, 2019 Brexit secretary Stephen Barclay and attorney general Geoffrey Cox will today head to Brussels in a bid to win changes to the Irish backstop in the run-up to another crunch Commons vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal. The two ministers are hoping EU officials will agree to a time limit to the backstop – the [...]
Bumper Persimmon fails to shake off uncertainty March 5, 2019 | City Talk Despite the housebuilder's £1 billion profit and generous dividend, Persimmon shares are under a cloud. Just when investors thought it was safe to go back into mortar, the government's reported review of the Help to Buy scheme has dealt another blow to the sector. Persimmon (LSE:PSN) 6% share price decline represented the brunt of the blow, [...]
Direct Line operating profits slip as it warns on impact of no-deal Brexit March 5, 2019 Direct Line posted a fall in full-year earnings this morning, with the blue-chip insurer striking a cautious tone over threats of a "disruptive Brexit". In outgoing boss Paul Geddes’ final annual results statement for Britain's largest motor insurer, operating profits dipped during the 12 months and the total dividend payout was slashed. "The increased focus on [...]
UK digital advertising spend to grow to £15bn in 2019, report states March 4, 2019 Spending on digital advertising in the UK is set to grow to more than £15bn this year amid a boom in new digital marketing technology, a new report has revealed. Digital ad spend will enjoy double-digit growth in 2019 as the industry moves away from traditional media forms, according to the latest forecasts by Barclays [...]
Telford Homes strikes investor alliance for London plan March 4, 2019 Housebuilder Telford Homes has struck a major deal with two global real estate giants, amid efforts to offset woes in the capital’s traditional housing market by doubling down on Britain’s growing rental sector. City A.M. can reveal that the residential developer is partnering up with M&G and Invesco in a bid to tap into the [...]
DEBATE: Will the European Research Group’s three legal tests help pass Theresa May’s Brexit deal? March 4, 2019 Will the European Research Group’s three legal tests help pass Theresa May’s Brexit deal? Olivia Utley, deputy editor at TheArticle, says YES. The three tests proposed by the European Research Group (ESG) have been rejected by the European Union. But, although they are now off the table, the very fact that they were mooted will help Theresa [...]
Theresa May accused of ‘Brexit bribe’ over launch of £1.6bn fund for Leave-voting areas March 4, 2019 Theresa May has been accused of "bribing MPs" with a £1.6bn government fund for pro-Brexit towns in England in a bid to secure their backing for her deal when it is voted on later this month. £1bn of the pot will go towards less well-off towns in England while £600m will be available for communities [...]
How the Independent Group can build the brand for their new political party March 4, 2019 Who'd want to be a political party right now? The Conservatives are accused of becoming “Blukip”, while Labour fights a seemingly losing battle against growing allegations of antisemitism. Throw in an increasingly chaotic Brexit backdrop, and it’s not surprising that a breakaway faction has spotted the opportunity to launch a new political movement. Spotting the opportunity [...]
More than half of UK private investors say Brexit will provide opportunity, according to a new survey March 4, 2019 More than half of UK private investors believe Brexit will provide an opportunity for investment, according to a new survey. A total of 15 per cent of investors surveyed by Master Investor said that the UK’s departure from the European Union would be a “disaster” while 51 per cent said it would be an opportunity. Read [...]
DEBATE: MPs are about to get a pay rise – but do they deserve it? March 4, 2019 MPs are about to get a pay rise – but do they deserve it? John Oxley, a Conservative commentator, says YES. MPs will soon earn £79,468. It’s far more than most people, but still not enough to lure the most talented individuals into our legislature. An ambitious and highly capable graduate in the City or [...]