Comrade Corbyn’s statist policies would tank the British economy February 28, 2019 The journalist Tom Bower has a new book: Dangerous Hero – Corbyn’s Ruthless Plot for Power. With all the current headlines about the Labour leader centring around his U-turn on a second referendum and the worsening crisis of antisemitism in his party, Bower’s biography is a timely reminder of Corbyn’s economic ideology. The leader of [...]
Foxtons swings to a loss in weak London property market February 28, 2019 Foxtons swung to a loss last year as the estate agent struggled with a weakened London property market, the company announced this morning. The figures The estate agent reported a £17.2m loss in its 2018 full-year results this morning, down from £6.5m profit the previous year, in part due to a non-recurring charge of £15.7m [...]
With myths circulating around the impact of a no-deal Brexit, let’s look at the facts February 28, 2019 Brexit was sold to the country as a way of “taking back control”. But now that we are faced with the prospect of no deal, many businesses are fighting to stay in control. In fact, with a month to go until Brexit day, companies are so in despair over the government’s handling of the negotiations [...]
UK car production plummets 18 per cent in January February 27, 2019 UK car production plummeted 18.2 per cent in January amid fears over a hard Brexit. Read more: Brexit uncertainty sparks public to private takeover trend The figures, released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), also revealed that almost a third of automotive companies surveyed had postponed or cancelled investment in the UK [...]
MPs criticise government for ‘lack of transparency’ over £61m Nissan ‘sweetheart’ deal February 27, 2019 An influential group of MPs has today criticised the government for not telling parliament about the £61m offer it made to Nissan in a bid to persuade the car-maker to stay in the UK. Reports that the government was offering “financial assistance” to Nissan emerged in 2016 but were dismissed by Theresa May’s deputy spokesperson [...]
Sadiq Khan asks government for £5bn grant to protect housing from no-deal Brexit February 27, 2019 Sadiq Khan has asked the government to provide a £5.2bn emergency grant to to buffer housing in the capital from the negative effects of a no-deal Brexit. In a letter to the housing secretary, James Brokenshire, the mayor said he remained "deeply concerned" about the impact leaving the EU without a deal would have on London. [...]
Sterling climbs as markets welcome parliament’s vote on possible Brexit delay February 27, 2019 Sterling soared against the euro and dollar today as markets welcomed the possibility that Brexit could be delayed. The pound rose 0.5 per cent to an eight-month high against the dollar of $1.331. Read more: Tory MP leaves government after Brexit amendment to protect EU citizens It did even better against the euro, bubbling up [...]
Tory MP Alberto Costa leaves government after Brexit amendment to protect EU citizens February 27, 2019 A Tory MP has left the government after proposing an amendment aimed at ensuring rights for EU nationals in the UK and Britons across the 27 EU member states, even in the case of a no-deal Brexit. Read more: Britain lost faith in its politicians – and then it voted for Brexit The Prime Minister’s [...]
The EIS has cost the government £3bn in tax relief, so why has it become more generous? February 27, 2019 The enterprise investment scheme (EIS) celebrates its silver jubilee this year. Announced by the then chancellor Ken Clarke in the Autumn Budget in 1993, the scheme was launched at the beginning of 1994. The benefits of the EIS have remained generous – in fact, they’ve become more generous. Until April 2011, the up-front tax relief [...]
Poundland launches red and blue passport covers before Brexit February 27, 2019 There is no love lost between Leavers and Remainers over Brexit, but the two sides could come to blows in the aisles of Poundland as the retailer releases red and blue passport covers. The Brexit-inspired passport covers mean fierce Brexiters or lamenting Remainers can cling to the preferred colour of their choice even after blue [...]