General Election 2015: British Chambers of Commerce calls for quick EU referendum February 10, 2015 A vote on whether Britain should remain a part of the EU or not should take place soon to avoid uncertainties for business, the head of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has said. Speaking ahead of the BCC annual conference, director general John Longworth told the BBC: "Our members say that they actually want [...]
EU referendum greater risk to London’s property market than General Election uncertainty, says KPMG January 12, 2015 A referendum on Britain's EU membership could herald bad news for London's high-flying property market, new research has found. David Cameron has promised to renegotiate Britain's membership of the EU and put the result to the people by 2017. But if Brits vote to leave, the capital's property market could suffer in the aftermath, big [...]
Britain’s future lies in a reformed EU – but the Tories are putting that at risk January 8, 2015 When the British people cast their votes on 7 May, they face a real choice. Do they want a Britain hankering for the past, or preparing for the future? Do they want a Britain closed to the world, or open to opportunity? Do they want an economy and a country that works only for a [...]
The City must make the case for EU reform – for the sake of all Europe January 5, 2015 The General Election looms large at the start of this New Year. For practical reasons, business prizes stability and places a premium on calm trading conditions, as major changes in policy have an unsettling effect on potential investors. And few decisions will have such a far reaching impact on the UK economy as what we [...]
EU referendum: Owen Paterson calls for Brexit after loss of Rochester and Strood to Ukip November 24, 2014 Ex-cabinet minister Owen Paterson has called for Britain to withdraw from the EU in a speech to business leaders. The Tory backbencher, who proved a controversial environment secretary, told the campaign group Business for Britain, which aims to get the UK a better deal with the EU, that a free trade agreement would be a [...]
Citi’s UK boss James Bardrick: The City won’t fall apart on a Brexit but Britain must do more to make EU work November 23, 2014 Britain’s increasingly fierce row over the EU can be highly polarised. Depending on who you listen to, the economy will either crumble and die outside Europe, or an exit will free the UK from the dead hand of Brussels and lead to a new golden era of trade and prosperity. Citi’s UK boss James [...]
Conservatives hit back in debate over promise of EU referendum November 10, 2014 Senior Tories yesterday hit back at critics of the party’s promise of an EU referendum. Prime Minister David Cameron denied the move would create business uncertainty, as suggested by Labour leader Ed Miliband, telling the Confederation of British Industry’s annual conference that the idea is unfounded. And striking back at the Labour leader [...]
Labour leader: Stop Britain’s headlong rush for the Brexit November 10, 2014 Writing exclusively for City A.M., opposition leader Ed Miliband argues the UK would suffer by leaving the EU WE live at a crucial time in Britain’s relationship with the European Union, one which will determine the future of our country for decades to come. In the past year, Nigel Farage, Ukip and a growing number [...]
EU budget 2014: How much has the UK been asked to pay compared to other member states? October 25, 2014 David Cameron appeared as shocked as the rest of us by the news that the European Commission has charged the UK with a whopping €2.1bn (£1.7bn) bill. The EU Commission is demanding the UK make the extra contribution to the EU budget due to the relative health of the country’s economy in comparison to the [...]
EU referendum: Cameron considers threatening EU with Brexit August 25, 2014 David Cameron is likely to issue an unveiled threat to EU powers by raising the prospect of a British exit. According to information obtained by The Times, the prime minister and his advisors are "actively considering" making a stand, although the timing is yet to be confirmed. The announcement would be aimed at strengthening Britain's bargaining position, [...]