From Trump to COP: A look ahead to the political year in 2025 December 29, 2024 After a whirlwind of a political year in 2024, with elections in the US, UK and across much of the globe, 2025 is already shaping up to be another momentous 12 months. From the return of President Donald Trump to the White House in January, to the challenges ahead for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, [...]
Bleak midwinter for the economy? It could be worse… December 19, 2024 The political and economy outlook for the UK may seem gloomy, but spare a thought for our European counterparts, says Tim Sarson It’s the last working week of 2024 for many of us. I’ll be switching off the laptop on Friday afternoon and packing up for what I hope is a restful Christmas break, give [...]
London coaxes bankers back from political chaos in Europe December 8, 2024 Political chaos across Europe is pushing bankers to stay in London rather than follow through on plans to move to the continent. Following Brexit, many bankS began shifting certain roles across the channel, sometimes due to requests from European regulators, and sometimes to stay better connected to the continent. A senior banking source told the [...]
The Capitalist: King tickles Starmer, a French misstep and Blair’s good advice December 5, 2024 It’s the way he tells them To the ancient Guildhall in the heart of the City at the start of this week, where the new Lord Mayor Alastair King welcomed Sir Keir Starmer for the PM’s traditional foreign policy speech. The banquet is always a grand affair; white tie, no less, with judges, ambassadors, City [...]
French turmoil could be a boost for the City of London, says top lawyer December 3, 2024 Political turmoil in France and geopolitical tensions between China and the US are showcasing the UK’s status as an “independent financial centre” and destination for international IPOs, a leading capital markets figure has suggested. Mark Austin, a lawyer at Latham & Watkins who has masterminded many of the City’s reform efforts over the past two [...]
French budget crisis show fiscal fears are rising back up the agenda December 3, 2024 The mounting budget crisis in France looks set to revive the spectre of sovereign debt levels.
Domaine des Etangs is a weekend escape in the South of France like no other November 29, 2024 Domaine des Etangs is that rare and wonderful thing: a retreat in the most incredible, secluded location that you will never want to leave. THE WEEKEND “This is the land of chestnut eaters,” Jean-François, grounds keeper of the Domaine des Etangs, tells me as we roam the 1,000-hector woods collecting fistfuls of fallen chestnuts. It’s [...]
Markets: French bond yields rise amid political turmoil November 28, 2024 "A French political problem is turning into a problem for financial markets," Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB said.
Ski Club of Great Britain reps return to France after 8-year absence November 27, 2024 Ski Club reps were suddenly withdrawn from French resorts in 2016 after a rep was arrested for allegedly “guiding” without a ski guide qualification, and subsequently fined €10,000 by a French court in January 2015. But after dialogue with French authorities in five resorts, Tignes, Meribel, Flaine, Les Arcs and Val Thorens, the Ski Club [...]
French film-makers get their claws on £35m of UK taxpayers’ cash to make Paddington movies November 13, 2024 French film production company StudioCanal benefited from £35.8m of UK taxpayers’ cash to make a television series and three movies about British icon Paddington bear, with £13.4m alone handed out for the latest film which premiered on Friday. StudioCanal’s owner, French media giant Vivendi, posted a net profit of £336.6m (€405m) last year on revenues [...]