‘Painful’ Budget ahead, Keir Starmer warns in gloomy No10 speech August 27, 2024 Sir Keir Starmer has warned Brits to expect a “painful” Budget this autumn as he insisted the state of the public finances is “worse than we ever imagined”. The Prime Minister addressed the nation from the No10 Rose Garden as he cautioned voters his government’s first fiscal statement would be “short-term pain for long-term good”. [...]
Labour’s miserable mood music comes with its own risks August 27, 2024 The last time a Labour government replaced an unpopular Tory administration it did so to the sound of Things Can Only Get Better, by D:Ream. Now, 27 years later, Keir Starmer is changing the tune with a warning that “things are going to get worse.” This stark contrast will be set out in a speech [...]
Labour should not be taking inspiration from Kamala Harris August 27, 2024 Labour has a long-standing love affair with the Democrats, but while the Vice President’s plans for price controls by any other name may be popular, but they are economically illiterate, says Eliot Wilson It is hard to believe that barely a month has passed since Joe Biden announced he would not seek re-election in November [...]
UK minister urges de-escalation after Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire August 25, 2024 A major war in the Middle East is “a real danger”, a cabinet minister has warned following an escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah overnight. Early on Sunday, the Israeli military launched what it described as “pre-emptive” strikes against the militant group in southern Lebanon, saying it had detected plans to attack Israel. Hezbollah, [...]
Labour’s North Sea windfall tax plans branded a ‘blunt response’ that will hammer businesses across the UK August 22, 2024 The government’s plans for North Sea oil and gas are a “blunt response” that could jeopardise hundreds of thousands of jobs not just in the energy sector, several of the industry’s leading figures have warned. In an open letter to the Treasury, over 40 companies with operations in the North Sea voiced their “grave concern” [...]
Social rent increases may not ‘move dial’ on housebuilding, Rachel Reeves warned August 21, 2024 Rachel Reeves’ plans to increase social rent may not “move the dial in a material way” on council housebuilding, a corporate finance firm is warning. The Chancellor will reportedly up social rent by bringing in a decade-long formula to raise housing costs in England boosted by the CPI inflation measure – currently 2.2 per cent [...]
Government borrowing exceeds estimates as public sector spending jumps August 21, 2024 Monthly borrowing figures will be closely watched over the coming months for clues about how much Labour will raise taxes in October's Budget.
London City Airport given go-ahead to expand capacity but more Saturday flying rejected August 20, 2024 London City Airport has been granted permission to significantly expand passenger capacity after an extended spat with Newham Council.
The Notebook: So, when does Labour actually become pro-business? August 20, 2024 The honeymoon is over, Labour needs to start walking the walk when it comes to being pro-business, writes Michael Martins.
Is the UK moving in the wrong direction? Bad news for Keir as 52 per cent of Brits agree August 19, 2024 Some 52 per cent of Brits think the UK is heading in the wrong direction, according to a new poll following the general election. Pollsters at Ipsos found 22 per cent of people thought the situation in Britain was going in the right direction – down three points from a survey the previous month. It [...]