Free the e-scooters and unleash a British transport revolution February 6, 2020 The e-scooter revolution is happening at breathtaking speeds — but because of archaic laws, the United Kingdom is missing out. E-scooters can be legally purchased in Britain, and have become an increasingly common sight on the streets. They are, however, unlawful for use on public roads, cycle paths and pavements under the Highways Act 1835 [...]
Government defends handling of SWR’s future after union says passengers are left ‘in limbo’ February 5, 2020 The Department for Transport (DfT) has denied claims by a major union that it has left passengers and staff “in limbo.” The RMT union has demanded the government provide an update on talks to secure the future of the troubled South Western Railway (SWR). However, the government has defended its handling of the process. “We [...]
Digital sector contributes £149bn to UK economy amid tech boom February 5, 2020 Digital companies contributed £149bn to the economy in 2018 as the UK retained its position as a leading tech superpower. The figure, which equates to £400m per day, means the digital sector accounts for 7.7 per cent of the UK economy as a whole. Growth in the thriving tech sector was also six times larger [...]
Greenpeace blocks BP’s London headquarters on Bernard Looney’s first day February 5, 2020 Bernard Looney’s first day as BP boss got off to a challenging start this morning as the firm was forced to shut its headquarters after Greenpeace activists blocked the doors to the oil giant’s London office in St James’ Square. A hundred Greenpeace activists delivered 500 solar panels with a total area of over 800 [...]
Square Mile sees few signs of Brexodus February 4, 2020 The number of job relocations from the Square Mile to the EU has remained far short of the thousands predicted when Britain voted to leave in 2016. Catherine McGuinness, leader of the City of London, told Reuters that the numbers of bankers and insurance and asset management staff moving to EU subsidiaries was between 2,000 [...]
The UK’s unrivalled regulatory framework is at the heart of our success as a finance hub February 4, 2020 Britain has officially progressed into the next chapter of growth, and can begin negotiations to achieve the trading partnerships and relationships that will secure our competitive future. Having spent several years in the City myself and now as MP for Hitchin and Harpenden, a constituency with thousands working in financial services, this sector remains one [...]
Police evacuate Soho over suspected World War 2 bomb February 3, 2020 The Metropolitan Police have evacuated an area in Soho as they assess whether an old World War 2 bomb has been uncovered. They were called to Dean Street after reports of an unexploded ordnance at 1.48pm today. The London Fire Brigade is also on the scene. The Met said: Officers continue to work in Soho [...]
Forging closer ties with India is crucial, but let’s not lose sight of our neighbours February 3, 2020 Now that the UK has formally left the EU, our trading ties with partners across the world will be more in focus than ever before. This includes our relationship with India, a country I visited last week to promote ties in financial and professional services. The UK-India partnership is now worth some £20bn, with nearly [...]
Rock the joint: Why Mumford & Sons’ Ben Lovett is building new music venues around the world February 3, 2020 Near King’s Cross station, a new social hub is currently under construction. Due to open in March, the space — called Goods Way — will contain a food court, bar and a 600-capacity venue known as Lafayette. Goods Way is the brainchild of Ben Lovett, the chief executive of Venue Group, who sounds excited but [...]
Outernet: Is London’s new media complex the future of urban entertainment? February 3, 2020 Trying to find a definition for Outernet can sometimes feel like explaining Tiktok to a grandparent. Once completed, the 34,000 square feet (sq ft) site — sat squarely on the corner of Oxford Street and Charing Cross Road — will boast the world’s largest deployment of LED screens, as well as shops, restaurants, offices, a [...]