Probe: Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic space flight ‘deviated’ September 2, 2021 US regulators have launched a probe into Sir Richard Branson’s flight to the edge of space after the Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo vehicle deviated on return to Earth. The billionaire businessman became the first owner-astronaut to take part in a mission when taking off in July, which he hailed as an “experience of a lifetime”. But [...]
Sadiq Khan supports new London memorial dedicated to Muslims who fought in World Wars September 2, 2021 Sadiq Khan has backed plans for a new London memorial to recognise the contribution of Muslims who fought in the First and Second World Wars. The monument will be the first in the UK to pay tribute to the millions of Muslims who served in the British Armed Forces during the conflicts. The Mayor of [...]
Covid vaccine: Immunosuppressed people in the UK to receive third dose September 1, 2021 Around half a million people in the UK whose immune systems are severely weakened will be offered a third primary vaccine dose, following a new recommendation announced by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) today. Anyone over the age of 12 who was immunosuppressed at the time of their first or second dose [...]
Sturgeon deal with Scottish Greens brings green politicians into govt for first time in UK August 31, 2021 The Scottish Government’s new power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens will bring Green representatives into government for the first time anywhere in the UK. Nicola Sturgeon plans to set out details of her government’s deal with the Greens as Holyrood returns after the summer recess. The first day of business is also expected to see [...]
Scottish independence: UK minister says Scots could have a second referendum if backed by 60 per cent August 27, 2021 Scots could have a second independence referendum if polling consistently shows support for one at 60 per cent, according to the UK’s Scotland secretary. In the first time a minister has hinted at what the bar could be for a fresh vote, Alister Jack told Politico: “If you consistently saw 60 percent of the population [...]
Flatgate: Tory donor Lord Brownlow transferred £52k to pay for Boris Johnson’s lavish Downing Street renovations August 26, 2021 It has appeared that a Conservative Party donor coughed up more than £52,000 to pay for some of the costs of Boris Johnson’s lavish renovations to his Downing Street residence, according to party accounts. The refurbishments to the flat in No 11 sparked sustained scrutiny of Johnson’s finances, with the works vastly exceeding the £30,000 [...]
Brazil’s Buffett-backed Nubank eyes $55bn valuation ahead of US IPO August 26, 2021 Brazil’s digital bank Nubank is reportedly eyeing a $55.4bn valuation ahead of its initial public offering (IPO), as Brazilians look beyond traditional lenders. If Brazil’s most prominent digital bank is listed at a market cap greater than its largest tradition bank Itau Unibanco, Nubank would shoot up the ranks towards international high flyers like the [...]
Afghanistan: G7 leaders prepare for emergency meeting as evacuation deadline looms August 24, 2021 G7 leaders are under pressure to present a united front at an emergency meeting this afternoon on the crisis in Afghanistan. Leaders of the UK, US, Canada, France, Italy, Germany and Japan are to discuss how to coordinate their response to the crisis. The online talks chaired by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will also [...]
JP Morgan boss Jamie Dimon plans first UK visit since Covid hit August 23, 2021 JP Morgan chief executive Jamie Dimon will visit London next month for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak. The trip could result in fresh momentum for workers to return to the City as the banker has advocated for office-working. The Wall Street banking boss will meet clients and staff after an initial scheduled trip [...]
Treasury refuses to bankroll Michael Gove’s single government login proposal August 21, 2021 Michael Gove’s plan to give every adult a single login for online interactions with the government, could be stalled by a funding dispute with the Treasury, according to reports. The Cabinet Office’s proposed plan, dubbed “one login for Government”, would result in people logging into a single online interface to conduct a host of activities [...]