Labour’s assault on the private sector will come back to haunt them November 18, 2024 The weekend’s papers groaned under the weight of business leaders’ concerns and complaints about the Labour’s government’s recent Budget and wider policy agenda. “They don’t understand business” ran an FT article, drawing on a host of quotes from alarmed chief executives. “Honeymoon’s over for business chiefs…” was the warning in a similar Sunday Times article. [...]
The UK has the tools, talent and expertise to unlock growth November 18, 2024 In a competitive global environment, Britain has everything it needs to succeed, but there are a few ways the government could help, says Chris Hayward The Chancellor’s Mansion House speech laid out a bold and detailed vision for the UK’s economy and financial services sector. The message is clear: Britain is not only primed for [...]
Peers want to force Chagos Islands referendum to stop handover deal November 16, 2024 A group of Lords wants to force a referendum over the handover of the Chagos Islands, in a move that could delay the treaty from taking effect until after Donald Trump takes office. Lord Bellingham is leading a group of peers who plan to introduce an amendment to the treaty when it reaches the House [...]
UK turning away from EU ‘socialism’ would spur Trump on trade deal – adviser November 16, 2024 Donald Trump would be more willing to clinch a free trade agreement with the UK if it turns away from the EU’s “socialism” and towards a US model, a senior economic advisor to the president-elect has said. Stephen Moore, who is advising Trump as he prepares for office, said the UK “has to choose” between [...]
Former MP describes ‘enormous guilt’ over Westminster honeypot scandal November 16, 2024 Former MP William Wragg has described the feeling of “enormous guilt” that washed over him as he realised he had fallen victim to a sophisticated scam designed to target politicians in Westminster. A police probe began in April earlier this year after it was suggested at least 12 men with links to Westminster had received [...]
Reeves ‘not satisfied’ as economic growth slows in third quarter November 16, 2024 Rachel Reeves has said she is “not satisfied” after official figures showed economic growth slowed in the months after Labour won the election, and even contracted in September. The UK economy grew by 0.1 per cent between July and September, versus 0.5 per cent growth in the previous quarter, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) [...]
Use development orders to tackle housing crisis, ministers told November 15, 2024 The UK government should use development orders to circumvent the planning regime, build homes and address the housing crisis, a new report has argued. Ministers should deploy existing powers – known as local development orders, which allow specific development in certain areas without a planning application – to turbocharge housebuilding, the Adam Smith Institute (ASI) [...]
Get rid of ‘mongrels and wasters’ by paying government advisors more November 15, 2024 Sue Gray’s salary as chief of staff attracted controversy for all the wrong reasons: it was too low, not too high. Across government, we should be prepared to pay serious money for serious talent, says Patrick King Staffing appointments by the new government have led to cries of cronyism, with hand-wringing about civil service politicisation. [...]
Whisky Business: Scotch Whisky exports take a hit November 14, 2024 City AM’s monthly look at trends in the world of Scotch Whisky. Scotch Whisky is one of the UK’s most successful sectors, but it’s facing increasing headwinds from challenges both at home and overseas. According to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), the value of Scotch exports topped £5.6bn in 2023, supporting 66,000 jobs across the [...]
How Rachel Reeves plans to use pension pots to fund an investment boom November 14, 2024 The Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to lay out one of the most significant shake-ups of the pension system in decades today after years of calls from the City to lean on the sector to fund an investment boom. Currently, 86 different local government pension schemes manage assets between £300m and £30bn, with local government [...]