Rail passenger journeys soared to a record 1.8bn over past year June 13, 2019 Rail passengers travelled 67.7 billion kilometres during the course of last year, equivalent to flying to the moon and back almost 88,000 times. There were a record 1.8bn passenger journeys in 2018-19, generating over £10bn in revenue, the highest rate in four years. Read more: Heathrow may allow passengers to keep liquids in bags The [...]
Train giant Govia awarded extension to Southeastern franchise June 13, 2019 Train giant Govia has been awarded an extension to the Southeastern franchise until November, giving the government more time to consider who the new winner will be. The Southeastern franchise, which serves routes in and out of London, Kent and East Sussex, was due to expire on June 22, but will now continue under current [...]
FCA slammed over ‘whitewash’ RBS GRG report June 13, 2019 The City watchdog has said it has found no evidence that senior bankers within RBS’ controversial turnaround unit GRG lacked honesty or integrity, despite accusations that it ruined thousands of businesses and livelihoods. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has today published its highly anticipated report into why it was unable to take enforcement action against [...]
MPs urge China to respect Hong Kong freedoms as protests turn violent June 12, 2019 MPs have called on the government to put pressure on China to respect the rights of Hong Kong protestors as demonstrations against proposed law changes grew violent. Police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protestors, who fear that the law, which would allow extradition to mainland China, could target political opponents of Beijing [...]
Activist investor Elliott launches audacious bid for Majestic Wine stores June 12, 2019 Activist investor Elliot has launched a bid for 200 Majestic Wine stores as the retailer switches its focus from the high street to online. US-based Elliot has pitted itself against private equity firm OpCapita and Fortress, the investment group owned by Japan’s SoftBank, in the sale, in which Majestic is hoping to recoup £100m. Read [...]
Getlink blames Brexit for slump in traffic numbers June 12, 2019 Channel Tunnel operator Getlink has blamed dwindling passenger traffic numbers on the political uncertainty caused by Brexit. Getlink, which used to be called Eurotunnel, transports passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles across the Channel. It reported an 11 per cent drop in truck traffic in May after British businesses de-stocked the items they had initially build [...]
Connect Airways appoints new CEO as it awaits EU approval for Flybe deal June 12, 2019 Connect Airways, the consortium that has purchased Flybe, has appointed former Virgin Atlantic’s customer chief Mark Anderson as its chief executive. Connect Airways, which is made up of Virgin Atlantic, Stobart and hedge fund Cyrus Capital, is currently waiting for the merger clearance from the EU commission, which is expected in July. Read more: Flybe [...]
Tory leadership hopeful Rory Stewart: I can beat Boris and I will stick up for the City of London June 11, 2019 Rory Stewart may have walked through the Afghanistan desert, written several books and even served as a deputy governor in Iraq during the war, but the greatest challenge of his career to date could be far closer to home: beating Boris Johnson. The international development secretary’s softer stance on Brexit and conciliatory approach has forced [...]
The City of London wants your views on moving three historic food markets to Dagenham Dock June 11, 2019 The City of London Corporation is launching a public consultation on the move of three of its historic wholesale food markets in Smithfield, Billingsgate and New Spitalfields. In April, the Corporation’s main decision-making body, the court of common council, chose a site in Dagenham Dock as its preferred option for the three markets. The Corporation [...]
Heavy rain causes travel chaos for Southern and Thameslink commuters June 11, 2019 Heavy rain across England is causing chaos for passengers in the south east, especially on the routes run by Southern and Thameslink. There are major delays across the Southern network, which operates between London and the south of England, including Brighton, and on Thameslink, which runs from Bedford via central London to Kent. Read more: [...]
