Starmer risks resurrecting Cameron’s failed China script November 19, 2024 The Prime Minister has been mingling with world leaders in Brazil, and while his government continues to face an array of domestic challenges (from tractor protests to debates on assisted dying) he has managed to pick up a hefty endorsement from one of the world’s most powerful people. “The new UK government is working to [...]
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. [...]
Bosses believe WFH will come to an end – wishful thinking? November 13, 2024 Given the City of London is a major destination for commuters (especially those working in professional services) the new rhythm of hybrid working is perhaps more visible in the Square Mile than elsewhere. Generally speaking, Mondays seem a little thin while Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays feel busier than ever. Fridays remain somewhat subdued. On the [...]
All hail the regulator going for growth November 12, 2024 At last month’s Investment Summit in the City, Keir Starmer set out an admirably clear view of how he wants this country’s regulatory bodies to work, telling delegates: “we will make sure that every regulator in this country, especially our economic and competition regulators, takes growth as seriously as this room does.” There’s been no [...]
Ministers either don’t understand private sector, or don’t care November 11, 2024 No politician could actually get away with telling businesses to “suck it up” when they warn about the impact of tax rises, though Labour’s Darren Jones came dangerously close yesterday, airily telling the BBC that bigger businesses can handle higher costs. While it’s true that they’ll find a way to pay these new taxes and [...]
It turns out Kamala never stood a chance November 6, 2024 In the end, the race for the White House was not determined by the Democrats’ celebrity endorsements, a backlash by the Puerto Rican community, Kamala’s Gen Z army, her party’s superior ground game, her running mate’s folksy charm, Donald Trump’s vulgarity or his criminal record. These may be the issues that have dominated US network [...]
Labour cheered 1p off a pint but the Budget leaves a vicious hangover November 6, 2024 As Rachel Reeves delivered her Budget one week ago, the loudest cheer on the government benches came when she declared that her policies will take 1p off the cost of a pint. Labour was so pleased with this bit of good news that the claim dominated their post-match social media output. This self-congratulatory victory lap [...]
As America votes, can US democracy survive without a WaPo endorsement? November 5, 2024 The US election has given rise to a huge number of divisive, potent and important debates. For many people, regardless of whether they even have a vote in this race, the contest has raised questions about the viability of American democracy itself. Those questions are likely to linger long after the close of polls and, [...]
Badenoch wants a battle of ideas – we should wish her well November 4, 2024 One week before emerging victorious in the Conservative leadership race, Kemi Badenoch was asked by Sophy Ridge on Sky News whether she wanted to be Prime Minister. “I don’t think it’s about wanting to be prime minister,” she said, adding, “I think it’s not an award. It’s not like winning a competition. It’s actually a [...]
