David Cameron set for double trouble over plain cigarette packaging and defence spending March 9, 2015 Disgruntled Tory backbenchers are set to defy David Cameron over two controversial issues this week, intensifying pressure on a Prime Minister who faces growing criticism for refusing to accept invitations to TV leaders debates. Around 100 Conservative MPs will vote against the government’s proposals to force cigarettes to be sold in plain packaging on Wednesday. [...]
Exclusive: Prudential to hire ex FCA regulator Clive Adamson March 9, 2015 Clive Adamson, who quit the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as director of supervision ahead of a critical report into its conduct before Christmas, is joining the Prudential, two sources have told City A.M. Adamson is understood to be joining Prudential’s UK business, possibly in a non-executive capacity. Although Adamson’s departure from the FCA was widely [...]
Greeks could call election if deal breaks promises March 9, 2015 EUROZONE officials will meet today as Greece rushes to hammer out a deal that will allow it to avoid defaulting on its debt. But Greece’s finance minister warned a referendum or even an election could be called if the deal contradicted his Syriza party’s election promises. “There could be problems. But, as my Prime Minister [...]
General Election 2015: Ed Balls to launch assault on Tory spending plans March 9, 2015 Labour will today launch an assault on the Conservative’s proposed spending cuts, accusing the party of wanting to cut government spending to a “share of national income last seen in the 1930s – a time before there was an NHS.” Shadow chancellor Ed Balls will deliver the attack in a central London speech. Labour’s charge [...]
Apple boss Tim Cook to unveil smartwatch March 9, 2015 APPLE boss Tim Cook will today show off the Apple Watch – the firm’s much-awaited version the smartwatch. Almost all analysts have called 2015 the year of wearables and predict Apple will dominate the market. The tech giant will sell more Apple Watches than the rest of the market combined, according to Strategy Analytics, grabbing [...]
Cheap oil has potential to give UK extra 121,000 jobs in 2016 March 9, 2015 The UK economy could be set for a massive jobs boost next year, provided oil prices remain subdued, financial services firm PwC said today. An oil price of $50 per barrel would create an extra 121,000 jobs in 2016 compared to if prices had stayed at their mid-2014 level of $108, PWC forecasts. It is [...]
London’s firms leading British growth spurt March 9, 2015 LONDON’S economy is leading Britain’s resurgence and contributing to an acceleration in job creation, Lloyds’ regional business survey shows today. Britain’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI) score held steady at 56.7 in February – a strong result, as any score over 50 represents growth. Business activity has now been rising for 28 consecutive months, according to [...]
New bank for small businesses has imminent UK launch plans March 9, 2015 ANOTHER challenger bank has joined the scene alongside a growing number of upstarts trying to unseat the dominant high street banking institutions in the UK. Civilised Bank, a new online-only bank aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, is the latest to reveal its plans and expects to open its doors – albeit virtual ones – [...]
Juncker wants EU army to stop growing Russian aggression March 9, 2015 PRESIDENT of the EU Commission Jean-Claude Juncker has called for an EU army, in order to counter growing aggression from Russia. Juncker said: “With its own army, Europe could react more credibly to the threat to peace in a member state or in a neighbouring state.” The EU currently has some battle groups, which act [...]
Man arrested for visit to Parliament rooftop March 9, 2015 A 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and trespassing after spending several hours on the roof of Parliament. A police statement said they had arrested the man on suspicion of trespass and criminal damage at 5.01am having been made aware of his presence on top of the Palace of Westminster at [...]
