Energy networks’ profits under fire as MPs slam Ofgem for failing customers February 23, 2015 MPs will today blast energy regulator Ofgem for failing to control costs charged by the companies running the UK’s gas and electricity networks. The Energy and Climate Change Select Committee has completed its inquiry into energy network costs, and argues that Ofgem “has not yet delivered value for energy customers”. Network costs currently make [...]
Oscars 2015 on The Red Carpet February 23, 2015 HOLLYWOOD rolled out the red carpet for the British last night, as the UK film industry won a starring role at the 87th Academy Awards. Nominees for the annual film awards included a larger-than-usual roll call of British talent, such as Eddie Redmayne (seen left with wife Hannah Bagshawe) and Benedict Cumberbatch, competing for the [...]
Danny Alexander threat to firms that facilitate tax evasion February 23, 2015 Danny Alexander has proposed a new law penalising companies who assist with tax evasion. The chief secretary to the Treasury said in an interview: “We should create a new offence of corporate failure to avoid preventing an economic crime and also that organisations who facilitate or encourage evasion should face the same penalty as the [...]
MPs want press regulator to look at Telegraph case after Peter Oborne accusations over HSBC coverage February 23, 2015 MPs will tomorrow call on the new press regulator to investigate accusations that The Telegraph newspaper limited its coverage of the HSBC tax scandal for commercial reasons. Peter Oborne, previously a political commentator at The Telegraph, quit the newspaper last week, accusing its management of preventing proper reporting of revelations about HSBC. The Telegraph has [...]
London fashion Week draws in the crowds February 23, 2015 LONDON’S fashion elite were out in force this weekend after London fashion week kicked off on Friday, with shows from Topshop Unique and Emilia Wickstead, a favourite of the Duchess of Cambridge, boasting star-studded front rows. The UK’s two biggest listed fashion brands will showcase their autumn/winter collection today, with Burberry hosting its catwalk show [...]
Ukraine fears further attacks February 23, 2015 UKRAINE said yesterday it feared unrest could spread beyond territory held by pro-Russian separatists, after an explosion killed two people at a memorial rally in an eastern city far from the front line. Kiev said it arrested four people who had been armed and trained in Russia after the blast, which killed a policeman and [...]
Lloyds braced for 1p dividend February 23, 2015 LLOYDS is poised to pay its first dividend this week for the first time since the financial crisis in a move that could make it easier for the government to sell its remaining 25 per cent shareholding in the bank. The bank is expected to confirm it has been cleared by Britain’s financial regulator to [...]
Rothschild eyes pre-election bonus payouts to avoid Ed Balls tax February 23, 2015 Financial giant Rothschild is considering whether to hand out 2014 bonuses to staff early in order to avoid potential taxes that could be brought in if Labour wins the election. Shadow chancellor Ed Balls has promised to introduce a £1.5bn to £2bn tax on bonuses during its first year in office to fund a “jobs [...]
Jack Straw suspends himself from Labour over cash for access claims February 23, 2015 Jack Straw has suspended himself from the Labour party over claims that he was preparing to offer his influence in return for money. The former foreign secretary, along with Tory MP Sir Malcolm Rifkind, were secretely filmed by Channel 4’s Dispatches programme in a joint investigation with the Daily Telegraph discussing how they would be [...]
Canada drugs giant Valeant to acquire rival Salix in $10bn deal February 23, 2015 CANADIAN pharmaceuticals giant Valeant has struck a deal to buy US rival Salix Pharmaceuticals in an all-cash deal valued at around $10.1bn (£6.6bn). Valeant, which is backed by hedge fund billionaire William Ackman, said yesterday it has agreed to pay $158.00 a share for Salix, known for its irritable bowel syndrome drug Xifaxan. The two [...]
