MPs are dangerously blurring the line between tax avoidance and evasion February 19, 2015 Never before has tax avoidance – legally arranging your affairs to lower your tax liability, as distinct from the illegal practice of tax evasion – been used as a political weapon in such a high profile way. In the last week, we’ve had it all: smears, claims and counter-claims, and Ed Balls, the man who [...]
Forget Greek misery: Why Europe is turning a corner thanks to structural reform February 19, 2015 AN OBSERVER coming to study “Europe” with fresh eyes and an open mind might well conclude that there is only one game in town: the ongoing negotiations between Athens, Brussels and Berlin over the Greek bailout. Clearly, the outcome is vitally important for the people of Greece, the Greek government’s credibility, and that of the [...]
Is the UK defence secretary right that Russia is a danger to the stability of the Baltic States? February 19, 2015 Andrew Foxall is director of the Russia Studies Centre at The Henry Jackson Society, says Yes This is nothing new – and has little directly to do with events in Ukraine. Russia has been destabilising the Baltic States for much of the last decade. In 2007, it was behind a series of cyber attacks on [...]
Why competence will always beat charisma at work February 19, 2015 In an age when soft skills are all that matter, Elena Shalneva still prefers ability and rigour. A headhunter calls about a job. It’s in Amsterdam, starts next month, requires fluent Dutch and pays about half of what I used to earn when I last worked in an office. The job is fairly basic, but [...]
Film review: Cake – the one where Jennifer Aniston feels sorry for herself February 19, 2015 Cert 15 | ★☆☆☆☆ Since Friends, Jennifer Aniston has gone on to build a successful, if not groundbreaking, career as a commercially bankable but critically patronised American sweetheart. But she wants more. She wants respect. She wants awards. She wants – whisper it – to do a McConaughey. Cake isn’t Aniston politely asking to [...]
Something for the weekend February 19, 2015 DRINK! LONDON BEER WEEK Round off the week with round of delicious ales at London Beer Week. A £10 LBW wristband entitles you to discounted pints at a number of watering holes around London. Brewery tours and brewing masterclasses are also on offer. Visit londonbeerweek.com PARTY! CHINESE NEW YEAR Chinese New Year fell yesterday but [...]
Europa League: Tottenham in battle to save Europa hopes February 19, 2015 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1 FIORENTINA 1 TOTTENHAM manager Mauricio Pochettino last night admitted his disappointment after his side’s failure to beat Fiorentina left them needing to win the return leg in Italy to keep their European aspirations alive. Goal-shy striker Roberto Soldado’s superb early volley appeared to set Spurs up for victory but defender Jose Maria [...]
Figo bidding to increase World Cup to 48 teams February 19, 2015 FORMER world footballer of the year Luis Figo has pledged to expand the World Cup to as many as 48 teams if he ousts the controversial Sepp Blatter as president of governing body Fifa. Ex-Portugal midfielder Figo also vowed to loosen the purse-strings if elected in May, promising to hand national associations most of Fifa’s [...]
Jimenez disappointed by Ryder Cup snub February 19, 2015 SPANISH veteran Miguel Angel Jimenez has admitted his disappointment at being overlooked for the European Ryder Cup captaincy but backed Darren Clarke to succeed in the role. Open winner Clarke, 46, was this week named the man to mastermind Europe’s title defence at Hazeltine next year, beating rivals Jimenez and Dane Thomas Bjorn to the [...]
Sport Comment: Beautiful game has shown it has ugly personality February 19, 2015 FOOTBALL is a game so many of us love. It is, at its heart, a fine game, the beautiful game. But we saw a profoundly ugly side of it in more ways than one in Paris this week. Two incidents brought me up short. One is blindingly obvious and gravely concerning, the other is far [...]
