Channel 4 chair hits back at ‘very harmful’ privatisation plans July 20, 2021 Channel 4’s chairman has hit back at the government’s plans to privatise the broadcaster, saying such a step would be “very harmful” to viewers and risk thousands of jobs. Last month it emerged that the government is preparing a consultation into the privatisation of the broadcaster. But in a letter to culture secretary Oliver Dowden, [...]
Government proposes to make fake online reviews illegal July 20, 2021 The government has outlined plans to crack down on fake online reviews. Businesses that offer subscriptions would be required to detail exactly what a consumer signs up for. They should also allow them to cancel easily. Consumer champion ”Which?” said the plans should be ”swiftly implemented” ”Which?” director of policy and advocacy Rocio Concha, said [...]
Pegasus spyware data leaks spark political rows from Delhi to Mexico July 20, 2021 Politicians, journalists and human rights activists are believed to be targeted by Israeli spyware company NSO Group in the interest of its government clients, media reports on Monday. A list of more than 50,000 phone numbers was allegedly selected for potential surveillance as those of people of interest by government clients of NSO Group since [...]
Shell appeals historic Dutch emissions order July 20, 2021 Shell has today confirmed that it will appeal against a landmark court ruling requiring the oil giant to cut emissions faster than it had planned to. The Anglo-Dutch firm said that it had been unfairly singled out by the ruling, which it said was not an “effective” way of tackling climate change. In May, a [...]
Dominic Cummings plotted to oust Boris Johnson days after 2019 election July 20, 2021 Dominic Cummings has today revealed he was plotting to oust Boris Johnson from Downing Street just days after his landslide 2019 General Election victory. Johnson’s former chief aide made the explosive revelation in an upcoming BBC 2 interview tonight, after months of attacks on the Prime Minister. Cummings said the influence of Johnson’s wife, then [...]
Covid: UK cases rise by 40 per cent in last week July 20, 2021 The number of Covid-19 cases in the UK has increased by more than 40 per cent over the last week as the virus spreads rapidly amid the easing of lockdown restrictions. The UK recorded 46,558 new positive cases today, according to the latest official figures, up 40.7 per cent compared to the same day last [...]
Downing Street does not deny govt mulls increasing national insurance contributions July 20, 2021 Downing Street has not denied that National Insurance contributions could be increased to fund a new social care plan, in a move that would break a Conservative manifesto pledge. Boris Johnson is reportedly considering plans to raise National Insurance payments by one percentage point for employers and employees to raise £10bn a year to help [...]
Clifford Chance report record revenue and profits in sixth consecutive year of growth July 20, 2021 Law firm Clifford Chance announces its sixth consecutive year of profit and revenue growth despite the pandemic. For the year ended 30 April Clifford Chance saw its revenue rise to £1.8bn, though by a marginal rate of one per cent compared to the previous financial year. Its profit per equity partner increased by nine per [...]
GMB calls off British Gas strike after 44 days July 20, 2021 Union GMB has today brought an end to 44 days of strike action after its members backed a new pay deal from British Gas. Around 7,000 of the company’s engineers carried out the industrial action in protest at the firm’s so-called “fire and rehire” tactics. GMB said that 500 workers lost their jobs as a [...]
The City of London’s Al Fresco dining is here to stay for one more year July 20, 2021 The City of London Corporation has agreed to ease the weight on the hospitality industry by offering free pavement licences for one more year. Amid table number and household restrictions, the UK’s hospitality sector has been making use of pavements for extra Al Fresco seating. “We expect the buzz of the City will swiftly return [...]
