The decline and fall of crypto-libertarians: influencing the crypto licencing map November 4, 2020 At the birth of the modern internet in the 1990s, cyber-libertarians argued that it created a “free” World Wide Web beyond any restrictions that could be imposed by any national regulator or government. By the turn of the millennium it was already clear that not only would the internet be subject to the increasing jurisdiction [...]
Boris Johnson promises businesses new lockdown will end on 2 December November 4, 2020 Prime Minister Boris Johnson reassured British businesses that the new lockdown in England will end on 2 December during a speech to the CBI today, but later said it would “depend on us all doing our bit”. Johnson announced a new month-long lockdown at the weekend. It will come into place tomorrow and will see [...]
John Lewis axes 1,500 head office jobs November 4, 2020 John Lewis has announced it will axe a further 1,500 jobs as part of its plan to return to profit. The retailer said this morning that it will cut the head office roles by April next year, in a move that will save £50m as it targets £300m in cost reductions by 2022. It will [...]
Mercato Metropolitano reopens as police reverse closure decision November 4, 2020 Food hall Mercato Metropolitano will open today after police reversed their decision to force it to close early ahead of the new lockdown. Earlier today the venue announced that it had been ordered to close until further notice by police after its last customers left at seven minutes past the 10pm curfew time on Monday. [...]
FCA outlines payment holiday proposals for struggling borrowers November 4, 2020 The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has outlined its proposals to bolster support for consumer credit borrowers struggling with the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier this week, the watchdog announced plans to extend payment holidays credit cards, car finance, personal loans and pawnbroking as England prepares to enter a fresh national lockdown tomorrow. Under [...]
Hong Kong private equity firm acquires majority stake in footwear retailer Clarks November 4, 2020 Hong Kong private equity firm Lionrock Capital has confirmed it will acquire a £100m majority stake in high street footwear retailer Clarks. The deal is dependent on Clarks securing shareholder approval for its restructuring plan, which will allow the retailer to close stores and move to a turnover-rent model. Lionrock Capital will acquire a majority [...]
Afternoon update: What we know (and what we don’t) about the US election race November 4, 2020 Afternoon update: What we know about the US election race so far
Lloyds ramps up cost-cutting measures, axing 1,000 more jobs November 4, 2020 Lloyds is set to axe over 1,000 jobs, as Britain’s biggest domestic lender ramps up cost-cutting efforts despite returning to profitability during the third quarter. Lloyds will cut 1,070 roles across its commercial and retail bank and has announced plans to create 340 new positions. Read more: Lloyds profit beats forecasts on pandemic mortgage boom [...]
Oil prices jump as Trump declares victory prematurely November 4, 2020 Oil prices jumped this morning after President Donald Trump falsely claimed to have won the US election with millions of ballots still to be counted. Global standard Brent crude jumped two per cent to trade at $40.50 in the aftermath of Trump’s speech this morning. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate also climbed by the same [...]
Oxford Covid-19 vaccine trial results due before New Year November 4, 2020 The Covid-19 vaccine developed by the University of Oxford could present late-stage trial results before the year end, the chief trial investigator for the vaccine has said. Working out whether or not the vaccine worked would likely come this year, according to Oxford Vaccine trial chief investigator Andrew Pollard. After that the data would have [...]
