EU weighs up forcing tech giants to pay for news February 9, 2021 The EU is said to be considering laws that would force tech giants to pay for news content, mirroring similar moves in Australia. The bloc is currently drafting two new laws — the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act — which are designed to stamp out harmful material and curb Big Tech’s power. [...]
Fossil fuel pollution causes one in five premature deaths: study February 9, 2021 Three British universities have discovered that fossil fuel pollution is responsible for one in five premature deaths globally, with western Europe facing some of the greatest mortality rates. The new research, published this morning, suggests the health impacts of burning coal, oil and natural gases are far higher than originally believed – with Eastern North [...]
Safety equipment giant Halma appoints healthcare veteran as its new chair February 9, 2021 Safety equipment maker Halma has appointed former BTG CEO Louise Makin as its new chair this morning. She will take up the role in July. Makin who will join the board as an independent non-executive director and chair designate, replacing Paul Walker who has held the post for eight years. “Halma is driven by its [...]
Blueprint for London’s COVID recovery from “cultural catastrophe” set out by City Taskforce February 9, 2021 Close collaboration across the cultural, civic and commercial sectors will be essential in tackling the “cultural catastrophe” caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a report published by the Culture and Commerce Taskforce reveals today. Chaired by Lord Mayor William Russell, the City of London Corporation – in partnership with its creative district, Culture Mile – formed [...]
This is just the beginning of the crypto revolution February 9, 2021 Cryptocurrency has been in the news on an almost daily basis over the last few weeks – bitcoin’s volatility throughout January has been well-documented, most recently the notable surge in value that followed Elon Musk changing his Twitter bio to read #bitcoin. Elsewhere, Ray Dalio, founder and chief investment officer of Bridgewater Associates’ referred to [...]
Totally different? Oil giant to rebrand as Total Energies February 9, 2021 French oil giant Total today said it would change its name as the firm looks to reduce the share of sales it derives from oil products over the next decade. The supermajor will rebrand as Total Energies, it said today, as it seeks to expand its renewable energy presence. Central to this is a plan [...]
London facing ‘cultural catastrophe’ due to Covid-19 pandemic February 9, 2021 London’s creative and commercial sectors will have to team up to tackle the “cultural catastrophe” caused by coronavirus, the City of London Corporation has said. In a report published today, the corporation warned of the “devastating” impact of the pandemic and outlined steps needed to restore the capital’s competitive advantage as a cultural and commercial [...]
Eurostar collapse would be ‘disastrous’, warns RMT February 9, 2021 The UK’s biggest union for transport workers, the RMT, has today warned the government that failing to support the Eurostar would be “disastrous” for the country. The union has launched a petition calling on transport secretary Grant Shapps to “urgently agree” assistance for the cross-Channel rail link. However, all the signs so far suggest that [...]
Philanthropic finance could well be another jewel in the City’s considerable crown February 9, 2021 The aftermath of Brexit and the midst of a global pandemic may seem an odd time to be talking about philanthropy, yet the UK has a golden opportunity to position itself as the leading global centre for philanthropy and global investment. Our Beacon Collaborative report published today, “The UK as a Centre of Excellence for [...]
Oil prices hit highest levels in 13 months on back of supply cuts February 9, 2021 A seventh straight session of gains sent oil prices to their highest levels since January 2020 this morning. The rise was driven by a combination of supply cuts by major producers and optimism over a recovery in fuel demand support energy markets. Benchmark Brent crude futures picked up 0.7 per cent to stand at $60.97 [...]