Brexit: ‘We will see to it that our interests are respected and UK’s word is kept’, warns French PM October 29, 2021 The French embassy in the UK has highlighted comments by French prime minister Jean Castex, saying that while Paris would like “de-escalation” it was down to the British Government to keep its word. “I’d like nothing more than for there to be a de-escalation,” Castex said. “We are permanently open to discussions, but I want [...]
Exclusive: ‘London needs to take a leaf out of Dorset’s book,’ argues veteran City lawyer October 28, 2021 As restrictions have eased, office doors reopened and professionals flock back into the City, life is once again teeming in London. However, as living priorities and sustainability targets have evolved post-pandemic, London must ensure that it remains attractive, liveable and sustainable in the long-run. A formula that has proven to create eco-friendly and community-focused residential [...]
Budget: Millions of Brits to face ‘real pain’ as rising cost of living and taxes will bite October 28, 2021 Rising costs and tax increases will leave tens of millions of Brits worse off, economists said today. Their warning comes as experts are ploughing through yesterday’s Budget. Rishi Sunak had claimed his Budget is a strategy to “usher in a new age of optimism”, but a leading economic think tank warned the public “may not [...]
Rather than male or female: First passport with gender ‘X’ issued in US October 28, 2021 A passport with an “X” gender designation was issued by authorities in the US last night UK time, marking a milestone in the recognition of the rights of people who do not identify as male or female. The US State Department did not identify the passport recipient, but Dana Zzyym of Fort Collins, Colorado, told [...]
COP26: Change your diet and fly less to help save the planet, Sir Patrick Vallance warns October 28, 2021 Behavioural changes such as eating less meat and flying less, as well as green technology to tackle the climate crisis, the UK’s chief scientific adviser has said. Sir Patrick Vallance made the comments as he joined senior scientific advisers from around the world to issue a statement ahead of the Cop26 climate talks, calling on [...]
Budget ‘missed opportunity’ to use tax to get UK to net zero target, says City law firm October 28, 2021 The Budget has missed the opportunity to incentivise taxpayers to help achieve net zero, according to one of the main City law firms. Whilst the Chancellor has announced tax changes to encourage businesses to invest in green technology, the Chancellor also rolled out a cut in fuel duty and air passenger duty, potentially denting the [...]
Budget: Sunak defends decision not to cut VAT on household energy bills October 28, 2021 Chancellor Rishi Sunak this morning defended the government’s decision not to cut VAT on home energy bills to counter rising energy prices. Asked on BBC Breakfast why he did not make such a move, the Chancellor said: “Because as many independent experts and think tanks have pointed out, it is not a particularly well-targeted measure [...]
Rishi Sunak: Because of govt’s pandemic response we are seeing proper bounce-back October 28, 2021 Chancellor Rishi Sunak said this morning the action the Government took to support the economy during the coronavirus pandemic meant the UK was seeing better than expected growth in the bounce-back. The Chancellor told Sky News: “I think it is important to remember why we are in this position. “A year ago we outlined our [...]
Rishi Sunak: I won’t apologise for cutting alcohol duty on champagne in prosecco in Budget October 28, 2021 Rishi Sunak said this morning he will not apologise for cutting alcohol duty on Champagne, prosecco and other sparkling wine in the Budget. Speaking to Sky News, Rishi Sunak said: “I’m not going to make any apologies for that. We have an irrational system at the moment of how we tax alcohol. “The new system [...]
Budget: Rishi Sunak refuses to commit to tax cuts before next general election October 28, 2021 Chancellor Rishi Sunak this morning refused to commit to cutting taxes before the next general election. Asked on Sky News whether he would slash taxes before the next Westminster polling day, which is expected to be held by 2024, Mr Sunak said: “We started cutting taxes yesterday, our priority being those on the lowest incomes. [...]
