The chancellor must stop tinkering and face up to his UK deficit failure December 4, 2012 TODAY is not going to be George Osborne’s finest day as chancellor – whatever he does and whatever he says. He is veering wildly off course in his plans to eliminate the deficit and to start to get our soaring national debt under some semblance of control. As always, the first step to addressing a [...]
A lesson for Britain: America is saving the world by making energy cheaper December 4, 2012 CRIMINALS are reportedly refusing to leave Portugal’s prisons. According to the International Herald Tribune, prisoners are rejecting parole and requesting to serve the full length of their sentences. Despite record over-crowding, some motoring offenders have failed to pay fines, and have opted instead to serve three or even six month sentences. This is a remarkable [...]
The Treasury will gain nothing from property tax hikes December 4, 2012 A S THEY consider a “back-door” mansion tax and another increase in stamp duty in today’s Autumn Statement, George Osborne and Vince Cable should take a quick look at a dramatic drop in tax receipts after the last Budget. In March, stamp duty was hiked to 7 per cent for people buying property over £2m [...]
As Boris Johnson calls for EU renegotiation, should Britain just stay in the single market? December 4, 2012 YES Christopher Howarth It is essential that the UK renegotiates its EU membership. As we have argued for years, the economic and democratic costs are far too high. But we should not leave. The UK, particularly the City, benefits from the single market and doing business across Europe – something that would be more difficult [...]
Rapid Responses December 4, 2012 The tax debate [Re: Politicians need to stop moralising – and reform our taxes, yesterday] Britain’s tax system does not reward the working poor. Nobody on low wages should pay income tax or national insurance, while also receiving benefits. Chris Hobson We shouldn’t bring the level of tax into the debate about tax reform. To critics [...]
Crunch week to set the tone for sterling in 2013 December 4, 2012 IT IS a crunch week for the great British pound. The currency will be pushed and pulled by both monetary and fiscal forces. The market has been waiting with bated breath for today’s Autumn Statement, when chancellor George Osborne will outline his fiscal strategy to kick-start the UK’s ailing economy. There is also a chance that [...]
The new VW 4×4 is practical but dull December 4, 2012 Audi’s A6 Allroad may be the default choice for Europe’s wealthiest equestrians but the new VW Passat Alltrack is more of a four-wheel-drive estate for the rest of us. This then is the people’s version of a car that, theoretically, nobody needs. With so many choices of SUV out there that are just as roomy [...]
Car talk December 4, 2012 The new Porsche Cayman is set to be the star of 2013 This third generation Porsche Cayman was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show and looks sets to be one of the stars of next year. It has a longer wheel base, an all-new chassis and is almost 30kg lighter than its predecessor. It [...]
The men who would be kings of the club scene December 4, 2012 During its short life, Public, Guy Pelly’s London nightspot, met with both triumph and disaster. Soon after it opened in December 2010 it had garnered a reputation as a firm favourite of his pals, Princes William and Harry. And, as one might have expected, it wasn’t long before the youthful, moneyed denizens of the Royal [...]
Mexican is the flavour of the month, with a glut of exciting new openings December 4, 2012 Guy Pelly (above) isn’t the only one to have opened an establishment with a hint of Mexican flavour in recent weeks. And, like the vogue for unfussy but high-quality burgers and barbecue that encouraged the rise of Meat Liquor, Pitt Cue and Burger & Lobster, a trend that first gathered momentum in New York has [...]
