Power of 10: UK more than doubles number of $10bn companies amid tech boom July 21, 2021 The number of UK tech businesses worth at least $10bn (£7.3bn) has more than doubled in the last six months, marking the latest sign of a boom in the British tech sector. Fintech darling Revolut, recently-listed Wise and online grocery giant Ocado are among the businesses to gain the title of decacorn in the first [...]
UK sets out plan for greater free trade for green technologies in lead up to Cop26 July 20, 2021 The UK has today set out its plan for greater free trade in green technologies in the lead up to the Cop26 climate conference in Glasgow later this year. A new Board of Trade report calls for the UK to “encourage” other countries to cut tariffs on green technology and to use its diplomatic standing [...]
Raab tells EU to ‘think again’ over Gibraltar negotiation plans July 20, 2021 The government has tonight rejected the EU’s plan for negotiations with the UK over the future of Gibraltar, saying that it would undermine the British sovereignty over the territory. Earlier today the bloc published its draft mandate for the upcoming negotiations, which it said “aims to have a positive impact for those living and working [...]
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 [...]
