Chris Grayling says the world of aviation will be prioritised in Brexit negotiations November 21, 2016 Airlines were among the first to battle Brexit turbulence and transport secretary Chris Grayling has now pledged the aviation industry will be prioritised in Brexit negotiations. Speaking at the Airport Operators Association’s annual conference, Grayling said: "I can give that assurance." The industry remains uncertain over its standing in Europe and elsewhere in the world going forward, while [...]
Over three quarters of UK subcontractors don’t benefit from national infrastructure projects November 21, 2016 With Philip Hammond's first Autumn Statement on the horizon, the general expectation is that it'll be an infrastructure-laden announcement. And UK subcontractors are among many hoping they'll get some attention. Over three quarters (78 per cent) don't benefit from national infrastructure projects, according to new research from specialist funder Bibby Financial Services (BFS). Helen Wheeler, managing director [...]
A five per cent improvement in airport journey times could generate £1.9bn for the UK economy, says the AOA November 21, 2016 The Airport Operators Association wants the government to improve surface access to airports, and it's done its research ahead of Wednesday's Autumn Statement. It's calling on the government to invest in transport links to airports, after its new report, in conjunction with Capital Economics, said the government could create tens of thousands of jobs by reducing [...]
Sadiq Khan wants Volkswagen to cough up £2.5m owed to London in congestion charges November 20, 2016 As if Volkswagen didn't have enough on its plate, now it's facing a £2.5m compensation demand from mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. Khan has written to the car giant after Transport for London (TfL) found that an estimated 80,000 of the 500,000 VW cars registered to addresses in the capital, were fitted with illegal defeat devices. So [...]
Consensus of economic forecasts shows inflation is back, says chancellor Philip Hammond November 20, 2016 Chancellor Philip Hammond has declared: "It's clear that inflation is back." Speaking on ITV's Peston on Sunday, Hammond said: "We have to wait and see what inflation figures look like when we get the OBR's report on Wednesday, but I think looking at the consensus of forecasts, it's clear that inflation is back." "That is hopefully a [...]
Philip Hammond says those who want detail on Brexit plans are inviting the government to “undermine our own negotiation” November 20, 2016 Philip Hammond has said the government will "get the very best possible deal that we can for Britain", amid concern European leaders will force a "hard Brexit". Speaking on The Andrew Marr show, Hammond said: "I do understand the frustration among people who would like us to be much more open about what we're thinking of [...]
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell just said he’d back a rise in the 40p rate tax threshold for higher earners November 20, 2016 Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said he backs raising the threshold on 40p tax for higher earners. Speaking on The Andrew Marr Show, McDonnell said: "It looks as though the threshold will be increased by the government on Wednesday and we would support that." Marr suggested it was a tax giveaway, to which McDonnell said: "It is, but [...]
Fifteen people charged over Heathrow expansion protest November 20, 2016 The Met Police have charged 15 people following a protest at Heathrow Airport yesterday. The police said they had been charged with wilful obstruction of the highway, following a protest near M4 Spur Road. All those charged have been bailed to appear at Ealing Magistrates Court on Thursday 22 December. Heathrow expansion protesters were arrested after [...]
Businesses are “100 per cent committed” to making the best of Brexit but need clarity from government, says CBI November 20, 2016 Businesses want to make the best of Brexit, but will need more clarity from government, according to the CBI. Speaking tomorrow at the CBI's annual conference, president Paul Drechsler is expected to say that firms are "100 per cent committed" to making the best of Brexit", but to do that, "government and business must do more [...]
Donald Trump will be invited to meet the Queen at Windsor next year November 20, 2016 What a difference a few months makes, eh? In January, MPs were debating banning Donald Trump from the UK, now apparently he'll be invited to meet the Queen next year. The President-elect will be invited to meet the Queen, aka ministers' "secret weapon" to try and really cement the UK's special relationship with America. Read more: Donald [...]
