World Economic Forum cancels summer Singapore summit May 17, 2021 The World Economic Forum (WEF) has today cancelled its planned summit in Singapore due to Covid-related travel uncertainty. The summit was going to happen in Singapore in August instead of at its usual location in Davos, Switzerland. In a statement today, the WEF said: “Regretfully, the tragic circumstances unfolding across geographies, an uncertain travel outlook, [...]
Sadiq Khan calls for Londoners to ‘support British businesses’ as restrictions eased May 17, 2021 Sadiq Khan has called on Londoners to “support British businesses” and to come back into central London as Covid restrictions are eased further in England today. Khan said people outside the capital should not despair about the limited opportunities to currently travel overseas and that “everything you need is in London”. Tens of thousands of [...]
Rishi Sunak does not back Joe Biden’s global business tax plan May 17, 2021 Rishi Sunak is withholding support for Joe Biden’s draft plan to implement a minimum 21 per cent global business tax rate, with the chancellor wanting more assurances on taxation on US tech giants. Sunak, who is chairing this year’s G7 meetings for finance ministers, has reportedly said he would only support a minimum tax rate [...]
Boris Johnson says Monday easing of Covid restrictions must come with ‘heavy dose of caution’ May 16, 2021 Boris Johnson has warned that tomorrow’s easing of Covid restrictions in England must come with “a heavy dose of caution” as concern mounts about the spread of the Indian variant. In a statement released tonight, Johnson urged people to get tested two times a week and to “take responsibility when enjoying new freedoms”. Hospitality businesses [...]
Ex-Boris Johnson aide accused of lobbying for £187m government loan for firm he worked for May 16, 2021 Boris Johnson’s former top aide Lord Eddie Lister has been accused of lobbying for a £187m taxpayer-funded loan for a company he worked for while in Number 10. Lister, who suddenly left Number 10 last month, had a paid role at luxury property developer Delancey while simultaneously working for Johnson and as chairman for Homes [...]
Government to unveil flexible rail tickets as part of a wider overhaul May 16, 2021 The government will reportedly bring in flexible rail tickets next week as a part of a wider shake-up of the UK’s rail system. Commuters will be offered “carnet” tickets that will allow office workers to come into the office once or twice a week as Covid restrictions are lifted. The tickets will allow passengers to [...]
Brexit: Northern Ireland Protocol ‘dead in the water’, says Johnson ally May 16, 2021 The post-Brexit Northern Ireland treaty is reportedly seen as “dead in the water” by Downing Street as negotiations between the UK and EU over the protocol continue. Lord David Frost earlier this week said the Northern Ireland Protocol, which sees Northern Ireland follow EU customs union and single market rules, posed “significant challenges” for businesses, [...]
Hancock: ‘Increasing confidence’ vaccines work against Indian variant May 16, 2021 The government and its health officials have “increasing confidence” that vaccines work against the new Indian Covid variant, according to health secretary Matt Hancock. Hancock said the government has a “high degree of confidence” the new variant transmits faster, but that “the early data suggests the vaccines are effective against the Indian variant”. Boris Johnson [...]
World Uyghur Congress hits out at City of London Corporation’s China stance May 14, 2021 A non-profit group representing the world’s Uyghur Muslims has accused the City of London Corporation’s bosses of siding “with oppressive Chinese forces” for not holding Beijing to account for its human rights abuses. The World Uyghur Congress sent a letter, seen by City A.M., to City of London Lord Mayor William Russell and the powerful [...]
Too late for UK-EU ‘fish for finance deal, say City of London Corporation May 13, 2021 It is too late for the UK to strike a “fish for finance deal” with Brussels to ensure the City gets renewed access to the EU, according to a top City of London Corporation official. Nick Collier, managing director of the City of London Corporation in Brussels, said at a Best for Britain event today [...]
