Can Rishi Sunak’s science superpower dreams become reality? March 6, 2023 Rishi Sunak rolled out plans to “cement the UK as a tech and science superpower by 2030” today with promises to tempt in the best global tech talent and deliver a state-backed £370m investment boost. The new “framework” marks the first major outing for the newly minted department for Science, Innovation and Technology, which ministers [...]
Strikes Bill likely in breach of ECHR, MPs warn March 6, 2023 MPs and peers have urged ministers to think again about a controversial new strikes law, warning the legislation would likely put the UK in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights. A new report by the Joint Committee on Human Rights, made up of peers and MPs, warns Rishi Sunak’s Government that the Strikes [...]
The Notebook: Ian Whittaker on the City’s listing problem March 6, 2023 An ex-CFO of a FTSE 100 company once said to me “I love seeing US investors because they recognise the role of the capital markets is to provide capital to grow.” “For UK investors, it is all about capital preservation and the dividends,” they continued. Capital growth and capital preservation: two phrases, one word difference. [...]
Donelan: Tech success must make Brits’ lives better March 6, 2023 THE GOVERNMENT’S new technology secretary has promised to turn the UK’s research triumphs into “actual, tangible benefits” for the country as she launches a new science and tech framework today. Writing for City A.M., Michelle Donelan said the UK’s “most incredible days of innovation are not in our past (but) are happening right now.” Donelan [...]
We must strengthen our ties with the US, so London and New York can grow together March 6, 2023 We now have a golden opportunity to make our economic and political relationship with the United States stronger. As two leading financial centres, we benefit if we grow together, writes Chris Hayward
“How not to do it”: Tech chiefs slam Sunak and Johnson over Arm listing failure March 5, 2023 The government has come under fire for a failed attempt to woo British chipmaking giant Arm into listing in London after the Cambridge-based firm confirmed it would float in New York on Friday. The move from Arm has dealt a major blow to the UK’s efforts to promote itself as a premier listing hub and [...]
Matt Hancock tried to ‘frighten pants off’ public with new Covid-19 strain March 5, 2023 Matt Hancock said he wanted to “frighten the pants off everyone” to ensure compliance with Covid-19 restrictions, according to leaked WhatsApp messages published by the Telegraph. Revelations have continued after a tranche of more than 100,000 messages was shared by journalist Isabel Oakeshott, leading to outcry over government actions during the pandemic. The latest set [...]
Keir Starmer should publish Sue Gray WhatsApps, Tories say, amid pro-Labour poll March 5, 2023 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer should publish any WhatsApp messages with Sue Gray ahead of her becoming his chief of staff, a Conservative minister has said. Starmer should publish his messages with the civil servant and partygate investigator to clear up questions about her move to the senior role, the Northern Ireland secretary Chris Heaton-Harris [...]
Energy bills support expected to stay at £2,500 after Hunt U-turn March 3, 2023 Jeremy Hunt is expected to extend support for household energy bills by an extra three months beyond April, a fresh government U-turn.
Explainer: Sunak’s doubts on rejoining the EU’s Horizon science scheme post-Brexit March 3, 2023 This week was all about Sunak’s deal with the EU on the Northern Ireland protocol. It was praised by many as an agreement between grown-ups, as the best solution available after years of post-Brexit impasse. Its staunchest critics – aside from the ever-candid Boris Johnson – are still waiting in the shadows for the best [...]