David Cameron won’t rule out UK air strikes in Syria September 11, 2014 The Prime Minister has not ruled out air strikes in Syria against Islamic State (IS) militants, his spokesman confirmed yesterday. The intervention came after foreign secretary Philip Hammond said the UK would definitely not be taking part in any military air action in the country. Speaking in Berlin, Hammond said: “Britain will not be taking [...]
Germany edges closer to total ban on fracking July 31, 2014 Germany could soon extend its moratorium on the use of fracking to a total ban, reports EurActiv Germany. The president of Germany's Federal Environment Agency (UBA) Maria Krautzberger, presented the group's fracking-II assessment in Berlin, concluding: "As long as crucial risks related to this technology cannot be predicted and likewise cannot be controlled, fracking should [...]
Super subs key to German World Cup victory, says Schweinsteiger July 14, 2014 GERMANY’S World Cup final man of the match Bastian Schweinsteiger believes extraordinary squad depth was the deciding factor in their successful bid for a fourth triumph. Two substitutes in Andre Schurrle and Mario Gotze combined to fashion the extra-time winner against Argentina on Sunday, while stellar talents such as Julian Draxler did not get off [...]
Club des Chefs des Chefs members won’t say, but we’ve had a look at our world leaders’ eating habits July 8, 2014 Every year, a select group of people get together to swap state secrets. I’m not talking about the nuclear codes, trade agreements or defence budgets. These are secrets of a more intimate kind: how does Obama like his steak? What does the queen have for breakfast? Does Angela Merkel prefer ketchup or mayo? Club des [...]
Etihad Airways attempts to save debt ridden Alitalia in deal June 26, 2014 ETIHAD Airways, Abu Dhabi’s state owned airline, said yesterday it had agreed a deal in principle to buy a 49 per cent stake of troubled Italian carrier Alitalia. Alitalia, Italy’s flag-carrier airline, has rarely made a profit in its 68-year history. It was propped up with large state subsidies before being privatised in 2008, and [...]
Best beach watches: Timepieces to withstand sand, salt and surf June 12, 2014 If you’re fond of sand dunes and salty air, you’ll be needing a knockabout, colourful addition to your suitcase Ralph Lauren RL67 Safari £2,150 Watches don’t feel more sunkissed and outdoorsy than this – geared towards the savannahs of Africa if you believe the marketing hype, but, more realistically, looking the part for a lazy [...]
Uber app vs black taxis: Cab war heats up June 11, 2014 Taxi drivers bring central London streets to a standstill over Uber – yet smartphone app says it won the day Thousands of black cabs caused gridlock in London’s west end yesterday as taxi drivers protested over the smartphone app Uber and warned that they could bring more chaos to the streets of the capital with [...]
Looks good Tumi April 2, 2014 Melissa York talks to Jerome Griffith, CEO of global travel brand Tumi, on how to cater for the modern, tech-obsessed, pet-carrying business traveller TRAVELLING is a lot more complicated than it used to be. There was a time when a dog-eared passport, a backpack and some sturdy walking boots would be enough to take you [...]
It’s time to kick politicians out of the crucial debate on airport expansion December 16, 2013 AFTER reviewing more than 50 airport expansion proposals, Sir Howard Davies’s Airports Commission is releasing its shortlist today. If the government pays heed to its findings, one of these proposals will be given the green light and become a reality. There has been a great deal of speculation about the options Davies is likely to [...]
CNBC Comment: Banks face an IT Wonga challenge September 9, 2013 The market may not be factoring in the cost of new technologies THERE is a shadow looming over the world’s retail banks, which many believe the market is not factoring in. For much of the past few years, the focus has been on the fallout from the higher-stakes poker games played before the financial crisis. [...]