For once, Humza Yousaf has set an example other politicians should follow March 15, 2024 In overriding the advice of “experts” and channelling aid to Gaza, Yousaf did what politicians are elected to do, says Paul Ormerod Humza Yousaf, the First Minister of Scotland, does not often attract plaudits. But last week he overrode the advice of his officials. Shock, horror. Surely Sir Humphrey and the “experts” always know best. [...]
London is no capital of culture without Vault Festival March 14, 2024 Vault Festival has announced its venue has fallen through and the event is no more, says Adam Bloodworth Vault Festival launched the careers of thousands of actors and writers via its unique business model, which meant new performers could put on shows and not break the bank, because part of the show was paid for [...]
FTSE 100: What’s moving markets today? March 14, 2024 Asia markets were mixed as the previous Wall Street rally begins to fade, while oil prices climb following Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil refineries. Focus now shifts to key US economic data releases, including producer prices and retail sales figures.
Forget saving for a mortgage, one in ten renters still rely on food banks March 13, 2024 Around a third of social renters and half of private renters were only in poverty after their housing costs were factored in, suggesting that they were pushed into poverty by the amount they have to spend on housing.
Metro Bank swings to first annual profit since 2018 while slashing 1,000 jobs March 13, 2024 Metro Bank has swung to its first annual profit since 2018 after the branch-focused lender was rescued from potential collapse by a major refinancing package and embarked on a restructuring set to involve 1,000 job cuts.
UK economy takes first steps out of recession as growth returns in January March 13, 2024 The figures will raise hopes that the UK is already moving out of the shallow recession it fell into in the second half of last year.
A trade deal with Texas: The UK can learn from the Lone Star State March 13, 2024 There are three ways to look at the trade “co-operation” agreement which will be signed today between the UK and the great state of Texas. The first is as a largely pointless press release, a damning indictment of pre-Brexit promises of an all-singing, all-dancing trade deal with the entire United States, not just a particularly [...]
Bank of England’s fears of a tight labour market will remain despite growing slack March 12, 2024 Although almost every measure suggested a softer labour market than expected, the downside surprises were small and show a labour market that is still tight in historical terms.
Wage growth slows faster than expected and unemployment picks up slightly March 12, 2024 Developments in the labour market are crucial for assessing whether inflation is under control, enabling the Bank to ease the cost of borrowing.
Silicon Valley Bank one year on: Is another banking crisis around the corner? March 12, 2024 One year on from the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank - could another crisis be around the corner?