Signs of an economy trying to grow January 13, 2020 The capital starts the new decade with a spring in its step. In fact, it bounced along nicely (and ahead of the rest of the country) throughout last year, and still found space to cash in some pent-up investment in the wake of Boris Johnson’s electoral victory. London’s dominance is a familiar story, but given [...]
Increasing capital: London economy pulls away from rest of UK in December January 13, 2020 London’s economic performance was “head and shoulders” above the rest of the country in December, survey data has shown, while the capital’s businesses were cheered by the emergence of some political certainty. London was the only British region where output grew in December, with firms hiring at the fastest rate since July, the data from [...]
Almost half of UK firms predict 2020 recession January 13, 2020 Just less than half of UK firms think the country will go into recession this year, a new survey has shown, despite evidence of a rise in business confidence following December’s General Election. British firms cited increased geopolitical tensions such as trade tariffs, Brexit and regional instability as the number one risk to businesses in [...]
Bank of England rate-setter hints at cut January 12, 2020 A Bank of England policymaker has hinted he could vote for an interest rate cut at the end of this month, making him the third BoE figure to float the idea this week. Gertjan Vlieghe told the Financial Times that if data does not show the UK economy ticking up from its current subdued state, [...]
Bank of England’s Sam Woods warns of crackdown on the City January 12, 2020 Deputy Bank of England governor Sam Woods has warned the City that it could face a crackdown by regulators as they try to ensure the financial system remains safe a decade on since the financial crisis. Woods – who is chair of the BoE’s Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) which oversees lenders and insurers – told [...]
Michael Gove set for promotion in new Boris Johnson cabinet January 12, 2020 Michael Gove is reportedly set for an expanded role in the new Boris Johnson cabinet, while a number of high-profile figures may be destined for the chop. The Duchy of Lancaster’s role in Johnson’s first cabinet was as master planner for a potential no-deal Brexit. Read more: Boris Johnson prepares mini-cabinet reshuffle as new Tory [...]
Labour leadership race: Rebecca Long-Bailey rejects Corbyn comments that Labour ‘won the argument’ at election January 12, 2020 Labour leadership hopeful Rebecca Long-Bailey has rejected Jeremy Corbyn’s claims that the party won the argument at the election and criticised its campaigning efforts. Corbyn defended Labour’s efforts at the election last month – which delivered the party its worst electoral defeat since 1935 – saying that it “won the argument”. Read more: Long-Bailey gives [...]
Ireland and ex-top EU official disagree on UK trade deal timetable January 12, 2020 Ireland’s foreign minister has claimed a UK-EU trade deal will take more than a year to complete, putting him at odds with the European Commission’s former top civil servant. Boris Johnson has set a deadline of 31 December to thrash out a deal on the future trading agreement with the EU, after Britain leaves the [...]
Carlos Ghosn warns the future of Nissan is ‘in doubt’ January 10, 2020 The former boss of Nissan, Carlos Ghosn, has said the future of the Japanese company is in doubt. Ousted chief Ghosn said the car firm’s struggling results and drop in share price were a concern, days after accusing Nissan executives and the Japanese government of plotting against him. He also said that if Brexit affected [...]
Stormont talks: Northern Ireland secretary ‘holding the people to ransom’ with deal January 10, 2020 Northern Ireland secretary Julian Smith has been accused of “holding the people of Northern Ireland to ransom” by trade union Unison. Smith and Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney announced a draft Stormont deal on Thursday to restore Northern Ireland’s devolved government. Read more: Bridge over troubled waters: Boris backs Scotland to Northern Ireland bridge [...]