Government decision to scrap Erasmus scheme will harm UK’s bottom line January 10, 2020 The UK has always lagged behind its European neighbours in foreign language learning, and the vote this week to eradicate the Erasmus scheme will only slow that adoption further. For many, Erasmus was an opportunity to live and learn a new culture and language, free from class and income boundaries. The programme gave the UK’s [...]
Reinvigorating the regions is crucial for the whole of our country January 10, 2020 The Prime Minister had victory to savour on holiday in Mustique, and when he returned foreign policy was very much top of the agenda, with the escalating tensions between Iran and the US. But if Boris Johnson is to remain in power for a decade, he must not take his eye off the ball domestically [...]
Johnson’s Brexit bill passes Commons without fanfare January 9, 2020 Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal was passed by MPs without fanfare on Thursday afternoon, with the Prime Minister not even marking the moment with a valedictory speech. The Withdrawal Agreement Bill (WAB) passed its third reading in the Commons with 330 votes to 231, and will now move to the Lords for further scrutiny. It is [...]
Gardiner rules out Labour leadership contest, as Thornberry gives Corbyn ‘nought out of 10’ January 9, 2020 Shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner has ruled himself out of the Labour leadership contest, saying he does not believe he can command enough support “at this late stage”. Gardiner admitted he was toying with running last night, with the deadline for applications closing on Monday. But this evening the frontbencher, who is thought to [...]
Hitachi Rail to slash 250 jobs at County Durham factory January 9, 2020 Hitachi Rail has announced that it will cut 250 jobs from its train factory in County Durham. The Newton Aycliffe plant, which opened in 2015, will make almost a quarter of its staff redundant following a 45-day consultation process with employees. Read more: Hitachi closes in on £200m West Coast franchise deal The Japanese conglomerate [...]
Airbus “committed” to UK after no-deal fears assuaged January 9, 2020 Airbus’ chief executive has said that the aerospace company is still “committed” to the UK, in a turnaround from previous comments on Brexit. Speaking at the company’s New Year’s reception last night, Guillaume Faury said that he saw “great potential to improve and expand our operations in the UK this year.” Read more: Airbus announces [...]
Brexit: UK to leave EU with a deal on 31 January January 9, 2020 MPs today backed Boris Johnson’s Brexit Withdrawal Agreement Bill (WAB) by majority of 99, clearing the way for the UK to leave the European Union with an exit deal on 31 January. Parliamentarians voted 330 to 231 in favour of the bill, which implements an exit deal agreed with the EU last year. After three [...]
Total value of UK M&A deals rises by £15bn in 2019 January 9, 2020 The total value of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals completed by the UK financial services industry rose almost £15bn in 2019, even though the number of such deals dropped considerably. According to data from Big Four auditor EY, financial firms completed £39.8bn worth of deals last year, up from £24.9bn in 2018. Read more: Financial [...]
Polar Capital assets edge up despite challenging quarter January 9, 2020 Polar Capital has reported an increase in assets under management (AUM) during the first nine months of its financial year, despite having a “challenging” third quarter. The investment manager’s AUM climbed 2.8 per cent between 1 April and 31 December to hit £14.2bn. Read more: Profit dips as Polar Capital suffers £448m outflows Polar suffered [...]
Can the UK pull off a Brexit trade deal? The key dates for 2020 January 9, 2020 After nearly four years, today will see the UK take its first real step towards leaving the EU before negotiating a tricky Brexit trade deal. The Commons is set to vote for Boris Johnson’s Withdrawal Agreement Bill (WAB) after the Prime Minister emerged victorious from the December election with an 80-seat majority. But what happens [...]