Sadiq Khan promises free travel for disabled people’s carers January 2, 2020 London’s public transport system will be free for anyone accompanying a disabled passenger if Sadiq Khan is re-elected. The Labour mayor of London has pledged to create a “companion pass” if he wins the May election, which would provide free travel on all Transport for London (TfL) services for carers of disabled people. Read more: [...]
UK PMI: Manufacturing sector contracting at fastest rate since 2012 January 2, 2020 Factory output in the UK fell in December at its fastest rate in eight years, after a slowing global economy helped crimp domestic demand. The IHS Markit UK Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) – measuring the manufacturing and services sectors – fell from 49.1 in November to 45.6. Anything below 50 means the sector has contracted. [...]
UK stocks 2020: Which shares are City A.M. staff backing in the new year? December 30, 2019 The UK stock market looks set to end the year on a high after the Tories’ election win and progress in US-China trade talks alleviated the uncertainty that has weighed on markets for months. But the road ahead is far from clear, with the looming Brexit date of 31st January and various upcoming trade negotiations [...]
Small business confidence at an eight-year low December 30, 2019 Confidence among small businesses reached an eight-year low this month, according to a new survey. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Small Business Index (SBI) was negative for a sixth straight quarter, reaching its lowest point since the last recession. Read more: UK business confidence slumps to seven-year low The confidence index now stands at [...]
Ex-Labour MPs criticise party ‘cronyism’ and call for sweeping changes December 29, 2019 A group of former Labour MPs unseated at the election have accused the party leadership of “cronyism” and that it needs to be fundamentally reformed. The 12 MPs signed a letter that criticised the party’s response to Labour’s historic election defeat, saying that it needs to go “way beyond a simple review”. Read more: Tom [...]
Steel industry urges government not to shelve HS2 December 29, 2019 The UK’s steelmakers have urged the government to complete HS2 to boost the struggling sector. The rail project – which would link London, the Midlands and the north – is expected to use 2m tonnes of steel if it goes ahead. Read more: Election 2019: Boris Johnson raises red flag over Heathrow expansion and HS2 [...]
Tony Blair’s organisation bid for EU money while he was campaigning against Brexit December 29, 2019 Tony Blair’s organisation was competing for contracts from the EU while simultaneously campaigning for a second Brexit referendum, it has been revealed. Documents, newly revealed by The Telegraph reveal that the non-profit Tony Blair Institute (TBI) was talking to officials about securing further funding from the European Commission. Read more: Tony Blair: Labour must be [...]
Interest rates unlikely to rise in 2020, says ECB policymaker Robert Holzmann December 28, 2019 A European Central Bank policymaker has said it is unlikely interest rates will be lifted back into positive territory next year. Robert Holzmann cited Brexit as being likely to cause renewed concern toward the end of 2020. Read more: New ECB president Legarde tells governments to hite spending to tackle downturn The governing council voted [...]
Tom Watson: Labour brutality and hostility pushed me to step down December 28, 2019 Former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson has said he stood down as an MP last month due to the “brutality and hostility” within his own party. Speaking to the Guardian, he said criticism from factions and on social media had become a “heavy load”. The former West Bromwich East MP revealed that Labour Party officials [...]
FTSE 100 rises on positivity over US-China trade deal December 27, 2019 The FTSE 100 rose for the eleventh straight session this morning, as traders were cheered by positive signs over a US-China trade deal. London’s main index, which is on its best run in three years, adding 0.4 per cent. Miners provided the biggest boost, as Glencore and BHP rose about two per cent each. Read [...]