FTSE 100 and European stocks climb higher amid Brexit limbo October 24, 2019 The FTSE 100 pushed upwards on today’s open, after European stocks rallied while the Brexit process got stuck in limbo. London’s main market climbed 0.58 per cent to 7,303 points today after a weak pound boosted the blue-chip index’s exporters yesterday. Read more: Brexit latest: Liberal Democrats reveal second referendum plan Boris Johnson’s cabinet is [...]
RBS swings to loss in wake of £900m PPI charges October 24, 2019 The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) swung to a loss during the last quarter as a rush of payment protection insurance (PPI) claims caused a £900m hit to the lender’s balance sheet. RBS reports an operating loss of £8m for the nine months to the end of September 2019, falling from £961m in the same period last [...]
Downing Street denies cabinet split over general election timing October 24, 2019 Downing Street today rejected reports of divisions within Boris Johnson’s Cabinet over when the government should try to call a general election, as it considers the next steps to deliver Brexit. The Prime Minister is thought to favour a general election if the EU suggests a Brexit delay until 31 January 2020. Read more: Moody’s: [...]
Treasury watchdog has huge task ahead October 24, 2019 Westminster isn’t a happy place these days. MPs leave under police escort while protesters from both sides of the Brexit stalemate berate them; conventions in parliament are tested almost to destruction by the Speaker and ministers alike; a domestic legislative agenda exists only on paper; the government cannot govern and the opposition demand an election [...]
This House divided must act with honour, stop hiding, and seek a new mandate from the people October 24, 2019 At times of crisis, it is sometimes tempting to seek solace in scripture. As the US Civil War approached in 1858, a senatorial candidate for Illinois – a certain Abraham Lincoln – clearly thought so. In his famous “House Divided” speech – during what proved to be a failed campaign but one that set him [...]
A look back at Mel Stride’s parliamentary career October 23, 2019 The new chair of the Treasury Select Committee is no stranger to the hallowed halls of 1 Horse Guards Road. Mel Stride was formerly a treasury minister for two years under ex-prime minister Theresa May. Read more: Mel Stride unveiled as new Treasury Select Committee chair The former Oxford Union president is best remembered during [...]
Murder investigation launched after 39 people found dead inside lorry in Essex October 23, 2019 The bodies of 39 people, including one teenager, have been found inside a lorry on an industrial estate in Essex. Police and ambulances were called to Waterglade Industrial Park in Grays following the discovery at 1.40am today. Read more: Extinction Rebellion protests cost Met Police £37m The lorry driver, a 25-year-old man from Northern Ireland, [...]
Mel Stride unveiled as new Treasury Select Committee chair October 23, 2019 Former Treasury minister Mel Stride has been named as the new chair of the Treasury Select Committee. Stride, the MP for Central Devon, won 263 votes in the race to replace former chair Nicky Morgan, who left the post after she returned to government as culture secretary. The appointment was delayed after Prime Minister Boris [...]
CBI urges government to protect UK’s booming creative industries after Brexit October 23, 2019 The CBI has called on the government to roll out new measures to protect the UK’s booming creative industries after Brexit. In a report published today, the business group hailed the creative industries as a key driver of growth, with exports of goods and services from the sector now contributing £50bn per year to the [...]
Uncertainty to weigh on economy even after Brexit deal, warns Moody’s October 23, 2019 Uncertainty will continue to hold back the UK economy even if Britain passes Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal, credit rating agency Moody’s has warned. Read more: Brexit latest: Brussels edges towards 31 January extension Yesterday’s vote by MPs to in principle approve the deal means “the likelihood of the UK leaving the EU with [...]