Why Boris should keep no-deal on the table October 9, 2019 The British government should not go into Brexit negotiations with the EU unless a no-deal outcome is kept as an option. Disregarding the rights and wrongs of Brexit, the spread of votes in the June 2016 referendum and the ensuing political shambles, the very basics of any talks aimed at an agreement must ensure that [...]
Britain’s financial system ‘prepared’ for worst case Brexit scenario, says Bank of England October 9, 2019 Britain’s banks and financial system are prepared for a “worst case disorderly Brexit”, the Bank of England (BoE) said, although it warned there could still be disruption, particularly for borrowers from the European Union (EU). Extensive preparations by UK authorities and businesses have mitigated “most risks to UK financial stability that could arise from disruption [...]
Britain would now vote to stay in the EU, mega-poll reveals October 9, 2019 The tide of public opinion has now turned against Brexit and Brits would now vote to stay in the EU, according to a new poll-of-polls. Analysis of 300 surveys by market research firm Yougov has revealed that public support for Brexit waned a year after the 2016 referendum, and the majority of Brits have supported [...]
Why the Bank of England isn’t topping up the punch bowl October 9, 2019 Many economists will remember 2019 as the year of the monetary policy U-turn by central bankers around the world. At the end of 2018, the US Federal Reserve, which tends to lead the herd, signaled multiple rate hikes in the year ahead. Just three months on, its forecasts were cut sharply to zero and by [...]
Barnier says Brexit deal ‘very difficult’ October 9, 2019 The EU’s chief negotiator has said a Brexit deal is now “very difficult, but possible” following a dramatic day of negative briefing against Brussels. Michel Barnier told reporters this morning that a deal before the 31 October deadline was looking unlikely, echoing comments made by Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and new president of the European [...]
MPs to have ‘special sitting’ to decide future of Brexit October 9, 2019 The government is set to call MPs to a special sitting of parliament later this month to decide the future direction of Brexit. Parliament will meet on 19 October just after a crucial EU summit, which is widely seen as the last hope for the UK and EU to secure a Brexit deal. Read more: [...]
Arron Banks apologises for Leave.EU anti-German Angela Merkel tweet that ‘went too far’ October 9, 2019 Leave.EU founder Arron Banks apologised today for an anti-German tweet featuring chancellor Angela Merkel that was published by the pro-Brexit group. The tweet featured a picture of Merkel next to the tagline: “We didn’t win two world wars to be pushed around by a kraut”. Banks, who initially defended the tweet which was posted yesterday, [...]
Asian stocks fall after US-China trade war anxiety sees Wall Street bleed October 9, 2019 Asia stocks recorded their biggest drop in a week overnight after US-China trade tensions left American stocks bleeding red yesterday. The Nikkei 225 fell 0.6 per cent to 21,456 while Hang Seng sank 0.6 per cent to 25,741 after US markets tumbled amid rising anxiety before crunch talks between Washington and Beijing. Read more: Global [...]
Boris Johnson facing cabinet revolt over no-deal Brexit fears October 9, 2019 Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly facing a backlash from his cabinet with a group of ministers poised to resign over concerns the UK is heading for a no-deal Brexit. Health secretary Matt Hanock, Culture secretary Nicky Morgan, Northern Ireland secretary Julian Smith, Justice secretary Robert Buckland and attorney general Geoffrey Cox are all on [...]
Forget ‘reparations’, scrapping subsidies is the way to help get Wales back on its feet October 9, 2019 Get ready to put your hands deep into your pockets for the boyos and girlos of the Welsh Valleys. Adam Price, the leader of Plaid Cymru, called last week for the UK to pay “reparations” to Wales for the crime of reducing the country to poverty. For centuries, Wales has (apparently) been stripped of its [...]