Democracy means accepting that sometimes the other side gets to win September 2, 2019 Following the Prime Minister’s decision to prorogue parliament, we have seen a tsunami of outrage that British democracy is effectively dead. Accusations and counter accusations are flying. Each side blames the other for undemocratic behaviour. There is no doubt that the Brexit process is putting British democracy under strain. It might therefore be appropriate to [...]
Britain must try to sail beyond the Brexit debate in order to find the stars September 2, 2019 Sadly, many of the great quotations in history are simply not accurate. One of my favourite apocryphal quotes is (wrongly) credited to Sir Francis Drake, supposedly written just before the intrepid explorer set off on the Golden Hind on his dazzling circumnavigation of the globe. Drake is supposed to have said: “Disturb us, Lord, when [...]
As others look inward, the City is keeping its eye on the world September 2, 2019 Domestic and international politics, as well as the latest developments in the Brexit saga, are set to dominate the headlines in the coming weeks and months. While we cannot simply put the Brexit question to one side, we must remember that it is just one – admittedly important – part of a bigger picture: the [...]
The threat of no-deal is key to Johnson’s strategy September 2, 2019 Though it has been said many times during the UK’s ongoing Brexit drama, this week really is shaping up to be the most tumultuous we have seen in recent years. Boris Johnson’s lawful but controversial decision to suspend parliament during the run-up to 31 October has thrown rebel MPs’ plans to thwart a no-deal Brexit [...]
No-deal Brexit to accelerate London house price drop September 2, 2019 London house prices could sink up to seven per cent next year if no Brexit deal is reached by the 31 October deadline date, according to the latest research. If the UK exits the European Union with a deal London house prices will fall by a smaller 4.7 per cent, continuing the trend of declining [...]
Can Tory mayoral hopeful Shaun Bailey turn City Hall blue? September 1, 2019 It is fair to say that Shaun Bailey’s bid to become the next mayor of London did not get off to a flying start. The seasoned activist and campaigner faced a barrage of criticism from his political opponents after some tactless comments he once made about multiculturalism resurfaced and were widely shared across social media. [...]
Berkeley Group faces opposition to new bonus policy September 1, 2019 Berkeley Group is facing opposition to its payment policy after a shareholder advisory firm urged investors to vote against the housebuilder’s new bonus structure at a meeting this week. The payment policy has been opposed by Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), which said proposals to axe its bonus were “unlikely to affect the remuneration received by [...]
Swiss minister says country unlikely to sign EU deal soon September 1, 2019 Switzerland and the European Union are unlikely to reach an agreement this year over their long-awaited partnership treaty, the delay of which has caused relations to sour, the country’s economy minister said today. Read more: Eurozone output beats expectations in August but economy remains weak Economy minister Guy Parmelin also said it would be “risky” [...]
Sajid Javid to meet City figures for talks on a no-deal Brexit September 1, 2019 Sajid Javid will meet key City figures tomorrow in a bid to persuade them that a no-deal Brexit could provide opportunities for businesses. The chancellor is to hold a meeting with the bosses of financial powerhouses such as Barclays, Goldman Sachs and the London Stock Exchange Group on Monday, which will also be attended by [...]
Michel Barnier: Irish backstop is best solution we can offer UK September 1, 2019 The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, has defended the controversial Irish backstop as the best it could offer the UK in any Brexit deal. Michel Barnier said the backstop – the insurance policy designed to prevent a hard border in Northern Ireland – represented the “maximum flexibility” the EU could offer a non-member state. [...]