China passes law to retaliate against foreign sanctions June 10, 2021 China has passed a law today that will allow it to counter foreign sanctions, according to state broadcaster China Centra Television (CCTV). The bill was passed by China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) standing committee after a second review, after a secret first review in April. Little is yet known of the law, but it comes [...]
CMA to investigate British Airways and Ryanair over lockdown flight refunds June 9, 2021 The UK’s markets watchdog has begun an investigation into British Airways and Ryanair today, to find whether they broke the law in not offering refunds for flights struck by lockdown laws. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will be looking at a potential breach in consumers’ legal rights when they were left out of pocket [...]
UK to create new workers’ rights watchdog to stamp out modern slavery June 8, 2021 The government has announced the creation of a new workers’ rights watchdog that will be charged with enforcing minimum wage laws, protecting agency workers and stamping out modern slavery. Formerly these three areas were overseen by separate bodies, however the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Beis) will bring it all under one watchdog. [...]
Brussels to break down Northern Ireland barrier to UK medicines, sources say June 4, 2021 Brussels is eyeing Northern Ireland’s barriers to British medicine supplies, looking to remove them in a bid to ease Brexit border negotiations, according to reports. The Northern Ireland Protocol has been wreaking havoc on negotiations, but the European Union is expected to offer an ‘olive branch’ in London on Wednesday, The Telegraph first reported. [...]
Exclusive: Businesses call on govt to set global standards on environmental impacts June 1, 2021 Businesses are calling on the government to set clear global standards for recording their impact on the environment. A host of CEOs from across the business world, including James Timpson and Schroders’ Peter Harrison, have said that making it cheaper and easier for firms to record their environmental impact would make it easier not just [...]
Over half of financial services professionals claim ‘greenwashing’ is rife in the industry, study says May 25, 2021 More than half of financial services professionals believe ‘greenwashing’ is rife within the industry, according to a study released today, as employees fear competitors intentionally inflate their sustainable practices. The study by data agency iResearch Services, which polled 550 decision-makers at financial institutions, also found that 38 per cent believe every business is operating ‘unethically’ [...]
Rare Beasts review – a biting debut from Billie Piper May 20, 2021 The laws of cinema dictate that the directorial debut of a famous star should be an exercise in self-service. Somewhat shallow stories are lifted into the spotlight because of the involvement of the celebrity, who has spotted a chance to get some behind-the-camera cred while also giving themselves the meatiest part. Rare Beasts lives up to [...]
FTSE 100: Early gains fade as mining stocks drag down index May 20, 2021 London’s FTSE 100 fell 0.3 per cent this morning as declining mining stocks cut out early banking gains. The blue-chip index had advanced 0.4 per cent in early trading, with home retailer Kingfisher adding 3.6 per cent after raising its first half profit outlook. But those gains were dragged down by mining stocks including Fresnillo, [...]
US law firm eyes City skyscraper 22 Bishopsgate for new headquarters May 19, 2021 A US law firm is said to be eying up office space in the new 22 Bishopsgate skyscraper, marking a major show of confidence in the City after the pandemic. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom is closing in on a deal to lease several floors in the building, which is the largest building in [...]
Ex-girlfriend of Babes in the Wood killer jailed for six years over ‘wicked lies’ May 19, 2021 Jennifer Johnson, the ex-girlfriend of Babes in the Wood killer Russell Bishop, has been jailed for six years more than three decades after telling “wicked lies” at his trial. The 55-year-old said she had acted under duress from the violent Bishop at the time, but a jury found her guilty of perjury and perverting the [...]