How sectarian is London’s politics? March 5, 2026 If the by-election in Gorton and Denton is a seismic event, then the aftershocks will be felt by Londoners in borough elections across the capital in May, writes James Ford By-elections are often exceptional, aberrant outliers from normal politics. The full attention of party campaign strategists and the national press are ruthlessly trained on a [...]
Bank of England could raise interest rates over Iran energy price shock March 4, 2026 The Bank of England could raise interest rates this year if energy prices fail to return to levels seen before the start of America’s war with Iran, leading economists have warned. Analysts across the City and at Westminster think tanks have suggested that higher inflation caused by disruption in oil and gas movements across the [...]
The 11 best pies in London to eat during British Pie Week March 4, 2026 If there is one thing of which we can be certain in these unpredictable times, it is that the British know how to make a good pie. And what better way to support the land’s pastry-slingers than by treating yourself one during British Pie Week. Now in full swing, you have until Sunday to head [...]
Labour warned it could miss housing targets over tax burden on sector March 4, 2026 A leading construction industry body has warned the Labour government could miss its ambitious house building target as employment costs and tax burdens build pressure on the sector. The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), which represents more than 2,000 firms providing critical machinery and expertise to the industry, told City AM Labour will fail to meet [...]
Pub of the week: The Walrus and Carpenter is pints perfection March 4, 2026 “‘The time has come,’ the Walrus said, To talk of many things: Of shoes – and ships – and sealing-wax – Of cabbages – and kings – And why the sea is boiling hot – And whether pigs have wings.” So reads the most famous line in Lewis Carroll nonsense poem, after which this iconic [...]
Brits go budget as ready meals replace restaurant dates March 4, 2026 Shoppers are opting for own-brand ready meals instead of fancy restaurant dinners in a boost for supermarkets. Brits are spending more on groceries but getting less for their money, as total till sales at UK supermarkets grew 3.3 per cent in the four weeks leading up to 22 February while the number of units sold [...]
Labour MP’s partner among three arrested in China spy probe March 4, 2026 Three men, including a partner of a Labour MP, have been arrested on suspicion of spying for China. The Metropolitan Police revealed on Wednesday that the men, aged 39, 43 and 68, were arrested in London and Wales as part of a counter-terrorism policing investigation under the National Security Act. One of those arrested, David [...]
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Appoints Rory O’Broin as Global Head of Transactional Liability March 4, 2026 Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) today announced the appointment of Rory O’Broin as Global Head of Transactional Liability. “We are delighted to welcome Rory to BHSI and look forward to the significant contribution he will make to our Global Transactional Liability business,” said Hilary Browne, Global Chief Underwriting Officer at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance. “His [...]
Carabao Cup final ticket scam: Arsenal and Manchester City fans warned March 4, 2026 Arsenal and Manchester City fans have been targeted by scammers selling fake tickets to this month’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley. Competition organiser the EFL is working with police and anti-fraud authorities to block websites offering non-existent tickets for the match on Sunday 22 March. Both Arsenal and Manchester City quickly sold out of their [...]
Wood Group hit with £13m fine as engineering titan set to exit City March 4, 2026 Scottish engineering titan John Wood Group has been slapped with a hefty fine after it produced inaccurate information in its financial results. The London-listed firm will cough up £13m following an investigation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) concluding its “accounting judgements were inappropriately influenced by its desire to maintain previously stated financial results”. The [...]