Jimmy Choo: The shoes I still haven’t designed, and my fight to save London’s creative industry June 7, 2023 The name Jimmy Choo might remind you of Carrie Bradshaw’s shoe infatuation on Sex and the City – “No!” she cried in one episode, dropping her stilettos off the edge of the Staten Island Ferry. “My Choos!” What it’s unlikely to remind you of is the City of London. But Jimmy Choo has always lived [...]
Margaret Ferrier: MP suspended from Commons over 2020 Covid breach – and risks by-election June 6, 2023 Margaret Ferrier has been suspended from the House of Commons for 30 days for breaching coronavirus rules. The Commons voted 185 to 40, majority 145, to approve the motion to suspend the independent MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West. Ms Ferrier, a former SNP MP, was in the Commons chamber as MPs approved her suspension. [...]
London deserves a mayor who champions hospitality for both residents and tourists June 6, 2023 London is a city steeped in history, from the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace. It has been the home to thespian greats who have performed in venues in the West End and in Shakespeare’s Globe. It’s also the major European city with the highest number of green spaces. If culture isn’t for you, then [...]
Gordon Brown leads new campaign for radical UK reform – with focus away from London June 1, 2023 A group of leading Labour politicians has banded together to campaign for reform of the UK – with the focus on political and economic centres outside of London. Led by former prime minister Gordon Brown, Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and Scottish Labour leader Anas [...]
ULEZ: Khan expands vehicle scrappage grants to help London businesses cope June 1, 2023 Sadiq Khan will extend grants to small businesses so they can replace vehicles which don’t meet emissions standards, ahead of August’s expansion of the controversial ULEZ scheme. The London mayor intends to expand the £110m ‘scrappage scheme’ from the end of July, with “tens of thousands more Londoners” to benefit as the Ultra Low Emissions [...]
The Notebook: Neil Bennett on Dubai’s past, present and future June 1, 2023 The Notebook is where interesting people say interesting things. Today, it’s Neil Bennett, global co-ceo of H/Advisors, a comms and advisory firm… Going green in the town that oil built I’m in Dubai for the launch of our new H/Advisors’ office here. We are focusing on sustainability communications as the city and the whole of [...]
Let’s be honest, we shouldn’t take those predicting the AI doomsday too seriously June 1, 2023 If you believe AI will destroy humanity, you're probably wrong. The real challenge is to regulate artificial intelligence safely without stifling innovation and growth, writes Matthew Lesh
The UK government needs equity stakes in AI firms to truly safeguard its citizens May 31, 2023 To ensure AI is scrutinised, the UK government should accept some intervention is needed and take on equity stakes in artificial intelligence firms to shape the future of the technology, writes Simon Neville
Ben Elton interview: Woke comedy and the scourge of individualism May 30, 2023 In a rundown rehearsal room opposite a housing estate in Oval, Ben Elton is spilling political truths in sharp, disarmingly blunt sentences. He’s been talking for almost fifteen minutes, nearly half the time I have with him, but I’ve barely asked him a question. Aged 63, Elton still fizzes with energy. He talks on three [...]
Aspects of love, London, review: Flatly ridiculous, utterly gorgeous Michael Ball musical May 26, 2023 Aspects of Love review and star rating: ★★★★ I think I must be mad, but I really enjoyed this absolutely morally bankrupt musical about a weirdly incestual group that all seem to have sex with each other, no matter their relation to one another, and no matter how flatly ridiculous it all seems. I’ve never [...]