Brexit Day celebrations: How the UK is marking 31 January January 31, 2020 After nearly four years since the EU referendum in June 2016, Brexit Day is upon us. Great Britain will finally cut its ties with the European Union on 31 January after that date was repeatedly delayed. The original Brexit date was 29 March 2019. But that was pushed back to 31 October and then 31 [...]
Brexit Day: What the biggest Leavers and Remainers had to say January 31, 2020 As the UK prepares to bring an end to its 47-year membership of the EU tonight at 11pm, here is how some of the major players reacted to Brexit Day today. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson: Johnson, who will release a video statement tonight, said: “Our job as the government – my job – is [...]
Coronavirus hits UK as first two cases confirmed January 31, 2020 There have been two cases of coronavirus confirmed in the UK today, Public Health England has said. Two people from the same family have tested positive for the virus, according to Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England. The Department of Health has declined to confirm the identities of the pair or where in [...]
Sadiq Khan interview: The London mayor talks tech tax, Brexit, Labour and Uber January 30, 2020 There can be no doubt that last year’s General Election redrew Britain’s political landscape. But for an example of just how different things have become, consider that next week a Labour mayor of London will warn a Tory chancellor against imposing new taxes on multinational tech giants. Sadiq Khan tells me he enjoys a good [...]
Tulip Tower could still go ahead as appeal process begins January 30, 2020 The developers behind the Tulip Tower have submitted an appeal against Sadiq Khan’s decision to block it. The Tulip Project has submitted a planning appeal against the mayor’s decision to reject planning permission last year. The project is supported by architects Foster & Partners and developer J. Safra Group. A public inquiry will take place [...]
Shaun Bailey: What will London look like when we leave the EU? January 30, 2020 We are leaving the EU tomorrow and, despite the mixed feelings surrounding this new chapter, there is much to be cheerful about. Business leaders are already expressing a newly-restored confidence in London. A raft of new information — such as the latest Deloitte CFO optimism survey, key PMI figures, household and consumer confidence data — [...]
With 100 days to go, can Sadiq Khan lose the 2020 London mayoral election? January 28, 2020 Even Sadiq Khan’s biggest critics would acknowledge his skill in working a crowd. The mayor of London glides from person to person, selfie to selfie, handshake to handshake. At a time when politicians are not exactly enjoying public favour, he seems to have plenty of Londoners firmly on his side. The response toward Khan by [...]
Sweden’s disastrous experiment with rent controls should be a cautionary tale for London January 24, 2020 How to make excellent meatballs, win Eurovision with style, and start a domestic argument over flatpack furniture — Sweden has taught the world so much. But setting aside our love of ABBA and Ikea, there’s another lesson to take from the experiences of our Scandinavian cousins. Sadiq Khan will spend the first half of 2020 [...]
Mayoral candidates attack each other over crime as Khan hits out at government funding commitment January 22, 2020 Sadiq Khan has accused the government of failing to match police resources from a decade ago, as the mayor comes under further attack over a surge in London’s knife crime. Khan, who is currently fending off criticism for failing to keep crime under control, argued the police funding settlement announced today would not go far [...]
Octopus to take over Engie’s 70,000 UK households January 20, 2020 Challenger energy supplier Octopus has agreed to take over Engie’s UK household energy business, after the French firm decided to leave the domestic market. The deal, which will see Octopus supply Engie’s 70,000 UK customers, is the quickly-growing business’ sixth acquisition in two years. Octopus, which currently has 1.4m customers – or five per cent [...]