HS2 is not just another transport project — it’s about the very bones of our economy. January 30, 2020 Over the coming weeks, the government will publish at last the Oakervee report into HS2. The review looks likely to give the green light to this massive investment in the infrastructure of the north and the Midlands — and it’s certain that there will be an almighty row about it. As always with any infrastructure [...]
Exclusive: Tories to challenge Liberal Democrats on overspend in St Albans January 29, 2020 Local Conservative party associations are preparing to challenge the Liberal Democrats on the party’s local spending during December’s General Election, with the hope of overturning at least one result. A case is being readied to challenge St Albans, where pro-Leave Conservative Ann Main lost to Daisy Cooper, according to sources close to the matter. A [...]
‘Enough is enough’: Two thirds of South Western Railway passengers fed up with fares January 28, 2020 Barely a third of South Western Railway passengers feel they are getting value for money, after months of strikes and delays caused misery across the network. According to the National Rail passenger survey, just 34 per cent of customers were satisfied with fares, the lowest score of any franchise in the country. Overall passenger satisfaction [...]
Citymapper appoints advisers amid takeover interest January 28, 2020 Public transport app Citymapper has tapped advisers from US bank Raine after receiving overtures from several global tech firms. Sources told Sky News that the platform, which is available in 41 cities, brought Raine on board last week to guide it through discussions with several suitors. The expressions of interest, which were unsolicited, relate to [...]
Waterside renting with Folio London in Royal London Docks, E16 January 28, 2020 For those looking to escape the city hustle and bustle without actually leaving the capital, Folio London has launched a brand new collection of contemporary homes to rent at Royal Albert Wharf in London’s Royal Docks, E16, with plenty of calming blue space for a peaceful outlook within the City of London. Comprising a collection [...]
Electric avenue: E-scooters to get green light for road use January 28, 2020 Eco-conscious commuters are set for a welcome boost to their journey under plans to legalise the use of electric scooters on roads and cycle lanes. The government is expected to launch a consultation next month on how to regulate the speedy scooters and ensure safety, the Times reported. This will be followed with trials in [...]
Coronavirus death toll hits 106 as it spreads to Beijing January 28, 2020 Deaths from the coronavirus have now hit triple figures as China revealed the first death of a victim in Beijing today. The ongoing outbreak has now claimed 106 lives while China’s National Health Commission has counted more than 4,515 confirmed cases. Yesterday the number stood at 81 deaths and 2,600 cases. Most victims are people [...]
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 [...]
Levelling up is possible — but the government has to listen to what people want January 27, 2020 Levelling up. This slightly odd turn of phrase is set to become one of the defining tests of the new Johnson government. Inequalities between the regions and nations of the United Kingdom are not a new problem, and nor are central government policy initiatives designed to tackle them. Business communities — particularly those outside the [...]
Crunch time: Boris Johnson to meet ministers over HS2 decision ‘this week’ January 26, 2020 Boris Johnson is thought to be preparing for a crunch meeting with chancellor Sajid Javid and transport secretary Grant Shapps over the future of the HS2 rail line this week. The meeting could well be a combative one, after a torrid week for supporters of the beleaguered project. On Monday, it emerged the price tag [...]