Sadiq Khan urges banks to stay in London as tax raid looms October 26, 2026 Sadiq Khan has urged London’s biggest banks to keep investing in the UK, days away from an expected tax raid on the sector. On Monday, the Mayor of London said the City’s banking sector is “really important” but refused to say whether he opposed the tax raid, adding that “those with broader shoulders carry the [...]
Oxford Street pedestrianisation is a win for London October 26, 2026 The pedestrianisation of Oxford Street will create a new a public realm where it is anticipated that people will enjoy the new space, stay longer and spend more, says Andrew Busby The pedestrianisation of Oxford Street is the most radical project to hit the West End in decades. Almost a kilometre of the nation’s high [...]
Andy Burnham doesn’t listen to anyone but himself October 26, 2026 Burnham strives to appear inclusive but he ignores the voice of industry and defence. Signs are emerging that this is a government which doesn’t listen at all, says Eliot Wilson This week will see Chancellor John Healey deliver his Budget. At 66, he will be the oldest Chancellor of the Exchequer to present a first [...]
Autumn Budget 2026: bank tax will put the City’s success at risk October 26, 2026 It is 40 years since the Big Bang unleashed London to become the global financial centre that it is, but by hammering the sector with windfall taxes, John Healey risks putting that success at risk, says Chris Hayward Nigel Lawson’s Big Bang took London from a globally competitive financial and professional services sector to what [...]
Oxford Street goes traffic-free as Sadiq Khan launches pedestrianisation October 26, 2026 Oxford Street has become permanently traffic-free for the first time as London mayor Sadiq Khan presses ahead with a major overhaul of the capital’s busiest shopping district ahead of Christmas. Almost a kilometre of the famous shopping street, between Orchard Street near Selfridges and Great Portland Street, has closed to vehicles from Monday, ending decades [...]
Ian McKellen flirts with Ncuti Gatwa in delightful Frank and Percy film – review October 23, 2026 Frank and Percy with Ian McKellen at London Film Festival, review and star rating: ★★★★ Aged 87, Ian McKellen is gleefully avoiding being typecast by the sort of grandad-in-armchair roles most working actors of his age are weighed down with. And what a joy it is to see him careering about flirting with men 50 [...]
Healey’s first Budget calls for restraint October 23, 2026 With fiscal headroom under pressure, expect targeted support and modest tax rises in the Autumn Budget, leaving bigger decisions for next year, writes Philip Shaw. John Healey’s first Budget on 28 October will test how the Government reconciles its ambitions with financial reality. Although the UK economy is on course to grow this year, the [...]
Supermarkets blindsided by ‘shambolic’ stockpiling warning October 23, 2026 Supermarkets have been caught off guard by the government’s “shambolic” campaign to urge Brits to stock up on supplies of food and water, industry sources told City AM. Retailers were not told the details of the government’s “Be Ready” campaign until days before it was announced and expected it to be a more “low key” [...]
Honouring our communities – this and every month October 23, 2026 The Square Mile has always been shaped by people from across the world. Their talent, enterprise, and ideas have helped make the City of London one of the most successful and dynamic places on the planet. That success is reflected in the numbers. The Square Mile generates almost £113 billion in economic output each year, [...]
Tesla-SpaceX merger could fuel AI spending spree across Musk’s $3.5 trillion empire October 23, 2026 Elon Musk’s proposed $3.5 trillion (£2.6 trillion) merger of Tesla and SpaceX could unlock a wave of AI investment, giving the billionaire greater access to cash and borrowing power as he races to expand his tech empire. Analysts said combining the two businesses could help Musk fund his increasingly expensive AI ambitions, bringing together Tesla’s [...]