Explainer: Nato suggestions of giving up territory to Russia don’t go down well with Ukraine August 16, 2023 Another row about Ukraine’s future exploded this week, after a senior Nato official said Ukraine could relinquish parts of its territory to Russia and get Nato membership instead. It was Stian Kenssen, chief of staff of Jens Stoltenberg, to suggest this as a possible solution to end the conflict. He was at pains, however, to [...]
How is Sunak doing on halving inflation, cutting NHS lists and stopping boats? August 16, 2023 In January, Rishi Sunak unveiled the vision for his government. Five pledges; five clear goals; five ambitions for his ministers. His aim was clear: be seen as an effective, solutions-focused administration and, hopefully, reap the electoral rewards. “No tricks, no ambiguity; we’re either delivering for you or we’re not,” he vowed. Eight months in, and [...]
‘Disastrous’: London airports slam UK Government’s tourist tax August 16, 2023 Bosses at three leading UK airports have warned the government that its so-called ‘tourist tax’ is already making Britain a less appealing tourist destination. Senior figures at London City, Heathrow and Gatwick argued that the return of airside VAT-free shopping would be critical for the sector to finally shake-off Covid-19 and keep pace with international [...]
One year on from Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act: Britain risks ‘divine right’ as frontrunner in green race August 16, 2023 The UK risks its position in the green energy race if it fails to respond to the US Inflation Reduction Act, an industry boss warns.
‘The plan is working’: Sunak hails falling inflation – but PM warned targets still in jeopardy August 16, 2023 Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt have welcomed today’s dramatic fall in inflation to 6.8 per cent, with the prime minister saying it shows his “plan is working”. The government welcomed today’s news of falling headline inflation, despite expectations the Bank of England is still likely to hike interest rates for a 15th straight time. However, [...]
Biden’s $370bn green subsides are only a threat if we continue ignoring them August 16, 2023 When Biden first introduced the Inflation Reduction Act, everyone panicked. Since then, there has been stony silence from Britain.
India remains an untapped source of wealth for future UK trade and tech prosperity August 16, 2023 There are clear economic benefits that we could reap from bilateral trade with India, as well as exciting technological opportunities, writes Constantin Cotzias
How ‘tourist’ venture capital investors scarpered and popped the valuation bubble August 15, 2023 A flood of so-called ‘tourist’ cash flowing into the venture capital industry has dried up over the past 12 months and helped trigger a plunge in the valuation of UK and European startups, new research has shown.
Maybe Sunak was right – we should change how we invest in poor rural areas August 15, 2023 The government's approach to investment focuses too much on poverty and not enough on opportunities. Rishi Sunak must find a way of making social mobility accessible, writes Adam Hawksbee
We were never going to have a great British bonfire of the tax system after Brexit August 15, 2023 We have neglected to reintroduce VAT-free shopping for foreign tourists, doubtless to squeals of delight from shopkeepers in Milan or Paris.