What the other papers say this morning
FINANCIAL TIMES
AllianzGI to launch UK building fund
Allianz Global Investors is to launch a pioneering infrastructure debt fund in the UK – the first of its kind – to help build schools, hospitals and roads in a landmark initiative designed to create jobs and stimulate the faltering economy.
Tax crackdown to target middle class
Middle-class professionals are to be targeted in a new crackdown on tax evasion promised by the chief prosecutor of England and Wales. The Crown Prosecution Service will dramatically ramp up the number of tax evasion cases it takes on – with a view to prosecution – over the next two years, Keir Starmer, the director of public prosecutions, told the Financial Times.
Equistone secures €1.5bn for new fund
Equistone Partners has raised €1.5bn for its new buyout fund, the first time it has tapped private equity investors since it was spun out of Barclays about a year ago. The firm, which owns companies including UK luxury travel agent Audley Travel, reached its initial target without a commitment from Barclays and despite a challenging fundraising market in Europe.
THE TIMES
Made in Britain still sets benchmark
Britain is in danger of relinquishing its reputation as global leader and standard-bearer of quality manufacturing, the Prince of Wales will warn today when he visits Jaguar Land Rover’s plant.
Fuel poverty warning for households
More than 100 energy companies, charities and businesses have joined forces to warn David Cameron that Britain is heading for a fuel poverty crisis owing to a failure of government policy.
The Daily Telegraph
Barclays Wealth arm “out of control”
Barclays has moved swiftly to part company with a senior executive after investigators alleged that he shredded a highly critical analysis of the maverick culture and bullying at the bank’s one-time flagship Barclays Wealth business.
Ford and BMW warn against UK exit
Ford and BMW, have warned that a UK exit from the European Union would be “devastating” for the UK economy, heaping pressure on the Prime Minister
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
EUROPE
China criticises US stance on islands
The Chinese government responded sharply to comments by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton over islands at the center of a dispute between China and Japan, amid growing concern in Washington about the risk of conflict.
ZTE telecoms firm warns of loss
ZTE, the Chinese telecommunications-equipment maker warned it expects to report a loss for 2012, but said it expects a profit for the first quarter of 2013.