Leaving the EU is the only way Britain can regain control of its economic destiny December 21, 2015 As the referendum gets closer, we will hear lots about whether Britain could flourish economically outside the EU. On the face of it, the answer is obviously yes. Countries inside and outside show membership of the European Union is neither a necessary nor sufficient condition for economic prosperity. Far more important is what happens domestically. [...]
Why 2016 will be the year that peer-to-peer lending finally enters the financial mainstream December 21, 2015 UK peer-to-peer platforms will have lent over £2bn by the end of 2015. Our activities account for 92 per cent of the alternative finance industry, and peer-to-peer lending forms a significant part of the wider financial landscape in its own right. In just 10 years, we have developed into a grown-up and regulated industry. [...]
With anti-austerity party Podemos winning 69 seats in the Spanish election, should markets be scared? December 21, 2015 Chris Bailey is European strategist at Raymond James, says Yes The Eurozone is ending 2015 the way it began – with a political earthquake. Back in January, Greece’s radical anti-austerity party Syriza was making headlines. Today it is Spain’s Podemos. Formed just a few years ago, it is now the third largest political force in [...]
A new Centre for Music would be a fantastic addition to the City’s strong cultural offering December 20, 2015 What makes a global city an attractive place in which to work and live? A buoyant economy, quick transport links, good housing, low crime rates, excellent education, and easy access to healthcare are always cited as key factors. But to that we should also add the cultural offer, and last week London upped its game [...]
We must embrace tall buildings if we’re to build the homes we need and protect the greenbelt December 20, 2015 Ask Londoners what needs to be done to build the homes and work space required for the capital’s future, and you’ll get a range of different answers. Make use of empty houses and identify brownfield sites owned by public bodies are two of the most popular. Everyone has a view, and quite rightly so, [...]
After a turbulent year for equity markets, where will the FTSE 100 end up by the end of 2016? December 20, 2015 Nick Peters is portfolio manager at Fidelity Solutions, says Yes Overall, one can paint a relatively supportive economic picture for the UK. Wage growth is now outstripping inflation and is likely to continue doing so, given low levels of unemployment. This should help to support consumer demand, though this is admittedly more important for the [...]
Voters should resist the allure of fringe parties December 18, 2015 Fringe parties have come to prominence in recent years, often threatening – or completely overturning – two-party systems. Much of this year’s Greek drama stemmed from the political standoff between the country’s lenders and a Syriza party that pledged to defy unpopular bailout conditions. While Syriza may have eventually backed down, its rise (and the collapse in [...]
It’s time for radical solutions to address London’s housing crisis December 17, 2015 As MP since 2001 for the most central London constituency, I cannot recall a time when housing issues have not dominated my postbag. No surprise, perhaps, when UK buyers compete for a limited supply of homes with a global citizenry seeking its own slice of prime London. But I have also witnessed how the polarisation [...]
How to dramatically reduce the flow of refugees to Europe – at a minimal cost December 17, 2015 It's now very clear there is no way that Europe is able to accommodate the huge numbers of refugees attempting to enter. Let’s be realistic: most people are fleeing not because they want freedom and democracy, but to ensure the safety and future of themselves and their families. The only way to deal with the [...]