Italy’s referendum has started the clock ticking on the collapse of Europe December 6, 2016 There are real advantages to playing the dumb American. As much of the world thinks no one born on my continent could ever know anything about their country, I am at a perpetual advantage. Just over a week ago I found myself in Milan, explaining to investors the reasons for the Trump phenomenon. Late in [...]
The government’s stampede to placate big business post-Brexit risks overlooking growth firms December 6, 2016 When Theresa May struck a grand bargain to secure Nissan’s commitment to manufacturing in the North East, she helped to save 7,000 jobs. She also triggered a debate about the level of support the government should provide for businesses in a post-Brexit world. After all, what is fair for Nissan should probably also be fair [...]
Those who benefit from new infrastructure should pay for it December 6, 2016 To many people’s relief, there were not many big ideas in Philip Hammond’s Autumn Statement last month. In so far as there was anything new, it was the widely-trailed extra investment in innovation, infrastructure and housing. The justification for spending money on these things is that it will raise productivity and growth. There is no question [...]
As the Supreme Court’s Article 50 hearing enters its second day, does it matter if the government loses? December 6, 2016 Olly Kendall, managing director and founder of Westminster Public Affairs, says Yes. The Supreme Court’s decision will turn Parliament into a powerful backseat driver, forcing Theresa May to reset the destination on the Brexit GPS. The government is likely to lose its legal battle and when it does – particularly in the absence of a [...]
Chris Grayling will announce plans to destroy Network Rail’s monopoly later today December 6, 2016 Transport secretary Chris Grayling will today unveil ambitious plans to shatter Network Rail's monopoly over Britain's train tracks. Speaking at centre-right think tank Policy Exchange, Grayling will set out plans to bring closer together train operation and infrastructure maintenance, beginning on services between Oxford and Cambridge A new “East West Rail” organisation will lead on [...]
Financial sector’s tax contribution hits a record £71.4bn December 6, 2016 The tax take from Britain's financial sector has hit record levels, underscoring its economic importance as talks between the government and the City enter a new phase in the run up to Brexit. Fifty financial services firms, largely UK-listed and including the Square Mile's banking titans, paid £71.4bn into HM Treasury's coffers for the year [...]
Trump advisers want 56m acres of Native American reservations privatised for access to oil, gas and coal resources December 5, 2016 Advisers to US President-elect Donald Trump wants to privatise 56m acres of Native American reservations to gain access to their resources. Although reservations cover just two per cent of the US, they are thought to contain up to a fifth of the country’s oil and gas, along with vast coal reserves. A group of Trump’s advisers [...]
President asks Matteo Renzi to stay on until the end of the month December 5, 2016 Italian President Sergio Mattarella has asked beleaguered Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to stay on in power until parliament has passed a budget bill later this month. Matteo Renzi arrived at the Italian President's palace earlier this afternoon. He was expected to tender his resignation to the head of state following a disastrous defeat in yesterday's constitutional referendum. The incumbent premier's budget, which [...]
French prime minister Manuel Valls announces he will run for president against Marine Le Pen and Francois Fillon in next year’s election December 5, 2016 France's socialist prime minister, Manuel Valls, has announced he will stand in next year's presidential election. The 54-year-old said he wanted to "give everything to France" as he launched his campaign. He added that he "cannot be prime minister while being a candidate" and that he will resign from the government on Tuesday. https://twitter.com/manuelvalls/status/805827675482951680 Read more: [...]
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson is demanding a Brexit truce and attacking “braying” Ukip politicians December 5, 2016 Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson is to call for a Brexit truce, warning both sides of the EU debate to cease accusations of “racism” and “remoaning”. Speaking at the Institute of Directors tonight, Davidson will tell both Levers and Remainers to “grow up” and heal the divides of the summer's referendum. And she will also [...]