Forget Hard or Soft – Theresa May is right to back a Clean Brexit October 3, 2016 Defining the language of politics is crucial if you want to influence the outcome of events. That is why the Prime Minister is not allowing herself to be bounced into settling for either a “Hard” or a “Soft” Brexit. These seemingly innocent and succinct terms offer a great advantage to broadcasters and headline writers, but [...]
Hammond warns over Brexit complacency as he scraps Osborne’s goal of a fiscal surplus by 2020 October 3, 2016 Chancellor Philip Hammond has warned against complacency in the aftermath of Brexit, despite acknowledging better than expected performance. Speaking at the Conservative party conference today, Hammond scrapped his predecessor George Osborne’s goal of a fiscal surplus by 2020, but maintained fiscal consolidation would continue. Hammond said he would lay out his own plans in detail [...]
The Midlands Engine is getting a small but significant transport boost October 3, 2016 The Northern Powerhouse may be clinging on for survival at the moment, but its trendier, younger cousin, the Midlands Engine, has received quite a bit of attention lately. Not only has it received public support from Theresa May and a great deal of talking-up from John Lewis boss and wannabe Birmingham mayor Andy Street – but [...]
What to watch for at the Conservative Party Conference day 2 October 3, 2016 Morning Wire's political reporter Mark Sands is attending the Conservative Party Conference. Here's what to expect from day 2: Bringing it from Birmingham. Read all about the very latest from #Conservative party conference on Monday #cpc16 pic.twitter.com/5tABvWBWb9 — Mark Sands (@MkSands) October 3, 2016 During the day:
Theresa May is “relaxed” about foreign ownership for British employers, according to the chair of her policy board October 3, 2016 Theresa May is “reasonably relaxed” on foreign ownership of British firms, according to the chair of her policy board. Speaking at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham this morning, George Freeman said the Prime Minister’s focus on foreign investment will relate specifically to the future of businesses in Britain. “The issue isn’t who owns it. The issue [...]
Chancellor Philip Hammond to reset George Osborne’s fiscal policies October 3, 2016 Chancellor Philip Hammond will say today that he is building a "new plan" for the "new circumstances" Britain is in, promising to break away from his predecessor's policies. Hammond is expected to say Osborne's approach was right "at that time", but that things are set to change because "when times change, we must change with [...]
Philip Hammond unveils £5bn housebuilding stimulus package October 3, 2016 Chancellor Philip Hammond has announced a £5bn stimulus package for housebuilders, including a £3bn fund to help build 25,000 homes during this parliament. The fund will give loans to small and medium sized housebuilders and those using innovative building methods such as offsite construction. It will also provide funding for infrastructure. Read more: London has fallen out [...]
Sterling falls to seven-week low as May commits to triggering Article 50 by end of March October 3, 2016 Sterling approached a new post-referendum low today after Prime Minister Theresa May said negotiations to leave the EU will start by the end of March next year and signalled she will not prioritise Single Market access. The pound drifted lower throughout the day, falling 1.1 per cent through Monday's session to stand at $1.2827 crashed to $1.2827 in the minutes [...]
Europe’s banking woes are inherently political October 3, 2016 We live in a time of political absurdity. At home, the opposition is led by an unreconstructed 1970s-style Marxist who spent the last three decades as a backbench irrelevance. Throughout continental Europe, extremist parties remain worryingly popular. And across the pond, there is a genuine threat that Donald Trump, a dangerously reactionary authoritarian megalomaniac, could get [...]
Make Budgets mean Budgets again: We need far better tax policy-making October 3, 2016 At lunchtime today, Philip Hammond will stand up in Birmingham and make his first major speech as chancellor. He will be aiming to reassure audiences that the government will manage the economic consequences of Brexit – and will give the first indications of his approach. The Institute for Government, the Institute for Fiscal Studies and [...]