To triple lock or unlock: Pensioners risk losing out on hundreds of pounds per year if inflation-link is dropped October 19, 2022 This morning’s inflation figures mean that retirees could see their state pension boosted by a whopping 10.1 per cent in 2023/24, but only if Chancellor Jeremy Hunt doesn’t ditch the triple-lock. The increase would be in line with September’s Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation figure, which is usually used for benefits uprating Increasing the state pension by inflation rather [...]
Foreign secretary: PM Liz Truss made mistakes but has also learnt lessons October 19, 2022 Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has come out fighting for Liz Truss, saying she has “learnt lessons” and had the “humility to make changes.” Speaking on Sky News this morning, he batted down talk of a new prime minister amid speculation backbenchers are plotting behind the scenes. “What I’m far from convinced by is that going [...]
Sadiq Khan: Tax “confusion” could hit London’s investment appeal October 19, 2022 SADIQ KHAN has warned that instability at the top of British politics could hit London’s status as a desirable investment destination. Investors are “not sure that the stability and certainty that existed in London will be there going forward,” the Mayor of London told Morning Wire yesterday. “Instability is good for no-one,” he added. A [...]
Hunt mini-budget overhaul right for now but investment relief needed, Thatcherites urge October 19, 2022 New chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s decision to junk pretty much all of prime minister Liz Truss’s botched mini-budget has damaged the UK’s tax competitiveness, a new report out today says. Britain has dropped to 33rd out of the 38 nations part of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) as a result of Hunt’s tax [...]
No Brexit karma in Delhi: Whisky and visas increasingly complicate £27bn trade deal between UK and India October 18, 2022 The 24 October deadline set by Boris Johnson for finalising the UK–India trade deal will be missed after both parties have hit a roadblock in discussions. Although a detailed reason hasn’t been given by both sides, sticking points include a steep import duty on British whisky for sale in India, and demands for more visas for [...]
Pension triple lock at risk as Truss warns of ‘difficult decisions’ October 18, 2022 Number 10 has refused to commit to the state pension triple lock, after Liz Truss promised to keep the measure just weeks ago. Truss’ spokesperson refused four times to say Truss would uphold the triple lock, which would ensure state pension payments stay in line with inflation next year. New chancellor Jeremy Hunt warned yesterday [...]
Khan: Crossrail’s Bond Street station can revitalise “tired” parts of Oxford Street October 18, 2022 London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said the opening of Bond Street’s Elizabeth Line station next week will help revitalise a “tired” part of Oxford Street – and keep big-ticket retailers in the West End. The station is the last of the Crossrail stations to open, having been delayed due to the complexity of the build. [...]
Khan: Tourist tax-free shopping u-turn bad for London’s businesses October 18, 2022 Sadiq Khan has slammed the government’s decision to u-turn on a plan to give tourists tax-free shopping. The Mayor of London said he “absolutely” shared the concerns of West End businesses, who have expressed disappointment that the capital will lag behind other cities’ in efforts to welcome high-spending foreign visitors. “VAT-free shopping for international tourists [...]
Cleverly summons China’s deputy ambassador after consulate protester beaten October 18, 2022 Foreign secretary James Cleverly has summoned China’s deputy ambassador to the UK, after a pro-Hong Kong democracy protester was beaten outside the country’s consulate in Manchester. Greater Manchester Police said a protester was on Sunday dragged into the Chinese consulate by its staff and beaten, sparking serious freedom of speech concerns within the UK government. [...]
Chair of defence committee says RAF vets who train Chinese pilots should ‘lose British citizenship’ October 18, 2022 The Tory chair of the Commons defence committee has called for RAF veterans to lose their citizenship if they train Chinese pilots. Tobias Ellwood made the comments on social media this morning just days after it was reported up to 30 former pilots have been lured to Beijing with large payments. Following reports, the UK [...]