Brexit: UK and EU edging closer on state aid talks, says David Frost October 7, 2020 The UK and EU are finally beginning to make progress in the contentious area of state subsidies during Brexit trade talks, according to Britain’s chief negotiator Lord David Frost. Frost said today that talks with Brussels on state aid had been “somewhat more constructive” in recent weeks after “a long period in which we’ve been [...]
Brexit: Chances of Brexit trade deal ‘fading’, says EU chief September 16, 2020 The UK’s chances of securing a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU are beginning to fade, according to EU chief Ursula von der Leyen. The European Commission President said during a major set piece speech that “with every day that passes, the chances of a timely agreement do start to fade”. Von der Leyen also [...]
Goldman Sachs backs sterling, saying Brexit deal in November likely October 5, 2020 Goldman Sachs is advising its clients to buy sterling, with analysts predicting that the UK and EU could reach a post-Brexit trade deal by early November. Analysts at the US investment bank said that while the risk of a breakdown in negotiations could not be ruled out, their “core view” was that a “‘thin’ zero-tariff/zero-quota [...]
EU takes legal action against UK over Brexit treaty breach October 1, 2020 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has confirmed the EU has begun legal action against the UK over the controversial Internal Market Bill for its potential breaches of the Brexit treaty. The EU has sent a formal notice of proceedings to the UK government, with von der Leyen warning some provisions in the parliamentary [...]
Boris Johnson: ‘No doubt’ that third wave of Covid will reach the UK March 23, 2021 There is “no doubt” that a third wave of coronavirus sweeping across Europe will “wash onto our shores”, the Prime Minister has said, as he reflected on lives lost to Covid on the anniversary of England’s first national lockdown. Speaking at this evening’s Downing Street press conference, Boris Johnson said the UK “must be realistic” [...]
FTSE 100 falls along with pound amid Brexit impasse December 8, 2020 The FTSE 100 fell and the pound slipped again as Brexit talks continued, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson set to fly to Brussels for last-ditch talks. The London stock index was down 0.5 per cent, hitting 6,521 points. The FTSE 250 – made up of smaller firms – was also down 0.5 per cent. Read [...]
Ireland’s Mairead McGuinness picked to be next EU finance boss September 8, 2020 Ireland’s Mairead McGuinness is set to take over as the EU’s financial services commissioner as part of a mini reshuffle prompted by her fellow countryman Phil Hogan’s resignation. Former Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis has been chosen to fill Hogan’s prestigious position as EU trade chief. He was previously in charge of financial services and [...]
Omicron: Aggressive new Coronavirus variant triggers worldwide travel bans as Covid fears grow November 27, 2021 Dozens of nations raced to halt air travel, while markets fell sharply and scientists held emergency meetings to weigh the exact risks as the discovery of a new Coronavirus variant has sent a chill through much of the world. A World Health Organisation (WHO) panel named the variant Omicron and classified it as a highly [...]
Goldman Sachs: Brexit drama ahead but thin deal could be reached October 15, 2020 There could be Brexit-related drama at this week’s EU summit but a thin Brexit deal is likely to be struck by early November, Goldman Sachs analysts said. “We think the perceived probability of ‘no deal’ will persist through the course of October,” analysts led by Sven Jari Stehn wrote in a client note. “But our [...]
France may be added to UK’s travel ‘red list’, warns Boris Johnson March 24, 2021 Tougher border restrictions with France including adding the country to the UK’s so-called travel red list may be needed “very soon”, the Prime Minister has said. Boris Johnson told MPs that the government “will have to look at” quarantine measures for hauliers coming into the UK from France “just because of the ambiguity about the [...]