From an optimistic Remainer: It’s not impossible to see how we can make a go of Brexit. Here are two ideas July 15, 2016 As a staunch Remainer, I was hugely disappointed by the Brexit vote. But, what’s done can’t be changed. What is the best way to respond to it? It’s hugely tempting to accuse the Brexiteers of being racist or stupid. We share with glee how some admit that they were conned by Nigel Farage and would have voted [...]
Tories under fire over all-male shortlist in London mayoral race July 26, 2015 The Conservative party is facing fallout over its all-male shortlist of candidates to replace Boris Johnson as mayor of London. CCHQ said over the weekend that voters would be able to choose among London Assembly member Andrew Boff, Richmond Park MP Zac Goldsmith, London MEP Syed Kamall and deputy mayor Stephen Greenhalgh in an open [...]
London mayoral election 2016: Labour candidate Sadiq Khan and Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith spar as official campaign kicks off March 21, 2016 The front-runners to replace Boris Johnson as mayor of London traded sharp words today, the first official day of the mayoral campaign. With just seven weeks to go until voters head to the polls, Labour candidate Sadiq Khan used a speech in Westminster to say he would be the “British Muslim who takes the fight [...]
Shiver me timbers: Architects propose plans for London’s first wooden skyscraper April 8, 2016 Forget steel and concrete. Wood is poised to take over as the construction material of the 21st century according to architects at the University of Cambridge and PLP Architecture, who have revealed plans for what London's first timber skyscraper could look like. Researchers at the university will today present London mayor Boris Johnson with conceptual [...]
Local governments demand more control over starter homes after warning they will be unaffordable February 17, 2016 Local governments have today warned Westminster that discounted starter homes will be unaffordable to the majority that need them unless the scheme is given more flexibility. First-time buyers will be able to buy 200,000 new starter homes over the next five years at a discount of at least 20 per cent to market value. Research by [...]
EU referendum: Brexit battle is brewing within City of London Corporation as members call for neutrality in run-up to EU referendum February 25, 2016 The referendum on Britain’s European Union membership is threatening to tear apart an historic City institution, as members of the City of London Corporation dispute whether the Corporation should back the remain or leave campaigns. In an open letter published on Monday in City A.M., more than a dozen City grandees urged the Corporation to [...]
Autumn Statement 2015 UK: Here’s how much each London borough makes from business rates November 25, 2015 The much-maligned business rates system could be in for a shakeup during today's Autumn Statement, after retailers held talks with the Treasury to demand urgent reforms to the regime. While some have suggested a major shakeup, including a revaluation of properties to ease pressure on retailers paying rates on properties last valued at the height [...]
The Strand could receive a radical makeover from Trafalgar Square and VIctoria Embankment to Royal Courts of Justice and Aldwych June 17, 2015 The Strand could be about to get a radical makeover thanks to a series of proposals put forward by the Northbank Business Improvement District (BID) and urban design consultancy Publica. These include the redesign of the gyratory around Aldwych, as well as a new riverside promenade along Victoria Embankment. The changes to the Northbank area, which stretches [...]
EU referendum: Electoral Commission says it will announce the results of the in/out vote in Manchester December 10, 2015 Prime Minister David Cameron may not have set a date for the EU referendum yet, but this morning it was revealed where the result of the in/out vote will be announced. The final result will be declared in Manchester, the Electoral Commission and Manchester City Council announced this morning. In a statement, the Electoral Commission [...]
Black cab protest: Police close Victoria Street, Buckingham Gate as United Cabbies Group rails against TfL’s lack of support May 26, 2015 Central London roads were gridlocked this afternoon as the black cab protest caused chaos around Parliament Square, Whitehall, Embankment and Lambeth Palace Road. Campaigners are directing the protest, scheduled to take place between 2pm and 4pm today, against Transport for London, which they claim are not doing enough to keep on top of regulation [...]