Global warming alarmism is no longer scientifically or politically sustainable September 29, 2013 THE global warming doomsday cult is coming to an end. Belief that the world is doomed, unless we replace coal and gas by renewables costing two or three times as much, is already driving up home energy bills and making manufacturing uncompetitive. But last week both Ed Miliband and a report from the Intergovernmental Panel [...]
Soak the rich: Lib Dem plans to hit those earning over £50,000 with higher tax bills September 16, 2013 In notes first published by City A.M., it has been revealed that the Liberal Democrats are looking for those earning over £50,000 to pay more in tax. The Liberal Democrat press team calls this "looking at how the richest … could make a further contribution". In these difficult times, it is important that everyone makes [...]
European Commission refers Greece to Court of Justice for failing to recover incompatible state aid July 17, 2013 The European Commission has referred Greece to the European Court of Justice for failing to recover incompatible state aid from Greek casinos and from Aluminium of Greece. In 2009, the Commission received a complaint about the unfair taxation of private casinos in Greece, with a €12 per person admissions tax imposed on private casinos, while [...]
Lib Dem lines to take for interviews – in full September 19, 2013 The Lib Dems appear to have given journalists their full lines to take for every interview: Five things to remember for every interview This conference sees the party in a confident mood We have a strong record of achievement in Government Our priorities are jobs and easing the squeeze on household budgets Labour cannot be [...]
The coalition must fight to defend performance-related pay for teachers August 29, 2013 PUPILS will return to school next week with the usual trepidation and excitement. But this year more than most, teachers may feel the same. From September, all schools will be able to link teachers’ pay more closely with performance. The government’s reform to pay will transform the market for teachers. Pay rises based on length [...]
Lib Dem lines to take for interviews – in full September 16, 2013 The Lib Dems appear to have given journalists their full lines to take for every interview: Five things to remember for every interview This conference sees the party in a confident mood We have a strong record of achievement in Government Our priorities are jobs and easing the squeeze on household budgets Labour cannot be [...]
What the analysts are saying about July’s public sector deficit August 21, 2013 This morning, the Office for National Statistics said the UK government posted a £62m deficit in July – down from an £823m surplus the year before (full story here). Here's what analysts are saying about the figures. Martin Beck, UK economist at Capital Economics: Despite signs of life in the economy, July’s public finances data [...]
Why HS2 won’t cost £80bn August 19, 2013 The Institute for Economic Affairs has a report out this morning on the High Speed 2 (HS2) railway that claims the real cost of the project will be "more than £80bn" – around double the government's current estimate. But even if you think HS2 is a costly white elephant, don't be taken in by these [...]
What the other papers say this morning – 04 September 2013 September 3, 2013 FINANCIAL TIMES City grandee countersues ENRC Sir Paul Judge, the City grandee and former board member of ENRC, is counter-suing the miner for alleged libel in the latest twist in the legal battle between the parties. Judge alleges that a press release published by ENRC in July stating that it was suing him for alleged [...]
The Treasury will gain nothing from property tax hikes June 25, 2013 A S THEY consider a “back-door” mansion tax and another increase in stamp duty in today’s Autumn Statement, George Osborne and Vince Cable should take a quick look at a dramatic drop in tax receipts after the last Budget. In March, stamp duty was hiked to 7 per cent for people buying property over £2m [...]