Prudential outlines demerger date as first-half profits rise August 14, 2019 Britain’s biggest insurer Prudential said this morning that its highly-anticipated demerger will take place later this year, as it also reported a double-digit rise in profits for the first half of 2019. Plans to separate the firm’s UK business, M&GPrudential, from its Asian and US operations were confirmed by the group’s management team this morning, [...]
The Twilight Zone: The best way to find powder snow in Morzine? Try uphill skiing in the dark… February 14, 2020 It’s a still night on the mountain, with the full moon glinting on the snow. By the light of the torch on my head I can only see a narrow path as I trudge through the forests of Morzine in the French Alps. Despite the freezing cold I’m rapidly stripping off layers, overheating with the [...]
Tory conference: Boris Johnson’s speech in full October 6, 2021 Prime Minister Boris Johnson delivered his second leader’s speech at Conservative conference today. Here is his speech in full. Isn’t it amazing to be here in person the first time we have met since you defied the sceptics by winning councils and communities that Conservatives have never won in before – such as Hartlepool in [...]
Brexit: Internal memo reveals no-deal fishing patrol fears August 10, 2019 The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has revealed its concern at the UK’s ability to patrol fishing waters in a no-deal Brexit. In a leaked government memo, Defra said there is “a lot of uncertainty” around what will happen, and that there are just 12 ships “to monitor a space three [...]
China’s human rights abuses should silence the declinists and self-haters in the west November 27, 2019 One of the most damaging tendencies of contemporary western modernity has been the growth of declinism and self-hatred within our societies. The declinists argue that the era of western leadership is over, and that the future belongs to the east. They are content to go quietly into the night, rather than recognise that the rise [...]
Sajid Javid: Why politics can learn from City meritocracy October 4, 2019 Sajid Javid retains a great affection for the City, describing it as a true meritocracy where all that really matters is how good you are at your job. Westminster, he adds, could learn a thing or two from the City’s efforts to promote and increase diversity. Read more: Sajid Javid pledges to raise National Living [...]
LVMH strikes $16.2bn deal for jeweller Tiffany November 25, 2019 Louis Vuitton owner LVMH has struck a $16.2bn (£12.6bn) deal to buy iconic Fifth Avenue jeweller Tiffany after first launching a bid late last month. The $135 (£105) per share deal will see the jeweller join top name brands such as Givenchy and Christian Dior under LVMH’s umbrella. Read more: When a fat finger caused [...]
Front three are as good as any but England must improve defence and midfield September 11, 2019 England’s pair of high-scoring wins over Bulgaria and Kosovo will have left Gareth Southgate broadly happy, although the Euro 2020 qualifying double-header did highlight their shortcomings. They were always going to takes six points from these fixtures – anything else would have been a huge shock – but I’d suggest Southgate would have expected two [...]
DEBATE: Is 4G on the Tube something to get excited about? July 22, 2019 Is 4G on the Tube something to get excited about? Ben Askins, managing director at Verb Brands, says YES. “Sorry I didn’t get back to you, I was on the Tube” is an anecdote that our grandchildren will be shocked by. While it’s true that no one will be able to stop the incoming onslaught [...]
Blue on blue: Three key talking points from the Conservative leadership debate July 10, 2019 It’s that time again. The Tory leadership race is reaching its zenith, and the final two candidates last night took part in the first of several televised Conservative leadership debate head-to-heads as Tories choose the next Prime Minister. Read more: Can Boris Johnson turbocharge the UK economy? In a spirited and at times ill-tempered affair, [...]