Can Labour win in 2020? The tectonic plates are shifting in the Tories’ favour May 13, 2015 Deja vu about 1992 is back. In the immediate aftermath of the 1992 election, speculation was rife that the Labour Party would be out of power for a generation. Five years later, Tony Blair won in a landslide. Will we see the same political cycle over the coming years, with Labour gradually re-establishing itself and [...]
Twin threats of Brexit and Scoxit will mar a good result for the City May 10, 2015 “Were you up for Balls?” Or more likely, “were you up in time for Balls?” Reminiscent of “were you up for Portillo in 1997?”, former shadow chancellor Ed Balls’s loss of his seat was one of the most memorable moments in an astonishing General Election which will have far reaching implications for the country. It [...]
It’s high time Britain faced up to the risks of radical devolution of power March 25, 2015 In all the sound and fury of the coming election, it’s important not to forget the areas where the parties agree. This includes support for much greater “localism” and devolution of power from central government – and not just to Scotland. One example is George Osborne’s support for an elected Manchester “super mayor”, a move [...]
First it was Scotland, now it’s Wales – David Cameron says he will devolve powers across the UK February 27, 2015 Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to give more powers to Wales through a devolution package unveiled earlier today. "We want to deliver new powers to Wales so that more decisions are taken closer to the people and give greater responsibility to the Welsh Assembly," he said during a speech at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. [...]
Banks dust off plans for Scottish independence as SNP coalition forecast raises referendum prospect February 4, 2015 Britain's high street banks are dusting off their contingency plans for Scottish independence, City A.M. understands, as the prospect of a coalition government including the Scottish Nationalists raises the chance of another referendum. Although the plan for Scotland to leave the UK was defeated in a vote in September, growing support for the SNP means [...]
David Cameron to reveal devolved powers for Scotland January 22, 2015 Prime Minister David Cameron will reveal draft legislation outlining devolved powers for Scotland today. He will also meet Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in Edinburgh to discuss enacting the plans. The “command paper” is believed to contain 44 new clauses across 100 pages. In the run-up to last year’s Scottish independence referendum, [...]
William Hague outlines English votes for English laws: Here’s what you need to know December 16, 2014 William Hague has outlined proposals for English votes for English laws (EVEL). Speaking to the House of Commons, Hague revealed his party's plans to put an end to the so-called West Lothian question that has divided opinion across the UK for decades. Under the current system Scottish MPs have the right to vote on issues [...]
Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy: “I consult no one on the issues that are devolved in Scotland” December 14, 2014 Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy drew a clear dividing line between his party leadership in London and north of the border yesterday, claiming that he would not run policies by Ed Miliband first. Talking about devolved issues in Scotland, Murphy said that any policy affecting Scots would be decided north of the border by Scottish [...]
Northern Ireland eyes up new corporation tax powers as government concern over Scotland’s demands grows December 1, 2014 The coalition is embroiled in last-minute talks to determine whether Northern Ireland can be granted the power to set its own rate of corporation tax. Chancellor George Osborne is keen to signal his support for the move in tomorrow’s Autumn Statement, yet the government has been held back by concerns that Scottish leaders would subsequently demand the [...]
Further devolution is great news for Scotland: Now it’s London’s turn November 27, 2014 THE AGREED conclusion of the Smith Commission into further devolution for Scotland is excellent news – real power to tax and spend, including responsibility over income tax rates and bands, is now set to be wielded by the Scottish Parliament. Now it’s London’s turn. The capital is the UK’s economic powerhouse, providing a staggering £34bn [...]