UK must decarbonise heating, but not through hydrogen, Centrica boss says after government commitment March 19, 2019 Britain and other countries must remove carbon from their heating and cooling, British Gas owner Centrica said today, but warned a move to make the gas grid run on hydrogen is “unlikely to be practical”. Centrica chief executive Iain Conn said natural gas would be “crucial” in the transition to reducing carbon emissions, and that Britain [...]
‘London, please deliver’: EU leaders react to possible Brexit delay following John Bercow ruling March 19, 2019 EU leaders have hit back at the "unacceptable" uncertainty around Brexit stirred by John Bercow's decision to block a third meaningful vote on Theresa May's withdrawal agreement. France's Europe minister Nathalie Loiseau said an extension to Article 50 – the mechanism that allows the UK to leave the EU – without an "objective or strategy" would be [...]
Sainsbury’s and Asda double down on £1bn price cut pledge to salvage deal March 19, 2019 Sainsbury’s and Asda have outlined their pledge this morning to slash shop prices as a result of a planned merger, doubling down on efforts to push through a major tie-up despite being dealt a recent devastating blow by Britain's competition watchdog. The two grocery giants, who suffered a setback last month when the Competition and Markets [...]
Gold, the Federal Reserve, and the dollar – what’s driving up precious metal prices? March 19, 2019 Gold has been making a comeback. After a long period with little activity last year, the precious metal’s value has risen as stock markets have struggled and fallen. Combine the volatility of equities with the increase in geopolitical fears, and many investors are re-evaluating whether to increase the amount of gold in their portfolios. The [...]
Theresa May gathers cabinet after Bercow deals fresh blow to her Brexit deal March 19, 2019 Theresa May is set to push on with her deal despite Commons speaker John Bercow threatening to derail the process yesterday. Read more: 'Constitutional crisis' as Bercow blocks another vote on May's Brexit deal Today Brexit secretary Stephen Barclay suggested a vote could occur next week despite Bercow saying “substantial changes” must be made to [...]
Former Carillion man takes the reins at embattled Kier Group March 19, 2019 The man who was once named the new leader of Carillion has taken the reins at Kier Group, the construction firm confirmed this morning. Andrew Davies, appointed Carillion’s new chief executive just months before it went out of business, will take up his new role form 15 April, Kier said. Read more: Embattled outsourcer Kier's net debt [...]
The UK government should take inspiration from an unlikely source when writing its post-Brexit migration plan March 19, 2019 Another day, another chance for UK politics to reach hitherto unimaginable levels of farce. But while Downing Street reels over speaker John Bercow's characteristically dramatic intervention, it's worth remembering that the government is capable of making a complete mess of many things – not just Brexit. Take immigration, for example. We have a Prime Minister who [...]
Kier to appoint former Carillion hire Andrew Davies as chief executive March 18, 2019 Embattled construction firm Kier is set to appoint the executive who was hired by Carillion weeks before the contractors collapse to lead a turnaround at the company. Andrew Davies, who was due to step into the role of chief executive at Carillion before it plunged into liquidation last year, is expected to be appointed as [...]
‘Constitutional crisis’ as John Bercow blocks another vote on May’s Brexit deal March 18, 2019 Theresa May's bid to win parliamentary approval for her Brexit withdrawal deal has been dealt another dramatic blow after Commons Speaker John Bercow declared he could block any attempt to put the question to MPs again. In a surprise statement, Bercow said he would only allow the government to put its Brexit plan before MPs again [...]
Debenhams pressure mounts amid Sports Direct comments March 18, 2019 The war of words between Debenhams and retail tycoon Mike Ashley escalated once again this morning after Sports Direct’s finance chief confirmed City speculation that it would look to buy the department store chain if it collapsed into administration. Sports Direct’s finance chief Chris Wootton, who could potentially become Sports Direct boss if Ashley takes [...]