Wanderlust

Tag: brexit news

  • John Lewis boss rejects Dominic Raab Brexit jibe

    Dominic Raab Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Dominic Raab says it is mistake for businesses that “aren’t doing so well” to blame Brexit

    The boss of John Lewis has hit out at Brexit secretary Dominic Raab after he said companies should not blame Brexit for poor results.

    Sir Charlie Mayfield said he “didn’t say Brexit was the reason” for a 99% slide in half-year profits.

    “The fact is sterling is weaker, it’s more expensive to import goods… so we have to absorb that within our margin,” he said.

    “I’m not going to get into some sort of ding-dong with the secretary of state.”

    Dominic Raab told the BBC on Thursday it was a mistake for “business that aren’t doing so well to blame Brexit”.

    Image copyright Reuters

    Mr Raab also said the government was preparing for a no-deal Brexit despite being confident that eventuality would not come to pass: “Getting a deal with the European Union is still by far and away the most likely outcome.”

    This week Ralf Speth, the boss of Jaguar Land Rover, warned the government needed to get “the right Brexit” or risk wiping out profits at the UK’s biggest carmaker and trigger big job cuts.

    Meanwhile, the Brexit secretary welcomed a promise by two mobile operators, Vodafone and Three, not to impose Europe roaming charges for UK customers if Britain leaves the bloc with no deal.

    “What we have said is we would like to see other companies following suit, but, in any event, we would legislate for a limit on roaming charges to make sure in a no-deal scenario that we protect British consumers,” Mr Raab said.

    A new raft of technical papers is being released by the government on Thursday outlining the impact of a no-deal Brexit on business and consumers.

    Mr Raab also accused those warning about shortages of food and medicines after a no-deal withdrawal of “scaremongering”, saying it was “nonsense” to claim UK supermarkets would run out of food.

  • Brexit: ECU sees ‘positive elements’ in UK’s Chequers plan

    Michel Barnier and Dominic Raab Symbol copyright AFP/Getty Image caption Michel Barnier and Dominic Raab are retaining more negotiations in Brussels

    The European has solid doubt on claims its chief negotiator defined the executive’s Brexit plan as “lifeless in the water”.

    Labour MP Stephen Kinnock attributed the remarks – which he mentioned had been in French – to Michel Barnier after a meeting in Brussels.

    ECU Fee spokesman Margaritis Schinas advised newshounds to wait for a transcript to be revealed.

    The Chequers plan incorporates some “sure components”, he delivered.

    The UNITED KINGDOM is leaving the european on 29 March 2019, and negotiations are taking place between the two aspects.

    Image copyright @politicalpics

    Meanwhile, a paper with details of planning for a no-deal Brexit has been caught on camera in Whitehall.

    It finds government departments are anticipated to make cuts in different spending to arrange for the chance of no deal being reached.

    Codenamed Operation Yellowhammer, it seems that to be run through the Civil Contingencies Secretariat, that’s responsible for emergency making plans.

    The govt says a take care of the eu is essentially the most likely consequence.

    But it’s also making contingency plans for leaving with out one, and not too long ago published a sequence of papers detailing arrangements and offering advice.

    The report, captured via photographer Steve Back, was once being carried by means of Treasury Minister John Glen as he left the cabinet Office.

    Asked concerning the document throughout a trip to Glasgow School, Chancellor Philip Hammond – who has in the past warned concerning the economic affect of no deal being reached – said departments had the investment needed to plan for this sort of scenario.

    He added: “In no deal instances we’d have to refocus govt priorities so that executive used to be focused on the circumstances that we discovered ourselves in.

    “Let me reiterate again that is now not the outcome we are expecting and it is not the outcome we are in quest of.”

    ‘Political reality’

    Analysis by BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg

    As an highbrow workout, none of this brief excerpt is totally surprising.

    But it demonstrates the political truth that in govt there’s concern approximately what might occur to the financial system, what may occur to move, air and rail, however nonetheless a message to executive departments they need to attempt to in finding cash to spend on ‘no deal’ arrangements from present budgets, in place of the big money pot that is been allotted so far.

    Read Laura’s blog at the leaked paper

    (more…)

  • Snatched pic gives insight into ‘no deal’ Brexit planning

    HMT briefing – Operation Yellowhammer – 04 September 2018

    Operation Yellowhammer: no deal contingency planning

    Abstract of issue

    •This assembly will believe development at the Government’s plans for mitigating the quick impacts of a No Deal Brexit.

    •The Civil Contingencies Secretariat held a -day workshop last week to review departments’ plans, assumptions, interdependencies and next steps.

    HMT objectives

    1.Emphasise the importance of creating XWH cross Whitehall communications structure that may help take care of trust within the experience of contingency plans being prompted – particularly necessary for financial services.

    2.Explain that departments have to be raising Yellowhammer costs throughout the standard channels – via their spending groups for in-yr pressures, and of their bids for 19/20 Brexit allocations for spending that 12 months. Their first name need to be inside prioritisation.

    3.Reaffirm the will for consistent planning assumptions throughout plans … aviation and rail get admission to to the EU.

    4.Remind departments of the will to consider the financial … commercial companies that play a role of their contingency plans.

    (more…)

  • Brexit deal: Fox refuses to again Hammond’s caution

    Philip Hammond and Liam Fox Image copyright PA/BBC Symbol caption Philip Hammond used to be a Remain supporter in the ECU referendum, even as Liam Fox is an ardent Brexiteer

    World Trade Secretary Liam Fox has refused to again Chancellor Philip Hammond’s caution that a “no-deal” Brexit may just damage the economy.

    Speaking at the BBC’s Andrew Marr display, he stated: “this concept that we can are expecting what our borrowing would be 15 years prematurely is just just a little exhausting to swallow.”

    Treasury analysis estimates that by means of 2033 borrowing would be around £80bn a 12 months higher beneath a “no-deal” scenario.

    It additionally forecasts no deal may imply a 7.7% hit to GDP over the next 15 years.

    Asked by Andrew Marr whether or not he prevalent the figures, Mr Fox mentioned: “Are You Able To think back in your entire time in politics the place the Treasury have made predictions that have been right kind 15 years out. i will not.

    Image copyright Reuters Image caption A 2nd referendum could be a “gross betrayal of our democracy”, writes Theresa May

    In a piece of writing for the Sunday Telegraph, Theresa Might has insisted she would not be pressured into watering down her Brexit plan throughout negotiations with the eu.

    The PM wrote that she may “not be pushed” into compromises that were not in the “nationwide interest”.

    But David Davis, the previous Brexit secretary who resigned over the Chequers settlement, said the caveat – “with the exception of within the national interest” – used to be an “incredible open sesame to all”.

    Also interviewed on the Marr show, he admitted he may vote against Mrs Would Possibly’s plan in any Commons vote, pronouncing it could be “almost worse” than staying within the EU.

    Have voters modified their minds? among the blue flags: Views from the pro-EU march What roughly Brexit do voters want?

    Some Other Conservative MP, Nick Boles – a former minister who sponsored Remain – mentioned the Chequers coverage had “failed” and he may now not fortify it.

    Also writing within the Sunday Telegraph, he mentioned the ecu used to be treating the plan as “a gap bid”, and the uk was once facing “the humiliation of a deal dictated by Brussels”.

    Symbol caption David Davis says the Chequers plan is “virtually worse” than staying in the ECU

    In his interview, David Davis said considerations over keeping up a comfortable border among Northern Ireland border and the Republic have been “heavily overemphasised” in the earlier.

    “this is a miles more straightforward issue to care for if we decide to, if we placed the political will in the back of it, we and the Irish Republic, the 2 together,” he stated.

    However he mentioned he did agree with Mrs May that a 2d referendum will not take place.

    In her article, she stated it can be a “gross betrayal of our democracy and… consider” to “provide in” to those calling for another vote.

    Her objection to it comes as a movement pressing for an additional referendum – the People’s Vote – continues to gather high profile backers, including Sir Patrick Stewart and BBC football anchor Gary Lineker – besides as donations.

    One supporter, Labour MP Chuka Umunna, mentioned the impetus had shifted towards a public vote over the summer and it can be a “betrayal of democracy” for Mrs May “to power a foul deal – or no deal – on Britain with out giving the public the danger to have a last say”.

  • No takers for £25,000 portrait of Nigel Farage

    Portrait of Nigel Farage Image copyright David Griffiths

    A £25,000 portrait of Nigel Farage, on display as a part of the Royal Academy’s prestigious summer season exhibition, has didn’t draw in any buyers.

    The oil portray, signed through the artist David Griffiths, was one in all hundreds of works of art to be had on the market during the Academy’s 250th summer time show, which closed on Tuesday.

    The academy said the paintings could now return to the artist.

    Mr Griffiths has stated that he hoped it could “find a excellent house”.

    “These Items ebb and flow,” he mentioned. “Prices of artwork like the whole lot else, aren’t set in stone. he is a major determine, whatever you’re thinking that of him. He Is Mr Brexit, is not he?”

    The fee was steered by a mutual loved one of the artist, whose different topics have integrated Prince Charles and rugby superstar Shane Williams.

    Farage to head ‘on the road’ with Depart workforce Farage heads ‘down under’ on Brexit excursion

    A key figure within the 2016 referendum marketing campaign, Mr Farage has pledged to return to frontline British politics this fall to struggle for Brexit,

    The portrait of the MEP and former UKIP leader, in his trademark tan-coloured coat and striped tie, used to be not the one politically-themed paintings not to find a purchaser.

    A £350,000 paintings by way of the artist Banksy entitled Vote to love, featuring a center-formed balloon superimposed over a UKIP referendum poster, also remained unsold.

    But a painting of every other prominent Brexiteer, Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, did fetch £450.

  • Theresa Might to pledge Africa investment spice up after Brexit

    Prime Minister Theresa May leaves after attending a church service near to her Maidenhead constituency Symbol copyright PA Symbol caption Theresa Would Possibly will fly into South Africa on Tuesday morning

    Theresa Might is to announce plans to boost Britain’s investment in Africa after Brexit, throughout her first shuttle to the continent as high minister.

    At a speech in Cape Town later, Mrs Would Possibly will say she is “unashamed” approximately making sure the cash the united kingdom spends on assist in Africa advantages Britain too.

    The PM will say she desires the uk to overhaul the united states to turn into the G7’s largest investor in Africa by 2022.

    She may also visit Nigeria and Kenya in the course of the 3-day business challenge.

    The commute – with a view to see Mrs May meet the presidents of all 3 countries – targets to deepen economic and industry ties with growing African economies ahead of Britain leaving the ecu in 2019.

    Symbol copyright Reuters Image caption Mrs May will meet South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town on Tuesday

    The prime minister, who is being followed through trade leaders and ministers throughout her seek advice from, may also set out her aim for the uk to be the “primary investor in Africa” out of the G7 workforce of evolved international locations by 2022.

    The UK’s overseas assist price range totalled £13.9bn in 2017, a rise of £555m in 2016.

    UK direct funding in Africa was £42.7bn in 2016, compared to £44.3bn from the u.s., £38bn from France and £31bn from China, in step with data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

    The PM’s diary

    Tuesday – Mrs Might will fly into Cape Town where she is going to meet adolescents, before handing over a keynote speech on trade and the way UNITED KINGDOM private sector investment will also be brought into Africa.

    After a bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, she is expected to go to Robben Island, the place Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.

    Wednesday – Mrs Might intends to fulfill Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in the capital Abuja sooner than assembly sufferers of recent slavery in Lagos.

    Thursday – In Kenya, Mrs Might will meet president Uhuru Kenyatta prior to visiting British troops and a trade faculty. A state dinner hosted through Mr Kenyatta will finish the commute.

    Mrs Would Possibly previously said the shuttle could be a “unique opportunity at a novel time for the united kingdom”.

    She Will be observed to the three international locations – all of them Commonwealth nations – by way of a 29-strong industry delegation.

    Security problems may also function on her agenda and he or she is predicted to talk about the danger of Boko Haram in Nigeria, and the role of British troops based in Kenya who’re helping countries battle al-Shabab militants in Somalia.

    New Zimbabwe leader vows brighter long run NI company in PM’s industry project to Africa Would Possibly pays tribute to ‘great chief’ Annan

    Mrs Might’s visit to Nairobi will mark the first through a UK high minister to Kenya on the grounds that Margaret Thatcher in 1988.

    It may be the primary to Sub-Saharan Africa through a British leader considering the fact that David Cameron in 2013 for Mr Mandela’s memorial carrier.

    Symbol copyright Getty Pictures Image caption Margaret Thatcher and her husband receive presents all the way through a visit to Nairobi, Kenya, in 1988

    A Downing Boulevard spokeswoman added: “The PM will use the discuss with to announce further toughen to take on instability across the region, as a result of nations cannot prosper with out it.”

    All Through her time in South Africa, Mrs Might could also be due to present a world Warfare One relic – linked to one in all the worst maritime failures in English waters – to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

    The SS Mendi sank off the Isle of Wight in 1917 killing greater than 600 South Africans en path to the Western Front to make stronger British troops.

    The ship’s bell used to be given to BBC reporter Steve Humphrey in 2017 in a plastic bag at Swanage Pier, Dorset, after an anonymous phone name – and can now be passed back via Mrs Would Possibly.

  • Customs workload will bounce on no-deal Brexit warn experts

    Containers Symbol copyright Getty Images

    The boss of one of the uk’s greatest customs agents is warning of a 500% upward thrust in customs processing if there may be no deal to leave the eu Union.

    George Baker informed BBC 5 live’s Wake Up To Cash he expects a no-deal Brexit to increase their workload by 500%.

    He said it’ll be “very tricky to cope” if there may be no Brexit deal.

    Government papers released on Thursday warned importers and exporters to “begin taking steps to mitigate in opposition to” a no-deal exit.

    A customs dealer submits digital declarations on behalf of import and export buyers.

    Image copyright Getty Photographs Image caption Transferring goods in and out of the united kingdom will get extra sophisticated if no Brexit deal

    George Baker, whose industry is predicated in Felixstowe, Suffolk, mentioned, “There are many businesses which hadn’t considered they will desire a customs dealer.

    “they will have idea the import and export declarations are just a simple factor they may be able to do and do not have so much idea about how complicated the transactions would be.

    “It takes between two to 5 years to train to be a customs broker.”

    ‘Be ready’

    Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab stated on Thursday that reaching a deal with the ecu was once the “overriding priority” and “through far essentially the most most likely end result” however that “we need to be able to believe the opposite”.

    Allie Renison, head of Europe and trade coverage on the Institute of Administrators, stated: “a lot of these corporations have no idea the entire different data they want to position into this.

    “you’ve gotten a complete different raft of bureaucracy you do not these days must take care of if you’re an exporter to Europe.”

  • Leave.EU’s Arron Banks denied Conservative club

    Arron Banks Symbol copyright Reuters Symbol caption Mr Banks is a co-founding father of the Leave.EU team

    An utility to sign up for the Conservative Party via Go Away.ECU co-founder and previous UKIP donor Arron Banks has been grew to become down, the Tories have mentioned.

    Mr Banks and the pro-Brexit team’s communications director, Andy Wigmore, each announced on social media that they had been joining the party.

    The pair mentioned they had received a affirmation electronic mail welcoming them.

    But a Conservative Birthday Celebration spokesperson later mentioned their “packages for club… have not been licensed”.

    Earlier this week Mr Banks known as on supporters of his professional-Brexit Go Away.ECU team to join the Conservative Birthday Party in order that they can vote within the party’s next management election.

    Brexit: Key dates and possible hurdles Farage to move ‘on the road’ with Leave group New Brexit vote marketing campaign will get £1m donation

    He posted a sequence of tweets approximately becoming a member of the Tories – together with one announcing he had made the move “to ensure he has a vote at the inevitable leadership contest. Let’s back a Brexiteer and make this us of a great once more!”

    Mr Wigmore tweeted a duplicate of a letter from Conservative Birthday Celebration chairman Brandon Lewis mentioning that their membership was “activated” and they could be capable of take part in candidate selection and long run leadership elections after 3 months.

    Who is Arron Banks?

    The FIFTY TWO-yr-antique is a multi-millionaire who co-founded the Depart.EUROPEAN marketing campaign.

    Having made his money in car insurance, he was certainly one of the most important donors to the united kingdom Independence Party and gave £9m to Go Away.EU which he has mentioned got here from his private wealth.

    In May Go Away.ECU was once fined £70,000 for breaches of election regulation in the 2016 EU referendum by way of, in line with the Electoral Commission, failing to file “no less than” £SEVENTY SEVEN,380 it spent.

    He has also been grilled by way of MPs approximately his influence on global politics with Mr Banks guffawing off the idea he was an “evil genius with a white cat”.