An environmental campaigner has failed in his High Court action to temporarily block energy firm Cuadrilla from fracking in Lancashire. Cuadrilla chief executive Francis Egan had described the challenge as “a last gasp attempt at trying to frustrate the process.” Previously Bob Dennett, who brought the case and had raised over £12,000 towards his legal costs, said: “This case has been made to safeguard the lives and wellbeing of thousands of local residents and businesses, including schoolchildren, in the event...

The Conservative myth that we are “all in this together” was laid bare today after a government-commissioned review recommended that high court judges should receive a 32 per cent salary hike just weeks after police demands for a 3 per cent pay hike was knocked back. Senior judges could be in line for an annual pay rise of almost £60,000 on top of their already inflated pay packets. It would see annual salaries jump from £181,500 a year to £240,000...

Earlier this year, new figures published by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association have shown that annual rum sales in Britain have surpassed £1billion for the first time. As a result, rum now ranks alongside whisky and gin as one of the nation’s favourite spirits. Beside a collection of famed rum brands readily available in supermarkets and off licences, a number of premium sipping rums have also risen to prominence. Established in 1976 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the...

QuotedData’s Economic round up – October 2018 is a collation of recent insights on markets and economies taken from the comments made by chairmen and investment managers of investment companies – have a read and make your own minds up. Please remember that nothing in this note is designed to encourage you to buy or sell any of the companies mentioned.  October Economic and Political Roundup OVERVIEW September was notable for a continued upward move in the oil price, which...

QuotedData’s investment companies roundup – October 2018 is our latest roundup of news; price, NAV and discount movements; flows in and out of the sector and report on full year dividends announced over the month of September 2018. October Investment Companies Roundup MONEY RAISED AND RETURNED IN SEPTEMBER Trian Investors 1 is a new fund that will adopt an activist approach, targeting an, as yet unidentified, company. In September, we said goodbye to John Laing Infrastructure (following the bid by Dalmore Capital and...

Kenneth Lewis was sentenced to ten years in prison for child sex offences after he targeted his young victim who he sexually abused on multiple occasions for six years.

Only 4 per cent of UK voters want to have a poor relationship with the EU after leaving the European project. The YouGov survey, on behalf of the Fabian Society, indicates that the vast majority of people want a positive relationship with the remaining member states. 87 per cent want Theresa May to negotiate an agreement that ensures a future relationship with the EU that is either “close and warm” or “practical and neutral”. Andrew Harrop, general secretary of the...

A Times article reported that charities and companies working within the UC (Universal Credit) parameters have had to sign clauses to ensure they don’t ruin the reputation of Esther McVey, Work and Pensions Secretary. Around 22 organisations, covering around £1.8 billion, have signed these gagging clauses, which the Government denies. However a Government spokesman confirmed contracts did include references to ensure both parties "understand how to interact with each other and protect their best interests". The Times reported that the...

Judan Adunbi has spoken out for the first time since the court case to explain why he didn't give his name to officers