2016 Budget: A Helping Hand To The Rich
By David Binder George Osborne was described on Wednesday as the man who wants to have it all. He’s a man for all seasons, someone who on the one hand can introduce policies with widescale ‘man on the street’ appeal, yet on the other be on the side of big business. I believe however that this week’s budget represented something of a departure from this bent. That is, many of the Chancellor’s recently announced fiscal measures can be interpreted as...
Revealed: Europe’s safest countries for driving
One of the best ways to enjoy an authentic holiday experience is to hit the road and see what sort of gems are hidden just around the bend. While being at the wheel can be stressful when you’re grappling with unfamiliar rules, regulations, etiquette - plus the dreaded right-hand-side driving - an expansive survey has revealed the countries we find to be the safest places for road revellers. So according to rentalcar.com's survey of 1,000 UK holidaymakers, these are the...
Sketch – You’re going down with the Mackems
By Joe Mellor, Deputy Editor I write a regular PMQ sketch for the London Economic, but this week I didn’t get around to it - dog ate my home work time - I was on an underpowered train back from the Northern Powerhouse of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and only caught the end of the budget when I got to the office. Personally, I closely align Newcastle United's and Sunderland’s current sides with the Northern Powerhouse, as they are all a load of...
Best ever name for a ship? RRS Boaty McBoatface
By Joe Mellor, Deputy Editor The general public are being asked to propose names for the UK’s new polar research ship and way out in front is...Boaty McBoatface. This wild suggestion for The National Research Council’s (NERC) next Royal Research Ship (RRS), is beating RRS Henry Worseley and RRS David Attenborough at the moment. You get the feeling people are not taking the naming of this ship too seriously. The new ship will replace the existing RRS James Clark Ross...
Recovering addict volunteers for Marie Curie, why don’t you too?
By Joe Mellor, Deputy Editor When Kenny’s mum died of lung cancer in 2011, he made a pact to himself: to do something good in her memory. However, this well-meaning plan wasn’t without problems to be overcome. Kenny had low confidence and self-esteem - but he was determined. He wanted to stay true to his pact for his mum, who stood by him unconditionally throughout his chequered past. Kenny, a substance misuse support worker from Clapham, decided to volunteer for...
6 potential super-fights all boxing fans can hope for
Sport News 24/7 By Jordan Seward 6.Terry Flanagan vs Anthony Crolla Flanagan extended his perfect record to 30-0 when he defended his WBO World lightweight title last Saturday against fellow Brit Derry Matthews. Up next for Crolla is a tough test against the man who is powerful, crude and affectively ended Kevin Mitchell’s career. ‘Million Dollar Crolla’ can certainly live up to his name if he beats Ismael Barroso and can manage to set up a unification bout with Flanagan....
VIDEO – Nicky Morgan flounces out of interview about cuts
By Joe Mellor, Deputy Editor Nicky Morgan flounced out of an interview yesterday (Friday) when she was asked wether the government would u-turn on its £4bn plan to cut benefits to disabled people. She was asked why during ‘Question Time‘ this week she said the Budget cuts to the most vulnerable in society were only a “suggestion”. The TV presenter from Sky News asked: “The Chancellor says he’s committed to disability benefit cuts. Why did you say it’s a suggestion?”...
VIDEO – Corbyn attacks IDS ‘where’s his conscience been hiding for 6 years?
By Joe Mellor, Deputy Editor Jeremy Corbyn isn't impressed with Iain Duncan Smith's moral awakening over welfare cuts. The Labour leader said: "Where's his conscience been hiding for 6 years?". Mr Duncan Smith resigned saying the cuts: "are not defensible within a Budget that benefits higher-earning taxpayers". But rivals have suggested the decision had more to do with inflicting damage on the leadership, as the Conservative Party tears itself apart again over the EU. MP Debbie Abrahams claimed Mr Duncan Smith...
VIDEO -Sajid Javid denies Government has cut disability benefits
By Joe Mellor, Deputy Editor Tory MP Sajid Javid denied, during a TV debate, that the Government plans to cut spending on disability benefits which might hurt more than 640,000 vulnerable people. He was questioned about the Chancellor's latest budget on BBC Newsnight, he argued: "I don't accept for a second that we've cut spending on disability payments." Sajid added: "It's actually a recognition that you have a welfare system that looks after the most vulnerable in society. "And of course I put...