Author Archives: GovWorldMag

Ruth comments on Brexit negotiations

5 Dec 2017

Please see a statement from Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson following the Brexit negotiations in Brussels yesterday.

“The question on the Brexit ballot paper asked voters whether the UK should stay or leave the European Union – it did not ask if the country should be divided by different deals for different home nations.

“While I recognise the complexity of the current negotiations, no government of the Conservative and Unionist Party should countenance any deal that compromises the political, economic or constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom.

“All sides agree there should be no return to the borders of the past between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

“Similarly, jeopardising the UK’s own internal market is in no-one’s interest.

“If regulatory alignment in a number of specific areas is the requirement for a frictionless border, then the Prime Minister should conclude this must be on a UK-wide basis.”

December 5, 2017 GovWorldMagScottish Conservativesscottish Conservatives

This latest increase in rail fares is staggering – Andy McDonald MP

Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, responding to the 3.4% rise in rail fares, said:

“This latest increase in rail fares is staggering.

“Private rail companies continue to cash in while passengers and commuters have to cough up.

“The Tories should follow Labour’s example and commit to ending the scandal of train companies being run for profit rather than people.”

December 5, 2017 GovWorldMagLabourLabour • Labour Party

D’Arcy Through the Letter Box

From the Curator of Museum Services at the University of Dundee :

Our celebrations for the centenary of D’Arcy Thompson’s On Growth and Form continue next week with a free talk by Meic Pierce Owen in the D’Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum at 6pm today –

D’Arcy Through the Letter Box – the Polymath’s wonderland as seen through his correspondence

D’Arcy Thompson’s papers at the University of St Andrews incorporate some 30,000 letters written throughout his lifetime. In this entertaining talk, archivist Meic Pierce Owen (who has read more of the correspondence than almost anyone except D’Arcy) explores highlights of a vast and fascinating collection.

Meic has also written one of the chapters of our new book, “Growing and Forming: Essays on D’Arcy Thompson”, copies of which will be on sale. Refreshments will be served after the event.

Places are limited so please book here.

December 5, 2017 GovWorldMagFraser MacphersonFraser Macpherson

No agreement to talk

Yesterday reminded us how far the EU wish to push the UK even to get to talks about a future Agreement. The talks ended in disagreement about the Irish border issues.

I continue to support the government’s stated view that it must take back control of our money, our borders and our laws, and that no deal is better than a bad deal. There is no news about a future Agreement, as we still have not started talking about one.

December 5, 2017 GovWorldMagJohn Redwood MPJohn Redwood • opinions

Facebook and new technology backs the UK

Yesterday’s opening of the new Facebook headquarters was a timely reminder of how the business community sees us. Facebook has chosen to invest in an important new architect designed building close to Oxford Circus and to expand its workforce substantially. It is recruiting engineers, as it likes the UK as a base for designing new technology services. It is setting up an incubator to help mentor and assist some of the UK technology start up businesses. Facebook appreciates the UK as a source of talented employees, a good base for business, and a place that offers world class accommodation and facilities.

Google too has grown quickly in London and is taking substantial space.It is working on a 1 million square foot headquarters at Kings Cross. Amazon meanwhile is attracting more and more business from UK shoppers and is taking on a range of properties around the country to allow it to deliver products in a timely and efficient way.

The new economy majors see the UK as a fast growing opportunity, with many people wanting to expand their use of digital media for everything from shopping to their social life, from news and entertainment to banking. These latest investments are important for future UK growth and development.