Link to the article: BBC Newsnight
Paul Mason has taken a road trip from Chicago, through Indiana, and back again, to find out how badly the recession has hit the US Midwest, and whether President Barack Obama's economic stimulus package appears to be working.
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
How the European Parliament works
Link to the article; BBC News
Mark Mardell visits the European Parliament buildings in Brussels and Strasbourg to explain how MEPs contribute to the way Europe is run.
Mark Mardell visits the European Parliament buildings in Brussels and Strasbourg to explain how MEPs contribute to the way Europe is run.
Saturday, 25 April 2009
Fairtrade chocolate is just 'Divine'
Apr. 25 - British chocolate company 'Divine' leads as catalyst for change in chocolate market.
Divine has pioneered the market for Fair Trade chocolate for more than a decade and aims to change the way the chocolate industry works forever.
Divine has pioneered the market for Fair Trade chocolate for more than a decade and aims to change the way the chocolate industry works forever.
Friday, 24 April 2009
Biggest fall in output in 30 years
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
Today's dire figures, showing the UK economy declined by 1.9 per cent in the first three months of the year, take the Treasury by surprise.
It is the biggest fall in output for 30 years, casting doubt on Alistair Darling's hopes that the economy will start to recover by the end of the year.
Instead, the British economy is slumping deeper into recession than even the chancellor's gloomy budget predictions just two days ago.
Today's dire figures, showing the UK economy declined by 1.9 per cent in the first three months of the year, take the Treasury by surprise.
It is the biggest fall in output for 30 years, casting doubt on Alistair Darling's hopes that the economy will start to recover by the end of the year.
Instead, the British economy is slumping deeper into recession than even the chancellor's gloomy budget predictions just two days ago.
Spain's jobless rate soars to 17%
Link to the article: BBC News
Spain's unemployment rate hit 17.4% at the end of March, figures have shown, with the jobless total now having doubled over the past 12 months.
The government says help is on the way, but for now Spain is "in the eye of the perfect storm," as Steve Kingstone reports from Madrid.
Spain's unemployment rate hit 17.4% at the end of March, figures have shown, with the jobless total now having doubled over the past 12 months.
The government says help is on the way, but for now Spain is "in the eye of the perfect storm," as Steve Kingstone reports from Madrid.
Thursday, 23 April 2009
Budget 2009: day two verdict
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
Are the money saving schemes announced in the budget as eye-catching as they seem? Our panel of experts discuss the changes.
New changes announced in yesterday's budget included an increase on the amount you are allowed to put into tax-free ISA savings accounts. The rise goes up to £10,200 for everyone next year.
Also, a £2,000 discount for scrapping an old car was announced.
Discussing those schemes are Leonie Kerswill from the accountants PricewaterhouseCoopers and Kieren Puffett from Parkers, which tracks the prices of used cars.
Are the money saving schemes announced in the budget as eye-catching as they seem? Our panel of experts discuss the changes.
New changes announced in yesterday's budget included an increase on the amount you are allowed to put into tax-free ISA savings accounts. The rise goes up to £10,200 for everyone next year.
Also, a £2,000 discount for scrapping an old car was announced.
Discussing those schemes are Leonie Kerswill from the accountants PricewaterhouseCoopers and Kieren Puffett from Parkers, which tracks the prices of used cars.
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
Biggest peacetime rise in debt
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
The Chancellor Alistair Darling's budget speech was the grimmest in memory.
He predicted the biggest increase in the national debt outside wartime and the slowest growth in more than 60 years. The 10-year-long party of low taxes and high spending is over. Mr Darling revealed a fiscal hangover that will last decades.
National debt will soar to a record £175bn this year - more than since the second world war - and the economy will shrink by 3.5 per cent, its biggest dip in 60 years.
To help pay for it, there will be a raid on the rich. The tax rate will increase to 50 per cent for those earning £150,000 or more from next year.
Motorists will be hit as usual as fuel duty goes up by 2p a litre.
Similarly, alcohol duties go up by 2 per cent, putting 1p on a pint, along with tobacco duties which are up by the same amount, putting 1p on a pint of beer and adding 7p to a packet of 20 cigarettes.
The Chancellor Alistair Darling's budget speech was the grimmest in memory.
He predicted the biggest increase in the national debt outside wartime and the slowest growth in more than 60 years. The 10-year-long party of low taxes and high spending is over. Mr Darling revealed a fiscal hangover that will last decades.
National debt will soar to a record £175bn this year - more than since the second world war - and the economy will shrink by 3.5 per cent, its biggest dip in 60 years.
To help pay for it, there will be a raid on the rich. The tax rate will increase to 50 per cent for those earning £150,000 or more from next year.
Motorists will be hit as usual as fuel duty goes up by 2p a litre.
Similarly, alcohol duties go up by 2 per cent, putting 1p on a pint, along with tobacco duties which are up by the same amount, putting 1p on a pint of beer and adding 7p to a packet of 20 cigarettes.
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
UK 'overcoming recession', says Brown
Link to the article: Channel 4 - ITN News
Last Modified: 20 Apr 2009
Source: ITN
Speculation is growing as to the medicine Wednesday's Budget will handout to Britain's ailing economy.
Chancellor Alistair Darling delivered an upbeat message on YouTube at the weekend and the bullish mood was echoed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown who said that Britain is "overcoming" the recession.
But Mr Darling is under pressure to get to grips with the nation's debt and cut spending, while his own colleagues will be reminding him a General Election is less than 12 months away.
Shadow Chancellor George Osborne predicted the Treasury would forecast the longest recession since 1945 and urged Mr Darling to scrap the Government's "unrealistic" future spending plans.
This comes amid reports Mr Darling is already prepared to write off £60 billion that was lent to banks as part of their bailout.
He is expected to concede the Government will not claw back all the money it pumped into the financial sector.
Meanwhile, Mr Darling has been warned that plans to hike taxes for top earners are "very unlikely" to boost Treasury coffers.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said a 45 per cent tax rate for those on incomes above £150,000 would not raise the £1.6 billion anticipated by Chancellor Alistair Darling in his Pre-Budget Report last November.
Last Modified: 20 Apr 2009
Source: ITN
Speculation is growing as to the medicine Wednesday's Budget will handout to Britain's ailing economy.
Chancellor Alistair Darling delivered an upbeat message on YouTube at the weekend and the bullish mood was echoed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown who said that Britain is "overcoming" the recession.
But Mr Darling is under pressure to get to grips with the nation's debt and cut spending, while his own colleagues will be reminding him a General Election is less than 12 months away.
Shadow Chancellor George Osborne predicted the Treasury would forecast the longest recession since 1945 and urged Mr Darling to scrap the Government's "unrealistic" future spending plans.
This comes amid reports Mr Darling is already prepared to write off £60 billion that was lent to banks as part of their bailout.
He is expected to concede the Government will not claw back all the money it pumped into the financial sector.
Meanwhile, Mr Darling has been warned that plans to hike taxes for top earners are "very unlikely" to boost Treasury coffers.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said a 45 per cent tax rate for those on incomes above £150,000 would not raise the £1.6 billion anticipated by Chancellor Alistair Darling in his Pre-Budget Report last November.
Huge loss predicted on bailout
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
Last Modified: 21 Apr 2009
By: Faisal Islam
The British government could lose £200bn on the cash it has poured into our banking system.
That dramatic estimate came from the International Monetary Fund and will make uncomfortable reading for the chancellor as he prepares the budget statement and another factor could undermine the economy.
For the first time in half a century the UK is experiencing deflation, a general fall in price levels.
Last Modified: 21 Apr 2009
By: Faisal Islam
The British government could lose £200bn on the cash it has poured into our banking system.
That dramatic estimate came from the International Monetary Fund and will make uncomfortable reading for the chancellor as he prepares the budget statement and another factor could undermine the economy.
For the first time in half a century the UK is experiencing deflation, a general fall in price levels.
Monday, 20 April 2009
Darling's budget balancing act
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
Last Modified: 20 Apr 2009
By: Andrew Thomas
Chancellor Alistair Darling faces a financial dilemma, as a combination of cuts in public spending and green incentives are expected to form the basis of Wednesday's budget.
Launching a new industrial strategy this morning, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that Britain was "overcoming" the recession and stressed the need to continue to invest and "go for growth".
But with public sector debt continuing to spiral and fears that the government will never recoup spending on the banks' bailout, there are questions over whether the chancellor can make the sums add up.
Last Modified: 20 Apr 2009
By: Andrew Thomas
Chancellor Alistair Darling faces a financial dilemma, as a combination of cuts in public spending and green incentives are expected to form the basis of Wednesday's budget.
Launching a new industrial strategy this morning, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that Britain was "overcoming" the recession and stressed the need to continue to invest and "go for growth".
But with public sector debt continuing to spiral and fears that the government will never recoup spending on the banks' bailout, there are questions over whether the chancellor can make the sums add up.
The Sinking of Website Pirate Bay
Link to the article: BBC Newsnight
A court in Sweden has jailed four men behind The Pirate Bay, the world's most high-profile file-sharing website, in a landmark case.
Newsnight's Stephen Smith reports.
A court in Sweden has jailed four men behind The Pirate Bay, the world's most high-profile file-sharing website, in a landmark case.
Newsnight's Stephen Smith reports.
Spending cuts as economy shrinks
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
Last Modified: 20 Apr 2009
By: Faisal Islam
With the first signs of the cost of the banking bailout coming to light, this week's budget will slash up to £15bn from public spending.
Alastair Darling will outline a range of efficiency savings across Whitehall departments, with the British economy set to contract by as much as 3.5 per cent this year.
The prime minister also launched a new "strategic plan" today to lead the country out of recession. In place of the discredited banking system, there is help for businesses to invest and "go for growth".
Last Modified: 20 Apr 2009
By: Faisal Islam
With the first signs of the cost of the banking bailout coming to light, this week's budget will slash up to £15bn from public spending.
Alastair Darling will outline a range of efficiency savings across Whitehall departments, with the British economy set to contract by as much as 3.5 per cent this year.
The prime minister also launched a new "strategic plan" today to lead the country out of recession. In place of the discredited banking system, there is help for businesses to invest and "go for growth".
Friday, 17 April 2009
Is Pirate Bay really sunk?
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
By: Benjamin Cohen
So Pirate Bay's founders were found guilty of promoting copyright theft by others and sentenced to one year in prison and landed with a £2.5m fine.
Go to http://twitter.com/benjamincohen to discuss the verdict with Ben.
By: Benjamin Cohen
So Pirate Bay's founders were found guilty of promoting copyright theft by others and sentenced to one year in prison and landed with a £2.5m fine.
Go to http://twitter.com/benjamincohen to discuss the verdict with Ben.
Thursday, 16 April 2009
IMF boss on economic recovery
Link to the interview: BBC Newsnight
Jeremy Paxman spoke to Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, and began by asking him when the IMF expects the economic recovery to begin, and where?
Jeremy Paxman spoke to Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, and began by asking him when the IMF expects the economic recovery to begin, and where?
The state of the UK car industry
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
Last Modified: 16 Apr 2009
By: Channel 4 News
UK car makers have responded to the economic downturn by cutting jobs, reducing working hours and suspending production.
Here are the latest figures.
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) vehicle production figures across the UK
* The number of new cars produced in February in the UK crashed 59 per cent from February 2008 to just 59,777 cars
* Only 5,870 commercial vehicles were made in February, down 71.6 per cent on February 2008
* The number of vehicles exported also fell by 58.4 per cent to 51,067
* The number of new cars and commercial vehicles bought in the UK plummeted by 66.7 per cent to 14,580
Last Modified: 16 Apr 2009
By: Channel 4 News
UK car makers have responded to the economic downturn by cutting jobs, reducing working hours and suspending production.
Here are the latest figures.
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) vehicle production figures across the UK
* The number of new cars produced in February in the UK crashed 59 per cent from February 2008 to just 59,777 cars
* Only 5,870 commercial vehicles were made in February, down 71.6 per cent on February 2008
* The number of vehicles exported also fell by 58.4 per cent to 51,067
* The number of new cars and commercial vehicles bought in the UK plummeted by 66.7 per cent to 14,580
'Green motoring revolution'
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
Last Modified: 16 Apr 2009
By: Jenny Wivell
From 2011 the government is to offer anyone who buys an electric car £5,000, as John Sparks reports.
The Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon said the incentives would promote electric and hybrid cars and help Britain lead a "green motoring revolution".
But critics are unsure, as at present electric vehicles take several hours to charge up and cannot travel much further than 40 miles.
And green campaigners say more investment in public transport is needed.
More interviews (2) @ Channel 4 News;-
(1) Interview: Electric car grants
(2) Are electric cars the best choice?
Last Modified: 16 Apr 2009
By: Jenny Wivell
From 2011 the government is to offer anyone who buys an electric car £5,000, as John Sparks reports.
The Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon said the incentives would promote electric and hybrid cars and help Britain lead a "green motoring revolution".
But critics are unsure, as at present electric vehicles take several hours to charge up and cannot travel much further than 40 miles.
And green campaigners say more investment in public transport is needed.
More interviews (2) @ Channel 4 News;-
(1) Interview: Electric car grants
(2) Are electric cars the best choice?
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
Business Update:China GDP record low
Link to the article: Reuters
(01:27) Report
Apr 15 - Chinese newspaper reports China's annual GDP growth slipped to a record low in the first quarter.
Kitty Bu reports
(01:27) Report
Apr 15 - Chinese newspaper reports China's annual GDP growth slipped to a record low in the first quarter.
Kitty Bu reports
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Germany bans GM maize
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
(01:47) Report
Apr 14 - Germany is to ban the cultivation and sale of maize with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), following several other EU countries.
Joanna Partridge reports.
(01:47) Report
Apr 14 - Germany is to ban the cultivation and sale of maize with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), following several other EU countries.
Joanna Partridge reports.
Patents rejected in software battle
Link to the article: Reuters
(01:46) Report
April 14 - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejects two patents claimed by Alcatel-Lucent which could nullify their multi million dollar damages claim against Microsoft.
Penny Tweedie reports.
(01:46) Report
April 14 - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejects two patents claimed by Alcatel-Lucent which could nullify their multi million dollar damages claim against Microsoft.
Penny Tweedie reports.
UK shop closure hotspots revealed
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
Last Modified: 14 Apr 2009
By: Darshna Soni
As the government announces new funding to turn empty shops into art galleries, cafes or advice centres, we visit Alfreton Road in Nottingham.
The scheme is attempting to stop the recession turning high streets into crime-ridden ghost towns.
As the recession takes hold, Britain's high streets are increasingly affected, as '"to let' signs replace the latest fashions in shop fronts.
Channel 4 News has seen new figures from the business research company Experian, which predict that in some areas of the country up to 80 per cent of the floor space is now vacant.
Last Modified: 14 Apr 2009
By: Darshna Soni
As the government announces new funding to turn empty shops into art galleries, cafes or advice centres, we visit Alfreton Road in Nottingham.
The scheme is attempting to stop the recession turning high streets into crime-ridden ghost towns.
As the recession takes hold, Britain's high streets are increasingly affected, as '"to let' signs replace the latest fashions in shop fronts.
Channel 4 News has seen new figures from the business research company Experian, which predict that in some areas of the country up to 80 per cent of the floor space is now vacant.
Thursday, 9 April 2009
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
Last Modified: 09 Apr 2009
Source: ITN
Legendary record producer Pete Waterman has accused internet giant Google of "exploiting" him.
Waterman, 62, said the Rick Astley classic Never Gonna Give You Up, which he co-wrote and which was the subject of a YouTube craze last year, had earned him just £11 from Google, despite being viewed 154 million times.
At a press conference to mark the launch of the fairplayforcreators.com website campaigning for a fairer deal for songwriters whose work is featured on YouTube - which is owned by Google - Waterman said local radio was more profitable for him than the internet.
"There was I sitting at Christmas thinking, 'I must have made a few bob this year with the old Rickrolling'," said Waterman, who is worth a reported £47 million.
"I rang my publisher and they said 'You'll be all right', until I saw the royalty statement. £11.
"If 154 million plays means £11 I get more from Radio Stoke playing Never Gonna Give You Up than I do from YouTube."
The Rickrolling phenomenon involved internet users sending each other web links that appeared to be relevant to something they were discussing, but were in fact disguised links to the Astley song on YouTube.
The PRS For Music organisation wants Google and YouTube to pay higher royalties to songwriters for use of their work online.
A YouTube spokesman said: "We absolutely believe that artists and songwriters should make money from the use of their material.
"We previously had a licence with the PRS to enable this to happen and we are very committed to reaching terms so that we can renew our licence.
"The more music videos YouTube streams, and the more popular those music videos are, the more money YouTube will generate to share with the PRS and its songwriters.
"It's a win-win arrangement. But YouTube cannot be expected to engage in a business in which it loses money every time a music video is played - that is simply not a sustainable business model."
© Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
Last Modified: 09 Apr 2009
Source: ITN
Legendary record producer Pete Waterman has accused internet giant Google of "exploiting" him.
Waterman, 62, said the Rick Astley classic Never Gonna Give You Up, which he co-wrote and which was the subject of a YouTube craze last year, had earned him just £11 from Google, despite being viewed 154 million times.
At a press conference to mark the launch of the fairplayforcreators.com website campaigning for a fairer deal for songwriters whose work is featured on YouTube - which is owned by Google - Waterman said local radio was more profitable for him than the internet.
"There was I sitting at Christmas thinking, 'I must have made a few bob this year with the old Rickrolling'," said Waterman, who is worth a reported £47 million.
"I rang my publisher and they said 'You'll be all right', until I saw the royalty statement. £11.
"If 154 million plays means £11 I get more from Radio Stoke playing Never Gonna Give You Up than I do from YouTube."
The Rickrolling phenomenon involved internet users sending each other web links that appeared to be relevant to something they were discussing, but were in fact disguised links to the Astley song on YouTube.
The PRS For Music organisation wants Google and YouTube to pay higher royalties to songwriters for use of their work online.
A YouTube spokesman said: "We absolutely believe that artists and songwriters should make money from the use of their material.
"We previously had a licence with the PRS to enable this to happen and we are very committed to reaching terms so that we can renew our licence.
"The more music videos YouTube streams, and the more popular those music videos are, the more money YouTube will generate to share with the PRS and its songwriters.
"It's a win-win arrangement. But YouTube cannot be expected to engage in a business in which it loses money every time a music video is played - that is simply not a sustainable business model."
© Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
Sweetening the chocolate trade
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
Last Modified: 09 Apr 2009
By: David Fuller
More4 News reports a phenomenon that has seen Cadbury's Dairy Milk become fair trade and Mars bars become green - or certified by the Rainforest Alliance to be specific.
Britain's most famous chocolate bars have remained largely unchanged for generations. But now they are starting to send out a slightly new message.
It may or may not be a coincidence that in several parts of the world pestilence is threatening the cocoa crop - but it could mean that next Easter your eggs may cost more.
David Fuller reports.
Last Modified: 09 Apr 2009
By: David Fuller
More4 News reports a phenomenon that has seen Cadbury's Dairy Milk become fair trade and Mars bars become green - or certified by the Rainforest Alliance to be specific.
Britain's most famous chocolate bars have remained largely unchanged for generations. But now they are starting to send out a slightly new message.
It may or may not be a coincidence that in several parts of the world pestilence is threatening the cocoa crop - but it could mean that next Easter your eggs may cost more.
David Fuller reports.
Interest rates held at 0.5 per cent
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
Last Modified: 09 Apr 2009
By: Bridgid Nzekwu
Interest rates are on hold at 0.5 per cent for the first time since October, and it is likely they will stay that way for a number of months.
That brings the cost of borrowing close to as low as it will ever go, meaning you can get a mortgage with less than three per cent interest.
But mortgage advisors are advising people to pay higher rates for protection against future rate rises.
Last Modified: 09 Apr 2009
By: Bridgid Nzekwu
Interest rates are on hold at 0.5 per cent for the first time since October, and it is likely they will stay that way for a number of months.
That brings the cost of borrowing close to as low as it will ever go, meaning you can get a mortgage with less than three per cent interest.
But mortgage advisors are advising people to pay higher rates for protection against future rate rises.
Wednesday, 8 April 2009
Budget to focus on green cars
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
Last Modified: 08 Apr 2009
By: Tom Clarke
Gordon Brown will unveil measures to pave the way for the mass introduction of electric cars on the roads.
A greener Britain will be a better Britain according to the prime minister, who says environmentally-friendly measures will be a major focus of this month's budget.
But a green car is only as green as the electricity used to power it.
Last Modified: 08 Apr 2009
By: Tom Clarke
Gordon Brown will unveil measures to pave the way for the mass introduction of electric cars on the roads.
A greener Britain will be a better Britain according to the prime minister, who says environmentally-friendly measures will be a major focus of this month's budget.
But a green car is only as green as the electricity used to power it.
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
Sub-prime home loans 'disappearing'
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
Last Modified: 07 Apr 2009
Source: PA News
The sub-prime mortgage market has all but disappeared as lenders become increasingly risk averse, figures have shown.
There is now only one provider, Platform, with products that are widely available to people with impaired credit histories, and it offers just eight different products, representing a steep decline from the 1,599 mortgages on offer across all providers a year ago, according to Moneyfacts.
The number of sub-prime loans that are widely available has dived from 204 to just eight during the past week alone, leaving the products accounting for 0.5% of all mortgages, compared with 12.3% at the end of March.
At the same time, the rates charged on the loans are prohibitively expensive, with sub-prime borrowers looking at paying interest of at least 8%, despite the fact that the Bank of England base rate is now at a record low of 0.5%.
The steep fall in the number of sub-prime mortgages available has been driven by GE Money Home Lending's decision to limit the volume of business it does.
Link to the full article: Channel 4 News PA News
Last Modified: 07 Apr 2009
Source: PA News
The sub-prime mortgage market has all but disappeared as lenders become increasingly risk averse, figures have shown.
There is now only one provider, Platform, with products that are widely available to people with impaired credit histories, and it offers just eight different products, representing a steep decline from the 1,599 mortgages on offer across all providers a year ago, according to Moneyfacts.
The number of sub-prime loans that are widely available has dived from 204 to just eight during the past week alone, leaving the products accounting for 0.5% of all mortgages, compared with 12.3% at the end of March.
At the same time, the rates charged on the loans are prohibitively expensive, with sub-prime borrowers looking at paying interest of at least 8%, despite the fact that the Bank of England base rate is now at a record low of 0.5%.
The steep fall in the number of sub-prime mortgages available has been driven by GE Money Home Lending's decision to limit the volume of business it does.
Link to the full article: Channel 4 News PA News
9,000 job cuts 'truly devastating'
Link to the article: Channel 4 Newss
Last Modified: 07 Apr 2009
By: John Sparks
Critics highlight the uncertainty confronting RBS staff facing job cuts compared with the huge pension being paid to the former chief executive Sir Fred Goodwin.
Described by a union as "truly devastating", Royal Bank of Scotland unveiled plans today to axe 9,000 jobs over the next two years.
Half those cuts will be in the UK, with back office functions like IT and property management to bear the brunt.
RBS, which is now 70 per cent owned by the government, said the job losses were needed as it tries to save £2.5bn.
Last Modified: 07 Apr 2009
By: John Sparks
Critics highlight the uncertainty confronting RBS staff facing job cuts compared with the huge pension being paid to the former chief executive Sir Fred Goodwin.
Described by a union as "truly devastating", Royal Bank of Scotland unveiled plans today to axe 9,000 jobs over the next two years.
Half those cuts will be in the UK, with back office functions like IT and property management to bear the brunt.
RBS, which is now 70 per cent owned by the government, said the job losses were needed as it tries to save £2.5bn.
End of the innocence
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
Last Modified: 07 Apr 2009
By: Harry Anscombe
Innocent Smoothies have just sold out, in part anyway, to Coca Cola, but More4 News asks whether ethically aware consumers should care.
This is just the latest example in a long line of big multinational companies buying a stake in an ethical company.
The people behind Ben and Jerry ice cream, the Body Shop, Green and Black chocolate all fashioned for themselves a cutting edge, fun, ethical image, before selling part or all of their businesses to a big corporation.
Harry Anscombe reports
Last Modified: 07 Apr 2009
By: Harry Anscombe
Innocent Smoothies have just sold out, in part anyway, to Coca Cola, but More4 News asks whether ethically aware consumers should care.
This is just the latest example in a long line of big multinational companies buying a stake in an ethical company.
The people behind Ben and Jerry ice cream, the Body Shop, Green and Black chocolate all fashioned for themselves a cutting edge, fun, ethical image, before selling part or all of their businesses to a big corporation.
Harry Anscombe reports
Unlocking Bolivia's lithium wealth
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
By Lindsey Hilsum
High in the Andes lie the world's largest reserves of lithium, the metal which is likely to help power the electric and hybrid vehicles of the future.
The lithium is locked in the brine of Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flats in the world.
If oil transformed the wealth and economic clout of the Middle East during the last century is lithium about to do the same for South America's poorest country, Bolivia?
With demand predicted to massively outstrip supply companies from across the world are now queuing up to register their interest with a government that's determined to keep its resources under state control.
By Lindsey Hilsum
High in the Andes lie the world's largest reserves of lithium, the metal which is likely to help power the electric and hybrid vehicles of the future.
The lithium is locked in the brine of Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flats in the world.
If oil transformed the wealth and economic clout of the Middle East during the last century is lithium about to do the same for South America's poorest country, Bolivia?
With demand predicted to massively outstrip supply companies from across the world are now queuing up to register their interest with a government that's determined to keep its resources under state control.
Friday, 3 April 2009
Mandelson on G20 deal
Link to the artilce: BBC Newsnight
The Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has spent years trying to negotiate a world trade deal in the Doha round and now, among other things, is trying to help save what he can of the British car industry.
He joined Gavin Esler to discuss how the outcomes of the G20 summit will affect us.
The Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has spent years trying to negotiate a world trade deal in the Doha round and now, among other things, is trying to help save what he can of the British car industry.
He joined Gavin Esler to discuss how the outcomes of the G20 summit will affect us.
George Soros on G20 deal
Link to the interview: BBC Newsnight
Businessman and investor George Soros said before Thursday's G20 meeting that the summit was "make or break".
He joined Gavin Esler to discuss the deal.
Businessman and investor George Soros said before Thursday's G20 meeting that the summit was "make or break".
He joined Gavin Esler to discuss the deal.
RBS shareholders against payouts
Link to the article: Channel 4
Last Modified: 03 Apr 2009
By: John Sparks
Those close to Sir Fred Goodwin deny he is "considering" a voluntary reduction to his pension, despite RBS's new chairman saying just that.
Public outrage at RBS has spilled into its annual general meeting with 90 per cent of shareholders voting against the banks pay and pension policy, including the controversial payout to Sir Fred.
The vote does not mean that RBS's former boss can be compelled to pay any of his pension back, however.
Last Modified: 03 Apr 2009
By: John Sparks
Those close to Sir Fred Goodwin deny he is "considering" a voluntary reduction to his pension, despite RBS's new chairman saying just that.
Public outrage at RBS has spilled into its annual general meeting with 90 per cent of shareholders voting against the banks pay and pension policy, including the controversial payout to Sir Fred.
The vote does not mean that RBS's former boss can be compelled to pay any of his pension back, however.
Thursday, 2 April 2009
$1.1 trillion to save the world
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
Last Modified: 02 Apr 2009
By: Gary Gibbon
A $1.1tr (trillion) fix for the global economy - that's the deal finally agreed by the world's most powerful leaders.
It's new money and a new method of injecting it into the global system.
The International Monetary Fund will be given vastly more resources to help troubled economies get spending again, issuing what amounts to its own special currency.
The final communique also promises a clampdown on tax havens, controls on bankers pay and more money to support world trade.
Even France and Germany signed up to what they called a "very good, almost historic compromise". But will it actually work?
Economics correspondent Faisal Islam analyses the G20 deal.
Last Modified: 02 Apr 2009
By: Gary Gibbon
A $1.1tr (trillion) fix for the global economy - that's the deal finally agreed by the world's most powerful leaders.
It's new money and a new method of injecting it into the global system.
The International Monetary Fund will be given vastly more resources to help troubled economies get spending again, issuing what amounts to its own special currency.
The final communique also promises a clampdown on tax havens, controls on bankers pay and more money to support world trade.
Even France and Germany signed up to what they called a "very good, almost historic compromise". But will it actually work?
Economics correspondent Faisal Islam analyses the G20 deal.
1979 - 2009: Thatcherism R.I.P?
Link to the article: Channel 4
Last Modified: 02 Apr 2009
By: Keme Nzerem
The world hopes today saw the birth of an economic recovery. More4 News asks if it also marks the end of an economic ideology that has prevailed in the West for the last 30 years?
So, will future historians define today as the end of Thatcherism?
The supremacy of a lightly regulated financial sector, the belief in market forces - the ideology, call it Thatcherism or Reaganomics, that dominated Britain and America for 30 years - did it all end?
Last Modified: 02 Apr 2009
By: Keme Nzerem
The world hopes today saw the birth of an economic recovery. More4 News asks if it also marks the end of an economic ideology that has prevailed in the West for the last 30 years?
So, will future historians define today as the end of Thatcherism?
The supremacy of a lightly regulated financial sector, the belief in market forces - the ideology, call it Thatcherism or Reaganomics, that dominated Britain and America for 30 years - did it all end?
Wednesday, 1 April 2009
German Finance Minister on G20
Link to the article: BBC Newsnight
French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are to hold a joint press conference on Wednesday, fuelling speculation of a united front against UK and US calls for further co-ordinated fiscal stimulus.
Jeremy Paxman spoke to the German Finance Minister Peer Steinbruck and began by asking him if the Germans would follow the French out the door if they do not get what they want at the G20.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are to hold a joint press conference on Wednesday, fuelling speculation of a united front against UK and US calls for further co-ordinated fiscal stimulus.
Jeremy Paxman spoke to the German Finance Minister Peer Steinbruck and began by asking him if the Germans would follow the French out the door if they do not get what they want at the G20.
The rift G20 hopes to heal
Link to the article: Channel 4
Last Modified: 01 Apr 2009
By: Faisal Islam
Gordon Brown hails the dawn of a new consensus, but France calls it a confrontation between "two worlds".
On one side, Britain and America are pushing for another huge injection of fiscal spending. On the other, France and Germany are leading demands for far tougher regulation.
So what would it take to bring the world's economies back into balance?
Last Modified: 01 Apr 2009
By: Faisal Islam
Gordon Brown hails the dawn of a new consensus, but France calls it a confrontation between "two worlds".
On one side, Britain and America are pushing for another huge injection of fiscal spending. On the other, France and Germany are leading demands for far tougher regulation.
So what would it take to bring the world's economies back into balance?
Interview: Robert Zoellick
Link to the article: Channel 4
Last Modified: 01 Apr 2009
By: Jon Snow
Jon Snow interviews the president of the World Bank, Robert Zoellick, about whether he believes we need more fiscal stimulus?
Last Modified: 01 Apr 2009
By: Jon Snow
Jon Snow interviews the president of the World Bank, Robert Zoellick, about whether he believes we need more fiscal stimulus?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
