Three years after Western powers imposed unprecedented economic restrictions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the intended impact of sanctions on Russia appears negligible compared to the devastation they have wrought upon European industry. Whilst policymakers in Brussels continue expanding sanctions packages, mounting evidence reveals a strategic miscalculation that has accelerated European deindustrialisation, enriched American energy companies, and strengthened precisely the geopolitical alliances the West sought to prevent. Europe’s Industrial Devastation Germany, once the industrial powerhouse of Europe, now faces what can only be described as systematic dismantling of its manufacturing base. According to Inside Red Report, Germany has lost 125,000…
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A scathing Supreme Court dissent has exposed a constitutional crisis within the UK’s sanctions regime, where judges are accused of “failing in their duty” to provide meaningful judicial oversight of executive decisions that devastate individual liberties. Lord Leggatt’s powerful critique reveals how Russian sanctions have created precedents that fundamentally undermine the separation of powers and constitutional protections for British citizens. Courts abdicate constitutional responsibility under executive pressure Lord Leggatt’s dissenting judgment in the recent Supreme Court case delivered a devastating assessment of judicial deference to executive authority. He warned that “if the courts are not prepared to protect fundamental individual…
The history of protest flags in America is rich and powerful, providing insight into the country’s social and political landscape over time. Flags have always held a special place in American culture, serving as symbols of identity and belief. In political and social movements, protest flags act as banners for change, echoing the hopes and demands of those who march beneath them. This article delves into the origins and transformations of these symbolic flags, examining their significance in past and present movements. In this journey, we’ll explore:Early History of Protest Flags and their initial role in American movements.Evolution of Flag…
German businesses could set up subsidiaries in UK to do business with the US The UK and EU should consider closer trade ties in light of US President, Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats, say leading audit, tax and business advisory firm, Blick Rothenberg. Viktor Gottschlich, a Senior Manager at the firm, said: “The UK and the EU have agreed an ambitious new Security and Defence Partnership this week, but in light of US President Donald Trump announcing 50% tariffs of imported EU goods, the UK and EU should consider even closer co-operation.” He added: “For now, the UK has not…
Inflation will cause long-term pain for businesses and taxpayers The increase in annual inflation (CPI) to 3.5% for the year to April 2025 was inevitable after the changes made by the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves in the 2024 Autumn Budget, say leading audit, tax and business advisory firm, Blick Rothenberg. Robert Salter, a Director at the firm, said: “In the Autumn 2024 budget, the Chancellor announced an increase in the rate of employer’s National Insurance Contributions (NICs) to 15% and a significant 6.7% increase in the National Minimum Wage (NMW), which both applied from April.” He added: “It was inevitable that…
Over nine million pensioners lost out their winter fuel payment last year The ‘reversal’ of the Winter Fuel payment cut announced today by the Government is only a revisit of the payment thresholds, not a return to the previous qualifications, say leading audit, tax and business advisory firm, Blick Rothenberg. Stefanie Tremain, a Partner at the firm, said: “The Prime Minster, Keir Starmer’s comments on the winter fuel cut today are welcome, but calling it a ‘reversal’ is not accurate.” She added: “Instead of a return to the previous system, the thresholds for getting the winter fuel payment will be…
Total HMRC tax receipts up £24bn HMRC’s monthly tax statistics show growing tax revenues giving the Government a ray of hope after a tumultuous budget, say leading audit, tax and business advisory firm, Blick Rothenberg. Tom Goddard, a Senior Associate at the firm, said: “The total tax receipts continue to grow year on year after a slight blip in August (where they were just under a billion pounds lower than August 2023) with total tax receipts up £24bn over the last year compared to the 12 months prior. This provides some much-needed financial optimism for the Government after a tumultuous…
The UK cannot afford to miss out on future trade with US states The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, must demonstrate to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, how important the US-UK relationship is to secure future trade deals with US states, say leading audit, tax and business advisory firm, Blick Rothenberg. Simon Gleeson, Head of the firm’s US Desk, said: “The prospect of a US-UK trade deal seems more challenging than ever with the risk that bi-lateral trade between the US and UK will become a lower priority in light of the Trump campaign accusing Labour of “blatant…
Government must balance supporting low wage employees and businesses The Government’s increase to minimum wage could harm employers and lead to businesses closing due to an increase costs, say leading audit, tax and business advisory firm, Blick Rothenberg. Heather Powell, a Partner at Blick Rothenberg, said: “The Government have announced that the National Living Wage will increase by 6.7% to £12.21 from 1 April 2025. Any increase is certainly welcome for those being paid it.” She added: “However, the Government has ignored the recommendation from the Low Pay Commission of a rise of 5.8%. Which means that this wage rise…
WHAT OTHER FINANCIAL OPTIONS ARE THERE TO HELP BUSINESSES NAVIGATE RISING COSTS Novuna Business Cash Flow (https://www.novuna.co.uk/business-cash-flow/), a leading provider of financial solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has reviewed the UK’s latest budget announcement, which introduces significant changes expected to impact businesses across the country. As of the 30 October budget, the UK government has raised employer National Insurance contributions from 13.8% to 15%, marking one of the highest rates on record in recent times. Coupled with a 6.7% increase in the minimum wage for over-21s, now set at £12.21 per hour, these shifts pose a formidable financial…