Scrapping the cap on bankers’ bonuses would send a “confused” message during the cost of living crisis, a senior economist has said.
Kwasi Kwarteng, the new chancellor, is said to be considering the move as part of a “Big Bang 2.0” post-Brexit deregulation of the City of London.
The cap was introduced under EU law in 2014, but some close to Kwarteng believe it limits London’s competitiveness against its financial rivals such as New York and Hong Kong.
Andrew Sentance, who was a member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee during the financial crisis, warned against the government pursuing the measure while Britons are struggling with the cost of living.
“I think it sends a rather confused signal when people are being squeezed
LONDON — Britain is facing a diplomatic backlash over VIP travel arrangements for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, with multiple world leaders now requesting special permission to skip the proposed ‘park and ride’ scheme and arrive in their official vehicles.
Countries of varying sizes are pushing back against a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) requirement that most foreign heads of state attending the funeral on Monday park their vehicles at a site in west London, and travel to the event at Westminster Abbey on shared coaches provided by the U.K. government.
Diplomats from five countries, including some within the G7 group of most industrialized nations, told POLITICO they want exceptions for their leaders, citing old age or security reasons.
They have been emboldened by remarks from the prime minister’s official spokesman Monday, who told reporters that in some cases the ‘no car’ edict would in fact be “guidance” only, and that “arrangements for leaders, including how they travel, will vary depending on individual circumstances.”
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The travel protocol, sent to overseas embassies at the weekend and obtained by POLITICO, would not apply to leaders such as U.S. President Joe Biden, a U.K. government source later confirmed to the Times. Biden is expected to arrive at the funeral in his armored limousine, often referred to as ‘The Beast.’ Other leaders with specific security requirements, such as President Isaac Herzog of Israel, could also be allowed to bring their own transport, the same U.K. source said.
But overseas diplomats based in London are unimpressed with the two-tier system, and are now clamoring to ensure their own heads of state get the same treatment as Biden and avoid what — for some — is the perceived indignity of arriving on a bus with ‘lesser’ nations.
“I am trying to have ours exempted from the bus,” one U.K.-based ambassador admitted, “but not having much luck so far.”
Diplomats say the FCDO has not explained the criteria by which certain leaders will be allowed to skip the shared bus journey from London’s West End. Envoys are approaching the department directly to request exceptions, but few, if any, have received a formal response.
“Our president is happy to go by bus if told so, but he’s over 80, so if there’s a way to avoid it, we will try,” another senior diplomat said.
“Considerable anxiety” also exists among leaders about the possible identity of their fellow passengers upon the shared VIP coaches, a third diplomat warned. The FCDO held a briefing Tuesday with representatives from all countries planning to send leaders to the funeral, but was unable to explain how the coach seating plans will be decided.
Another ambassador said the FCDO briefing was welcome but had raised “more questions than answers,” adding: “FCDO told us not to have many expectations, not to be too ambitious, and expect different problems. The logistical challenge is huge … They’re trying to convince us to take the buses, saying it’s much easier to manage everything.”
Some foreign diplomats are at least familiar with shared coach arrangements from previous mass events organized by the U.K., including the U.N. COP26 climate summit in Glasgow last year, and the queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations at St Paul’s Cathedral.
But a third ambassador, representing a European country whose leader does not object to taking the bus, said some heads of state not used to shared coach travel will see the plan as a challenge to their “masculinity” — and that persuading them to accept the FCDO’s arrangements will be no easy task.
“If you don’t know your head of state well, or whether they’d accept these things, it can be very difficult for the ambassadors,” the envoy said. “And it’s very difficult for the FCDO — because where do you draw the line?”
Crimestoppers is offering a reward of £50,000 "for information" in the search for the culprit that killed Olivia Pratt-Korbel.
Founder and chairman of Crimestoppers, Lord Ashcroft, has made the donation for the reward to be made in the hunt for the nine-year-old's killer.
It will be offered through the charity for anyone that has vital information that would lead to the conviction of those responsible for the schoolgirl's death.
This follows an extensive land search conducted by Merseyside Police at the West Derby Golf Club in hopes of finding the gun used in the incident.
Olivia was fatally shot inside her home in Dovecot, Liverpool, on Monday 22 August.
Her mother, Cheryl Korbel, 46, suffered an injured wrist from the same bullet that killed her daughter, who was standing behind her when the gunman tried to force his way into their home.
The gunman had been in pursuit of convicted burglar Joseph Nee at their property, firing two shots intended for the burglar at around 10pm.
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Lord Ashcroft said on Twitter: "We need to catch the cowards responsible for the death of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel.
"I am offering £50,000 for information, given via @CrimestoppersUK, that leads to them being jailed."
Speaking on Monday, Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen said: "We have made nine arrests and we are building up an evidential picture, but we still need more information and we need to find the guns.
"I would appeal to anyone who has information which could help us with our investigation to come forward.
"This offender and those protecting him are a blight on the community and the impact they have on the decent people of the community is toxic."
Olivia's funeral is set to be held at St Margaret Mary's Church in Knotty Ash, Liverpool on Thursday.
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC on Twitter or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log 1083 of 22nd August.
Thousands of mourners are expected to line the streets between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Hall on Wednesday to see the Queen's coffin moved in preparation for lying in state.
The journey is about 1,800m long - just over a mile - and takes in two of London's most famous thoroughfares, the Mall and Whitehall.
Here's our guide to the route.
The Queen's coffin will be taken from Buckingham Palace's Bow Room and placed on a gun carriage of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery.
The procession from the palace is scheduled to start at 2.22pm.
The King and his siblings will walk behind the carriage, as will Princes William and Harry.
Camilla the Queen Consort, Kate the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Sussex, and the Countess of Wessex will travel by car.
Other royals in the procession include Anne's son Peter Phillips, the Queen's eldest grandchild.
The Imperial State Crown and a wreath of flowers will be placed on the coffin.
A senior palace official said the silent procession will be "relatively small and personal".
To the sound of minute guns, the carriage will carry the Queen along the Mall, the grand avenue in front of her home since 1952, for the last time.
It was here, in the summer, that crowds had cheered the monarch as she appeared on the palace balcony during her jubilee celebrations.
At about 900m, this is the longest part of the route.
The carriage will then turn right down Horse Guards Road and enter Horse Guards Parade.
With Big Ben tolling every minute, the procession will cross the great ceremonial parade ground, famous as the site of Trooping the Colour.
The pomp and pageantry of that event, with soldiers marching in their red tunics and bearskin hats, has marked the official birthday of the sovereign for over 260 years.
The Queen used to attend on horseback herself, but in recent years travelled by carriage.
Going through Horse Guard Arch and turning right onto Whitehall, the carriage will pass some of the great offices of government, including Downing Street, as it travels about 430m to Parliament Square.
It will also pass the Cenotaph, the monument to the nation's war dead, where for more than 60 years the Queen would lay a wreath on Remembrance Sunday.
As Whitehall becomes Parliament Street, the famous view onto the Houses of Parliament opens up, with the medieval St Margaret's Church on the right and the gold-coloured Victoria Tower on the left.
The newly renovated Big Ben (whose official name is the Elizabeth Tower) looms large as the carriage passes over the junction at Parliament Square, and finally turns left to enter New Palace Yard at 3pm.
The Queen's coffin will then be taken into Westminster Hall, the oldest building in Parliament, as the King and other royals follow behind.
The Speakers of both Houses of Parliament, Black Rod and two of the Queen's most senior advisers, will lead the procession.
Draped with the Royal Standard and with the Orb and Sceptre on top, the coffin will be placed on a raised platform - the catafalque.
The Archbishop of Canterbury will conduct a service of about 20 minutes, assisted by the Dean of Westminster.
Members of the Sovereign's Bodyguard, the Household Division and Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London will guard the Queen as the lying in state begins.
It starts at 5pm on Wednesday and lasts until 6.30am on Monday.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to file past the coffin 24 hours a day before next week's state funeral at nearby Westminster Abbey.
Center Parcs has backtracked over a decision to ask guests to leave its sites on the day of the Queen's funeral.
The holiday firm said it had made the decision "as a mark of respect" and to allow employees to "be part of this historic moment".
But the move prompted complaints from angry holidaymakers online.
It would have meant some guests would have had to leave part-way through their break and return afterwards.
One holidaymaker the BBC spoke to described the previous plans as "ridiculous".
Others took to Center Parcs' Facebook page to express their anger, with one saying the last-minute change showed no respect to guests.
Center Parcs had said that guests would have to leave its five UK sites for 24 hours from 10:00 BST on Monday 19 September.
The company has now changed its decision, saying that it will no longer require guests who are not due to depart on Monday to leave.
Those due to arrive on Monday, however, will still not be able to check in until 10:00 BST Tuesday.
In a statement on Tuesday evening, it said: "The vast majority of our guests are either due to arrive or depart on Monday 19 September.
"We have however, reviewed our position regarding the very small number of guests who are not due to depart on Monday, and we will be allowing them to stay on our villages rather than having to leave and return on Tuesday."
The five locations of its holiday parks include: Elveden Forest, Suffolk; Longleat Forest, Wiltshire; Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire; Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire; and Whinfell Forest, Cumbria.
Facilities on-site, including restaurants, will still remain closed on Monday too. Center Parcs said it would be offering a discount for the lack of facilities available on that day.
David Tomlinson from Solihull, is two days into a two-week break with his wife at the Sherwood Forest site.
He said the company had the opportunity to inform guests of the decision before they checked in on Monday.
Guests also took to Center Parcs' Facebook page to vent their frustration before the update was made.
"You're closing your sites at very short notice as a mark of respect, while showing very little respect for your customers," one wrote.
'Devastated'
Another said: "We were five related families getting together for our annual family holiday - with two small children and two dogs, three hours from home!
"Sorry, but this is an awful decision that has left us devastated."
They pleaded: "By all means close the restaurants and activities, but let us stay on the park!"
Rival holiday company Butlin's has said that its resorts will be staying open on Monday, with some changes to arrival times.
According to government guidance, businesses are under no obligation to close during the period of national mourning, which includes the Queen's funeral on Monday 19 September.
If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at yourqueen@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.
The route for people queuing to see the Queen lying in state at Westminster Hall has now been revealed by the government.
The line will start on the Albert Embankment, next to Lambeth Bridge, before snaking down the River Thames to Southwark Park - a distance of more than four-and-a-half miles.
Members of the public will pass famous landmarks during their wait, including the London Eye, the National Theatre, Tate Modern and HMS Belfast.
• Extra toilets and water fountains along the route • Southbank Centre, National Theatre, cafes and local businesses extending opening hours to provide refreshments • More than 1,000 volunteers, stewards and police will be on hand • BFI Southbank will have outdoor screen to show archive footage of the Queen
The Queen will lie in state from 5pm on Wednesday for four full days.
She will remain in Westminster Hall until 6.30am on the morning of her funeral on Monday 19 September, and the doors will stay open to the public 24 hours a day in that time.
Mourners who wish to file past have been warned of lengthy waits in the queue and there will be strict bag restrictions.
Those waiting in line will be issued wristbands with their number in the queue - allowing them to leave temporarily to use nearby portaloos or buy supplies.
Regular updates on queue length, the estimated wait time and when it closes will be provided on government social media accounts.
The Queen's coffin will be moved from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall on Wednesday, where it will be raised on a catafalque and draped in the Royal Standard, with the Orb and Sceptre placed on top.
It will be guarded by a vigil of units from the Sovereign's Bodyguard, the Household Division or Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London, and from 5pm mourners will be able to walk past to pay their respects.
The entire route has step free access. However, a separate accessible route will begin at Tate Britain, where timed entry slots will be issued for those who need it.
When queuers reach the front, they will be directed across the bridge and into Victoria Tower Gardens, before passing through airport-style security to enter the Palace of Westminster.
Image:The Queen's coffin was returned to London on Tuesday evening
"People wishing to attend the lying in state, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions, are encouraged to check the guidance, plan accordingly and be prepared for significant wait times, including possibly overnight," said the government guidance.
"Members of the public are also urged to check for travel updates, plan their journey and check times for last services. People should also check the list of prohibited items as certain items and large bags will need to be left in a bag drop facility, which has limited capacity."
Guide dogs, hearing dogs and other official assistance dogs will be allowed into Westminster Hall, and British Sign Language interpreters will be available.
Extra facilities along the way
An army of 1,000 dedicated volunteers - including more than 100 Scouts - stewards and Metropolitan Police officers will be on hand to help, and extra facilities will be placed along the way, including toilets and water fountains.
But take advantage when you see them, as staff involved in the logistics told Sky News they were worried there wouldn't be enough, saying: "There will be queues within the queues to get to the portaloos.
"There might be a lot of crossed legs. I would advise people to have very little liquid. It's a practical issue."
Image:The signs for the queue route began to be put up on Tuesday morning - Pic: Faye Brown
St John's Ambulance will also operate eight stations along the route to provide first aid if it is needed, as well as emotional support from the Samaritans and the Salvation Army.
There will be welfare support from the Red Cross, and Lambeth Palace will also arrange a street pastor multi-faith service.
A number of sites the public will pass, including the Southbank Centre, National Theatre, BFI Southbank and Shakespeare's Globe, will extend their opening hours around the clock to provide refreshments and toilet breaks to the queuers around the clock, with other local businesses expected to join in.
And the BFI will have an outdoor screen showing archive footage of the Queen throughout her reign.
For those unable to attend Westminster Hall, Sky News will provide coverage throughout the period.
'She sacrificed so much for this country'
Before the queue route was even announced, people had tried to work out the location route to start their wait early.
James Russell, 45, from Waltham Forest, came prepared with sandwiches, pasta, water - and a portable chair.
He is not expecting to get much sleep overnight - but says it's worth it to secure his prime spot in the queue.
"I will stay awake all night if I have to," he told Sky News. "I saw her mum lying in state, I was here when Diana died.
"I have lived in London all my life and I love the Royal Family and what it brings to the country."
Image:James Russell made sure to bring a fold away stool for the wait for the queue to begin - Pic: Faye Brown
Chris Imafiden, 60, from Essex, began his wait at 9am on Tuesday morning and packed some pastries and drinks to keep him going.
He will be camping out overnight but is not worried about being cold or hungry, telling Sky News: "I'm ready. No sacrifice is too much for the Queen, she has sacrificed so much for this country."
Mareian Kaewthong, 51, who lives in Wrexham, started queuing a few hours later, and while she brought some snacks, there is no main meal in her bag.
"I have not come here for eating, I have come here to see the Queen," she told us. "I don't want to miss the chance to see her, she was the best person ever."
King Charles and the Queen Consort have been shaking hands and talking to members of the public during a historic visit to Northern Ireland.
His Majesty went on a brief walkabout in Hillsborough during what is the first visit to the country by a British king in nearly 80 years.
King Charles has now visited 40 times but this is his first time as monarch.
The royal couple are now at Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland's royal residence, to meet with the country's political leaders including the vice president of Sinn Fein.
Hundreds of people are gathered in the village of Royal Hillsborough ahead of the King's arrival, with many lining the village's Main Street near the castle.
Spectators were driven into the village on shuttle buses amid a massive security operation.
The King and Queen Consort will hold a private audience with the new Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris and receive a message of condolence on behalf of the country's people from the speaker of Stormont Assembly Alex Maskey.
Image:King Charles III is greeted by Ella Smith aged 10, and Lucas Watt aged 10, at Belfast City Airport
Image:King Charles III waves to onlookers after arriving at Belfast City Airport
They will then be joined by members of the public for a reception at the castle hosted by Mr Heaton-Harris.
The royal couple will also meet Sinn Fein's vice president Michelle O'Neill.
The meeting highlights the rapid evolution of Irish republican politics over the last decade.
Back in 2011, Sinn Fein was widely-criticised for boycotting the Queen's state visit to Ireland. It was the first state visit by a British monarch since Ireland won independence from Britain a century ago.
Once finished with their engagements at the castle, King Charles and Camilla will then travel to St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast for a service of reflection for the life of the Queen.
People have already started gathering outside the cathedral ahead of the King's visit later this afternoon.
Irish President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina, Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney are due to attend the memorial service there.
The royal couple will also meet leaders from all the major faiths in Northern Ireland.
Image:Hundreds of people have gathered outside Hillsborough Castle
Members of the public have been invited to line the streets between the castle and the cathedral as King Charles and Camilla will travel along Main Street and Lisburn Street in Hillsborough, before heading to Belfast along Wellington Place, Donegall Square North, Chichester Street and Victoria Street.
The King and Queen Consort will also visit Writers' Square in Belfast, which will be closed to the public.
The royal couple were greeted by a group of dignitaries including the new Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris at Belfast City Airport after their flight from Edinburgh.
Image:Flowers and tributes have been laid outside Hillsborough Castle after the death of the Queen
Lord Lieutenant of Belfast Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle and Belfast City Airport chief executive Matthew Hall were also present as the King and Queen Consort left their plane just after noon.
Ella Smith and Lucas Watt, both 10, of Forge Integrated Primary School in Belfast, presented the King with a gift of truffles with an image of the Giant's Causeway on the tin, while Camilla was given a small posy of flowers taken from the gardens of Hillsborough Castle.
The monarch and the Queen Consort, who are on their Operation Spring Tide tour around the UK, will travel back to London later where the monarch will receive his mother's coffin at Buckingham Palace.
Meanwhile, the Queen's coffin will make a poignant journey to the palace from St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.
Members of the public are already queueing for the Queen's lying in state at Westminster Hall in London, which opens on Wednesday, and thousands are still placing flowers and tributes in Green Park.
