World leaders in business, politics and economics gathered at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Pronouncing globalisation to be in the midst of a “major crisis,” President Macron of France called for a “global contract” between nation-states, their populations and private businesses – with collective duties to invest, to share and to protect. His globalist outlook contrasts starkly with President Trump’s nationalist ‘America First’ agenda, but the US president told the summit that, “‘America First’ does not mean America alone.” His relatively conventional speech was cautiously welcomed by delegates, but the president was booed when he attacked the “nasty, mean and fake” press.

 

Chancellor Philip Hammond caused a stir when he said that Britain’s relationship with the EU would change “hopefully very modestly” after Brexit. Facing uproar from a number of Conservative backbenchers, Downing Street issued a striking rebuke: “While we want a deep and special economic partnership with the EU after we leave, these could not be described as very modest changes.” The episode illustrates the continued divisions within the Conservative Party over the government’s negotiation position ahead of the second phase of Brexit talks, due to begin in March. With Tory Eurosceptics openly critical of Theresa May’s approach, it is possible that the Prime Minister will face a snap leadership election.

 

Workers at Bombardier breathed a sigh of relief after a crucial ruling by the US International Trade Commission. The Canadian aerospace manufacturer had been accused by US rival Boeing of “dumping” its new C-Series jets in the American market. The US Department of Commerce initially responded by imposing 292% tariffs on the 130-seater aircraft sold in the US, jeopardising a key deal with Delta. However, in a unanimous decision, the ITC rejected Boeing’s injury claims – overturning the punitive tariffs and providing greater job security to some 1,000 Belfast workers who make the wings for C-Series aircraft. It is understood, however, that approximately 100 workers will still lose their jobs in spite of the favourable ITC ruling.

 

At Stormont, Karen Bradley chaired a fresh round of talks between Northern Ireland’s main political parties. “The gaps are narrow but there are still significant differences to overcome” between Sinn Féin and the DUP, the new Secretary of State said. This time the UUP, SDLP and Alliance will also be represented in the formal discussions. Similar to the approach of her predecessor, Mrs Bradley did not set an official deadline for the latest round of talks, but the head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, David Sterling, has warned that a budget must be in place by 8 February.

 

Boris Johnson inadvertently sparked a debate on the merits of a bridge between Northern Ireland and Scotland. The Foreign Secretary said it was “ridiculous” that Britain and France are connected only by a single railway line, and suggested that a 22-mile bridge across the English Channel could enhance transport links between the two countries. The UK Chamber of Shipping issued a sceptical response, noting that, “a huge concrete structure in the middle of the world’s busiest shipping lane might come with some challenges.” But the idea gained greater traction in a different Channel: the North Channel. Leading architect Professor Alan Dunlop suggested that a bridge between Scotland and Northern Ireland could cost as little as £15 billion and create a “Celtic Powerhouse.” The DUP has previously called for a feasibility study into the idea, but critics have called for attention to be focused on improving Northern Ireland’s existing infrastructure.

 

Also published on Medium.