Is The Bank Of England Independent When It Comes To Brexit?

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By David Cobham, Heriot-Watt University

The Bank of England has been attacked by Leave campaigners for articulating what they deem to be pro-government, pro-Remain views about Brexit, when it should supposedly be independent. Governor Mark Carney’s comment that leaving the EU is the “biggest domestic risk to financial stability” provoked the criticism that he is breaching the bank’s independence. But it seems more likely that this is a case of shooting the messenger in order to distract attention from the message.

Trump University Salesman Speaks Out: "With Donald Trump, You Always Have To Read The Fine Print"

Trump University Salesman Speaks Out In American Future Fund Ad: "With Donald Trump, You Always Have To Read The Fine Print"

A former Trump University salesman speaks out against the presidential candidate in a seven-figure Florida ad buy by American Future Fund (AFF), warning voters that, "with Donald Trump, you always have to read the fine print."

Cliff, the former salesman, explains that he is telling "the true story" about Trump's course, which is the subject of two class-action lawsuits and an action by the office of the New York State Attorney General, which labeled it a "bait-and-switch" scheme.

Cliff underscores that the course, which changed its name five years after the State Education Department sent a letter stating it could not use the term "university," was "D-rated on the Better Business Bureau" and speaks of "non-stop calls with complaints."

Is Britain Safer In Or Out Of The European Union? This One's A No Brainer

PA/Gareth Fuller

By Christopher J. Fuller, University of Southampton

Ever since the Islamic State assault on Paris in November 2015, Brexit campaigners have sought to draw a link between Britain’s partnership with Europe, and the vulnerability of its cities to similar attacks. In the days after the atrocities, prominent Leave proponent Richard Tice took direct aim at In campaigners when he said: “never again should they say the United Kingdom is safer in the European Union.”

Until Britain takes back control of its borders, argues UKIP’s Nigel Farage, it cannot be “isolated” from the threat posed by Islamic extremists. The use of the word “isolated” should not be overlooked – it holds a special place in history, and reveals the fantasy in the thinking of those advocating the UK’s exit.

The belief that, in an ever-more interconnected world, Britain’s geography could somehow allow its government to pull up the drawbridge, as if Britain is some sort of impenetrable fortress, is simplistic and old-fashioned.

Timefire VR Announces First Virtual Reality City

Hypatia - The First City in Virtual Reality created by Timefire www.timefirevr.com
(PRNewsFoto/TIMEFIRE VR)

Hypatia Revolutionizes Gaming Market With Focus on Immersive Social Environment

Timefire LLC, an Arizona tech company, announces the most advanced virtual reality city arriving this year, called Hypatia. This immersive social environment will focus on providing rich cultural and educational experiences, while also offering an entertaining setting where collaboration and creativity are the currency. On the more than 70 miles of streets in Hypatia its citizens will stroll among the tree lined canals, be able to take in a play or attend a concert, visit a museum, paint using 2D and 3D tools, explore, shop, or kick back and read a holographic book from their virtual smart phone.

Donald Trump's Grandfather Was An Illegal Migrant And 'Trojan Horse'

Beware Trojan horses. Gage Skidmore/flickr, CC BY-SA

By Stefan Manz, Aston University

During New Year celebrations in Cologne, there were more than 500 reported attacks against women, including robbery and sexual assault. Most of the suspects are of North African origin, and some are thought to have entered the country illegally or as asylum seekers.

The news was welcome campaign fodder for US presidential hopeful Donald Trump. Referring to German chancellor Angela Merkel’s open door policy on refugees from Syria, he commented in his usual rhetoric: “I don’t know what the hell she is thinking”.

Trump went on to say that he did not want to have “people coming in from migration from Syria (sic)” as these were aggressive young men who “look like they should be on the wrestling team”. More dangerously still, Trump believed such people could act as terrorist “Trojan horses”.