Latest news with #GrahamCampbell
The National
06-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
SNP left wing push back against 'inertia' over independence strategy
The SNP Socialists group said that following a committee meeting on July 2, they approved proposals to work with 'progressive left organisations' and interest groups to shape the SNP's policy platform ahead of the Holyrood 2026 election. Ahead of the party's upcoming conference in October, the left-wing branch have said they want to make sure that the party membership is involved in defining the independence strategy, rather than party bosses. Co-convener Graham Campbell, an SNP Glasgow councillor, said that the group don't think the party's position has been 'strong enough', particularly in the wake of the shock by-election loss to Scottish Labour in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse. READ MORE: New poll predicts Reform Westminster win with no Scottish MPs In a statement seen exclusively by The National, SNP Socialists said that the executive committee met to 'approve proposals to work jointly with other progressive left organisations within the party affiliates and interest groups in order to help shape the SNP's policy platform and election manifesto at this year's Annual Conference'. They continued: 'We're doing this for two reasons. First, to tackle the seeming inertia in some sections of the party bureaucracy towards forming a strategy for achieving our main goal of independence. 'Secondly, to ensure that the SNP membership is fully involved in defining that strategy. 'We call upon the NEC to accelerate that process since many party members and delegates clearly expressed their views to us at the National Council in Perth on June 21st and after the Hamilton by-election loss on June 5th. We want them to be heard: Loud and Clear.' Graham CampbellThe SNP National Council met in June, with First Minister John Swinney chairing an open forum for members to put their views to him on independence. But SNP Socialists insist that ahead of the Holyrood 2026 election, the party must put forward a 'progressive left, democratic socialist, manifesto'. 'We must therefore inspire hope for Independence as THE vehicle for radical change,' the statement continued, adding that changing council tax, reforming land ownership, taxing wealth, tackling the housing emergency and climate change, must be central to what the party puts forward to voters. 'We are determined to make sure that SNP members and activists are at the centre of party policy-making discussions and decisions come October's Annual Conference in Aberdeen,' the statement concluded. 'Only an SNP victory can guarantee we keep taking the necessary next steps towards an independent Scotland.' READ MORE: Details emerge of Scottish arm of new Jeremy Corbyn party Speaking to The National, Campbell (above) said: 'We don't think that the lessons have been fully learned quickly enough around Hamilton, or indeed just generally. 'Even independence supporters know that we don't have a judicial route to a referendum, they know that we can't do it that way. 'It is obviously wrong for us to call for a second mandate to do that, when it [a referendum] can be blocked. 'So then is a de facto referendum going to be the strategy? It wasn't clear from the National Council whether that's been ruled out. We're no wiser after two conferences to discuss that specifically.' Campbell argued that part of achieving independence will be 'inspiring people', but that the party needs to work on the vision it is putting forward to voters. He said that the SNP should be making clear the policies that make lives better for Scots could be at risk if the party loses power – such as mitigating the two-child benefit cap and bedroom tax. Campbell added that the party then needs to relate manifesto pledges to 'how they relate to an independent country'. 'We need to be spelling out clearly what the content [of independence] is so people know what they're voting for,' he added. 'I think if it's clearer what independence means then you have more of a means, the right to have that focus on the doorsteps, because at the moment they just see it as an abstract thing.' Campbell admitted that First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney had tried to put more 'flesh on the bones' of the content of independence, but that it needs to be set out simply and clearly to voters. Responding, SNP depute leader Keith Brown said: 'The SNP will use the period from now until the 2026 election to make the case for Scotland's right to choose its own future – offering a forward-thinking manifesto that reflects the priorities of modern Scotland. 'We welcome all ideas to that which would help create a better Scotland. 'After a year of let downs from the UK Labour Government, it's clear that real change will never come from Westminster – only the SNP will stand up for Scotland and offer a better future with independence.'
The Herald Scotland
28-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Investing: 'False economy' of lower fees amid US dominance
The cost of dealing, commission or spread always ended up as being insignificant compared to the impact of the investment decision. Last year, according to the London Stock Exchange, investors withdrew £15.13 billion from active UK strategies. In April 2003 UK investors held around 66% of their assets in equity funds. Today it is less than 50%. Alternative assets have no doubt taken some share, but the biggest impact has been the use of ETFs (exchange-traded funds). These funds have, rightly, displaced many active funds that charged high fees for a portfolio very similar to that of the index. With annual costs of around 20 basis points for the most popular global equity ETFs, they have provided low cost and strong performance. However, financial products are often undone by their own popularity, and they rarely provide a free lunch forever. The largest indices that passive funds follow are now heavily skewed towards a few countries, companies and sectors. The US now dominates. The MSCI World Index, which should maybe be renamed, has over 74% exposure to the US, with the top 10 holdings being US companies, including all of the Magnificent 7 (Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, Nvidia, and Tesla). This is way beyond the US's share of global GDP which is closer to a third. While share prices should follow earnings, not GDP, corporate valuations must still be anchored to something real for them to make sense. Accordingly, the US appears over-represented in this index and does not provide the diversification that some investors might expect. These products may also have implications for investors seeking regular cash returns. US companies are well-known to prefer buybacks to those in other regions, and the dividend yield on the S&P 500 is now barely above 1%. Not only do buybacks increase the risk of market timing, but the lack of dividends hints at another potential unpleasant surprise – earnings per share can be far removed from cash per share. Indices can also contain companies with a different problem – paying out too much cash. This is especially the case in high yielding sectors that often take on too much leverage and end up cutting their dividends. It might cost slightly more to ensure that an income-focused portfolio is prudently spread out, and with healthy growing dividends, but that is a price I consider well worth paying. The most dangerous periods in financial markets are often preceded by a common condition: everyone crowded in the same room, and someone shouts fire. Lower expenses are in everyone's interests, as are more choice and competition. But not if it comes at the cost of patience, due diligence and common sense. There are important and perhaps unintended consequences when investing in index ETFs. If they result in the wrong decision at the wrong times, they will almost always outweigh any minimal savings in annual fees. Graham Campbell is co-manager of the RGI Global Income and Growth Fund
The Irish Sun
18-06-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
UK waters could see surge in shark numbers scientists say, as they seek out new habitats
BRITISH waters could soon see a surge in shark species as they seek out new habitats, scientists say. These include increasing numbers of basking and spurdog sharks - which can grow up to 1.6 metres - and thornbacks, a type of stingray with spines. Advertisement 2 Basking sharks are expected to thrive further in British waters Credit: Getty 2 The sharks, pictured here close to a Scottish Highland coast, can grow to 32ft Credit: Graham Campbell Scientists have mapped out how those at threat of extinction will migrate for a better chance of survival as sea temperatures rise. The research - undertaken by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) - showed native oysters will be amongst the biggest winners. Experts say mobile species will cope best, but static creatures could struggle to adapt - with fears the sea pen could lose as much as 40 percent of their habitat by the end of the century. The ocean quahog, a type of clam that can live more than 500 years, is also predicted to find it harder to adapt. Advertisement Read more news Bryony Townhill, marine scientist at Cefas, told "Any changes that we see in our seas are particularly impactful." She added that movement of the 19 species could result in bigger catches for fishermen in coastal communities. I went to see basking sharks off Irish coast and I can't believe how lucky I was Professor John Pinnegar, director of the Cefas Marine Climate Change Centre, said the biggest surprise from the findings was the possibility of native oysters thriving. Advertisement Most read in The Sun "They've been declining and disappearing for 100 years - and yet the climate model suggests they should be doing fine and perhaps even thriving," he explained. Prof Pinnegar said although there is potential for new habitats, the vulnerable species still need protecting from the likes of fishing equipment, disease and pollution. Basking sharks are the second-largest living shark after the whale shark, and can grow up to 10 metres, or 32ft. They are not, however, a threat to humans, and live on plankton. Advertisement
Scottish Sun
18-06-2025
- Science
- Scottish Sun
UK waters could see surge in shark numbers scientists say, as they seek out new habitats
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITISH waters could soon see a surge in shark species as they seek out new habitats, scientists say. These include increasing numbers of basking and spurdog sharks - which can grow up to 1.6 metres - and thornbacks, a type of stingray with spines. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Basking sharks are expected to thrive further in British waters Credit: Getty 2 The sharks, pictured here close to a Scottish Highland coast, can grow to 32ft Credit: Graham Campbell Scientists have mapped out how those at threat of extinction will migrate for a better chance of survival as sea temperatures rise. The research - undertaken by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) - showed native oysters will be amongst the biggest winners. Experts say mobile species will cope best, but static creatures could struggle to adapt - with fears the sea pen could lose as much as 40 percent of their habitat by the end of the century. The ocean quahog, a type of clam that can live more than 500 years, is also predicted to find it harder to adapt. Bryony Townhill, marine scientist at Cefas, told BBC News: "As an island nation, we're hugely reliant on the sea for our food and for jobs. "Any changes that we see in our seas are particularly impactful." She added that movement of the 19 species could result in bigger catches for fishermen in coastal communities. I went to see basking sharks off Irish coast and I can't believe how lucky I was Professor John Pinnegar, director of the Cefas Marine Climate Change Centre, said the biggest surprise from the findings was the possibility of native oysters thriving. "They've been declining and disappearing for 100 years - and yet the climate model suggests they should be doing fine and perhaps even thriving," he explained. Prof Pinnegar said although there is potential for new habitats, the vulnerable species still need protecting from the likes of fishing equipment, disease and pollution. Basking sharks are the second-largest living shark after the whale shark, and can grow up to 10 metres, or 32ft. They are not, however, a threat to humans, and live on plankton.
Associated Press
30-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Acquires First Capital Financial Services
ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. today announced the acquisition of New Zealand-based First Capital Financial Services (First Capital) and its affiliate First Capital Wealth Management. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. First Capital is a financial advisory firm providing wealth management, risk management and employee benefits services to corporate clients and individuals throughout New Zealand from offices in Christchurch and Auckland. Hugh Percy and the First Capital team will operate under the direction of Graham Campbell, head of Gallagher's employee benefits and HR consulting operations in Australia and New Zealand. 'First Capital has a client-focused culture like our own and offers an excellent opportunity to expand our benefits consulting capabilities in the region,' said J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., Chairman and CEO. 'I am excited to welcome Hugh and his associates to our growing, global team.' Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG), a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Gallagher provides these services in approximately 130 countries around the world through its owned operations and a network of correspondent brokers and consultants. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
