Latest news with #Lowe


Middle East Eye
a day ago
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
British pro-Israel MP suggests Palestine Action activists should expect to be shot
British MP Rupert Lowe has suggested the Palestine Action activists who recently infiltrated a military base to spray-paint planes should have expected to be fired at. The independent parliamentarian said in a post on X on Thursday that "if you break into a military base with the intent to cause damage, you should expect to be shot," adding that "nobody of sound mind would disagree". The British government is set to ban the direct action group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation after activists broke into RAF Brize Norton, the largest airbase in Britain, last week and spray-painted two planes while on electric scooters. The activists then evaded security and escaped the base, which they said they targeted because flights leave there daily "for RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, a base used for military operations in Gaza and across the Middle East". Lowe was embroiled in an antisemitism scandal last month after a leaked recording showed him remarking on the size of a camera, saying: "In days gone by you'd call it a Jewish camera, but that would be politically incorrect. Because it's so small." New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters The MP was previously a member of Nigel Farage's anti-immigration Reform party, but was suspended in March after calling Reform a "protest party led by the Messiah" and criticising Farage. Lowe has been vocally pro-Israel and said on 11 June in a Facebook post: "Getting rather fed up of MPs spending their time opining about Palestine rather than focusing on what's actually happening in the country they're supposed to represent." Israel's war on Gaza: Who are Palestine Action? Read More » In February, he said that "not a single Palestinian 'refugee' should be allowed to settle in the UK". Lowe has also called for bans on non-stun halal and kosher slaughter and face veils. Earlier this month, the MP revealed he asked his gamekeeper to shoot his 17-year-old dog in the back of the head at his estate in Gloucestershire. He said the dog, Cromwell, could no longer use his back legs and described his decision as "humane". He did not take the dog to a vet, he added, because dogs often panic when they visit a vet. Banning Palestine Action Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said she will bring legislation to proscribe the group Palestine Action before Parliament on 30 June. Several MPs, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, have voiced opposition to the move, describing it as an attack on the right to protest. If passed, the legislation will designate the pro-Palestine group as a proscribed terrorist organisation, making it illegal not only to be a member of the group but also to show support for it. It would mark the first time a direct action group has been proscribed in the UK, placing Palestine Action on a par with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) under British law. Palestine Action have launched a fundraising campaign to challenge the ban.

AU Financial Review
a day ago
- Business
- AU Financial Review
Lowe backs GST, company tax shake-up
Former Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe has urged the Albanese government to consider raising and broadening the GST and lowering company taxes as part of a broader overhaul of the taxation system that ensures future generations enjoy higher living standards than their parents. In a wide-ranging interview with AFR Weekend that also touched on housing, monetary policy and artificial intelligence, Lowe said lifting the 10 per cent GST while encouraging greater investment through cuts to income and company taxes could be 'a sensible reform'.

Finextra
2 days ago
- Business
- Finextra
Yaspa names Chris Lowe CFO
Award-winning open banking fintech Yaspa has named Chris Lowe as its new Chief Financial Officer. 0 This content is provided by an external author without editing by Finextra. It expresses the views and opinions of the author. Lowe brings more than a decade of experience to the position, with a proven record of helping growth-stage companies scale at speed via a blend of core finance leadership and strategic roles. Yaspa is an award-winning fintech providing instant payments and identity services, using open banking and AI to help iGaming platforms build trust through smarter payments. Headquartered in London, Yaspa works with partners in the UK and Ireland and across Europe. Lowe, a qualified chartered accountant, has been working as fractional CFO for Yaspa since October 2024 through his position as Chief Strategy Officer at Irish finance consultancy Fitzgerald Power. He is now joining Yaspa full-time to help accelerate the company's growth trajectory, with imminent plans to expand into new geographic regions and industry sectors. Lowe's expertise in financial modelling and fund raising has helped previous clients grow from start up, to scale up and beyond; his appointment comes as Yaspa enters a critical stage in its evolution. Lowe said: 'It's a hugely exciting time to join Yaspa on its growth journey. I'm energised by companies at this stage, where things are moving fast and the market opportunity is clear with strong tailwinds. I thrive on bringing clarity to complexity through the numbers, helping to chart a confident course through dynamic conditions, and I'm looking forward to building closer relationships with the talented growing team.' Yaspa CEO James Neville said: 'Chris has already made a significant impact during his time as fractional CFO, helping us sharpen our financial strategy as we prepare for our next phase of growth. 'His experience scaling fast-moving businesses and navigating complex financial environments makes him the ideal person to lead Yaspa's finance function full-time. We're delighted to have him on board as we expand into new markets and continue building a category-defining business.'


Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Massive New Balance sale live from $19 at Amazon — 15 early Prime Day deals I'd shop on sneakers and apparel
Prime Day is approaching, but Amazon's not holding back with a massive New Balance sale that just went live. Right now this retailer is offering huge discounts on some of the best sneakers and apparel from New Balance, and you don't want to miss out! For starters, one of the best running shoes we've tested, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V13 is on sale from $109 at Amazon. We described this as 'a do-it-all running shoe' with excellent cushioning and support. Make sure you snag a pair while you can! Or, if you're looking for an even comfier shoe to help you make the most of the summer, you can get the New Balance 202 Slide Sandal on sale from $19 at Amazon. Prices vary based on your choices of size and color, so check out the different color options in your size to find the best deals. For more savings, see our Amazon promo codes, and check out the deals I'd buy in Lowe's 4th of July sale. These New Balance slides are perfect for the summer — or any time of year, really. These have a soft-top bed that's super comfortable, even when you're on your feet all day. You can also configure them with either two or three straps for extra security. These New Balance industrial shoes have seen an impressive price drop in certain sizes. Their fresh foam cushioning makes them super comfortable even when you're on your feet all day, and they have slip-resistant outsoles to make sure you stay steady. They're billed as easy to clean, too. The versatile New Balance Nergize V3 Cross Trainers are on sale for a nice discount right now. They have a DynaSoft midsole for a soft, responsive feel underfoot and are breathable thanks to their mesh upper. I also love that some of the color options have a leopard print panel at the back for some extra style. The New Balance FuelCell Shift Trainer Cross is on sale for huge discounts in certain sizes and colors. It features a mesh upper that's lightweight and breathable, as well as FuelCell foam to propel you forward with every step. The Propel is a great value running shoe at its full price, so to get this version of it from just $48 in the sale is a snip. Plus, there's a great selection of color options to choose from. The New Balance 410 V8 trainer is a stylish running shoe to hit the trails with and it's now on sale! These are kitted out with a soft bio foam in the midsole to keep you comfortable while pounding the trails and have strategic overlays to make sure you get the most out of the pair. These flexible shoes offer plenty of support, thanks to an incredibly cushiony Fresh Foam X midsole, a TPU heel clip and a wrapped rubber outsole that looks great. With a synthetic and mesh upper and knit mesh covering the shoe's outer layer, it's also comfortable and breathable. I'm totally in love with the fresh look that these New Balance 680v6 running shoes have in the Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Sea Salt colorway. But they don't just look great, as they have a Fresh Foam midsole that supports your feet with every step. This stability shoe is an excellent choice for long runs and recovery days. It's not made to win any races, but it's supportive, durable, and planted with every stride, thanks to its wide, sturdy outsole and well-cushioned midsole. It even made our list of the best running shoes you can buy. We gave the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v4 shoes four-stars in our full review, calling the carbon-plated runners "a great-looking, marathon-friendly shoe that can handle a mixture of paces." This racing shoe is powered by the FuelCell midsole and thinner carbon fiber plate to make transitions smooth and stable. Dominate your workout with this fast-drying tank that wicks moisture away from your body. Made with soft poly knit material and a racerback design, the tank features a standard fit that is true to size. These New Balance shorts are a great buy for workouts in hot weather. Their high-rise, snug fit is flattering and supportive, without restricting movement. And they're made with NB DRYx premium, which wicks sweat off your body to keep you feeling dry and fresh. It's nice to have a layer to protect your skin from the elements while you're working out, and this option from New Balance is great — especially with a discount. It features long sleeves and a shiny reflective New Balance logo at the side. Plus, it's made of NB DRYx premium that'll wick sweat off your body. In unpredictable weather conditions, it's easy to find excuses not to get outside to train. With New Balance's Space Dye 1/4 Zip, you'll have no excuse as it'll keep you motivated and warm without overheating. It's a versatile layer that you can easily pull on and off as you get further into your workout. With fast-drying, moisture-wicking material, these shorts also pack an internal brief to minimize seams and provide a frictionless run. There's a back zip pocket, too.

Herald Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- Herald Sun
Dendy Cinemas pays $20k to ACCC, watchdog to investigate ticket prices
Don't miss out on the headlines from National. Followed categories will be added to My News. Australia's consumer watchdog says they investigating movie ticket pricing across the industry, after a major chain was fined almost $20,000 for their pricing practices. The parent company of Dendy Cinema, which operates six locations on Australia's east coast, has paid $19,800 after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) alleged it had been engaging in 'drip-pricing'. The ACCC says Dendy allegedly failed to prominently display the total single price for tickets - including the unavoidable booking fee - at the earliest opportunity in the booking process. 'Instead, Dendy displayed prices that did not include the unavoidable per-ticket booking fee, and did not display a total price for tickets until consumers reached the final stages of the online transaction,' the watchdog said. ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said businesses needed to be upfront about the minimum cost of their products under Australian Consumer Law. Dendy Cinema Pty Ltd has paid an almost $20,000 fine to the ACCC. 'By initially only displaying part of the total price for a movie ticket, Dendy has reduced the ability of consumers to make an informed purchasing decision,' Ms Lowe said. 'Consumers are sometimes lured into purchases they would not otherwise have made when businesses display only part of the price upfront, and reveal the total price only towards the end of the purchasing process.' Following the action, the ACCC is looking industry-wide at cinema ticket pricing practices to ensure theatres are complying with the law. 'We encourage all businesses to review their online pricing practices to ensure they are complying with their obligations under the law, including providing the total minimum quantifiable price of products and services in their advertising and at the earliest opportunity in the booking process,' Ms Lowe said. The ACCC has previously taken action against online travel agent Webjet for similar practices in November last year. Webjet was alleged to have advertised minimum prices that did not include compulsory fees. Originally published as Dendy Cinemas fined for 'drip-pricing' tickets, ACCC to investigate industry ticket prices