Amid mounting pressure from MPs and recent polling setbacks, Starmer has reversed his stance on winter fuel payments, signalling a significant shift in response to growing concerns over cost-of-living support.
The EU’s proposed measure aims to introduce a fee on low-cost Chinese imports, targeting retailers such as Temu and Shein, as part of broader efforts to address concerns over competition and product standards.
At a showpiece summit, the UK and the EU orchestrated a post-Brexit reset of trade ties, introducing concessions on fisheries and addressing youth mobility as they aim to strengthen cooperation.
Boutique lenders, buoyed by post-pandemic optimism, are driving a surge in blank-cheque SPAC deals worth $9bn so far this year, with investors anticipating more lenient oversight coupled with renewed enthusiasm for these specialised investment vehicles.
Pharmaceutical group Novo removed its leader following a steep drop in share value, increasing competition in the obesity drug market, and reduced profit forecasts, raising concerns about the firm’s future performance.
Economic growth has reached its fastest pace in a year, buoyed by strong services performance and offering a brief boost for Labour, yet economists caution that forthcoming tariffs on international trade could temper any further expansion.
Post-Brexit negotiations have stalled over fishing rights and youth mobility, prompting EU demands for fresh concessions and rising Tory alarm about further rule-taking.
Beijing has voiced alarm over a proposed UK–US trade deal, warning that certain provisions could harm economic ties and urging London to reconsider its approach, as officials fear the agreement may overshadow any renewed cooperation with China.
China and the US have agreed a truce in their trade tensions, finalising a deal to reduce punitive tariffs for a set period and sparking renewed market optimism.
Heightened US trade levies have prompted rapid moves to replace overseas parts in sectors such as chemicals and semiconductors, with negotiators claiming some progress while domestic self-reliance plans gather momentum.