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| 15-06-2025 |
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Welcome to the weekly international news from Stockmark.IT - covering the news that affecting international financial markets.
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Ryanair introduces £500 penalty for disruptive passengers
Ryanair, Europe largest budget airline, has announced a new policy imposing a £500 fine on passengers deemed disruptive and subsequently removed from flights. The airline described this as the minimum penalty, with potential civil damages pursued in addition. This policy aims to deter unacceptable behaviour by a minority of travellers, which often causes unnecessary disruption […]
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Dubai chocolate sparks allergy concerns amid rogue imports and labelling risks
Pistachio-filled Dubai chocolate is taking the UK dessert market by storm, boasting a luxurious filling of pistachio cream and tahini encased with knafeh, a celebrated Arab dessert. However, while the popular sweet treat enjoys viral attention on platforms like TikTok, food safety regulators are raising concerns over rogue imports potentially endangering consumers with allergies. The […]
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BYD launches cheapest electric car in UK aiming to rival Tesla
Chinese carmaker BYD has officially unveiled its most affordable model, the Dolphin Surf, in the UK. Priced at £18,650, it stands among the lowest-priced new vehicles available in Britain. This introduction forms a critical part of BYD strategy to surpass Tesla as the world largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer. Tesla remains the dominant supplier of […]
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Gibraltar agrees 15% sales tax in post Brexit deal with Spain
Gibraltar has agreed to impose a 15% sales tax on goods as part of a significant post-Brexit agreement with Spain, ensuring alignment with EU taxation standards. The move, described by officials as historic, aims to integrate the British overseas territory into the border-free Schengen zone and facilitate its connection with the EU customs union. The […]
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The dollar hits three year low as FTSE 100 reaches record high investors turn to alternative markets and currencies
The US dollar plummeted to its lowest level in over three years on Thursday as signs of a slowing economy and rising government debt deterred investors from holding the once-dominant currency. Weakness in the jobs market coupled with erratic policy manoeuvres from the White House have dramatically shifted market confidence, while the Federal Reserve likely […]
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Britain on track to become National Health State as NHS spending dominates
Britain is on course to become a National Health State, with half of all public spending reportedly set to be allocated to the NHS and social care by the end of the decade. This projection comes from the Resolution Foundation, a prominent thinktank, citing a dramatic shift in priorities outlined in the Chancellor Rachel Reeves […]
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Halma reports 46th year of rising dividends and continues profitable growth
Halma, a FTSE 100-listed company known for its consistent performance, has recorded its 22nd consecutive year of profitable growth and its 46th successive year of rising dividends. The company, which operates through 50 autonomous subsidiaries across the globe, continues to demonstrate resilience amidst market uncertainties. For the year ending in March, Halma announced an 11 […]
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Pod Point acquired by EDF in £10m deal
EDF, the French energy giant, has secured the acquisition of Pod Point, the electric vehicle (EV) charging company, for a £10 million cash offer. This marks a significant moment for the business, which was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 2021 with a valuation of £345 million. The deal represents a 24 per cent […]
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Tesco Posts Strong Sales Growth as Price Battle Intensifies
Tesco has exceeded market expectations with a strong sales performance in the first quarter, reporting like-for-like sales growth of 5.1% in its UK operations. For the 13 weeks ending 24 May, the supermarket giant achieved revenues of £12.3 billion, surpassing analysts’ projections of 4.6% growth. The group overall revenues, including its operations in Ireland, Central […]
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Poundland Sold to US Investment Firm for £1
Struggling discount retailer Poundland has been sold to the American investment company Gordon Brothers for a nominal fee of £1. The acquisition transfers all 818 stores and the jobs of 16,000 employees to the Boston-based firm. Gordon Brothers, known for rescuing distressed businesses, plans a restructuring aimed at ensuring the firm’s survival. The deal includes […]
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UK economy contracts unexpectedly by 0.3% in April
The UK economy shrank by 0.3 per cent in April, a noticeably sharper downturn than economists had forecast. This follows a 0.2 per cent growth in March, with April contraction attributed to the impacts of new tariffs and increases in national insurance contributions faced by employers. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed […]
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Tesco supports M&S and Co-op during crippling cyberattack
In a remarkable display of unity within the highly competitive retail industry, Tesco stepped in to provide supplies to Marks & Spencer (M&S) and several Co-op branches after the two chains were hit by a devastating cyberattack. The assistance, revealed by Tesco CEO Ken Murphy, highlights the extent of disruption caused by the attack and […]
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Boeing Shares Plunge Amid Safety Scare After Air India Disaster
Boeing stock suffered a sharp decline following a tragic Air India crash involving a 787-8 Dreamliner, deepening investor concerns over the safety of the aerospace giant products. The aircraft, carrying more than 240 passengers and crew, including 53 Britons, crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport in western India. This marks the first fatal crash […]
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British Exports to US Plunge Amid Record Monthly Decline
British exports to the United States have experienced their most significant monthly decline on record, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In April, the value of UK goods exported to the US dropped sharply by £2 billion compared to March, falling from £6 billion to £4 billion. This marks the steepest […]
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Evri and DHL UK Parcel Arm Merger Under CMA Investigation
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into the proposed merger between Evri and DHL UK e-commerce division. This deal has the potential to create one of Britain largest parcel delivery firms. The CMA is evaluating whether the merger will significantly reduce competition within the delivery industry, a sector critical to […]
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BT considers takeover of struggling rival TalkTalk
BT, the UK’s largest broadband provider, is reportedly considering the possibility of acquiring TalkTalk, the fourth-largest telecoms group, which has been grappling with substantial financial challenges and a dwindling customer base. Although no formal approaches have been made and no negotiations have been entered into, the idea of such a deal has been the topic […]
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Meta to Announce $15 Billion Pound Push into AI Superintelligence
Meta, led by chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, is poised to announce a groundbreaking £11bn ($15bn) investment aimed at achieving computerised superintelligence. Reports indicate that the social media giant will acquire a 49% stake in Scale AI, the burgeoning artificial intelligence start-up co-founded by Alexandr Wang and Lucy Guo. Industry observers have described this move as […]
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Labour Spending Review Focuses on NHS Defence and Housing Priorities
Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, has unveiled a bold spending review, outlining Labour’s ambitions to “renew Britain” with significant investments in health, defence, and social housing. Presented in the House of Commons, this announcement underscores the government’s commitment to reversing the effects of austerity and prioritising infrastructure, security, and public services. Reeves promised that departmental budgets […]
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UK Rental Boom Ends Rents Rise At Slowest Rate In Four Years
The cost of renting a home in the UK continues to rise, but at a significantly slower pace than in recent years. According to data from Zoopla, the average rent for new lets increased by 2.8 per cent over the past year to £1,287 per month. This represents the slowest rate of growth recorded since […]
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Class action lawsuits could cost uk economy £18 billion pounds
Class action lawsuits could create economic damage to the tune of £18 billion in the UK, according to findings by the European Centre for International Political Economy. This alarming figure surpasses the scope of several sector-specific public investment programmes and raises concerns over the economic resilience of the country. The report warns of a potential […]
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Zara owner struggles with slow summer start amid economic uncertainty
Inditex, the world largest listed clothing retailer and owner of Zara, has posted weaker-than-expected first-quarter revenues, reflecting the impact of global economic uncertainty and shifting consumer confidence. The company reported sales of ¬8.27 billion for the three months ending in April, a modest 1.5 per cent rise compared to the same period last year. However, […]
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KKR raises offer for Assura edging closer to acquisition approval
The American private equity group KKR, in collaboration with Stonepeak Partners, has increased its bid to acquire Assura, the NHS landlord, raising its offer to £1.7 billion. This revised bid marks an additional £100 million from its previous proposal and represents 52.1 pence per Assura share. In a move to secure shareholder support, the Assura […]
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High Court rules in favour of AerCap for $1bn insurance payout
In a landmark judgement, the High Court has ruled that insurers including AIG, Lloyd of London, and Chubb must pay more than $1 billion to AerCap, the world largest commercial aircraft lessor, for planes stranded in Russia since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The case represents one of the largest awards in a […]
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Disney and Universal sue AI company for stealing characters
Disney and NBCUniversal have launched a joint lawsuit against the generative AI company, Midjourney, accusing it of unlawfully using copyrighted material to train its image-producing software and create unauthorised reproductions of their intellectual property. This legal battle represents one of the first major confrontations between Hollywood content creators and artificial intelligence firms over intellectual property […]
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Gold Overtakes Euro as Second Largest Global Reserve Asset
Gold has officially surpassed the euro to become the second-largest global reserve asset, following the US dollar, according to a recent report by the European Central Bank (ECB). Rising geopolitical volatility and increasing concerns over economic sanctions have driven this shift, highlighting a growing reliance on gold among central banks worldwide. Central banks are increasingly […]
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WPP loses $1.7 billion Mars media account to Publicis
WPP has faced another significant setback by losing the $1.7 billion (£1.4 billion) global media planning and buying account for Mars to its French rival Publicis. The American company, which owns brands like Snickers, M&Ms, and Whiskas, initiated a review of its advertising and marketing strategies six months ago, leading to the decision to switch […]
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The effect of the Trump China trade deal on global markets
Global markets have responded with cautious optimism following the announcement of a “done deal” between the United States and China over raw materials exports. The agreement, which followed two days of negotiations in London, was initially celebrated by US equity markets, though uncertainties surrounding new tariffs have tempered investor sentiment. US markets saw early gains […]
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Gibraltar to End VAT Free Rule Under Landmark UK Spain Deal
Britain and Spain have reached a historic agreement to resolve long-standing tensions over Gibraltar, ending years of uncertainty heightened by Brexit. The deal introduces significant changes, including the removal of Gibraltar VAT-free regime, replacing it with a higher import levy referred to as a transaction tax. This development aims to mitigate economic distortions caused by […]
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Shrinking London Stock Market Raises Concern As UK Listings Decline Amid US Rivalry
The chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Nikhil Rathi, has defended Britain’s listing rulebook as criticism mounts over the shrinking London stock market. Speaking to the Commons Treasury Committee, Rathi addressed concerns about businesses increasingly favouring overseas markets, particularly in the United States, for their public listings. Rathi dismissed claims that the FCA […]
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Global economy faces bleakest decade since the 1960s says world bank
The global economy is projected to experience its most underwhelming decade since the 1960s, as reported by the World Bank. Recent analysis shows significant downgrades to growth expectations for nearly three-quarters of major economies, stemming largely from geopolitical trade policies and post-pandemic challenges. The World Bank forecasts an average growth rate of just 2.5 per […]
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AstraZeneca faces pressure over China operations amidst executive detention
AstraZeneca, Britain largest drugmaker, has faced sharp criticism over its handling of the detention of Leon Wang, its former head of international and China operations. Wang has reportedly remained in detention for eight months after being arrested in Shenzhen, in connection with allegations involving the illegal importation of unapproved medicines and medical insurance fraud. Despite […]
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NHS Faces Challenges Meeting Waiting Time Goals Amid Budget Boost
The NHS is projected to miss its target of treating 92 per cent of patients needing routine operations within 18 weeks, despite a significant £30 billion budget boost outlined in the recent spending review. According to internal Department of Health modelling, the health service is likely to reach just 80 per cent by the end […]
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Why Britons Are Hoarding Cash Amid Economic Uncertainty And Global Volatility
The Bank of England has reported a substantial increase in the volume of banknotes in circulation as UK households resort to hoarding cash during times of heightened economic and global instability. Data indicates this rising trend, which began in 2022, reflects concerns about unpredictable events such as cyber-attacks, inflation, and fears of banking outages. Victoria […]
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UK Unemployment Rises to Highest Level in Four Years as Job Losses Mount
The United Kingdom unemployment rate has climbed to 4.6% in the three months to April, marking the highest level since July 2021. Official figures from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reveal that over 276,000 jobs have been lost since Chancellor Rachel Reeves autumn budget, which imposed a £25 billion hike in employer national insurance contributions […]
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Major Boost Announced with £39 Billion Housing Investment to Tackle Crisis in 10 Year Plan
Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, is set to unveil a significant £39 billion investment in affordable housing as part of a transformative 10-year plan to address the UK’s worsening housing crisis. The announcement will nearly double current spending on affordable homes, bringing the government closer to its ambitious target of constructing 1.5 million new homes during […]
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Marks and Spencer Online Orders Resume Six Weeks After Cyber Attack
Marks & Spencer has reopened its online ordering service, six weeks after a cyber-attack forced the company to halt online sales. The retailer has confirmed that customers in England, Scotland, and Wales can now place standard delivery orders, with services in Northern Ireland expected to resume in the coming weeks. Additional offerings such as click […]
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Uber To Begin Self Driving Taxi Trials In London From Spring 2026 And Plan Full Rollout By 2027
Uber, in collaboration with the British tech firm Wayve, has announced plans to trial self-driving taxis on the streets of London starting in spring 2026. This initiative marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time in Europe that fully autonomous taxis, without a human safety driver, will be available for public use. […]
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EU Targets Russian Oil Revenues with Stricter Sanctions and Lower Price Cap
The European Commission has proposed reducing the price cap on Russian oil exports in a bid to tighten sanctions, further restricting the Kremlin’s revenue streams. The proposal, led by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, suggests lowering the cap to $45 (£30) per barrel, down from the current $60. This measure is intended to reduce […]
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UK Unemployment Rises to Highest Level in Four Years as Wage Growth Cools
Unemployment in the UK has climbed to its highest level in nearly four years, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The jobless rate rose to 4.6% in the three months to April, up from 4.5% in the previous period. This development marks the most significant rise in unemployment since […]
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Shifting Ad Revenue as Social Media Creators Surpass Traditional Media
Content creators on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram are set to attract more advertising income this year than traditional media outlets. This significant shift reflects a profound change in viewing habits, with audiences increasingly prioritising user-generated material over professionally produced content. According to research by WPP Media, creators are expected to see their revenues […]
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UK Quantum Computing Pioneer Oxford Ionics Sold to US Rival for $1.08 Billion
In a landmark deal for the UK’s fast-emerging quantum computing sector, Oxford Ionics, a leading quantum startup, has been acquired by US-based quantum computing firm IonQ for $1.08 billion. The acquisition highlights the growing international consolidation within the field of quantum technology as global companies seek cutting-edge expertise to secure a competitive edge. Oxford Ionics, […]
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Green Technology on the Brink of Collapse as Industry Demands Additional Four Billion in Funding
A groundbreaking green technology initiative led by Ed Miliband, the UK Energy Secretary, is under threat of collapse unless an extra £4 billion in funding is secured, according to industry leaders. Olivia Powis, the chief executive of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, has stressed the dire urgency of this funding, calling on Chancellor Rachel […]
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Nationalisation of Water Companies Could Be Achieved at Minimal Cost Says Thinktank
A recent report by the thinktank Common Wealth has argued that bringing England’s water companies into public ownership could cost the government close to nothing. Experts propose using a process known as special administration, typically employed to safeguard failing public services, to achieve this shift in ownership. This approach could be applied to companies such […]
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Lex Greensill Says SoftBank Managers Felt Threatened by His Ties to Founder
Lex Greensill has opened up in a London high court trial, revealing that several senior managers at Japanese tech investment giant SoftBank felt “threatened” by his close relationship with the company’s founder, Masayoshi Son. Greensill, whose supply chain finance company collapsed in 2021, stated that he travelled frequently to Tokyo for mentoring sessions with Son, […]
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UK Industry Leader Spectris Agrees to Takeover Bid from Advent International
Shares in Spectris, a leading British industrial technology firm, soared by over 60 per cent following news of a £3.75 billion takeover offer from New York-based private equity firm Advent International. Spectris, highly regarded for its high-tech instrumentation and testing equipment, has confirmed its board is minded to recommend unanimously the bid to shareholders. The […]
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Takeover frenzy as three british firms targeted by us companies
American investors are seizing the opportunity to acquire three London Stock Exchange-listed businesses for a combined value exceeding £5bn. Declining share prices have left several UK companies susceptible to takeovers. British semiconductor designer Alphawave, quantum computing startup Oxford Ionics and testing equipment specialist Spectris are the latest targets for US firms. Alphawave has agreed to […]
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Nato Nations Warned Defence Spending Must Rise to Five Per Cent
Mark Rutte, the secretary-general of Nato, has issued a stark warning to member states, urging them to increase their defence spending to five per cent of GDP to counter the growing military threat posed by Russia. Speaking at a Chatham House event, Rutte emphasised that the alliance is now effectively positioned on an eastern flank, […]
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Winter Fuel Payments Threshold Raised To £35,000 Restoring Support For Millions Of Pensioners
Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, has announced a significant policy reversal regarding winter fuel payments. All pensioners with an annual income of £35,000 or less will see their payments reinstated in full. This change follows a period of widespread criticism and aims to address the fallout from scrapping the universal benefit last year. The […]
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Why UK Short Term Investors Are Undervaluing JD Sports
The Chief Executive of JD Sports, Régis Schultz, has voiced concerns about the detrimental impact of short-term investor mindsets on the UK stock market. Schultz believes that such attitudes have led to a significant and unfair undervaluation of the company, which has seen its share price plummet by approximately 40 per cent over the last […]
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Blackstone President praises UK pension reforms to drive economic growth
The president of Blackstone, Jon Gray, has commended the Labour government recent pension reforms, describing them as a promising step towards boosting the UK economic potential. Speaking to The Times, Gray expressed optimism about the government focus on fostering business growth, reducing red tape, and improving global competitiveness. Gray highlighted the positive signals the government […]
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Getty Images sues Stability AI in landmark copyright case over unauthorised image use
Getty Images has initiated a landmark copyright lawsuit against Stability AI, a British artificial intelligence firm, accusing it of using millions of copyrighted images without permission to train its generative AI software. The case, being heard in the UK High Court, has been described as a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle between creative industries […]
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Ministers to Decide Which Carmakers Benefit from Reduced US Import Tariffs
Ministers in the UK are poised to make critical decisions on which British car manufacturers will benefit from lower United States import tariffs. This follows negotiations between British and American officials, aiming to finalise a tariff deal linked to the US-UK Economic Prosperity Agreement. The agreement includes favourable import duties for up to 100,000 vehicles […]
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O2 Considered Launching Premium Streaming TV Service to Rival Competitors
The owner of mobile network provider O2 is reportedly exploring the launch of a premium streaming television service under the brand name O2 TV. This move would mark a significant step for Virgin Media O2, co-owned by Telefonica and the US-based investment firm Liberty Global, following their 2021 merger. The new service could position itself […]
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Wise to shift primary stock market listing from London to New York
A prominent shareholder in Wise, the money-transfer company formerly known as TransferWise, has expressed discontent over the firm’s decision to move its primary stock market listing from London to New York. The announcement, which caused significant ripples in the City, marks a significant shift for the fintech giant, which was established in London in 2011 […]
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UK Ministers Delay AI Regulation Amid Comprehensive Legislation Plans
Proposals to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) in the UK have been delayed by at least a year, as ministers aim to introduce a more comprehensive legislative framework encompassing key issues such as safety and copyright. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has confirmed that a bumper AI bill is expected to be brought forward in the next […]
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British Steel Faces Prolonged Turmoil Over £1 Billion Dispute With Government Leading To US Tariff Risks
British Steel, the country’s last operational blast furnace, is caught in an escalating standoff between its Chinese owners, Jingye, and the UK government. The disagreement centres on a compensation demand exceeding £1 billion by Jingye for relinquishing its ownership of the company. This lingering deadlock threatens to jeopardise the future of British Steel and its […]
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UK Mortgage Guarantee Scheme Set to End Without Replacement
The UK government mortgage guarantee scheme, designed to help buyers with small deposits enter the property market, is coming to an end this month. Launched in April 2021, the scheme allows banks to purchase a government guarantee on the portion of a mortgage that covers 80% to 95% of a property value, providing lenders more […]
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Rising Pub Prices Spark Industry Concerns Amid Economic Pressures
The price of a pint in the UK is hitting record highs, driving concerns within the hospitality industry as soaring costs take their toll on publicans and customers alike. Brian Whiting, a landlord in the South East, recalls how a regular customer permanently walked out after the price of a pint of Guinness at his […]
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Heathrow third runway competition sees billionaire propose shorter cheaper plans
A new challenger has emerged in Heathrow Airport third runway expansion project as billionaire hotelier Surinder Arora unveils plans to deliver the development at a significantly lower cost. Arora, who owns considerable land near Heathrow through his property empire, has partnered with US engineering firm Bechtel to present an alternative to Heathrow’s existing proposal. The […]
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North Sea Oil and Gas Labour Government Faces Potential U Turn Amid Reform UK Pressure
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, recently visited Aberdeen, the heart of the UK oil and gas industry, to welcome a defecting Conservative councillor into his party. This is the 13th defection to Reform UK in Scotland, highlighting emerging political unrest over the government North Sea oil policies. Farage has pledged that, if elected in […]
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Meta Faces Scrutiny Over AI Driven Risk Assessments Highlighted By Campaigners Under UK Online Safety Act
Campaigners and advocacy groups have raised concerns about Meta reported plans to rely heavily on artificial intelligence for conducting risk assessments, a key requirement under the UK Online Safety Act. The law mandates social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to evaluate potential harm on their services and outline mitigation strategies with a strong […]
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UK pension funds urged to unlock billions for infrastructure investment
Britain largest corporations are being encouraged to support a new initiative proposed by Alastair King, the Lord Mayor of the City of London, aimed at channelling pensions into economically impactful projects. King, in a leadership role at the City of London Corporation, has written to chief executives of FTSE 100 companies urging them to evaluate […]
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Lord Ashcroft to Receive £67m from Marlowe Sale to Mitie
Lord Ashcroft, the billionaire investor and former Conservative Party treasurer, is set to gain £67 million following the acquisition of Marlowe by Mitie, a larger competitor. The deal consists of £44 million in cash along with £23 million in new Mitie shares. The transaction marks a significant exit for Ashcroft, who holds an 18.9 per […]
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Dr Martens will not raise prices in 2025 despite high tariffs on Vietnam and Laos production
Dr Martens has pledged to maintain its footwear prices throughout 2025, even amidst soaring US tariffs on imports from Vietnam and Laos. The iconic British footwear brand, renowned for its yellow-stitched boots, will continue sourcing 93% of its products from these South-East Asian nations, which have faced substantial tariff increases of 46% for Vietnam and […]
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Boeing faces criticism and enhanced penalties over 737 Max crash settlements
Boeing has reached a contentious $1.1 billion settlement to avoid prosecution following two devastating crashes involving its 737 Max aircraft that caused the deaths of 346 individuals. This agreement with the US Department of Justice (DoJ) includes a payment of $444.5 million to the victims families and an additional $445 million investment into improving compliance, […]
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Labours Warm Homes Plan Secures Funding in Spending Review
The UK government has confirmed that Labour £13.2 billion Warm Homes Plan will not face cuts during the upcoming spending review. This announcement signals a decisive victory for Ed Miliband, who has been advocating for the protection of this flagship energy-efficiency programme that aims to meet the nation net zero targets while reducing household energy […]
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Wise to Shift Main Listing to US in Blow to London Stock Market
Wise, the online money transfer giant, has announced its decision to move its primary share listing to the United States, representing a significant setback for the London Stock Exchange. The decision, revealed on Thursday, marks another high-profile defection from London as global companies increasingly look to the US for stronger investor bases, improved valuations, and […]
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Tata Steel Risks Exclusion From UK US Tariff Free Agreement
UK Ministers are working to ensure that Tata Steel, the country’s largest steel producer, benefits from tariff-free access to the United States under a new trade deal negotiated by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump. This deal, still awaiting final approval, aims to suspend the current 25 per cent tariffs on British […]
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Donald Trump to Meet Xi Jinping in China After Trade Discussions
Donald Trump has confirmed he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in China following a positive phone conversation discussing trade relations between the two largest economies in the world. The US President announced the development in a post on Truth Social, where he described the discussion as very good and largely centred around trade matters. […]
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Centrica Secures Ten Year Gas Deal with Equinor for UK Energy Stability
The owner of British Gas, Centrica, has signed a £20 billion agreement with Norwegian energy company Equinor to guarantee long-term gas supplies for the United Kingdom. This contract, spanning ten years from October 2025 to 2035, will provide five billion cubic metres of gas annually. This volume accounts for 10 per cent of the UK […]
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Amazon testing humanoid robots for package delivery
Amazon, the £1.47 trillion technology giant, is reportedly advancing its robotics programme with the development of humanoid robots designed for package delivery. According to sources, the company is building a humanoid park in the United States to trial these machines, with the potential to revolutionise its logistics operations. The robots, powered by Amazon’s proprietary artificial […]
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European Central Bank Reduces Interest Rates to Two Percent to Support Slowing Eurozone Growth
The European Central Bank (ECB) has announced a reduction in interest rates to 2%, marking the eighth consecutive quarter-point cut within a year. This decision aims to counteract the economic challenges faced by the 20-member eurozone, particularly following the impact of trade tensions stemming from Donald Trump policies. The latest rate adjustment brings the cost […]
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Electric Vehicle Sales Rise Despite Tesla Struggles
The UK automotive market continues to show signs of transformation as electric vehicle (EV) registrations surged in May, despite struggles from industry giant Tesla. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), approximately 32,000 pure electric cars were registered, marking a 25% increase compared to the same month last year. Electric vehicles now […]
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China considers 500 Airbus order escalating trade spat with US
China appears poised to make a significant shift in its aviation strategy by potentially ordering up to 500 aircraft from the European manufacturer Airbus. This move, reported by Bloomberg, comes as trade tensions between Beijing and Washington continue to escalate. The deal, which would include both narrow-bodied and wide-bodied aircraft, would mark a substantial increase […]
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Trump Tax Bill Projected to add $2.4 Trillion to National Debt Says Report
A recent analysis from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has revealed that former President Donald Trump flagship tax bill is expected to increase the United States national debt by £2.4 trillion over the next decade. The legislation, often dubbed Trump one big, beautiful bill, aims to extend the tax cuts implemented in 2017 while […]
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UK rental market under pressure as immigration grows
The UK rental market is facing increased strain as population growth and rising immigration levels generate higher demand for rental properties. Nigel Terrington, Chief Executive of Paragon Banking Group, has highlighted that the country lacks sufficient landlords to support the growing population, which is projected to increase by another four million people by 2032. Terrington […]
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Deliveroo drone trials in Dublin set to revolutionise takeaway delivery
Deliveroo has launched a groundbreaking trial of drone deliveries in Dublin, partnering with Irish aerial distributor Manna to explore faster and more sustainable food delivery methods. The trial, which begins in the northern suburb of Blanchardstown, will assess the feasibility of using drones to transform delivery services. Customers within a three-kilometre radius of Blanchardstown can […]
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Virgin Australia to relist on australian stock market marking major recovery
Virgin Australia is set to return to the Australian Stock Exchange five years after collapsing into administration. The airline, founded by Sir Richard Branson, plans to relist with a valuation of A$2.32 billion (£1.2 billion). This landmark flotation signals a significant step forward for the aviation and tourism industries, particularly after the turbulence of the […]
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Cobalt Holdings Pulls Out of London Flotation Amid Investor Reluctance
Cobalt Holdings, a Glencore-backed group aiming to make one of London most significant stock market debuts in over a year, has withdrawn its flotation plans after struggling to secure sufficient investor interest. Initially intended to raise $230 million, or $2.56 per share, the move highlights ongoing challenges for London financial centre as it contends with […]
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What now for Thames Water as rescue deal collapses
Thames Water, Britain’s largest water company, has once again found itself in precarious waters after the collapse of a high-profile rescue deal. US private equity giant KKR, following weeks of due diligence and negotiations, has officially withdrawn its bid to take over the heavily indebted firm. The news has left Thames Water creditors scrambling to […]
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UK Faces Pressure to Accelerate Defence Spending Amid Global Tensions
Britain is under escalating pressure from both the United States and its own defence experts to significantly boost defence spending without delay. US officials, alongside NATO leaders, have urged the UK to commit to spending at least 5 per cent of GDP on defence and security. This increase would constitute a strategic response to growing […]
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Labour Government Announces Changes to Winter Fuel Payments amidst Criticism and Economic Challenges
The Labour Government has initiated significant changes to the winter fuel payment system following public backlash over its initial decision to cut the benefit. Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that the payments will be reinstated and more pensioners will qualify for support this winter. This decision comes after weeks of uncertainty and concerns about the potential […]
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Tesla UK sales drop 45% amid EV industry growth in May
Sales of Tesla electric vehicles in the UK plummeted by more than 45 per cent in May compared to the same period last year, highlighting increasing challenges for the company as it faces intensifying competition. The decline marks the fifth consecutive month of shrinking sales figures in the UK as well as other key European […]
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HMRC phishing scam affects over 100,000 taxpayers
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has suffered a significant financial blow, losing £47 million to an organised phishing scam that targeted over 100,000 individual taxpayer accounts. This disclosure was made during a recent Treasury committee hearing where senior HMRC officials provided details of the breach and the steps being taken to safeguard affected individuals. The […]
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UK-US trade deal could take effect within weeks says starmer
Keir Starmer has announced that a trade deal with the United States could come into force within weeks, following assurances from the White House that the UK will be exempt from the steep 50 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium. The tariffs, which were imposed this week, will remain at 25 per cent for […]
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Employment Rights Bill Could Harm UK Business Growth
The looming introduction of changes under the government Employment Rights Bill has sparked deep concern across the facilities management sector. In an open letter to Sir Keir Starmer, Deputy Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, 128 companies have issued warnings about the potential “serious unintended consequences” of the legislation. These include industry leaders such […]
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Sellafield clean up too slow costly and plagued by workplace issues
Members of Parliament have voiced ongoing concerns about the speed and cost-efficiency of the nuclear clean-up operation at Sellafield, sparking broader concerns over public safety, environmental risks, and taxpayer value. According to a detailed report by the public accounts committee (PAC), the decades-long project to decommission the ageing Sellafield site is falling behind schedule and […]
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Elon musk slams Trump tax bill as a disastrous abomination
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has sparked fresh controversy by denouncing Donald Trump sweeping tax and spending legislation as a disgusting abomination. His comments, shared on his social platform X, have added fuel to an already heated debate over the bill, which has polarised opinion among Republicans as it moves through Congress. Musk took to social […]
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CMR Surgical Set to Explore $4 Billion Sale Amid Regulatory Success
CMR Surgical, a Cambridge-based robotics company, is reportedly exploring a potential sale of its business valued at approximately $4 billion. This development comes after a significant regulatory breakthrough in the United States, further solidifying the company’s position in the highly competitive medtech sector. Founded in 2014, CMR Surgical has rapidly ascended as a global leader […]
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Trump 50% Tariffs on Foreign Steel and Aluminium Shake Global Markets
The United States has officially doubled tariffs on foreign steel and aluminium to 50 per cent, following President Donald Trump’s announcement to bolster the American steel industry. This controversial move, formalised through an executive order, has sparked discontent among key trading partners and trading blocs across the world. While the White House cites job creation […]
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Eurozone inflation drops ecb expected to cut rates again
The European Central Bank (ECB) is poised to cut interest rates further this week as inflation in the eurozone has fallen below the 2 per cent target for the first time since September 2024. According to Eurostat, annual consumer price inflation across the single currency area stood at 1.9 per cent in April, undershooting expectations […]
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Investment Focus Shifts as Reeves Announces £15bn Boost for Trams Trains and Buses Outside London
Rachel Reeves has unveiled a bold £15bn investment package aimed at revitalising trams, trains, and buses outside of London. This move seeks to address longstanding regional disparities and refocus attention on economic growth in northern cities and the Midlands. The Labour Chancellor highlighted the significance of capital spending in transforming neglected regions and boosting productivity. […]
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Investigation Into Multimillion Pound Fraud At Collapsed Thurrock Council
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has launched an investigation into Rockfire Investment Finance, a company at the centre of an alleged financial scandal that saw over £100m of UK council funds channeled into solar farms. Rockfire Investment Finance, which offered renewable energy bonds with returns of 3% to 6%, has since gone into liquidation. Between […]
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UK pharmaceutical sector at risk due to NHS medicine rebate scheme
Britain is poised to miss out on billions in pharmaceutical R&D investment and access to new medicines unless urgent reforms are made to the NHS medicine rebate system, according to industry experts. The agreement, which caps the total sales of branded medicines to the NHS by imposing repayments above a certain threshold, was designed to […]
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UK Interest Rates Become More Uncertain Due To Global Trade Turbulence
The Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, has warned that the future course of UK interest rates is becoming increasingly uncertain, largely affected by global trade disruptions attributed to Donald Trump policies on tariffs and trade deals. Bailey, addressing MPs during a session with the cross-party Treasury select committee, stated that while the […]
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Yoshua Bengio Launches Organisation to Advance Honest Artificial Intelligence
Yoshua Bengio, widely acknowledged as one of the godfathers of artificial intelligence, has unveiled a non-profit organisation dedicated to developing systems aimed at securing honesty in AI interactions. The organisation, named LawZero, aspires to create mechanisms that prevent AI systems from engaging in deceptive or potentially harmful behaviours. Equipped with an initial funding of $30 […]
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US trade war squeezes manufacturing as dollar weakens
The dollar slipped to $1.3542 against sterling following the release of a disappointing US manufacturing survey, which signalled a significant drop in production levels. Monday data has pushed the currency towards a three-year low amidst continuing unease over President Donald Trump trade policies. The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) purchasing managers index, a key indicator […]
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Monzo profits surge with rise in customer base to £12 million
Monzo, the UK leading digital bank, has reported a dramatic increase in profits, highlighting a dynamic year of growth. The bank, which now boasts over 12 million customers, grew revenues by 48 per cent to £1.2 billion in the year to March. Deposits surpassed an impressive £16 billion, and underlying profits surged eightfold, reaching £114 […]
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UK House Prices Rise With Strong Performance in May 2025 after Stamp Duty Deadline
House prices in the United Kingdom saw an impressive rebound in May 2025, climbing by 0.5 per cent compared to the previous month. This unexpected increase brings the average property price to £273,427, nearly matching the record highs achieved during the summer of 2022. The rise defied economists earlier predictions of just 0.1 per cent […]
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London IPO market revival beckons as private equity giants eye listings opportunities
London IPO market, which has experienced a significant slowdown in recent years, could soon see a revival led by the world largest private equity firms. After a subdued period dominated by smaller listings like Raspberry Pi and MHA, the focus is shifting to bigger players capable of delivering substantial returns to investors. Private equity giants […]
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