48 h. ago Company insolvencies fall in England and Wales, in ‘glimmer of relief’; Trump blasts Fed board – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsBusinesses are still in “tough” times, despite the drop in insolvencies in June, cautions David Hudson, restructuring advisory partner at FRP.Hudson says:“The slight fall in insolvencies this month offers a glimmer of relief – especially for hospitality and retail businesses, which are now reaping the benefits of record hot weather. However, we’re still in tough territory. Consumer confidence remains stubbornly low, growth is stuttering – with GDP dipping again in May. June’s unexpected jump in inflation will only serve to continue eroding profit margins and consumer demand.“This environment is forcing businesses to fight on multiple fronts. Many will likely only be experiencing breathing space after dramatically paring back costs. Until demand shows a more sustained recovery and input costs ease further, there’s a risk that this reprieve is just a pause rather than a turning point.” Continue reading...

Politics

48 h. ago 'Climate change doesn't exist,' says Reform UK mayor Andrea Jenkyns despite third heatwave of summer

Her comments came as the East and West Midlands became the latest areas of England to fall into drought as the country struggles with the driest start to the year since 1976

Society

6 d. ago Bank of England governor says jobs slowdown could prompt rate cut; European markets fall after Trump tariff threat – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news, as Andrew Bailey insists: “I think the path [for interest rates] is down”.Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 30% on European Union imports from next month is weighing on European stock markets this morning.Most of Europe’s markets have dropped at the start of trading, pulling the pan-European Stoxx 600 index down by 0.6%.Inadvertently or otherwise the President is testing the market’s patience. At a time when investors had seemingly brushed aside the likelihood of the base line of tariffs settling at 10%, the new pronouncements suggest a level of between 15% and 20% being the norm, with additionally punitive numbers on the likes of Canada at 35% adding to the uncertainty.The so-called “TACO” trade will therefore be tested again, with markets drifting in the US on Friday and futures currently suggesting a similar fall today. In addition, and as the new 1 August extension approaches, nerves are likely to jangle. Continue readi...

Economics

9 d. ago Joe Root and Ollie Pope steady England after openers fall in same over

Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley were dismissed in the space of four balls.

Politics

9 d. ago England vs India: Nitish Kumar Reddy dismisses Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley on first morning in Third Test

Both England openers fall early to Nitish Kumar Reddy in same over at Lord’s

Politics

2 w. ago England fall to France and Wales make proud but painful debut – Women’s Football Weekly

Faye Carruthers is joined by Suzy Wrack, Freddie Cardy and Beth Fisher to discuss England and Wales’ opening Group D defeatsOn the podcast today: England’s Euro 2025 campaign gets off to a rocky start after a 2-1 loss to France in Zürich. Sarina Wiegman’s side showed late promise, but goals from Katoto and Baltimore sealed the points for Les Bleues. The panel discusses England’s tactical issues, France’s pace out wide, and the potential for a bounce-back against the Netherlands.Meanwhile, Wales finally made their major tournament debut but fell to a 3-0 defeat against a clinical Dutch side. Beth Fisher joins us from Switzerland to reflect on a proud but painful day for the Red Wall and Vivianne Miedema’s milestone 100th international goal. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago England v France live: Sloppy Lionesses fall to opening Women’s Euro 2025 defeat despite frantic finish

England 1-2 France: The Lionesses offered very little threat until Keira Walsh’s late goal gave the holders some hope

Politics

2 w. ago Crawley, Duckett and Root fall cheaply after India set England colossal 608

Second Test D4: India, 587 & 427-6 dec; England, 407 & 72-3India soaring as Shubman Gill claims another centuryAt 5.35pm on the fourth day of what can already be dubbed Shubman Gill’s Test match, the raucous Hollies Stand at Edgbaston broke out into a chant of “stand up if you still believe”. England were 30 for one, having been set a fanciful 608 to win, and General Melchett’s pig-headed unwillingness to look facts in the face sprung to mind.Not that they were stood up for long. Within moments Ben Duckett was the second English batter trudging back to the pavilion, eyes down, after his stumps had been rearranged by Akash Deep. This was the latest gut punch for the hosts on a day that had plenty to choose from, Gill’s earlier 161 – a dream-like follow-up to his first innings 269 – having racked up 427 for six declared before his seamers got to work. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago England given reality check against India as Smriti Mandhana blasts stunning hundred

Mandhana’s outstanding knock condemned England to their first defeat under Charlotte Edwards

Politics

3 w. ago England fall to heaviest T20 defeat as Mandhana century sparks India rout

1st T20i: India 210-5 beat England 113 by 97 runsDefeat is first of Edwards-Sciver-Brunt eraEngland’s one-sided series against West Indies last month was merely a dress rehearsal: India were always going to be the main event. And so the curtain finally went up on the Charlotte Edwards-Nat Sciver-Brunt era for a Trent Bridge Saturday matinee.The audience, though, went home disappointed after witnessing an England performance akin to The Play That Goes Wrong – bowled out for 113 inside 15 overs, to give India a 97-run win, England’s heaviest T20 international defeat in terms of runs. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago They think it's fall over... it is now! England hero Kevin Keegan and neighbours win bid to have trees cut down

Former Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan, 74, as well as his next door neighbours were embroiled in a battle with fellow locals who opposed the 'wholesale' cull of the 60ft tall sycamore trees.

Politics

4 w. ago England fight back against India as Ollie Pope repays faith with sparkling century

Jasprit Bumrah claims late wicket of Joe Root as hosts close day two of First Test at Headingley on 209-3, trailing by 262

Economics