31 h. ago French parliament strikes down wealth tax demanded by Socialists

Move spells more political chaos ahead for embattled Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu

Politics

60 h. ago Thousands at risk of paying tax twice after HMRC sends multiple letter demands

An expert have warned this means some people may end up paying the full amount without realising they have already paid some, or all, of this original tax bill

Economics

3 d. ago Kemi Badenoch calls for Rachel Reeves to get the sack if she raises taxes

The Tory leader will demand that the chancellor ‘get the axe if she puts up tax’

Politics

3 d. ago French parliament votes to add consent to rape law after Gisèle Pelicot case

A historic move to change French criminal law would bring its legislation in line with many other European countriesThe French parliament has voted to add consent to the country’s rape law in a historic move sparked by the mass rape of Gisèle Pelicot.The change, which will still need to be signed off by President Emmanuel Macron, will bring French legislation in line with many other European countries. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago Trump says he will cut fentanyl tariff on Chinese goods and expects ‘great deal’ with Xi – business live

Most Asian stock markets rally on trade deal optimism, ahead of expected US interest rate cutAston Martin has slashed £300m from its investment plans after the British sportscar maker reported a bigger than expected loss in the third quarter because of Donald Trump’s tariffs and weak demand in China.The carmaker said on Wednesday that losses before tax were £112m in the third quarter of 2025, a ninefold increase from £12m a year earlier.This year has been marked by significant macroeconomic headwinds, particularly the sustained impact of US tariffs and weak demand in China.Work is under way to review our future product cycle plan with the aim of optimising costs and capital investment while continuing to deliver innovative, class-leading products to meet customer demands and regulatory requirements. Continue reading...

Economics

5 d. ago Michael Owen and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber join protest against betting tax rise

More than 360 people including Michael Owen and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber have signed an open letter to the Treasury demanding that proposed changes to the betting tax be shelved

Economics

2 w. ago Warning North Sea poised to miss out on 23000 jobs as 110 firms demand windfall tax reforms

The North Sea could miss out on up to 23,000 jobs if windfall tax reforms are not brought forward, industry leaders have warned

Events

2 w. ago Lecornu addresses French parliament in bid to win over Socialists – Europe live

PM will be hoping to win over enough Socialists to stave off losing a no-confidence vote that would deepen France’s political crisisThe Kremlin said on Tuesday it welcomed US president Donald Trump’s desire to focus on the search for a peace deal to end the fighting in Ukraine after achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and hoped he would be able to push Kyiv towards a settlement.Addressing the Israeli Knesset a day earlier after brokering a deal between Israel and Hamas, Trump spoke of wanting to get a deal done with Iran over its nuclear programme, but said he would turn his attention to trying to end the war in Ukraine first.We are already well acquainted with Mr Witkoff; he is effective, has proven his effectiveness now in the Middle East, and we hope that his talents will continue to contribute to the work already under way in Ukraine.The Russian side remains open and ready for peaceful dialogue, and we hope that the influence of the United States and the diplomatic skills of President...

Politics

2 w. ago Lecornu attempts to rally French cabinet before addressing parliament – Europe live

PM will be hoping to win over enough Socialists to stave off losing a no-confidence vote that would deepen France’s political crisisThe Kremlin said on Tuesday it welcomed US president Donald Trump’s desire to focus on the search for a peace deal to end the fighting in Ukraine after achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and hoped he would be able to push Kyiv towards a settlement.Addressing the Israeli Knesset a day earlier after brokering a deal between Israel and Hamas, Trump spoke of wanting to get a deal done with Iran over its nuclear programme, but said he would turn his attention to trying to end the war in Ukraine first.We are already well acquainted with Mr Witkoff; he is effective, has proven his effectiveness now in the Middle East, and we hope that his talents will continue to contribute to the work already under way in Ukraine.The Russian side remains open and ready for peaceful dialogue, and we hope that the influence of the United States and the diplomatic skills of President...

Politics

3 w. ago Don’t fall for the authoritarian hype – Reform and the hard right can be stopped in their tracks | Gordon Brown

From the US to Europe and Asia, grievances are being exploited to gain power. But moderate voices are still in tune with the majorityGordon Brown was UK prime minister from 2007 to 2010Nigel Farage portrays his Reform UK party as a unique phenomenon that has burst on to the global stage, its meteoric rise an exceptional epochal event. But this week, in every one of Europe’s major countries and from India and Thailand to the US and Argentina, hard-right, anti-immigrant, anti-globalisation parties like his are also ahead in the opinion polls.In last Saturday’s Czech elections, the rightwing, pro-Putin populist Andrej Babiš toppled prime minister Petr Fiala. National Rally, which has just brought down yet another French prime minister, is leading the polls for both the French presidency and parliament. In Germany, the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is currently the most popular party. Hungary’s Fidesz party, Robert Fico’s pro-Russian Slovakian coalition and the Brothers of...

Culture

3 w. ago Andy Burnham drops 'wealth tax' bombshell with another huge demand

The Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham warned local government’s finances were on questionable 'foundations', and also urged the Chancellor Rachel Reeves to consider a wealth tax

Events

3 w. ago My wife is due a full state pension so why does HMRC want £179 more in National Insurance?

My wife has had an HMRC letter saying 'Self employed class 2 national insurance contribution due'. To the unsuspecting it looks like a tax demand.

Economics