4 h. ago UK and eurozone construction declines slow; European markets fall ahead of Fed rate decision – business live

People’s Bank of China cuts interest rates due to global uncertainty and ‘trade tensions’Matthew Pointon, senior commercial real estate economist at Capital Economics, said:The commercial balance was at its lowest since the height of the Covid lockdowns in May 2020. Early signs of a recovery in construction activity in late 2024 have therefore been snuffed out. Elevated interest rates will be partly responsible, but uncertainty caused by the US tariff announcements may also be weighing on activity.Admittedly, UK property is relatively well insulated from the impact, and some sectors may even benefit. Construction costs may also ease if materials that had been destined for the US are rerouted to the UK. But the rise in overall economic uncertainty may cause some developers to delay plans until the outlook becomes clearer. Indeed, the new orders balance saw a small fall to 44.0, from 44.2 in March. Continue reading...

Society

21 h. ago Friedrich Merz WINS second vote to become German chancellor hours after suffering humiliating defeat that sparked calls for his resignation

Germany had been thrown into political chaos earlier today as Merz's bid to become the country's 10th chancellor shockingly failed in the first round of voting in parliament by just six votes this morning.

Politics

22 h. ago Manchester United vs Athletic Club: Europa League prediction, kick

Only a historic collapse will prevent Ruben Amorim & Co. reaching the Europa League final

Sport

23 h. ago Germany’s Merz confirmed as chancellor in second vote following first round humiliation – Europe live

CDU/CSU leader had expected an easy victory in ballot to succeed the outgoing Olaf ScholzMerz suffers shock defeat in German parliament vote for chancellorFor what it’s worth, multiple German media are now suggesting that there won’t be another round of voting today – exactly because Merz and his team worry about the risk of another hugely embarrassing defeat.Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Bild and Stern’s Julias Betschka all say the second vote is unlikely to take place today. Let’s wait for the official confirmation, though. Continue reading...

Politics

23 h. ago Renault and Citroën owner warn of ‘painful decisions’ if EU does not change rules for small cars

Carmakers say there needs to be more focus on smaller, affordable vehicles in Europe as SUVs gain popularityBusiness live – latest updatesCitroën owner Stellantis and Renault have warned that they may be forced into “painful decisions” over the future of their factories in Europe, as they urged the EU to adopt more favourable rules for small cars.The chief executives of the carmakers said there needs to be more focus on smaller, affordable cars in Europe as SUVs continue to gain popularity. Continue reading...

Events

24 h. ago How to watch Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao on TNT Sports in Europa League semi

Man United's Europa League semi-final clash against Athletic Bilbao is live on TNT Sports.

Sport

24 h. ago German parliament votes again on Merz’s bid to be chancellor after humiliating first round – Europe live

Man expected to lead country is first postwar candidate to lose first voting round, described as ‘complete catastrophe’Merz suffers shock defeat in German parliament vote for chancellorFor what it’s worth, multiple German media are now suggesting that there won’t be another round of voting today – exactly because Merz and his team worry about the risk of another hugely embarrassing defeat.Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Bild and Stern’s Julias Betschka all say the second vote is unlikely to take place today. Let’s wait for the official confirmation, though. Continue reading...

Politics

25 h. ago Germany’s Merz faces second parliament vote to be elected chancellor after shock defeat in first – Europe live

Man expected to lead country is first postwar candidate to lose first voting round, described as ‘complete catastrophe’Merz suffers shock defeat in German parliament vote for chancellorFor what it’s worth, multiple German media are now suggesting that there won’t be another round of voting today – exactly because Merz and his team worry about the risk of another hugely embarrassing defeat.Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Bild and Stern’s Julias Betschka all say the second vote is unlikely to take place today. Let’s wait for the official confirmation, though. Continue reading...

Politics

28 h. ago Humiliation for Germany’s Merz in vote to be chancellor as he falls short in first ballot – Europe live

Further vote not expected today in process that had been expected to anoint CDU/CSU leader to replace outgoing Olaf ScholzScholz to hand over power to sound of feminist anthemFor what it’s worth, multiple German media are now suggesting that there won’t be another round of voting today – exactly because Merz and his team worry about the risk of another hugely embarrassing defeat.Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Bild and Stern’s Julias Betschka all say the second vote is unlikely to take place today. Let’s wait for the official confirmation, though. Continue reading...

Politics

29 h. ago Germany’s Merz falls short of votes needed to be chancellor in shock first ballot – Europe live

Session adjourned so parties can consult over process that had been expected to anoint CDU/CSU leader to replace outgoing Olaf ScholzScholz to hand over power to sound of feminist anthemHere’s a procedural explanation on what’s next, via the Bundestag’s website:To be elected, the candidate must secure the votes of an absolute majority of the Members of the Bundestag, that is half of the Members plus at least one additional vote. This is sometimes called the “chancellor majority”.If the candidate fails to secure an absolute majority in the first round of voting, a second round is held. The Bundestag then has 14 days to elect another candidate to be Chancellor. There is no limit to the number of possible ballots, although an absolute majority is always required (Article 63.3 of the Basic Law). Continue reading...

Politics

30 h. ago Friedrich Merz set to take office as German chancellor – Europe live

CDU/CSU leader set to be sworn in to replace outgoing Olaf ScholzIf, as we expect, Merz wins the vote in the first round, the Bundestag session will be adjourned, and he will travel to see the country’s president Frank-Walter Steinmeier to get a certificate of his appointment.He will then come back to the Bundestag to take the oath of office, and later formally confirm his ministerial appointments (both with the president and the parliament). Continue reading...

Society

4 d. ago Slot says title can lure players to Liverpool, Allen to retire, Dier leaving Bayern: football – live

Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekendFixtures | Tables | Read Football Daily | Email TahaA bit more from Eddie Howe, on Alexander Isak: “He’s not for sale from my perspective ”Dejan Kulusevski has been talking about how the Europa League has brought out Tottenham’s best amid a wretched domestic season, PA Media reports“When you do performances like [the win at Eintracht Frankfurt], you want to repeat them,” Kulusevski said. “I think in Europe, we play a little bit different. We play with less risk and we put the ball up more in the space like we did today and we got to keep doing that in Europe.“This season has been really disappointing but at least, let’s finish it in the best possible way. We have got to do everything possible every day to make it happen. It is different football (on an artificial pitch), it is a different pitch, but in life, you have to do what you have to do to find a way to win and we have got to do that.” Continue reading...

Sport

5 d. ago Slot says title win can lure players to Liverpool, Dier to leave Bayern: football – live

Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekendFixtures | Tables | Read Football Daily | Email JohnA bit more from Eddie Howe, on Alexander Isak: “He’s not for sale from my perspective ”Dejan Kulusevski has been talking about how the Europa League has brought out Tottenham’s best amid a wretched domestic season, PA Media reports“When you do performances like [the win at Eintracht Frankfurt], you want to repeat them,” Kulusevski said. “I think in Europe, we play a little bit different. We play with less risk and we put the ball up more in the space like we did today and we got to keep doing that in Europe.“This season has been really disappointing but at least, let’s finish it in the best possible way. We have got to do everything possible every day to make it happen. It is different football (on an artificial pitch), it is a different pitch, but in life, you have to do what you have to do to find a way to win and we have got to do that.” Continue reading...

Sport

5 d. ago English trio close on European finals, Eric Dier to leave Bayern Munich: football – live

Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekendFixtures | Tables | Read Football Daily | Email DominicA bit more from Eddie Howe, on Alexander Isak: “He’s not for sale from my perspective ”Dejan Kulusevski has been talking about how the Europa League has brought out Tottenham’s best amid a wretched domestic season, PA Media reports“When you do performances like [the win at Eintracht Frankfurt], you want to repeat them,” Kulusevski said. “I think in Europe, we play a little bit different. We play with less risk and we put the ball up more in the space like we did today and we got to keep doing that in Europe.“This season has been really disappointing but at least, let’s finish it in the best possible way. We have got to do everything possible every day to make it happen. It is different football (on an artificial pitch), it is a different pitch, but in life, you have to do what you have to do to find a way to win and we have got to do that.” Continue reading...

Sport

5 d. ago English trio close on European finals, weekend team news: football – live

Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekendFixtures | Tables | Read Football Daily | And email TomArne Slot has admitted he will rotate his squad a little for Liverpool’s four remaining league games now the Premier League trophy is safely in the bag “We are going to these four games trying to win them all and that’s what every player who wears the Liverpool shirt should aim for. My lineups will be different – we’re not going to change everyone but there will be a certain rotation in the upcoming games. I think some of the players deserved to play earlier in the season but they are good enough to play for this club. Earlier in the season I mainly chose the same people but this is a moment to see where others are but definitely also becauase they deserved to play this season.”Harvey Elliott, who has spoken of his desire to stay at Anfield, is one such. “I think it’s very important that players who are here want to stay – that’s a big compliment. Harvey is one of the players...

Sport

5 d. ago Tottenham vs Bodo/Glimt LIVE: Europa League result, latest updates and reaction after Spurs get first leg win

Spurs will take a lead into next week's decider in Norway

Politics

5 d. ago Tottenham v Bodo/Glimt LIVE: Spurs have one foot in Europa League final despite late scare

Tottenham 3-1 Bodo/Glimt: Goals from Brennan Johnson, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke have Spurs dreaming of a first trophy since 2008

Sport

5 d. ago Athletic v Man United LIVE: Bruno Fernandes inspires dramatic Europa League semi

Manchester United face their toughest test yet in the Europa League as they meet an Athletic side in the semi-finals who are determined to reach the final at their home stadium

Events

5 d. ago Tottenham v Bodo/Glimt LIVE: Spurs in total control as Maddison doubles lead in Europa League semi

Spurs are dreaming of a first trophy since 2008 as they host tonight’s Europa League semi-final first leg

Politics

5 d. ago Tottenham vs Bodo/Glimt LIVE: Europa League match stream, latest score and goal updates today

Spurs looking to take a commanding first leg lead into next week's decider in Norway

Sport