21 h. ago Trump’s ambush of South Africa’s president shows how low the US has fallen | Justice Malala

Instead of embarrassing Cyril Ramaphosa, the US president’s ‘gotcha’ moment illuminates the fact-free reality show that is Trump’s AmericaDonald Trump should really try harder.When the US president unexpectedly and dramatically dimmed the lights inside the Oval Office on Wednesday and played a video clip of the alleged burial site of white victims of “genocide”, he meant to embarrass and humiliate his guest, Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa. It was his “gotcha!” moment after four months of relentless social media attacks, executive orders, boycotts, and threats of economic and diplomatic sanctions. Continue reading...

Politics

2 d. ago Kendall says welfare reforms will address ‘economic and social crisis’

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall insisted changes were necessary to get people off benefits and into work.

Economics

2 d. ago Over 40 with a bad back? Labour's coming for your benefits! Liz Kendall says welfare crackdown MUST go ahead despite revolt

Liz Kendall is to use a speech today to defend plans to tightening the eligibility criteria for the main disability benefit in England, the personal independence payment (Pip).

Politics

3 d. ago Disability claimants with back problems to lose most in Labour’s welfare changes

Liz Kendall will argue her benefit cuts are necessary to save the welfare state

Politics

3 d. ago £5 billion welfare cuts needed to ‘save’ system, Kendall to say

The Government appears intent to press ahead with the plans amid mounting opposition.

Economics

5 d. ago Readers Letters: Addressing the historic injustices of land ownership in Scotland

As a councillor who represents Stornoway North in Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, I write to express my support for the principles underpinning the Land Reform Bill currently under consideration, while urging further ambition to address the historic injustices of land ownership in Scotland. The bill represents a vital opportunity to reshape our relationship with the land, ensuring it serves the common good and fosters thriving communities across our nation.

Culture

1 week ago A year after deadly riots, New Caledonia’s president vows to address push for independence

Exclusive: In the wake of unrest that rattled the French overseas territory, Alcide Ponga discusses how to rebuild and his plan for the futureOne year after the deadly riots that ravaged Nouméa and shattered New Caledonia’s economy and social fabric, newly elected president Alcide Ponga faces a series of challenges including deep division over the territory’s political future – and the prospect of independence from France.Ponga, who was elected in January is an indigenous Kanak who is also anti-independence. The 49-year-old former nickel executive and mayor has vowed to get the economy back on track and support discussions on independence. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Chancellor Rachel Reeves on track to miss fiscal rules by £63billion, says economic forecaster

Economic growth is also on track to be weaker than previously expected this year, according to the National Institute of Economic and Social Research

Economics

2 w. ago The Names by Florence Knapp – the verdict on spring’s hottest debut

In this strikingly assured sliding doors tale, three alternate narratives unfold, showing how the choice of a name influences a lifeWhat’s in a name? More than Shakespeare might have led us to believe, according to research. Ever since 1985, when a study found that people tend to prefer the letters of their own initials over the other letters of the alphabet, research has confirmed the name-letter effect, proving that not only do consumers favour brands matching their initials, they are actually more likely to donate to relief efforts for a natural disaster such as a hurricane if they share an initial with that disaster. How far the name-letter effect influences our bigger life decisions – where we live, our choices of career or life partner – remains contentious, but there are clear indicators that, far from serving simply as identifiers, the names we are given at birth have the power to influence our psychological, social and economic outcomes.Florence Knapp’s strikingly assu...

Politics

3 w. ago China hints at openness to trade talks with US; Tesla denies board search for Musk successor – business live

Live, rolling coverage of business, economics and financial markets as Chinese state-controlled social media says US has approached China for trade talksLloyds Banking Group has reported a 7% drop in pre-tax profit to £1.5bn in its first quarter, and is bracing for the ripple effect from Trump’s tariffs on its balance sheet.The high street bank said that it has set aside £309m to account for possible bad debts, compared with previous guidance of £274m, as it added a £35m net charge to prepare for the possible impact on the economic outlook from President Trump’s tariffs.The US has proactively reached out to China through multiple channels, hoping to hold discussions on the tariff issue.Yuyuan Tantian is not among China’s most authoritative state media outlets. The Global Times, which is owned by the newspaper of the governing Communist Party, People’s Daily, has often been first to report China’s next steps in trade disagreements over the past few years.Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson fo...

Politics

3 w. ago Scottish Government urges DWP to abandon proposed welfare reforms due to start next year

The Scottish Government has written to Work and Pensions Liz Kendall calling for ‘damaging social security welfare reforms’ to be scrapped immediately.

Politics