53 m. ago Ukraine’s strong economy is a great asset, but the US mineral deal shows how fragile it could be | Luke Cooper

Kyiv still relies heavily on foreign support for its war effort, and it has agreed to difficult terms to keep the US on sideDespite Russia’s occupation of its territory, missile attacks on its infrastructure and the enormous human costs of the war, Ukraine’s economy has been impressively resilient. Its effective military resistance against a much stronger adversary is in fact underpinned by this successful economic management. Rather than face institutional sclerosis or even collapse, Ukraine’s state capacity has been strengthened by the conflict. Through a combination of tax revenue collection and substantial networks of voluntary fundraising, the state has dramatically increased the size of its armed forces, invested in defence production and maintained a decent level of public infrastructure.State spending on soldiers’ wages, infrastructure and logistics – including public sector procurement from private firms – has had a positive knock-on effect, supporting demand in the civilia...

Economics

83 m. ago VE Day saw millions celebrate while this British Paratrooper unearthed Nazi Germany's darkest horrors

Peter Belcher was already a veteran of the D-Day landings and the Battle of the Bulge, but the worst was yet to come

Events

3 h. ago NIGEL FARAGE: Starmer has undercut, sidelined and betrayed British workers

His new trade deal with India has sold out British workers to the highest degree. He has undercut and betrayed them, and chosen to prioritise Indian arrivals instead.

Politics

5 h. ago Eddie Hall breaks silence after former World's Strongest Man chased car screaming 'I'll rip your head off'

Hall, a retired British strongman turned mixed martial arts star, attempted to chase down a car after becoming involved in a furious row with motorists who allegedly created a disturbance.

Events

5 h. ago UK Foreign Office updates travel advice for British citizens in India and Pakistan as nations exchange fire

The Foreign Office has issued updated travel advice for British citizens in both countries following an exchange of fire

Events

5 h. ago UK sent Israel thousands of military items despite export ban, study finds

Trade data analysis shows British firms have exported items including munitions since suspension of key licencesUK firms have exported thousands of military items including munitions to Israel despite the government suspending key arms export licences to the country in September, new analysis of trade data shows. The research also raises questions over whether the UK continued to sell F-35 parts directly to Israel in breach of an undertaking only to sell them to the US manufacturers Lockheed Martin as a way of ensuring the fighter jet’s global supply chain was not disrupted, something the government said was essential for national security and Nato. The findings have led the former Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell to call for a full investigation, adding it was a resigning matter if the foreign secretary, David Lammy, was shown to have misled parliament in breach of the ministerial code when he told MPs in September that much of what the UK sends to Israel was “defensive in n...

Events

5 h. ago The Conclave is coming: British cardinals arrive for secret gathering to select the new Pope

Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, 79, is one of three British cardinals who will be involved in electing the next Pope once the voting process begins this afternoon.

Politics

5 h. ago Cornish tin was sold all over Europe 3,000 years ago, say archaeologists

British team says new study ‘radically transforms’ understanding of bronze age trade networksIn about 1300BC, the major civilisations of the eastern Mediterranean made a cultural and technological leap forward when they began using bronze much more widely for weapons, tools and jewellery. While a form of the metal had previously been used in smaller quantities by the Mycenaeans and Egyptians among others, bronze was now abundant – but how?Most bronze is an alloy of copper and tin, but while the former was widely available in antiquity, tin is a rare element, with no large sources within thousands of kilometres. This left one big question, referred to by archaeologists as the “tin problem”. Where were the bronze age societies of the Mediterranean getting the tin for their bronze? Continue reading...

Politics

6 h. ago Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty won’t run in Preakness Stakes

Sovereignty will not run in Preakness on 17 MayDecision extends seven-year Triple Crown droughtKentucky Derby winner Sovereignty will not run in the Preakness Stakes, officials announced Tuesday, meaning there won’t be a Triple Crown champion for a seventh consecutive year.“We received a call today from trainer Bill Mott that Sovereignty will not be competing in the Preakness,” said Mike Rogers, executive VP of 1/ST Racing, which operates the Preakness. “We extend our congratulations to the connections of Sovereignty and respect their decision.” Continue reading...

Politics

7 h. ago Motorcyclist involved in fatal superbike crash suffers broken neck

Shane Richardson, 29, and Owen Jenner, 21, died after 11 riders fell at the first corner at Oulton Park race track in Cheshire on Monday.

Events

7 h. ago 'British workers come last': Fury as Indian workers are given a major tax break under Labour's free trade deal

As part of the UK-India trade deal, Indian nationals on temporary visas and their firms will not have to pay National Insurance contributions in both countries for the first three years.

Economics

7 h. ago Ross Kemp in tears as he learns more about family history on Who Do You Think You Are

Ross Kemp discovered a tragic family secret as he delved into his heritage on BBC's Who Do You Think You Are? and the EastEnders legend was left in tears

Politics

7 h. ago John Oliver shares opinion on UK version of Saturday Night Live

Sky announced it was creating a British version of ‘Saturday Night Live’ last month

Politics

7 h. ago Ellen DeGeneres, 67, doesn't look like this anymore as she changes her hair drastically to do farm work in England

Ellen DeGeneres looked unrecognizable as she unveiled a new hairstyle while giving a glimpse of her new abode in the British countryside.

Politics

7 h. ago Widow, 72, charged £330 by British Gas HomeCare to tighten up a leaky tap

A dripping tap need cost no more than a couple of pence to fix. But 72-year-old widow Linda Gresham was charged more than £200 by British Gas.

Society

8 h. ago Shocking reason British beautician in Chicago 'sought out ICE agents and begged them to deport her'

Kimberly Hall is in more trouble than ever - but insists she's the victim of a mix-up.

Events

8 h. ago British man, 36, died after falling from coconut tree in Rio de Janerio

Christopher Robert Cavey, from Oxford, plunged to his death on February 25 on Aventurero Beach on Ilha Grande, an island off the coast of Rio De Janeiro.

Events

9 h. ago Donald Trump’s latest tariffs will be devastating for the British film industry and beyond

Editorial: It will – if it can ever be made workable – do grievous damage to the economies of America’s allies and to the US entertainment sector. It will not ‘make Hollywood great again’ but lay waste to the thriving and symbiotic film sectors in other nations

Politics

9 h. ago First look at Mar Hall as luxury spa resort opens after £20m transformation

The heritage five-star hotel, Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, has officially reopened it's doors after an extensive £20 million transformation. The hotel renovation, which was dubbed one of Scotland's most anticipated in recent years, is located just 10 minutes from Glasgow Airport. Finally opening the door to guests, the Mar Hall welcomes a new era of luxury to the Scottish heritage hotel experience. The transformation houses 74 luxurious guest rooms and suites. Along with two restaurants, two bars and an enticing collection of grand spaces, cosy corners and hidden nooks to be discovered. The hotel is soon to be joined by a 22-person private cinema, gaming room and Billiards room. Mar Hall is nestled within 240-acres of ancient woodland, offering guest stunning views of the River Clyde. They also offer an 18-hole championship golf course and space for private events, as well as a state of a state of the art spa and 20metre swimming pool.The lavish renovation marks the beginning of ...

Economics

9 h. ago When is the Lions squad announced? Date, time, how to watch and fixtures for Australia tour

British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell will confirm his travelling party during a special event held in front of more than 2,000 fans at the O2 Arena

Politics