6 h. ago Ministers under fire amid concern over impact of trade deals on Northern Ireland

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds attempted to ease concerns in his response to an urgent question in the House of Commons.

Politics

3 d. ago John Rentoul answers your questions on Starmer’s trade deals – and their impact UK’s EU bargaining power

In a live Q&A, John Rentoul answered readers’ questions on Starmer’s trade deals, their impact on the UK’s global future, and their potential effect on relations with the EU

Economics

4 d. ago UK interest rates fall to 4.25% as Bank of England announces a quarter

Move follows run of downbeat economic data and looks to cushion UK from Trump’s trade war falloutExplainer: what does it mean for mortgages and savings?Analysis: mood-boosting rate cut is a fillip for Reeves but leaves future uncertainBusiness live – latest updatesBank of England policymakers have cut interest rates by a quarter point to 4.25% to cushion the UK economy against the impact of Donald Trump’s trade war.The widely expected move from the Bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC), its fourth cut since last August, also carried a warning that the UK economy would slow by a further 0.3% over the next two years in addition to dramatic cuts to its forecasts earlier this year. Continue reading...

Politics

5 d. ago China chides US over ‘serious negative impact’ of Trump tariffs as trade talks set to begin

China’s vice-premier He Lifeng will meet US treasury secretary Scott Bessent in Switzerland between 9 and 12 MayChina has vowed to “safeguard international fairness and justice” in upcoming talks with the United States in Switzerland, the first meeting between the two countries to discuss trade war that has roiled the global economy since US president Donald Trump unveiled sweeping tariffs last month.China’s vice-premier He Lifeng will meet US treasury secretary Scott Bessent on the sidelines of meetings in Switzerland between 9 and 12 May. US trade representative Jamieson Greer will also attend. Continue reading...

Politics

6 d. ago India deal has no impact on immigration, says Trade Secretary

The deal will see Indian chefs, yoga teachers and musicians able to access the contractual services suppliers route.

Economics

7 d. ago Half of profit warnings in April cite trade tariff impact, reports finds

A raft of firms worldwide have sent out alerts over their profits since the tariff hikes were unleashed by Donald Trump on April 2.

Events

7 d. ago ‘Very real possibility’ Farage could lead UK, says Scotland’s First Minister

Scotland’s First Minister has warned there is a "very real possibility" that Nigel Farage could become the UK’s next Prime Minister, expressing concern about what that might mean for the country's future.

Politics

1 week ago Persimmon ‘mindful’ of trade war impact but says home sales on track

The housebuilder is forecasting a sharp jump in home sales this year, but said economic uncertainty could hit mortgages and spending eventually.

Events

1 week ago Starmer risks clash with Trump by plotting 'reset' with EU that hails free trade, backs Ukraine's territory and condemns attacks on Paris climate deal

Keir Starmer is scrambling to seal a trade deal with the US that can blunt the impact of brutal tariffs.

Events

2 w. ago China shrugs off threat of US tariffs to economy, says it has tools to protect jobs

China's leaders have shrugged off the potential impact from U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war, saying they have the tools needed to protect jobs and limit damage from higher tariffs on Chinese exports

Economics

2 w. ago Trade war fears trigger biggest slide in US consumer expectations since 1990 recession – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsXi announces plan for Chinese economy to counter impact of US trade warEuropean stock markets are rising this morning, amid hopes that China is relaxing some of its tariffs.In London, the FTSE 100 index is up 12 points or 0.13%, at 8417 points. Engineering companies are among the top risers, with aerospare manufacturers Melrose up 3.6%, and Rolls-Royce up 2%, after Safran reported that tariffs on aircraft parts have been lifted.“We learned last night that China has taken the decision not to tax engines or landing gear or nacelles - in other words a certain number of aerospace equipment parts.”“It demonstrates that the situation is very fluid.” Continue reading...

Economics

2 w. ago Satellite images reveal China's mysterious structures being used for territorial land grab

South Korea's Foreign Ministry expressed 'deep concern' over what some experts have referred to as an encroachment on their territorial waters.

Politics

2 w. ago Xi announces plan for Chinese economy to counter impact of US trade war

Beijing will ‘strengthen bottom-line thinking’ as reports say it could drop tariffs on some US products Business live – latest updatesXi Jinping has announced a plan to counter China’s continuing economic problems and the impact of the US trade war, as reports swirl that it could drop tariffs on some US products, including semiconductors.Friday’s meeting of the politburo was convened to discuss China’s economic situation, which since the pandemic has faced difficulties fuelled by a housing sector crisis, youth unemployment, and Donald Trump’s tariffs on all Chinese exports. Continue reading...

Events

2 w. ago UK must take impact of trade wars ‘very seriously’, says Bank governor

Andrew Bailey said the central bank is currently ‘working through’ the implications of US President Donald Trump’s tariff plans.

Events

2 w. ago UK open to lowering tariffs on US goods to secure Donald Trump trade deal

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said Donald Trump is 'keen' to forge an agreement with the UK, which could ease the impact of his sweeping trade tariffs on British businesses

Economics

3 w. ago Gold standard! A bar is £1million for first time after investors raced to purchase the precious metal to protect their savings from the impact of Donald Trump's trade war

The precious metal has been in high demand among investors trying to protect their savings from the impact of Donald Trump's trade war.

Economics

3 w. ago Restaurant offers to pay diners' parking charges as cars are banned from city centre

Businesses are concerned that the move will impact trade

Events

4 w. ago John Swinney wants Scotland's economic future to be 'resilient' after Trump tariff war

The SNP leader has called for a UK Government response to "reflect changing reality" amid concern over the impact of US trade tariffs and other factors.

Economics