91 m. ago Europe’s cruel summer: Ursula von der Leyen faces an EU under pressure

European Commission president addresses a parliament reeling from Trump trade deal and escalations in Ukraine and GazaWhen Ursula von der Leyen arrived in the vast semi-circle debating chamber in the European parliament in Strasbourg, she greeted MEP leaders of some of Europe’s political groups warmly. Wearing a trim khaki-green jacket, the European Commission president smiled, shook hands and exchanged air kisses with some of the politicians, who had front-row seats for her annual state of the union address.The hour-long speech on Wednesday had a stark message: Europe must fight for its place in an “unforgiving” world, facing major powers that are either “ambivalent or openly hostile” towards it. Continue reading...

Events

3 h. ago Douglas Alexander warns John Swinney 'not to play politics' with Scotch whisky industry

The Scottish Secretary said "if we have divisions at home, we will be less influential abroad" as the UK seeks to renegotiate its trade deal with the US.

Events

6 h. ago Trade deal on Scotch whisky ‘very high’ on UK Government agenda – Alexander

US President Donald Trump is due to arrive in the UK for a state visit next week.

Politics

46 h. ago John Swinney warns Donald Trump whisky tariffs are cutting jobs in birthplace of President's mother

The First Minister met with the Republican leader in the Oval Office for around 50 minutes on Tuesday where the future of the Scotch Whisky industry was discussed.

Events

53 h. ago Artisanal Spirits Company: Scotch Malt Whisky Society owner takes action after £1m trade tariff blow

“What worked for Scottish whisky in the past is not going to be what unlocks future opportunity, and the industry is becoming more conservative at the precise moment it needs to be most radical” – Nick Sherrard, Label Sessions

Economics

68 h. ago John Swinney to meet Donald Trump in White House Oval Office to press for Scotch whisky tariff reform

The First Minister will hold talks with the US President at 7pm UK time.

Politics

68 h. ago John Swinney meets Donald Trump in White House Oval Office to press for Scotch whisky tariff reform

The First Minister held talks with the US President on the need to offer Scotch whisky a fairer deal.

Politics

3 d. ago John Swinney 'pressing the case' for Scotch whisky in battle against Donald Trump tariffs

The First Minister has jetted off to Washington DC as part of a trade mission pushing for a better deal for Scotland's most famous export.

Politics

3 d. ago John Swinney ‘pressing the case’ for Scotch whisky on US visit

The First Minister is in Washington DC where he will meet those ‘intimately involved’ with setting tariff rates for Scotch whisky.

Politics

3 d. ago Scottish First Minister flies to US to push for lower whisky tariffs

John Swinney has flown to Washington D.C. to negotiate a better deal on Scotch whisky tariffs.

Politics

4 d. ago Volkswagen ‘nearing US trade deal’ as it says Trump tariffs have cost it billions

Carmaker’s CEO says Porsche is being squeezed by ‘sandwich’ of tariffs and weak Chinese marketBusiness live – latest updatesVolkswagen is closing in on a tariff deal with the US, the boss of the German carmaker has said, as it eyes up the market for affordable electric cars in Europe.Europe’s biggest car manufacturer, which also owns the Audi, Seat and Porsche brands, has been hit hard by Donald Trump’s trade tariffs, announced in April. The levies, combined with a turbulent market, have already cost “several billions”, the chief executive, Oliver Blume, said. Continue reading...

Economics

5 d. ago 'Eccles cakes are the best': A Japanese love affair as Andy Burnham signs Osaka 'trade deal' and ambassador (almost) downs pint of Boddies

Japan has already invested £117m in Greater Manchester, according to the mayor's office

Events

8 d. ago Macallan strike: Workers at world famous Scotch whisky distillery vote on strike action

Staff at one of Scotland’s best known whisky brands are voting on strike action.

Politics

8 d. ago The far right’s green bashing has given mainstream parties an excuse to do nothing – but we have more agency than we think | Ajit Niranjan

As powerful forces push back against green forces, it is little surprise that many of us feel dismay. Climate scientists do, too. But together we can take action to challenge the prevailing apathySupport the Guardian’s independent journalism today Last year, I stood in front of a black-clad skinhead as he shook a fist full of rings thick enough to double as a knuckle-duster. Flecks of spit flew into my face as he railed against the green agenda of the last German government.Until recently, it would have felt bizarre to talk to protesters at a neo-Nazi-linked rally about climate change or hear them rant unprompted about heat pumps. But far-right parties have entered the political mainstream, and their scathing tirades against “woke” green rules are energising their base.Join George Monbiot and special guests on 16 September for a special climate assembly to discuss the growing and dramatic political and corporate threats to the planet. Book tickets – in person or livestream Continue ...

Politics

8 d. ago Leaders of UK and Spain meet to sign deal that eases trade and travel in Gibraltar

The British and Spanish leaders are meeting in London to sign a deal to ease cross-border trade and travel in Gibraltar after years of post-Brexit wrangling over the contested territory at the tip of the Iberian peninsula

Politics

9 d. ago Bladnoch Distillery announces partnership with Wigtown Book Festival

Bladnoch, Scotland’s oldest privately-owned Scotch whisky distillery has announced a partnership with the 27th annual Wigtown Book Festival.

Culture

2 w. ago City fears mount that Budget will target banks to help fill £20bn fiscal hole

A tax raid on lenders would damage the government’s growth agenda, executives warn

Economics

2 w. ago Once is unlucky, three times is a pattern: Departures from Starmer’s top team reflect dysfunction in No 10

The departure of Nin Pandit, the third senior figure from Downing Street to quit in 10 months, reflects a government struggling to keep on top of the agenda, says political editor David Maddox

Politics

2 w. ago The Farage season: with its rivals away, Reform basks in summer headlines

Government silence and a light news agenda has created the conditions for a seemingly well-funded Farage barrageNigel Farage is far less bothered than many politicians about taking his own trips abroad while parliament is sitting. Refreshed and relaxed, he can then spend the summer recess in Westminster, dominating the scene while his opponents are on their sunloungers and the news agenda is light.The Reform UK leader has been at the helm of five press conferences, one every week of recess, and has just managed two more in the final week. Most of them have been on Mondays, with announcements on migration and crime trailed into the weekend papers and his live appearances on news channels sometimes lasting longer than an hour. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago After a summer of submission to Trump, Europe knows it must defend Ukraine – and itself – alone | Paul Taylor

Can a European-led coalition really provide credible security guarantees? Past examples are not encouragingAfter an unusual August of geopolitical summitry, the reality is sinking in that Europe is on its own in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and hence its own security against Russian aggression and cannot count on much support from the United States.The sense of strategic loneliness in an increasingly brutal global power contest follows a summer of submission in which the EU accepted a manifestly unbalanced trade deal imposed by Donald Trump and pledged improbably large investments in the US while European Nato members promised to boost their defence spending to an aspirational 5% of gross domestic product – all to appease Trump in hopes of keeping the US engaged in European security.Paul Taylor is a senior visiting fellow at the European Policy Centre Continue reading...

Politics