3 d. ago Councils could use new AI tool to ‘digitise records and cut planning backlogs’

Ministers hope the tool will perform in 40 seconds tasks that take around one to two hours for planners to complete.

Politics

6 d. ago Ruben Amorim refuses to rule out Manchester United signing new goalkeeper

Andre Onana has had an error-prone two seasons at Man United and Altay Bayindir has seldom convinced when he has deputised.

Politics

6 d. ago Cut dementia risk...by using a smartphone: Researchers say using digital technology could protect against cognitive decline

Researchers found digital technology use was linked with a 58 per cent lower risk of cognitive impairment, which encompasses problem-solving or memory issues.

Technology

7 d. ago Nato chief in surprise Ukraine visit as US fails to condemn Sumy attack – Europe live

Mark Rutte makes unannounced visit to Odesa and tells Zelenskyy that ‘Nato support is unwavering’The EU has said that “significant joint efforts will be needed” for a successful outcome to trade talks at the end of Donald Trump’s 90-day pause on tariffs.The European Commission, which handles trade policy for the 27 EU member states, was reporting back on a meeting between its lead trade official Maroš Šefčovič and US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick and US trade representative Jamieson Greer in Washington on Monday.The EU will continue to approach these talks in a constructive manner, with a view to identify areas of common interest. It is clear that significant joint efforts will be needed to achieve a successful outcome within the 90-day window.The EU is doing its part. Now it is necessary for the US to define its position. As with every negotiation this must be a two-way street... With both sides bringing something to the table.” Continue reading...

Events

7 d. ago Labour minister refuses to rule out another Chinese company running British Steel

A Labour minister has refused to rule out another Chinese company taking over operations at British Steel.

Politics

7 d. ago UK business confidence sinks to lowest level in years after tariff chaos

Taxation has emerged as a major concern for businesses

Economics

7 d. ago Business confidence sinks as firms weigh twin impact of US tariffs and tax rises

A poll of UK bosses indicated that sentiment is at its lowest point since late 2022, when inflation was surging to historically high levels.

Economics

7 d. ago Business bosses 'in state of despondency' over toxic mix of Labour's tax hikes and Trump's tariffs, survey warns

Confidence among firms fell to its lowest level in two years in the first three months of the year, according to the study from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Events

8 d. ago The UK has taken British Steel back from China. But can it afford to jeopardise its trade relationship?

A last-minute takeover of British Steel has led the UK’s trade secretary to advise caution against Chinese investment in key sectors. Alicja Hagopian looks at if the UK afford to lose trade with China

Politics

8 d. ago Donald Trump issues dramatic new statement on tariffs after raising hopes on Friday

The President had appeared to spare electronic goods from China from his 125% import tax and 10% global tariff on Friday, but it seems that will not be the case after all

Politics

8 d. ago Majority believes the wealthy and large corporations will benefit the most from Trump’s tariff plan

Americans’ view of tariff outcomes mirror opinion of 2017 Republican tax cuts set to be extended by Congress this year

Politics

1 week ago Dealmaking genius or boy who cried wolf? Trump’s trade retreat sows doubts

Nothing is certain under this president – as seen in the inconsistent implementation of tariffs. And it has a longer-term economic costMinutes after Donald Trump unveiled a climbdown on tariffs, softening an extraordinary US attack on trade from much of the world, his press secretary scolded reporters at the White House.“Many of you in the media clearly missed The Art of the Deal,” said Karoline Leavitt, referring to the 1987 bestseller which laid the foundations of the president’s reputation as a consummate dealmaker. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Scott Bessent, the Treasury secretary shaping Trump’s trade war

The former hedge fund manager is being asked to lead negotiations with foreign governments amid America’s self-inflicted hit

Politics

1 week ago CBB's Mickey Rourke risks Big Brother's wrath as he breaks another rule

The Sin City actor has already been reprimanded by ITV over homophobic remarks directed at fellow housemate Jojo Siwa and doesn’t look to be changing his ways anytime soon

Events

1 week ago Supermarket price war heats up as Tesco cites ‘very competitive market’

Chief executive Ken Murphy also refused to rule out fresh job cuts as the supermarket targets a further £500 million in savings this year.

Economics

1 week ago Donald Trump PAUSES tariffs for dozens of countries for 90 days

President Donald Trump on Wednesday abruptly backed down on his tariffs on most nations for 90 days, but raised his tax rate on Chinese imports to 125%.

Politics

1 week ago I’ve seen many phoney trade wars come and go. This is the real thing | Larry Elliott

This battle between the US and China goes far beyond market turmoil – it has killed off the liberal dream of a borderless world Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 104% tariff on Chinese imports into the US – and China blasting back with 84% – has spooked the financial markets. The response is entirely rational. Over the past few decades, phoney trade wars have been commonplace. Rival nations have squared off against each other, indulged in a bit of sabre-rattling, but eventually agreed on a deal. Headlines that screamed “trade war looms” were quickly replaced by those that read “trade war averted”. This time it’s different. The battle between the US and China prompted by Trump’s tariffs is no pretend trade war. It is the real deal – and it will have real consequences. Tariffs operate as a tax, adding to the costs of doing business and raising prices for consumers. Growth will slow and inflation rates will rise. The global economy was already growing only slowly. As things stand, it...

Events

1 week ago UK government refuses to rule out nationalizing last plant in UK that makes steel from raw material

The British government is refusing to rule out nationalizing the last plant in the U.K. that makes steel from raw materials as the global trade war increases pressure to preserve the nation’s ability to supply domestic industry with the steel it needs

Politics

1 week ago Trump tariffs live updates: Asian markets tumble as 104% China tariffs loom; president teases tax on pharma imports

Beijing says it will ‘fight to the end’ as president demands China drop its retaliatory countermeasures

Politics

1 week ago Scott Bessent takes the lead as Trump advisers spar over tariffs

US Treasury secretary’s growing role marks shift away from White House’s trade hardliners

Politics