9 h. ago Rachel Reeves says May’s fall in GDP is ‘disappointing’; Trump tariffs knock markets – business live

Latest economic report shows UK GDP fell by 0.1% in May, following 0.3% fall in April.Full story: UK economy shrinks unexpectedly by 0.1% in blow to Rachel ReevesUS will impose 35% tariffs on Canadian imports, Trump says in letterChancellor Rachel Reeves has described the latest GDP figures as “disappointing”.Following this morning’s news that the UK economy contracted by 0.1% in May, Reeves points to the government’s efforts to support households financially:“Getting more money in people’s pockets is my number one mission. While today’s figures are disappointing, I am determined to kickstart economic growth and deliver on that promise.“The choices we have made in our first year in government have seen us extend the £3 bus fare cap, fund Free School Meals for over half a million more children, press ahead with plans to deliver free breakfast clubs for every child in the country and increase the National Minimum and National Living Wage, giving a pay rise to 3 million workers.“Flatli...

Economics

11 h. ago Rachel Reeves says GDP figures ‘are disappointing’ after UK economy shrinks for second month in a row – business live

Latest economic report shows UK GDP fell by 0.1% in May, following 0.3% fall in April.Full story: UK economy shrinks unexpectedly by 0.1% in blow to Rachel ReevesUS will impose 35% tariffs on Canadian imports, Trump says in letterChancellor Rachel Reeves has described the latest GDP figures as “disappointing”.Following this morning’s news that the UK economy contracted by 0.1% in May, Reeves points to the government’s efforts to support households financially:“Getting more money in people’s pockets is my number one mission. While today’s figures are disappointing, I am determined to kickstart economic growth and deliver on that promise.“The choices we have made in our first year in government have seen us extend the £3 bus fare cap, fund Free School Meals for over half a million more children, press ahead with plans to deliver free breakfast clubs for every child in the country and increase the National Minimum and National Living Wage, giving a pay rise to 3 million workers.“Flatli...

Economics

12 h. ago Rachel Reeves say GDP figures ‘are disappointing’ after UK economy shrinks for second month in a row – business live

Latest economic report shows UK GDP fell by 0.1% in May, following 0.3% fall in April.Full story: UK economy shrinks unexpectedly by 0.1% in blow to Rachel ReevesUS will impose 35% tariffs on Canadian imports, Trump says in letterChancellor Rachel Reeves has described the latest GDP figures as “disappointing”.Following this morning’s news that the UK economy contracted by 0.1% in May, Reeves points to the government’s efforts to support households financially:“Getting more money in people’s pockets is my number one mission. While today’s figures are disappointing, I am determined to kickstart economic growth and deliver on that promise.“The choices we have made in our first year in government have seen us extend the £3 bus fare cap, fund Free School Meals for over half a million more children, press ahead with plans to deliver free breakfast clubs for every child in the country and increase the National Minimum and National Living Wage, giving a pay rise to 3 million workers.“Flatli...

Economics

13 h. ago Rachel Reeves say GDP figures ‘are disappointing’ after UK economy shrinks for second month running – business live

UK GDP falls by 0.1% in May, following 0.3% fall in April.US will impose 35% tariffs on Canadian imports, Trump says in letterFTSE 100 hit record high on ThursdayChancellor Rachel Reeves has described the latest GDP figures as “disappointing”.Following this morning’s news that the UK economy contracted by 0.1% in May, Reeves points to the government’s efforts to support households financially:“Getting more money in people’s pockets is my number one mission. While today’s figures are disappointing, I am determined to kickstart economic growth and deliver on that promise.“The choices we have made in our first year in government have seen us extend the £3 bus fare cap, fund Free School Meals for over half a million more children, press ahead with plans to deliver free breakfast clubs for every child in the country and increase the National Minimum and National Living Wage, giving a pay rise to 3 million workers.“Flatlining growth in May highlights the ongoing pressures facing the UK ec...

Economics

14 h. ago UK economy shrinks for second month running in May – business live

UK GDP falls by 0.1% in May, following 0.3% fall in April.US will impose 35% tariffs on Canadian imports, Trump says in letterFTSE 100 hit record high on ThursdayThe pound has dropped against the US dollar, as investors react to this morning’s worse-than-expected GDP report.Sterling has lost a third of a cent to $1.354, a drop of 0.2%.“The economy contracted slightly in May with notable falls in production and construction, only partially offset by growth in services. However, across the latest three months as a whole, the economy still grew. This reflected strength earlier in the year that resulted, in part, from some activity being brought forward to February and March.“May’s fall in production was driven by oil and gas extraction, car manufacturing and the often-erratic pharmaceutical industry. Continue reading...

Economics

27 h. ago Zelenskyy says he has received positive signals from US over resumption of military aid – Europe live

Ukraine president says he has held constructive talks with Trump and that European allies will help pay for Patriot systemsZelenskyy also repeatedly thanks partners for their help so far, saying it is thanks to their help it was able to start building a modern air force.“We’ve done it in record time. No other country has switched from Soviet aircraft to F-16 and Mirages this quickly,” he says.I urge all our partners: increase your investments when Russia increases its attacks. Continue reading...

Events

30 h. ago Starmer and Macron urge allies to increase pressure on Putin after ‘frank’ talks between US and Russia on Ukraine – Europe live

Leaders of UK and France call for fresh sanctions on Moscow after Marco Rubio and Sergei Lavrov hold ‘important’ conversationZelenskyy also repeatedly thanks partners for their help so far, saying it is thanks to their help it was able to start building a modern air force.“We’ve done it in record time. No other country has switched from Soviet aircraft to F-16 and Mirages this quickly,” he says.I urge all our partners: increase your investments when Russia increases its attacks. Continue reading...

Politics

31 h. ago US disappointed and frustrated by lack of progress on Ukraine, Rubio tells Russia’s Lavrov in ‘frank’ exchange – Europe live

US secretary of state has ‘substantive and frank’ conversation with Russian foreign minister over situation in UkraineZelenskyy also repeatedly thanks partners for their help so far, saying it is thanks to their help it was able to start building a modern air force.“We’ve done it in record time. No other country has switched from Soviet aircraft to F-16 and Mirages this quickly,” he says.I urge all our partners: increase your investments when Russia increases its attacks. Continue reading...

Politics

34 h. ago Russia’s frozen assets must be used to rebuild Ukraine, says Zelenskyy, as he hits out at ‘terrorism’ of daily attacks – Europe live

Kyiv said Russia launched around 400 drones and 18 missiles against Ukraine overnightZelenskyy also repeatedly thanks partners for their help so far, saying it is thanks to their help it was able to start building a modern air force.“We’ve done it in record time. No other country has switched from Soviet aircraft to F-16 and Mirages this quickly,” he says.I urge all our partners: increase your investments when Russia increases its attacks. Continue reading...

Events

55 h. ago Pope offers to hold talks with Russia after meeting Zelenskyy – Europe live

Vatican statement said the pair ‘discussed the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for a just and lasting peace’Following a similar decision by Germany yesterday, the European Union has also summoned the Chinese ambassador following an incident in which China’s military allegedly targeted a German aircraft with a laser during an EU security mission in the Red Sea, Reuters reported.“The Chinese military’s use of a laser to target a German aircraft patrolling with EU Operation ASPIDES in the Red Sea is dangerous and unacceptable,” said Anouar El Anouni, spokesperson for the EU’s Foreign and Security Policy.This act put personnel at risk and compromised the aircraft’s mission. Continue reading...

Politics

60 h. ago Russia launches major attack on Ukraine after Trump’s criticism of Putin – Europe live

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia attempted to strike 741 targets with 728 drones and 13 missilesVon der Leyen also spoke about the prospects for the EU-US tariff deal after last night’s comments by Trump that a US proposal should be ready within the next two days.She said the US imposed tariffs were “unprecedented,” and insisted the bloc preferred “a negotiated solution” to avoid them in the future. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Trump threatens to sue New York Times and CNN over Iran bomb strike reporting

Trump’s lawyer claimed the reporting ‘undermined the credibility and integrity of President Trump in the eyes of the public and the professional community’

Events

2 w. ago It’s time for America to remember how dangerous regime change is | Christopher Chivvis

For a superpower, toppling foreign governments is not so hard to do. Getting the outcome you want isThe ceasefire between Iran and Israel might still hold, but if not, the United States might double down on its weekend strikes and seek the overthrow of the Iranian regime. Donald Trump threatened this in comments and tweets earlier, and top officials such as Marco Rubio have said they wouldn’t mind it if it happened. Israeli leaders are openly in favor. If the US goes down this road, it will not be for the first time.In the last 80 years, Washington has overthrown many regimes. For a superpower, toppling foreign governments is not so hard to do. Getting the outcome you want is. This makes regime change as dangerous as it is seductive, as past US attempts clearly show. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Pakistan debates Trump Nobel peace prize nomination after US strikes on Iran

Pakistani government had credited US president with ‘pivotal leadership’ in its ceasefire negotiations with IndiaMiddle East crisis – live updatesDonald Trump’s intervention into the Iran-Israel war, and brokering then announcing a ceasefire, has drawn a heated debate in Pakistan – where the government had formally nominated the US president for the Nobel peace prize as the US military was making its final preparations for a strike that threatened all-out war in the Middle East.A statement in the early hours of Saturday local time – shortly before US B-2 bombers left the Whiteman air force base in Missouri and headed to Iran – had credited Trump for a “legacy of pragmatic diplomacy” and “pivotal leadership” for ensuring Pakistan’s ceasefire with India in a conflict that had begun with the killing of tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir in April. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Trump issues bleak warning about Iran conflict and hints at need for 'Secretary of War': Live updates

President Donald Trump is using his NATO trip to double down on his 'total obliteration' of Iran's nuclear sites and has blasted the media for reporting on an intelligence assessment that cast doubt on the matter.

Events

2 w. ago ‘Of course it was worth it’: Israelis celebrate ceasefire with Iran

Despite Iranian missiles killing people and destroying buildings, many Israelis say they are happy with the current situation• Live updates: Trump says it was ‘great honor to stop war’ after angry outburst at both sidesThe Iranian ballistic missile landed a little over an hour before the ceasefire was to take effect on Tuesday morning, crumpling the seven-storey apartment block in Beersheba, south Israel, killing four residents and wounding 30.Jessica Sardinas felt the blast 300 metres away in her safe room, where she had slept every night for the past 10 days. She had read the news of a ceasefire before sleeping, but did not believe it. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Iran attacks US forces in Qatar as missiles launched at Iraq base housing American troops – latest updates

State TV made the announcement as martial music played; security official says missiles launched at base housing US troopsLiving in Iran: how have you been affected?Living in Israel: how have you been affected?“Monumental damage” was done to “all Nuclear sites” in Iran during the US attack on the country at the weekend, Donald Trump has said in his latest comments, after officials said the extent of damage done remained unconfirmed. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social the US president wrote:Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term! The white structure shown is deeply imbedded into the rock, with even its roof well below ground level, and completely shielded from flame. The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!The world has long agreed that Iran cannot be allowed to get a nuclear weapon and we support action to prevent that - that is what this is. The US action was d...

Events

2 w. ago The view from Iran: ‘People have returned to Tehran, although the bombing hasn’t stopped’

Anahita, a Tehran resident in her 30s, tells of fears over retaliation to US strikes, regime arrests, and shortages• Israel-Iran war – live updatesThe internet in Iran was down for a full three days [at the end of last week], and there was no way to communicate with others. This outage has added to people’s fear and anxiety, as we no longer knew which cities had been bombed or which areas were under evacuation orders.If the internet outage continues, many jobs will be lost. Continue reading...

Events

2 w. ago House Democratic veterans back moves to limit Trump’s military authority

Letter from 12 members demanding congressional approval for war follows Trump’s unauthorized bombing of IranUS politics live – latest updatesA group of 12 House Democratic military veterans have thrown their weight behind efforts to constrain Donald Trump’s military authority, announcing they will support a War Powers Act resolution in response to the US president’s go ahead for airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.The veterans – some of whom served in Iraq and Afghanistan – were strongly critical of Trump’s decision to launch what they called “preventive air strikes” without US congressional approval, drawing explicit parallels to the run-up to some of America’s longest recent wars. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago US bombs Iran latest: Trump launches airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites as Tehran threatens to close Strait of Hormuz

The US president authorised the overnight bombings of key nuclear sites, including the heavily fortified Fordow plant

Events