German elections: Merz signals need for ‘independence’ from US February 24, 2025 Friedrich Merz, who is set to become the new German chancellor, has vowed to prioritise European unity and “independence” from the US. The snap German election, which saw the Conservative CDU/CSU alliance win with 28.6 per cent of the vote, came as Europe grapples with US President Donald Trump and Russia’s war on Ukraine. Merz, [...]
Defence spending: 2.5 per cent of GDP is ‘ambitious,’ minister says February 23, 2025 Raising UK defence spending to 2.5 per cent of national income is “ambitious”, a cabinet minister has insisted as the government faces pressure to increase investment. It comes amid uncertainty over the future of the war in Ukraine, as the US began negotiations with Russia, excluding Kyiv from talks. Education secretary Bridget Phillipson sought to [...]
UK to unveil new Russia sanctions to mark three years of Ukraine war February 23, 2025 The UK will unveil new sanctions to “turn the screws” on Russia as it marks three years since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. David Lammy said he would announce the sanctions, which he called the largest package of measures since the early days of the conflict, on Monday to coincide with the anniversary. The foreign secretary [...]
Starmer to set date to increase defence spending during Trump visit – report February 23, 2025 Sir Keir Starmer is expected to confirm a timeline to raise defence spending and give Donald Trump an invitation for a state visit when he visits Washington next week, per a report. The Prime Minister will have to walk a tricky line when he meets President Trump, balancing the UK’s support for Ukraine with the [...]
Healey urges ‘maximum pressure’ on Putin, as Trump blames war on Ukraine February 19, 2025 The defence secretary John Healey has warned that forgetting about the war in Ukraine while talks take place between the US and Russia risks “jeopardising the peace”. It came as Healey countered US President Donald Trump’s claim that Kyiv started the conflict amid a visit to Norway, near its border with Russia. The cabinet minister [...]
‘Free speech in retreat’- JD Vance warns Europe of ‘threat from within’ February 14, 2025 JD Vance has accused the UK and Europe of a “backslide away from conscience rights”, warning of the “threat from within” and claiming: “Free speech, I fear, is in retreat.” The US vice-president made the comments while addressing European leaders at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Friday, amid wider concern on the continent [...]
UK economy: Services firms’ new orders fall for first time in over a year February 5, 2025 The survey showed that incoming work for services firms decreased in January, ending a 14-month period of continuous growth.
More than 10,000 millionaires have left Britain in a year – this is where they’re all going January 31, 2025 More than 10,000 millionaires left Britain last year, partly to avoid higher taxes – with many quitting for more glamorous destinations. In total Britain lost a net 10,800 millionaires in 2024, according to the New World Wealth (NWW) analytics firm, more than any other country except China. That is a rise of 157 per cent [...]
Trainline on track for European expansion as state-backed rival nears January 28, 2025 The boss of Trainline has outlined his European expansion plans as the online ticket giant faces government-backed competition at home.
Porsche holding company warns of £17bn writedown in Volkswagen stake December 14, 2024 Volkswagen is suffering from high costs, fierce Asian competition and a prolonged bitter conflict with unions over plant closures.