Bank shareholders eye returns as Barclays and Natwest report February 9, 2025 Shareholders in two of the UK’s biggest banks will be hoping for further returns next week as they shed light on recent trading amid an uncertain economic backdrop. Barclays and NatWest will lead a raft of annual results updates by UK banks, after a recent positive period for the sector. Shares in both firms have [...]
Delays to local elections not a ‘stitch-up’, says Angela Rayner February 9, 2025 Angela Rayner has denied that delays to local elections are a “stitch-up” after votes in nine council areas due to be held in May were postponed. The deputy prime minister, was asked about the perception that labour could be delaying elections due to a fear of reform UK making gains, after Nigel Farage accused the [...]
Health minister Andrew Gwynne sacked by Keir Starmer over WhatsApp messages February 9, 2025 A Labour MP who was sacked as a minister by Keir Starmer over comments made in a WhatsApp group has said he regrets the “badly misjudged” remarks. Andrew Gwynne, the MP for gorton and denton, has been sacked as health minister and suspended from the labour party. He reportedly posted sexist comments about Angela Rayner, [...]
Hamas releases three more Israeli hostages for dozens of Palestinian prisoners February 8, 2025 Hamas-led militants released three gaunt, frail-looking Israeli civilian men they held for the past 16 months on Saturday, and Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners, as part of an agreement that has paused the war in the Gaza Strip. Before a crowd of hundreds, armed Hamas fighters led Eli Sharabi, 52, Ohad Ben Ami, 56, and [...]
Luke Littler dumped out of Winmau World Masters by Jonny Clayton February 2, 2025 World champion Luke Littler saw his Winmau World Masters hopes ended by a 4-2 defeat to Jonny Clayton in Milton Keynes. Littler had been in blistering form at Arena MK, blitzing Andy Baetens 3-0 in his first-round match on Friday before demolishing James Wade 4-0, winning eight straight legs, to cruise into the quarter-finals. However, [...]
UK seeking ‘strong trade relationship’ with US amid tariffs, Starmer says February 2, 2025 The UK will seek a “strong trading relationship” with the US, Sir Keir Starmer has said, as the threat of a trade war looms after Donald Trump announced new tariffs. The US president has introduced a 25% levy on goods coming from Mexico and Canada, and a 10% trade tax on Chinese goods, which will [...]
Brexit is ‘settled’, Sir Keir Starmer says amid calls for customs deal with EU February 2, 2025 Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has rejected suggestions the UK will rejoin the EU, saying the decision is “settled” as he faces calls to broker a customs union with the bloc. The Prime Minister will meet European Council leaders on Monday as he continues efforts to “reset” Britain’s relationship with the trade bloc. The focus [...]
Yvette Cooper defends Sir Keir Starmer amid ‘HR manager’ claims February 2, 2025 Sir Keir Starmer stands for “respect and hard work”, one of his most senior ministers has said after the Prime Minister was likened to “an HR manager”. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the Plan for Change – a set of milestones which the Prime Minister fronted – as “clear”, when asked about Sir Keir’s alleged [...]
Barclays says services are back to normal after technical issue ‘resolved’ February 2, 2025 Barclays has apologised to customers after technical problems caused disruption to services and payments over the weekend. The bank said the issue had been resolved on Sunday morning and delayed payments processed. Barclays had previously said affected customers could see an outdated balance with payments made or received not showing. On Sunday morning, a Barclays [...]
Guinness in focus as Diageo reveals latest trading February 2, 2025 Diageo is set to reveal how Guinness and its major spirit brands performed over the key Christmas period, after ruling out speculation it could sell the Irish stout brand. The London-based, drinks giant is expected to reveal another bumper performance by Guinness, which has been a key strong performer in recent years, becoming the UK’s [...]
