Ambassador Suzuki: Britain and Japan are partners for security and prosperity March 11, 2026 Japan remembers the vital assistance and friendship Britain gave after the devastating earthquake 15 years ago today. Together our countries will face the global challenges of today, says Hiroshi Suzuki Today marks 15 years since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, which claimed over 19,700 lives and left over 2,500 people still unaccounted [...]
Oil shock will be felt well beyond energy markets March 10, 2026 Energy shocks rarely remain confined to energy markets. They propagate through bond markets, fiscal balances and inflation expectations, says Helen Thomas As Winston Churchill once warned: “The statesman who yields to war fever must realise that once the signal is given he is no longer the master of policy, but the slave of unforeseeable and [...]
Reeves warns oil price shock to fuel higher inflation for Brits March 9, 2026 Chancellor Rachel Reeves has warned that a recent spike in oil prices will translate into higher inflation in the UK, with her economic approach centring on calls for the US, Israel and Iran to de-escalate the conflict in the Middle East. In a statement to MPs, Reeves said she called on G7 finance minister, which [...]
Chinese-owned UK chipmaker still awaiting sale after government order March 9, 2026 More than a year after ministers ordered the sale of a Chinese-owned British semiconductor company on national security grounds, the deal has yet to materialise. Glasgow-based Future Technology Devices International (FTDI) remains majority owned by a Chinese state-backed consortium, despite the cabinet office directing investors to divest their stake in November 2024. The company was [...]
Global markets warned of ‘biggest energy crisis’ in modern history after oil surge March 9, 2026 Global economies are facing warnings over what could the “biggest energy crisis” in modern history after the price of oil breached the $100 mark for the first time since the energy crisis in 2022. Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil, surged over 25 per cent to highs of $118 per barrel as the week’s [...]
Iran war: Oil prices could reach $150 a barrel March 8, 2026 Oil prices could reach $150 (£112) by the end of the month if the severe disruption to the Strait of Hormuz is not eased, Goldman Sachs has warned. The bank said it will revise its oil price forecast soon unless it sees evidence that transit through the crucial shipping route is beginning to return to [...]
Borrowing costs climb most since mini-Budget on inflation fears March 6, 2026 The government’s borrowing costs rose dramatically on Friday and were on track to have their worst week since Liz Truss’s fateful mini-Budget, amid fears the escalating war in the Middle East will unleash another bout of high inflation. The interest rate on UK bonds – known as gilts – rose across the board, to reach [...]
Fish and chip shops under threat as Iran war spikes energy prices March 6, 2026 Britain’s beloved fish and chip shops could go under as they brace for the boom in energy and import costs caused by the Iran war, an industry leader has warned. Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), told City AM chippie owners across the country are expecting the conflict to add [...]
Oil on track for biggest weekly jump in 4 years as US mulls intervention March 6, 2026 The oil market is set for its biggest weekly gain in four years after the crisis in the Middle East sent ripples through the energy markets. The price of Brent crude has risen by around 18 per cent in the last week, tipping over $85 a barrel. Should the gains hold up, it would mark [...]
Global expansion becomes the new growth engine for businesses March 5, 2026 UK businesses are increasingly looking overseas for growth. Santander’s most recent Trade Barometer 2025 research shows nearly half are now considering global expansion. This is up from a third from the previous wave, and more than double the number from 2023. However, overseas expansion presents new challenges. Our research shows nearly half of businesses see political uncertainty and navigating new regulatory regimes as their top barriers. This reflects ongoing tensions such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict [...]