Mikheil Kavelashvili: The Man City forward who is now the disputed president of Georgia December 30, 2024 When most footballers conclude their playing careers they tend to go into management, punditry or business. But not Mikheil Kavelashvili. The former Manchester City striker has this week been sworn in as president of Georgia. He was the only candidate on the ballot and his election has been disputed following controversial wider elections and protests [...]
Geopolitics, property and the London marketplace: Here’s what’s in store for insurance next year December 30, 2024 Insurance market in 2024 was defined by record floods and soaring premiums. So what are expects predicting for 2025?
Why the gold price will continue to rally in 2025 December 28, 2024 The untrammelled ascent of bitcoin has occupied the attention of many market watchers of late, with Donald Trump’s election to the White House sending the cryptocurrency – and others like it – on an eye-watering tear. Bitcoin has risen nearly 50 per cent since November 3 – the eve of the US election – while [...]
Starmer condemns Russia’s Christmas Day strikes on Ukraine power grid December 25, 2024 Russia’s “bloody and brutal war machine” has shown no respite “even at Christmas”, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said, as he condemned strikes against Ukraine’s energy grid. Moscow has launched a massive missile barrage on Christmas Day, with the aim of crippling energy infrastructure sites across Ukraine. More than 70 missiles, including ballistic missiles and [...]
Bleak midwinter for the economy? It could be worse… December 19, 2024 The political and economy outlook for the UK may seem gloomy, but spare a thought for our European counterparts, says Tim Sarson It’s the last working week of 2024 for many of us. I’ll be switching off the laptop on Friday afternoon and packing up for what I hope is a restful Christmas break, give [...]
Vince Cable warns against bid by the ‘Czech Sphinx’ for Royal Mail December 15, 2024 Former business secretary Vince Cable has warned the Government not to wave through the sale of the Royal Mail to Czech tycoon Daniel Kretinsky, citing his links to Russia and the high amount of debt involved. Cable was the architect of the privatisation of the postal service in 2013, overseeing a £3.3bn deal which led [...]
Best jewellery 2024: From zodiac pendants to infinity rings December 11, 2024 Jewellery has always been a timeless gift, cherished for its beauty and the sentiment it conveys. Whether you’re selecting a meaningful infinity ring, a personal zodiac pendant, or elegant pearl earrings, each piece tells its own story. Choosing the right jewellery isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about the thoughtfulness behind the gift—understanding what makes it [...]
The Unseen at Riverside Studios review: Prison drama goes at full-throttle December 8, 2024 With flavours of existential Samuel Beckett play Waiting for Godot and Stanley Kubrick psychological thriller A Clockwork Orange, The Unseen is an intense examination of incarceration, inspired by the real-life stories of Russian freedom fighters imprisoned by the state. The show’s grip tightens before you enter the theatre: as you walk into the Riverside Studios [...]
Starmer to visit Gulf states as he strives to deepen trade ties December 7, 2024 Keir Starmer will strive to strengthen trade ties with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in his first trip to the Persian Gulf as prime minister. The PM will meet UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, after flying to the Gulf on Sunday [...]
UK takes down multibillion-dollar Russian crypto laundering network December 4, 2024 The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has smashed a multibillion-dollar Russian money laundering scheme which operated in Britain and had ties to the Kremlin. Investigators said on Wednesday that uncovering the Russian-speaking network, run out of London, Moscow and Dubai, marked the NCAs biggest money laundering case for a decade. The investigation was given the [...]