EU rejected UK push for single market on goods Politics The EU rejected a UK proposal to set up a single market for the trade of goods because the UK refused to allow freedom of movement. Michael Ellam, Britain’s chief negotiator, proposed that the UK align with UK regulations to allow free trade with the bloc, but the idea was rebuffed by Brussels. The rebuttal [...]
‘Economically reckless’ – Streeting calls for wealth tax ‘that works’ in pitch for leadership Politics Wes Streeting has called for a “wealth tax that works” as the former health secretary sets out his stall ahead of an expected Labour leadership contest later this year. Streeting resigned from the cabinet earlier this month and has confirmed that he would stand in a contest to oust Sir Keir Starmer, though he has [...]
Innocent smoothie boss bananas for EU red tape reset Retail The boss of smoothie giant Innocent has backed closer ties between the government and the European Union, in the same week Labour leadership hopeful Wes Streeting threw his weight behind a return to the bloc. Nick Canney, chief executive of Coca-Cola-owned Innocent Drinks, told City AM that closer ties with the EU would be “helpful” [...]
European carmakers slam on the brakes after Trump tariff shock May 4, 2026 Volkswagen reveals €4bn hit even before Washington threats to tear up the Turnberry Deal’s pledge on car import tax Shares in European carmakers were stuck in reverse on Monday, after the sector became the latest to be caught up in threats into the weekend from US President Donald Trump. The White House announced fresh plans [...]
UK to join EU Ukraine loan talks in defence push May 3, 2026 The UK is set to begin negotiations to join the European Union’s €90bn (£78bn) loan scheme for Ukraine, as Keir Starmer steps up efforts to deepen defence cooperation with European allies. Speaking ahead of a summit of the European Political Community (EPC) in Yerevan, Armenia, the prime minister is expected to signal Britain’s intention to [...]
Aer Lingus slashes Summer schedule as Hormuz blockade bites April 23, 2026 Irish commercial darling Aer Lingus has cancelled hundreds of flights from its summer schedule amid growing jet fuel fears stemming from the blockade at the Strait of Hormuz. The airline is axing scheduled transatlantic, European, and local flights on various days over the coming weeks, according to the Irish Independent. Services set to be affected [...]
City of London urges action on Swiss border as EES holds up business travellers April 17, 2026 City of London officials are pressing Switzerland to allow UK travellers to use automated passport gates to end the long airport queues that have become a regular gripe for business travellers. The new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which covers the Schengen area, rolled out last week, and it has resulted in lengthy queues at airports [...]
UK rejoins Erasmus: British students to study across Europe from 2027 April 16, 2026 Six years after Brexit, British students will soon be able to study and work across Europe again, as the UK formally re-joins the Erasmus programme. The legal text, signed in Brussels on Wednesday, is intended to bring the UK back into the programme in 2027 after the UK pulled out of in December 2020 as [...]
New EU entry system hits Brits — But what are your rights? April 14, 2026 Days into the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), British passengers are facing severe delays, resulting in missed flights, but with the Summer season around the corner, warnings that trying to pass the border may become more costly. The new EES obliges non-European Union nationals, including Britons, who enter the Schengen free travel zone to [...]
Hungarian stocks surge as Peter Magyar topples Viktor Orban from power April 13, 2026 Hungarian-listed stocks hit records high in early trading after Prime Minister Viktor Orban was toppled from 16 years in power following a sweeping election defeat. Budapest’s BUX jumped 3.3 per cent upon market open, before settling at a 2.7 per cent gain, trading at 136,481 points, a fresh record high for the index. Gains were [...]