Biz update

The Bank last cut interest rates in December but upheaval in the Middle East has stalled any further reductions.

Latest figures suggest companies are becoming more cautious about taking on new staff.

Texas, which once had an embassy in London, strengthens its ties with the capital by opening a new trade office.

As the delivery vehicles increasing take to US streets, bans and protest groups are springing up.

The Federal Reserve held rates between 3.5% and 3.75% after Kevin Warsh's first meeting in charge of the central bank.

The Transport Secretary had been aiming to reduce the backlog to seven weeks by this autumn.