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Showing posts from June, 2025

Fall in number of people struggling to pay energy bills

A survey finds the number of Northern Ireland people who sometimes struggle to pay their electricity and gas bills fell this year.

The bridge changing lives and boosting business

The Ă–resund bridge, which connects Denmark and Sweden, is celebrating 25 years since its opening.

'Everybody knew the welfare reform bill was a £5bn cut'

Economics Editor Faisal Islam on what was really behind the big rebellion about the government's welfare reform bill, after the government confirmed it will make major concessions.

'Everybody knew the welfare reform bill was a £5bn cut'

Economics Editor Faisal Islam on what was really behind the big rebellion about the government's welfare reform bill, after the government confirmed it will make major concessions.

Prada acknowledges footwear design's Indian roots after backlash

Prada described the Kolhapuri sandals as "leather footwear" but did not mention its origins, prompting backlash.

The Interview

Jonathan Josephs speaks to Philippe Kehren, CEO of multinational company Solvay

London to Brighton line faces delays in heatwave

Network Rail is introducing speed restrictions and a revised timetable for Monday and Tuesday.

The global environmental award hit by accusations of greenwashing

US business Dr Bronner's has criticised the B Corp scheme for allowing in too many multinationals.

Boeing's 787 Dreamliner was deemed the 'safest' of planes. The whistleblowers were always less sure

Long before the Air India tragedy, the cause of which is still to be determined, people who had worked on the 787 had raised concerns about the production standards

Plans to help benefits recipients into work 'a mess', say DWP officials

Plans to help those affected by benefits cuts into work are not "properly considered", officials tell the BBC.

Nissan Sunderland looking to cut 250 jobs

A spokesperson said the Sunderland plant remained 'at the forefront of our electrification strategy'.

Faisal Islam: How much will U-turn on disability benefits cost?

The changes could cost up to £3bn which will have to come from higher taxes or cuts elsewhere, given the chancellor's self-imposed borrowing rules.

Starmer U-turns on benefits cuts after Labour backlash

Cuts to some disability benefits will only hit future claimants, not those already on it.

Should we be letting flies eat our food waste?

In Lithuania and Australia, hungry fly larvae are used to process food waste into useful protein.

Should we be letting flies eat our food waste?

In Lithuania and Australia, hungry fly larvae are used to process food waste into useful protein.

Should we be letting flies eat our food waste?

In Lithuania and Australia, hungry fly larvae are used to process food waste into useful protein.

UK's data agency has 'deep seated' issues, review finds

Problems at the Office for National Statistics, which provides data informing policy decisions affecting millions, need to be addressed so it can rebuild its reputation, a review says.

Pound hits near 4-year high as Trump rattles dollar

A report that the US President could name the new head of the central bank early raises concerns over its independence.

Ex-Barclays boss fails to overturn City job ban over Epstein link

Jes Staley has been banned from holding top UK financial jobs over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Food giant threatens to close UK biofuel plant after US tariff deal

AB Foods warns it will shut the UK's biggest bioethanol producer unless the government steps in.

No phone signal on your train? There may be a fix - by 2028

Network Rail signs a deal which it says will lead to an improvement to phone connectivity on trains and stations.

Why your old mobile phone may be polluting Thailand

The Asian nation is importing thousands of tonnes of electronic waste per year, despite a ban.

Bumble to axe almost a third of staff as dating app struggles

The firm's founder became the world's youngest self-made female billionaire when it launched on the US stock market.

River Island reveals locations of 33 shop closures

The retailer blames the rise of online shopping for its decision, which risks hundreds of jobs.

People owe billions in council tax ahead of rises

Figures show households are more than £8bn in arrears, as campaigners call for a change of approach.

Brits spending more time on mobile phones than TV

The amount of time Individuals spend looking at their phones surpasses the telly for the first time.

Judge backs AI firm over use of copyrighted books

A US court has ruled Anthropic was not breaching copyright rules when it trained its AI model on books.

I lost £15,000 after going to an IVF middleman

Companies that act as "middlemen" between patients and doctors are not regulated by the fertility watchdog.

'A slap in the face' - Asos bans shoppers for making too many returns

The retailer has been cracking down on customers with high return rates - but some say it is unfair.

Post Office scandal victims claims not chased due to harassment fears

The government has been criticised for not chasing up sub-postmasters to apply for compensation

Oil prices tumble after Israel agrees to Iran ceasefire

Crude has dropped by more than 5% with prices now below the level when Israel first launched its attack.

UK vows to spend 5% of GDP on national security by 2035

The announcement comes ahead of a two-day Nato summit in the Netherlands.

US safety regulators contact Tesla over erratic robotaxis

Videos posted online appear to show the newly launched self-driving cars speeding and driving in the wrong lane.

Israel-Iran conflict disrupts Middle East flights

Airlines scramble to cancel and reroute flights after Doha and Dubai airports shut briefly.

Google may be forced to link to rival search platforms in the UK

The Competition and Markets Authority says it wants to open up the UK search market.

Supercell boss: 'We need to take bigger risks'

The boss of mobile gaming giant Supercell says the industry needs to take bigger risks to compete.

Strait of Hormuz: What happens if Iran shuts global oil corridor?

Iran's threat to block the world's most vital oil transit point has raised fears of major global economic consequences.

Russia's economy is down but not out

The country's economy has been surprisingly resilient but there are underlying problems.

How China made electric vehicles mainstream

The world's second largest economy is both the biggest producer and buyer of EVs.

FedEx founder and former boss Fred Smith dies aged 80

The Vietnam War veteran started the firm in 1973 with 14 planes before it became a global brand.

Dating app scam victims told 'don't suffer in silence'

Students are being targeted by romance scams on dating apps, but talking to a friend can help avoid the danger.

Telegram boss says he will leave fortune to over 100 children he has fathered

The technology tycoon said his children would not have access to their inheritance for 30 years.

River Island set to close 33 shops

The retailer blames the rise of online shopping for its decision, which risks hundreds of jobs.

BBC threatens AI firm with legal action over unauthorised content use

It is first time that the BBC has taken such action regarding alleged scraping of its content for AI.

'Dismal' month for supermarkets pushes down retail sales

Sales volumes in May saw their biggest monthly fall since December 2023.

'Dismal' month for supermarkets pushes down retail sales

Sales volumes in May saw their biggest monthly fall since December 2023.

Thames Water nationalisation prep 'stepped up'

The Environment Secretary Steve Reed says the government "stand ready for all eventualities".

Thames Water nationalisation prep 'stepped up'

The Environment Secretary Steve Reed says the government "stand ready for all eventualities".

Tech giants unleash AI on weather forecasts: are they any good?

The biggest tech firms are using AI to forecast the weather but is that better than existing models?

Millions more to get £150 off energy bills

The criteria has changed so 2.7 million more people will get the money automatically knocked off their bills.

New emissions guidance for oil and gas projects

This guidance will determine whether production can go ahead in the controversial Scottish fields, Rosebank and Jackdaw.

Texas Instruments pledges 'historic' $60bn US chip investment

The announcement comes as Trump pressures big technology firms to increase manufacturing in America.

Fed holds interest rates for fourth time despite tariff turmoil

The US central bank leaves its key interest rate unchanged at 4.3%, as its view of the economy darkens.

Fed holds interest rates for fourth time despite tariff turmoil

The US central bank leaves its key interest rate unchanged at 4.3%, as its view of the economy darkens.

Old meter switch-off is pushed back

Thousands of households will now not face disruption to hot water and heating, the government says

HS2 line to be delayed again with no new date given

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the HS2 project was an "appalling mess".

Japan's Nippon seals controversial US Steel deal after Trump pact

Nippon agreed to give a "golden share" to the US government to win approval of the takeover.

OpenAI boss: Meta offering $100m plus to poach my staff

Sam Altman said so far none of his "best people" had jumped ship to his big tech rival.

OpenAI boss: Meta offering $100m plus to poach my staff

Sam Altman said so far none of his "best people" had jumped ship to his big tech rival.

Chocolate prices soar as UK inflation stays at highest in over a year

Food prices grew for a third month in May, as the overall rate of inflation remained at 3.4%.

Chocolate prices soar as UK inflation stays at highest in over a year

Food prices grew for a third month in May, as the overall rate of inflation remained at 3.4%.

Co-op offers members £10 discount on shopping after cyber attack

The retailer says the offer is to thank members but a retail analyst says the bar is high to redeem it.

Trump to extend US TikTok ban deadline, White House says

The app was supposed to be banned in the US after its Chinese owner refused to sell it by a January deadline.

Amazon boss says AI will replace jobs at tech giant

Andy Jassy tells staff to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as he warns the workforce will get smaller.

Nissan unveils new electric car to be built in UK

The new Leaf will be powered by batteries also manufactured in Sunderland.

UK watchdog fines 23andMe for 'profoundly damaging' data breach

The fine comes as the DNA testing firm, which filed for bankruptcy in March, is set to be sold to a new owner.

More than 1,000 jobs at risk as Poundland plans 68 store closures

The discount chain sets out turnaround plans a week after it was bought by a US investment firm.

Experts question whether $499 gold Trump phone can be US-made

It is the latest plan by US President Donald Trump's family that looks to cash in on his name.

Trump signs order confirming parts of UK-US tariff deal

The pact between the US and UK means tariffs will be reduced on certain goods such as cars entering the US.

British Steel secures £500m contract to supply UK train tracks

The company will forge more than 337,000 tonnes of track in a deal safeguarding its future for the next five years.

Why Ukraine is one of the world's most digital countries

Despite the war, Ukraine has developed of the most advanced systems for digital government services.

WhatsApp to start showing more adverts in messaging app

People who link their WhatsApp account to Facebook or Instagram will see personalised ads.

UK's largest road tunnel project awarded £590m

Work on the Lower Thames Crossing is expected to begin in 2026 and finish by 2032.

UK's largest road tunnel project awarded £590m

Work on the Lower Thames Crossing is expected to begin in 2026 and finish by 2032.

UK's largest road tunnel project awarded £590m

Work on the Lower Thames Crossing is expected to begin in 2026 and finish by 2032.

UK's largest road tunnel project awarded £590m

Work on the Lower Thames Crossing is expected to begin in 2026 and finish by 2032.

UK's largest road tunnel project awarded £590m

Work on the Lower Thames Crossing is expected to begin in 2026 and finish by 2032.

UK's largest road tunnel project awarded £590m

Work on the Lower Thames Crossing is expected to begin in 2026 and finish by 2032.

How the Israel-Iran conflict could affect energy prices

Conflict in the Middle East often leads to higher energy prices, which can feed through to inflation.

Shared ownership: 'It's a con and we felt trapped'

Londoners, including couple Chris and Diana, share their experiences of shared ownership.

Son of Estée Lauder, who took the brand global, dies aged 92

Leonard Lauder joined his parents' company in 1958 and served as chief executive for 17 years.

The reality behind Trump's incredible investment claims

The president's impact on investment in the US is far more incremental than he has claimed.

The reality behind Trump's incredible investment claims

The president's impact on investment in the US is far more incremental than he has claimed.

The reality behind Trump's incredible investment claims

The president's impact on investment in the US is far more incremental than he has claimed.

Can shoes be made in the US without cheap labour?

American production is possible, but it often needs to be automated to be cost effective.

Can shoes be made in the US without cheap labour?

American production is possible, but it often needs to be automated to be cost effective.

Can shoes be made in the US without cheap labour?

American production is possible, but it often needs to be automated to be cost effective.

Can shoes be made in the US without cheap labour?

American production is possible, but it often needs to be automated to be cost effective.

Can shoes be made in the US without cheap labour?

American production is possible, but it often needs to be automated to be cost effective.

Can shoes be made in the US without cheap labour?

American production is possible, but it often needs to be automated to be cost effective.

Can shoes be made in the US without cheap labour?

American production is possible, but it often needs to be automated to be cost effective.

Reeves vows to shield UK from Israel-Iran price shock

The chancellor said nothing was "off the table" in protecting people from the impact of higher oil prices.

The women at the centre of Somalia's construction boom

Mogadishu's rapid expansion after decades of war is giving unexpected opportunities in a male-dominated society.

Race to mine metals for EV batteries threatens marine paradise

Photographs appear to show how nickel mining damaged one the world's most diverse marine environments

Sainsburys and Morrisons told to stop tobacco ads

The government has written to the supermarkets to say the adverts are banned by a law passed in 2002.

Global oil prices soar after Israel attacks Iran

The cost of crude oil affects everything from the price of food at the supermarket to how much it costs to fill up your car.

'I used to spend £50 there': What's gone wrong at Poundland?

After the budget retailer was sold for £1, we hear from shoppers and experts on why its popularity has waned.

'I used to spend £50 there': What's gone wrong at Poundland?

After the budget retailer was sold for £1, we hear from shoppers and experts on why its popularity has waned.

'I used to spend £50 there': What's gone wrong at Poundland?

After the budget retailer was sold for £1, we hear from shoppers and experts on why its popularity has waned.

'I used to spend £50 there': What's gone wrong at Poundland?

After the budget retailer was sold for £1, we hear from shoppers and experts on why its popularity has waned.

'I used to spend £50 there': What's gone wrong at Poundland?

After the budget retailer was sold for £1, we hear from shoppers and experts on why its popularity has waned.

'I used to spend £50 there': What's gone wrong at Poundland?

After the budget retailer was sold for £1, we hear from shoppers and experts on why its popularity has waned.

Badenoch calls for end to oil and gas windfall tax

The Conservative leader said the windfall tax on the oil and gas sector should end and new drilling licenses are needed.

Indian scientists search for the perfect apple

India can't grow enough apples to meet demand but farmers are struggling to raise production.

What does the Air India crash mean for Boeing?

Until Thursday's tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, Boeing's 787 Dreamliner had an exemplary safety record.

How to stay safe during a storm and what to do in a power cut

The rain and high winds experienced during stormy weather can damage homes and cause power outages.

Watchdog warns allergy sufferers about Dubai chocolate

The Food Standards Agency says the labelling on imported chocolate may not list all ingredients.

Reeves refuses to rule out tax rises after economy shrinks

The chancellor highlights "uncertainty" in the world as economists warn of tax rises if the economy fails to grow.

Poundland sold for £1 with shops set to close

The BBC understands up to 100 of the brand's 825 UK stores could close as the new owners shake up the business.

Council tax expected to rise by 5% a year

Council tax is expected to rise by 5% a year to pay for local services, documents in the Spending Review suggest.

Human-sized Labubu doll sells for more than $150,000

The 131cm-high figurine was sold at the Yongle International Auction in Beijing.

Disney and Universal sue AI firm Midjourney over images

The Hollywood studios allege Midjourney's image generator is a "bottomless pit of plagiarism".

The Korean bakery chain that says croissants don't have to be French

Asian bakeries are seeing success at home and abroad by bringing global flavours to traditional French pastries.

The Korean bakery chain that says croissants don't have to be French

Asian bakeries are seeing success at home and abroad by bringing global flavours to traditional French pastries.

A Belgrade landmark bombed by Nato could get Trump makeover

The Serbian project, led by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, has run into opposition and scandal.

A Belgrade landmark bombed by Nato could get Trump makeover

The Serbian project, led by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, has run into opposition and scandal.

A Belgrade landmark bombed by Nato could get Trump makeover

The Serbian project, led by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, has run into opposition and scandal.

A Belgrade landmark bombed by Nato could get Trump makeover

The Serbian project, led by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, has run into opposition and scandal.

A Belgrade landmark bombed by Nato could get Trump makeover

The Serbian project, led by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, has run into opposition and scandal.

A Belgrade landmark bombed by Nato could get Trump makeover

The Serbian project, led by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, has run into opposition and scandal.

Elon Musk says he regrets some posts about Donald Trump

The billionaire says his posts went "too far" after attacking the US president's planned tax and spending bill.

People on £10,000 to £71,000 react to the UK's spending plans

After the government outlined its spending plans, people with a range of incomes give us their reaction.

Winners and losers: Who got what in the spending review?

BBC correspondents analyse how departments have fared and the impact decisions could have on you.

Faisal Islam: This is not a quick fix, but that's the point

The measures announced in the Spending Review will not instantly transform the economy.

Key points at a glance from the Spending Review

Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveils how the government plans to spend money in the coming years.

WhatsApp tells BBC it backs Apple in legal row with UK over user data

The messaging app says the UK government's demands over data access could set a "dangerous precedent."

US inflation ticks higher but tariff impact remains muted

Higher prices for some items were offset by declines in other areas, such as petrol, airfares and clothing.

Seven ways the Spending Review will affect you

Spending limits for government departments are being outlined by the chancellor. This is how it affects you.

Plans for Loch Lomond Flamingo Land resort stalled

The Scottish government had been set to give permission for the park after overturning the decision of the national park authority.

Heathrow expansion 'essential' after busiest May

More than 7.2 million passengers travelled through the airport's four terminals last month.

Heathrow expansion 'essential' after busiest May

More than 7.2 million passengers travelled through the airport's four terminals last month.

Heathrow expansion 'essential' after busiest May

More than 7.2 million passengers travelled through the airport's four terminals last month.

Budget airline Jetstar Asia to close in weeks, customers offered refunds

Jetstar Asia has struggled with rising supplier costs, high airport fees and increased competition.

Twix ad banned for encouraging unsafe driving

The video advert shows a car chase that ends with two caramel-coloured cars on top of each other.

US tariff turmoil makes Spain's flagship foods seek other markets

Spanish ham and olive oil producers are looking at other nations to replace sales in the US.

World Bank predicts worst decade for global growth since 60s

The US, Japan and the euro area are all expected to have lower growth as Trump's tariffs bite.

Sizewell C pledged to lower bills but will take at least 10 years

Sir Keir Starmer says the development of Sizewell C on the Suffolk coastline will create 10,000 jobs over the next decade.

Sizewell C pledged to lower bills but will take at least 10 years

Sir Keir Starmer says the development of Sizewell C on the Suffolk coastline will create 10,000 jobs over the next decade.

UK firms hold off on hiring as job vacancies fall

The employment market is "weakening" official figures suggest, as cautious businesses delay recruitment.

M&S restarts online orders after cyber attack

The return of online shopping marks a key milestone for the retailer, which has struggling to get services back to normal.

Eurostar plans direct trains to Frankfurt and Geneva

The firm hopes a fleet of up to 50 new trains will be up and running by the early 2030s.

China's electric cars are becoming slicker and cheaper - but is there a deeper cost?

The future for EVs will inevitably involve China. But where does that leave the UK and Europe markets – and what of the questions around national security?

From festivals to weddings: Why drone shows are booming

Light shows involving hundreds and even thousands of drones are becoming big attractions.

How much is the winter fuel payment and who will get it?

The government has confirmed it will reverse some of the recent changes to the winter fuel payment.

How much is the winter fuel payment and who will get it?

The government has confirmed it will reverse some of the recent changes to the winter fuel payment.

Three-quarters of pensioners to get winter fuel payment after U-turn

Chancellor Rachel Reeves says all pensioners on less than £35,000 will now qualify for the payment.

Post Office Horizon IT scandal payouts hit £1bn

A total of £1.039bn has been awarded to just over 7,300 sub-postmasters, the latest figures show.

Post Office Horizon IT scandal payouts hit £1bn

A total of £1.039bn has been awarded to just over 7,300 sub-postmasters, the latest figures show.

Xbox handheld console finally revealed after a decade of speculation

The ROG Xbox Ally will use Game Pass on-the-go - meaning subscribers start off with hundreds of games.

Xbox handheld console finally revealed after a decade of speculation

The ROG Xbox Ally will use Game Pass on-the-go - meaning subscribers start off with hundreds of games.

On board the driverless lorries hoping to transform China's transport industry

Driverless lorries are now operating across China - but public concern about these vehicles remains.

NatWest fixes app outage which left customers fuming

More than 3,000 people have reported problems during what is the latest in a long line of banking IT failures.

Why food firms are scrambling to cut down on ingredients

Food firms are marketing ranges with fewer ingredients, but are they healthier?

Arrests made in crackdown on finfluencers

Hundreds of take down requests of social media posts are also made following a campaign by regulators.

M&S hackers sent abuse and ransom demand directly to CEO

The criminals told the retailer's boss he could make things "fast and easy" if he complied with their demands.

Tesla shares tumble as Trump-Musk feud erupts

Tesla shares plunged 14%, marking one of the steepest declines in months as Musk and Trump battled online.

Trump confirms China trip after 'very good' call with Xi

The leaders of the US and China agree to further talks aimed at reaching a deal amid an ongoing trade war.

'Rental costs doubled in our 10-month absence'

Tom Pinsard says he was shocked at the cost of rent in Guernsey after he returned from Australia.

Tariffs prompt record plunge in US imports

American purchases of Canadian goods in April fell to the lowest level since 2021.

The Briefing Room

From McKinley to Trump, the rise, fall and rise again of US tariffs.

Europe cuts interest rates as Trump's tariffs loom

The eurozone's central bank makes its eighth cut but warns US tariffs will weigh on the economy.

UK inflation rate: How quickly are prices rising?

UK Inflation has fallen but remains above the Bank of England's 2% target.

Stores open at midnight as fans rush to buy Nintendo Switch 2

One retailer says it's the "biggest gaming pre-order ever" - but there questions over whether high prices will dent sales.

UK inflation number too high after data blunder

The UK's statistics agency says April's inflation figure was too high after it was given incorrect road tax data.

US-Boeing deal over crashes 'repugnant' - lawyer for victims' families

The plane maker has agreed to pay $1.1bn to avoid prosecution over two fatal crashes that killed 346 people.

US-Boeing deal over crashes 'repugnant' - lawyer for victims' families

The plane maker has agreed to pay $1.1bn to avoid prosecution over two fatal crashes that killed 346 people.

How airline fees have turned baggage into billions

The amount carriers now charge for luggage is raising the ire of politicians and consumer groups.

Trump's 50% tariffs on metals come into effect

Trump doubles down on his tariffs, while sparing the UK from the latest duties.

Northumbrian Water to pay £15.7m over failings

The firm says the cost will be met by shareholders rather than increasing customers' bills.

Scammers stole £47m from HMRC in phishing attack

The tax authority said it is writing to those affected to confirm they haven't lost any money and they don't need to do anything

UK temporarily spared from Trump's 50% steel tariffs

The executive order raises import taxes for US firms buying from other countries - but the levy remains at 25% for the UK.

Winter fuel payment U-turn in place this year, says chancellor

Rachel Reeves says more people will get winter fuel payment "this winter", but details over how many will get it remain unclear.

How much is the winter fuel payment and who will get it?

The government has confirmed it will reverse some of the recent changes to the winter fuel payment.

Train firms must stop criminalising 'innocent errors', report says

An inquiry found "disproportionate" punishments for often innocent mistakes.

Simon Jack: Tariff relief for UK but new clock ticking on US deal

If the UK's deal with the US is not finalised by 9 July, the UK's tariff on steel will go back up to 50%.

Are house prices too high to get on the property ladder?

New data shows record house price rises are currently "centred" in south Wales.

North Face and Cartier customer data stolen in cyber attacks

They are the latest in a string of high-profile companies publicly reporting being hacked.

TikTok Shop food listings 'putting people at risk'

The BBC finds food listed on TikTok shop without ingredient and allergen information.

UK threatens to sue Abramovich over Chelsea sale

The proceeds have been frozen since the UK government forced the club's sale following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Disney makes hundreds more layoffs as it cuts costs

The media giant has been under pressure as viewers move away from cable TV to streaming platforms.

The British jet engine that failed in the 'Valley of Death'

Workers at Reaction Engines felt they were close to completing a revolutionary jet engine.

First-time buyers typically borrowing for 31 years

Mortgage lengths have stayed above 30 years despite some falls in interest rates.

Government AI copyright plan suffers fourth House of Lords defeat

The bitter row over how to protect artists in the artificial intelligence age returns to the Lords.

Panorama

Ros Atkins sets out to discover the truth about how our money is spent

China says US has 'severely violated' tariffs truce

The comments come after Trump said on Friday that China had "totally violated its agreement with us".

IFS says tough public spending choices unavoidable

With the NHS and defence getting more funding, cuts to other areas are inevitable, the influential think tank says.