Trade, City of London, sterling and EU markets
UK mortgage rates have climbed to their highest level in four weeks as Middle East tensions push up gilt yields and force lenders to reprice deals. Millions due to remortgage this year are watching the market nervously.
Pubs and hospitality venues are celebrating a 40% business rates discount worth thousands per site — but independent retailers say they’ve been deliberately left out of the package. The divide is fuelling anger on High Streets across England.
The British military is exploring electric flying taxis for operational use, with manufacturers targeting a 2029 commercial launch. Defence officials have held talks with several eVTOL companies about roles ranging from troop transport to medical evacuation.
JP Morgan’s president has warned Andy Burnham there would be ‘consequences’ if Greater Manchester pushed ahead with a new levy on banks. The standoff has reignited a fierce debate about fiscal devolution and corporate power in England’s regions.
Ryanair’s profits have taken a hit as the Iran conflict dampens passenger confidence and sends oil prices above $90 a barrel. The Irish budget giant is warning that fuel costs and softer bookings could weigh heavily on the months ahead.
The Guardian has named its 20 best UK family days out for summer 2025, covering everything from fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast to stargazing at Kielder Water. Here’s what parents need to know before booking.
Thames Water creditors are gearing up for a major legal battle if nationalisation goes ahead, demanding full repayment of debts running into the multi-billions. The threat could make any government takeover far more costly than ministers anticipated.
Andy Burnham’s economic blueprint promises public ownership, devolved power, and a fairer deal for workers — but critics say the numbers don’t stack up. We examine whether his Greater Manchester model can really go national.
China has condemned the UK’s emergency nationalisation of British Steel as discriminatory, escalating a diplomatic row over the future of the Scunthorpe plant. With 2,700 jobs at stake and Beijing threatening further action, the fallout is only just beginning.
UK GDP grew 0.7% in the first quarter of 2025, outpacing several European rivals — but economists warn the underlying picture is more complicated. Here’s what GDP means and why it matters to ordinary people.
