France’s PM has announced a six-month suspension of a fuel tax rise which has led to weeks of violent protests. Edouard Philippe said that people’s anger must be heard, and the measures would not be applied until there had been proper debate with those affected. The protests have hit major French cities, causing considerable damage …
Food prices could rise between 5% and 10% if there is a disorderly Brexit, the Bank of England governor, Mark Carney, has warned. Mr Carney told MPs that in the most “extreme” case, prices would rise by 10%, but in a less severe scenario the increase would be about 6%. The Bank of England and …
Image copyright AFP Image caption Mr Trump has been embroiled in tit-for-tat trade battles on several fronts in recent months Donald Trump has agreed not to escalate his trade war with China, but many other countries have also been affected by the US president’s America First trade policy. From Spanish olives to Canadian steel, no …
Image copyright Getty Images Greater powers given to HMRC to tackle tax avoidance and evasion are undermining the rule of law and justice, warns a House of Lords report. The Economic Affairs Committee said HMRC has been granted some broad, disproportionate powers without effective taxpayer safeguards. High penalties, designed to deter taxpayers from appealing, are …
Image copyright Getty Images A proposed cut by China to tariffs on US car imports created confusion in Washington, a day after it was announced by US President Donald Trump. Beijing has not yet confirmed the move and President Trump’s advisers appeared less certain about the agreement. Uncertainty also surrounded the details of the broader …
Image copyright Getty Images The best way for young people to get their own home? Have property-owning parents. Youngsters with parents who have property wealth are nearly three times more likely to be home owners by 30, according to The Resolution Foundation. Its report found that parental wealth is almost as crucial as how much …
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Funeral costs are up 84% in 10 years The boss of the UK’s largest funeral provider, the Co-Op Group, has admitted the industry has taken advantage of people’s grief in the past. Steve Murrells said price wasn’t on the agenda for people arranging a funeral – which created “the …
Image copyright Getty Images Altria, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes, is in talks with a Canadian cannabis producer over a potential investment in the firm. Canada’s Cronos Group confirmed the discussions but said it had not yet reached an agreement. It follows reports that Altria was in talks to acquire Cronos as it moves to …
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption The new timetables involved 43,200 individual changes and affected 46% of passenger services Transport Secretary Chris Grayling should have been more proactive in preventing this year’s train timetable chaos, according to MPs. In a scathing report on May’s timetable changes, the transport select committee said “genuine change” was needed …
Image copyright MassiveMusic Image caption Can you create a “sonic identity” from light bulbs? As we move to a more voice-controlled and audio-centric world, marketers are rediscovering the potential of sound to build brand identities and develop a new breed of advert for the streaming age. Some of our most powerful and emotive memories are …