Image copyright SWA Exports of Scotch whisky hit a record high last year, according to new figures. Analysis of HMRC data by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) found exports grew 7.8% by value to £4.7bn. The number of bottles exported also reached record levels, growing by 3.6% to 1.28 billion. Blended Scotch achieved global exports …
Image copyright Reuters Image caption The Channel Tunnel – or Eurotunnel – connects Calais in France with Folkestone in the UK Trains will be permitted to use the Channel Tunnel for three months if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, under a proposed European Commission law. The planned legislation, published on Tuesday, will …
Image copyright Haynes Image caption John Haynes started the firm which went on to sell 200 million manuals The founder of the Haynes motor manuals – known for their distinctive “exploding” diagrams – has died aged 80. John Haynes started the firm after helping fix an Austin Healey Sprite and realising the official manual was …
Media playback is unsupported on your device Media captionMark Carney says no-deal Brexit would be economic shock Bank of England governor Mark Carney has urged MPs to solve the Brexit impasse in a speech warning of growing threats to the global economy. He said a no-deal Brexit would create an “economic shock” at a time …
Image copyright Getty Images Fraudster families are spearheading attempts to steal pension savings totalling millions of pounds, investigators have said. Married couples and their adult children have been identified as leading crime groups involved in the fraud by those tackling the scams. They try to steal life savings or persuade people to invest in high-risk …
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Esther Kiobel has waged a long campaign for justice The widow of a Nigerian activist suing oil giant Shell over the execution of her husband says his death left her “traumatised” and “poverty-stricken”. Esther Kiobel is testifying in court in The Hague, demanding compensation from the Netherlands-based firm. She …
Image copyright Getty Images Customers have been struggling to top up their pay-as-you-go energy meters owing to a fault at British Gas. Those on prepayment meters have been unable to pay via the supplier’s website and app. The company – the largest supplier in the UK – has apologised and is encouraging those affected to …
Image copyright EPA Image caption The sea of muddy sludge swept over roads and destroyed buildings The owner of a mining dam that collapsed in Brazil last month, killing 165, knew it was at a heightened risk of failure, Reuters claims in a report. According to an internal report seen by the news agency, Vale …
Image copyright Ordnance Survey Mapping organisation Ordnance Survey plans to launch a solar-powered drone to capture higher quality images of the Earth. Its Astigan craft will fly higher than commercial airliners at 67,000 ft (20,400m), and could circle the Earth for 90 days before it needs to land. It will collect images and data for …
Image copyright AFP Image caption The Treasury Committee said the government’s aim of eliminating the budget deficit had “no credibility” MPs have dismissed the chancellor’s forecast of a Brexit “deal dividend” of lower taxes and higher spending. The Treasury Committee said it was “not credible” to describe any resultant economic boost from a Brexit deal …