Economic news and events


Nato chief says UK’s defence spending plans not at odds with 5% goal

NATO secretary-general Mark Rutte has said he sees no discrepancy between the UK’s current defence spending goals and his own push for members to reach...

Mon, 09/06/2025 - 17:41


NATO chief urges 400% rise in alliance’s air defence

NATO head Mark Rutte on Monday urged a ‘quantum leap’ in defence capabilities including a ‘400% increase’ in air and missile defence to shield the...

Mon, 09/06/2025 - 17:39


UK govt U-turns on scrapping pensioners’ heating benefit

Britain’s Labour government on Monday announced it had reversed a policy to scrap a winter heating benefit for millions of pensioners.

The government’s U-turn follows...

Mon, 09/06/2025 - 12:28


UK to boost ’homegrown talent’ in new AI skills drive

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday pledged to boost ‘homegrown talent for the AI age’ by teaming up with tech giants to train 7.5...

Mon, 09/06/2025 - 11:50


Irish industrial production rises during quarter, led by global sector

Ireland’s industrial sector grew 13.2% on a quarterly basis between February and April, data published by the Central Statistics Office showed on Monday.

The Irish...

Mon, 09/06/2025 - 11:45


UK’s Cooper still in last-minute talks with Chancellor on spending

The UK Home Office remains locked in negotiations with the Treasury over its budget, with time running out before the spending review.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is...

Mon, 09/06/2025 - 11:30


UK PM Starmer to visit Canada for trade and security talks

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will travel to Canada later this week to meet Mark Carney for talks on security and economic partnerships.

The Times reported...

Mon, 09/06/2025 - 05:59


Beijing: China’s vice premier to meet US delegation for trade talks

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will meet a US delegation for talks next week in Britain, Beijing announced Saturday amid a fragile truce in the...

Sun, 08/06/2025 - 09:50


UK government announces £86 billion for science, tech and defence

The UK government on Sunday announced £86 billion of investment in science and technology and defence by 2030, days before it unveils its spending plan...

Sun, 08/06/2025 - 09:47


US and China to talk trade policy in London on Monday, Trump says

Senior representatives from the US and China will meet in London on Monday for further trade talks, US President Donald Trump said on Friday.

The US delegation...

Sat, 07/06/2025 - 10:10


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