Trump sows uncertainty – and Xi Jinping sees an opportunity
Laura Bicker China correspondent Reuters Donald Trump and Xi Jinping met in 2019 If China is angry at the United States for imposing an extra 10% tariff on all Chinese goods, it is doing a good job of hiding it. Both Canada and Mexico vowed to retaliate and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his […]
What would an economic split from Spain mean?
Daniel Thomas Business reporter Getty Images Pro-independence protesters on the streets of Barcelona this week On 27 October 2017, Catalonia’s former president Carles Puigdemont unilaterally declared independence from Spain, sparking the country’s worst constitutional crisis since 1975. It followed a referendum in the restive region – deemed illegal by the Spanish government and courts – […]
The double-edged sword of the shorter workweek
Christine Ro Features correspondent Getty Images (Credit: Getty Images) With less work to go around, will people twiddle their thumbs or find better things to do with their time? It’s familiar enough to be a cliché: the loyal worker who finally retires and then is flummoxed by the prospect of filling unoccupied days. For people […]
France warns that agreements with the UK are at risk
Getty Images Fresh tensions surfaced last week over the number of fishing licences issued to French fishermen France has intensified pressure on the UK over post-Brexit fishing rights, warning bilateral co-operation could be at risk. The government in Paris is angry that the UK granted 12 licences out of 47 bids for smaller vessels to […]
Is ‘flexibility stigma’ driving women out of offices?
Getty Images Working for yourself can be lonely and financially insecure. So why are more women choosing to ditch traditional offices and strike out alone? This story is from an episode of Woman’s Hour presented by Jenni Murray and produced by Helen Fitzhenry. To listen to more episodes of Woman’s Hour from BBC Radio 4, please […]
Scottish fruit and vegetable growth strategy unveiled
Getty Images Growers say the strategy will benefit Scotland’s health and environment, as well as the economy Scottish fruit and vegetable producers have drawn up a new strategy to boost the industry in response to Brexit. Business leaders fear it could be hit by a slowdown in European exports and a shortage of workers once […]
Police launch night patrols to protect women
Jadzia Samuel BBC News, Canterbury BBC Extra officers will be patrolling Canterbury at night Kent Police have launched extra patrols in Canterbury to protect women and girls on a night out. Uniformed and plain-clothes officers are on the streets on Friday and Saturday nights as part of what is being called Operation Vigilant. More than […]
Warning of wine and spirits shortage at Christmas
Getty Images Britain could face shortage of wine and spirits at Christmas, a drinks trade body has warned. In a letter to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) said rising costs and supply chain chaos have held up deliveries. Imports were now taking up to five times longer than a […]
The 20 best films of 2023
Nicholas Barber and Caryn James Features correspondent Searchlight Pictures/Warner Bros BBC Culture film critics Nicholas Barber and Caryn James pick their highlights of the year, including Barbie, Oppenheimer, Maestro and Killers of the Flower Moon. Alamy The numbers in this list do not represent ranking, but are intended to make the separate entries as clear […]
Wagamama owner to raise millions as lockdown bites
Getty Images The owner of Wagamama is seeking to raise millions of pounds after many of its restaurants had to close their doors amid lockdown restrictions. The Restaurant Group (TRG) will seek to raise £175m from its shareholders to pay down debt and use as a buffer in case of any Covid resurgence. Its boss […]