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gb44UK PM Burnham says he will publicly disagree with Trump if necessary
In his first major interview as prime minister, Andy Burnham stated he would be prepared to publicly disagree with US President Donald Trump if necessary to defend Britain's national interest. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting also confirmed the UK will not support US offensive operations in Iran, reiterating continued differences with the US over Iran. Burnham ruled out an early general election before 2029 and declined to commit to a 3% of GDP defence spending target by 2030, despite demands from his own chancellor. The comments signal potential early tensions between the new UK government and the Trump administration.
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UK PM Burnham says he will publicly disagree with Trump if necessary
In his first major interview as prime minister, Andy Burnham stated he would be prepared to publicly disagree with US President Donald Trump if necessary to defend Britain's national interest. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting also confirmed the UK will not support US offensive operations in Iran, reiterating continued differences with the US over Iran. Burnham ruled out an early general election before 2029 and declined to commit to a 3% of GDP defence spending target by 2030, despite demands from his own chancellor. The comments signal potential early tensions between the new UK government and the Trump administration.
In his first major interview as prime minister, Andy Burnham stated he would be prepared to publicly disagree with US President Donald Trump if necessary to defend Britain's national interest. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting also confirmed the UK will not support US offensive operations in Iran, reiterating continued differences with the US over Iran. Burnham ruled out an early general election before 2029 and declined to commit to a 3% of GDP defence spending target by 2030, despite demands from his own chancellor. The comments signal potential early tensions between the new UK government and the Trump administration.
gb43Economists Warn Bank of England May Be Forced to Raise Rates if Oil Prices Stay Above $90-$100
The Bank of England had previously held its benchmark interest rate at 3.75% amid economic uncertainty from US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Now, City economists warn that if oil prices remain above $90-$100 per barrel due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, the Bank may be forced to raise rates later this year to curb rising inflation. Analysts from Deutsche Bank, Nomura, and Capital Economics project multiple quarter-point hikes if the energy shock persists, while some expect the Bank to hold steady for now. The potential rate increases reflect broader concerns about second-round effects on inflation from higher fuel and food costs.
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Economists Warn Bank of England May Be Forced to Raise Rates if Oil Prices Stay Above $90-$100
The Bank of England had previously held its benchmark interest rate at 3.75% amid economic uncertainty from US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Now, City economists warn that if oil prices remain above $90-$100 per barrel due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, the Bank may be forced to raise rates later this year to curb rising inflation. Analysts from Deutsche Bank, Nomura, and Capital Economics project multiple quarter-point hikes if the energy shock persists, while some expect the Bank to hold steady for now. The potential rate increases reflect broader concerns about second-round effects on inflation from higher fuel and food costs.
The Bank of England had previously held its benchmark interest rate at 3.75% amid economic uncertainty from US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Now, City economists warn that if oil prices remain above $90-$100 per barrel due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, the Bank may be forced to raise rates later this year to curb rising inflation. Analysts from Deutsche Bank, Nomura, and Capital Economics project multiple quarter-point hikes if the energy shock persists, while some expect the Bank to hold steady for now. The potential rate increases reflect broader concerns about second-round effects on inflation from higher fuel and food costs.
gb41Home heating oil prices in Northern Ireland surge 29% in three weeks amid US-Iran tensions
Heating oil prices in Northern Ireland had previously surged 92% in March, a record monthly spike. In mid-July, prices rose again: the average cost of 500 litres jumped £98.78 (29%) in three weeks to £445.37, driven by escalating US-Iran conflict disrupting oil supply and shipping routes. Brent crude rose over 6% on July 15 following US military strikes against Iran and Houthi attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea. Consumer Council for Northern Ireland head of energy policy Raymond Gormley stated prices will remain high until US-Iran peace negotiations resume. About two-thirds of Northern Ireland households rely on heating oil, raising affordability concerns ahead of winter.
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Home heating oil prices in Northern Ireland surge 29% in three weeks amid US-Iran tensions
Heating oil prices in Northern Ireland had previously surged 92% in March, a record monthly spike. In mid-July, prices rose again: the average cost of 500 litres jumped £98.78 (29%) in three weeks to £445.37, driven by escalating US-Iran conflict disrupting oil supply and shipping routes. Brent crude rose over 6% on July 15 following US military strikes against Iran and Houthi attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea. Consumer Council for Northern Ireland head of energy policy Raymond Gormley stated prices will remain high until US-Iran peace negotiations resume. About two-thirds of Northern Ireland households rely on heating oil, raising affordability concerns ahead of winter.
Heating oil prices in Northern Ireland had previously surged 92% in March, a record monthly spike. In mid-July, prices rose again: the average cost of 500 litres jumped £98.78 (29%) in three weeks to £445.37, driven by escalating US-Iran conflict disrupting oil supply and shipping routes. Brent crude rose over 6% on July 15 following US military strikes against Iran and Houthi attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea. Consumer Council for Northern Ireland head of energy policy Raymond Gormley stated prices will remain high until US-Iran peace negotiations resume. About two-thirds of Northern Ireland households rely on heating oil, raising affordability concerns ahead of winter.
gb40UK Defence Secretary Rejects Iran Threats, Dismisses Russian Channel Exercise
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has stated that Iran's 'sabre-rattling' threats should not intimidate the UK, emphasizing Britain's readiness to respond to any attacks while reiterating the UK's refusal to join offensive US military action against Iran. He also dismissed a Russian warship's live-firing exercise in the English Channel as 'performative' and 'irresponsible', highlighting ongoing Russian threats to UK security. The UK remains aligned with the US on securing maritime freedom in the Strait of Hormuz and is prepared to lead a naval mine-clearing mission there.
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UK Defence Secretary Rejects Iran Threats, Dismisses Russian Channel Exercise
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has stated that Iran's 'sabre-rattling' threats should not intimidate the UK, emphasizing Britain's readiness to respond to any attacks while reiterating the UK's refusal to join offensive US military action against Iran. He also dismissed a Russian warship's live-firing exercise in the English Channel as 'performative' and 'irresponsible', highlighting ongoing Russian threats to UK security. The UK remains aligned with the US on securing maritime freedom in the Strait of Hormuz and is prepared to lead a naval mine-clearing mission there.
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has stated that Iran's 'sabre-rattling' threats should not intimidate the UK, emphasizing Britain's readiness to respond to any attacks while reiterating the UK's refusal to join offensive US military action against Iran. He also dismissed a Russian warship's live-firing exercise in the English Channel as 'performative' and 'irresponsible', highlighting ongoing Russian threats to UK security. The UK remains aligned with the US on securing maritime freedom in the Strait of Hormuz and is prepared to lead a naval mine-clearing mission there.
gb39Families of 1994 RAF Chinook crash victims urge PM Burnham to order independent review
Families of 29 military personnel killed in the 1994 RAF Chinook crash on the Mull of Kintyre are calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to order a fresh independent review, citing concerns of a cover-up by the Ministry of Defence. Former Defence Secretary Liam Fox supports the call, noting 'deep concerns' that vital information may have been withheld. The families, organized as the Chinook Justice Campaign, seek application of the new Hillsborough law to ensure transparency.
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Families of 1994 RAF Chinook crash victims urge PM Burnham to order independent review
Families of 29 military personnel killed in the 1994 RAF Chinook crash on the Mull of Kintyre are calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to order a fresh independent review, citing concerns of a cover-up by the Ministry of Defence. Former Defence Secretary Liam Fox supports the call, noting 'deep concerns' that vital information may have been withheld. The families, organized as the Chinook Justice Campaign, seek application of the new Hillsborough law to ensure transparency.
Families of 29 military personnel killed in the 1994 RAF Chinook crash on the Mull of Kintyre are calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to order a fresh independent review, citing concerns of a cover-up by the Ministry of Defence. Former Defence Secretary Liam Fox supports the call, noting 'deep concerns' that vital information may have been withheld. The families, organized as the Chinook Justice Campaign, seek application of the new Hillsborough law to ensure transparency.
gb38UK Offers Chinook Helicopters and Troops for Cairngorms Wildfire Response
The Scottish Government had previously requested UK military aerial support for the Cairngorms wildfire. Today, the UK Government responded by formally offering Chinook helicopters and standby battalion personnel to assist the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service under Military Aid to the Civil Authorities. The support includes heavy-lift capacity for water drops and enhanced liaison support. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed the readiness of the armed forces to deploy. The fire, which began on 15 July, continues to threaten properties and woodland, with evacuations in Nethy Bridge.
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UK Offers Chinook Helicopters and Troops for Cairngorms Wildfire Response
The Scottish Government had previously requested UK military aerial support for the Cairngorms wildfire. Today, the UK Government responded by formally offering Chinook helicopters and standby battalion personnel to assist the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service under Military Aid to the Civil Authorities. The support includes heavy-lift capacity for water drops and enhanced liaison support. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed the readiness of the armed forces to deploy. The fire, which began on 15 July, continues to threaten properties and woodland, with evacuations in Nethy Bridge.
The Scottish Government had previously requested UK military aerial support for the Cairngorms wildfire. Today, the UK Government responded by formally offering Chinook helicopters and standby battalion personnel to assist the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service under Military Aid to the Civil Authorities. The support includes heavy-lift capacity for water drops and enhanced liaison support. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed the readiness of the armed forces to deploy. The fire, which began on 15 July, continues to threaten properties and woodland, with evacuations in Nethy Bridge.
gb33UK bankers fear new government may hike bank tax
British bankers are concerned that the new UK government under Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey may increase the bank surcharge tax to fill budget gaps. Industry executives worry about a potential windfall tax on bank profits, which could raise billions but hurt London's competitiveness as a financial center. The Treasury has signaled awareness of the sector's importance, but fiscal pressures and public resentment toward banks create political incentives for a tax hike.
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UK bankers fear new government may hike bank tax
British bankers are concerned that the new UK government under Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey may increase the bank surcharge tax to fill budget gaps. Industry executives worry about a potential windfall tax on bank profits, which could raise billions but hurt London's competitiveness as a financial center. The Treasury has signaled awareness of the sector's importance, but fiscal pressures and public resentment toward banks create political incentives for a tax hike.
British bankers are concerned that the new UK government under Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey may increase the bank surcharge tax to fill budget gaps. Industry executives worry about a potential windfall tax on bank profits, which could raise billions but hurt London's competitiveness as a financial center. The Treasury has signaled awareness of the sector's importance, but fiscal pressures and public resentment toward banks create political incentives for a tax hike.
gb30UK PM Burnham to host Zelenskyy at naval base, announce Stone Cloak electronic jammer sharing
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a UK naval base where Ukrainian forces are training, marking Burnham's first overseas visitor. They will discuss joint projects including the Stone Cloak electronic jammer, for which the UK has shared intellectual property to enable Ukrainian mass production. The visit underscores continued UK support for Ukraine amid Russia's invasion, with total UK aid reaching £25 billion.
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UK PM Burnham to host Zelenskyy at naval base, announce Stone Cloak electronic jammer sharing
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a UK naval base where Ukrainian forces are training, marking Burnham's first overseas visitor. They will discuss joint projects including the Stone Cloak electronic jammer, for which the UK has shared intellectual property to enable Ukrainian mass production. The visit underscores continued UK support for Ukraine amid Russia's invasion, with total UK aid reaching £25 billion.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a UK naval base where Ukrainian forces are training, marking Burnham's first overseas visitor. They will discuss joint projects including the Stone Cloak electronic jammer, for which the UK has shared intellectual property to enable Ukrainian mass production. The visit underscores continued UK support for Ukraine amid Russia's invasion, with total UK aid reaching £25 billion.