Political News
UK confirms coronavirus jobs package to be scaled back by Oct
The UK government confirmed it was scaling back its coronavirus job retention scheme with businesses having to meet 20% of their wage bill for furloughed workers by October.
London mayor calls on govt to retain free travel for children
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has resumed his war of words with the government over the conditions attached to London's £1. 6bn transport system bailout.
Jack Dorsey stands by fact-check on Trump tweet
Twitter chief executive officer Jack Dorsey said he stands by the company’s decision to fact-check two tweets by President Donald Trump despite the White House’s intense criticism.
Travel firms slam UK govt plans for Covid quarantine
More than 75 travel industry firms have called on the UK government to scrap plans to force visitors to forcibly quarantine visitors on arrival.
China votes for Hong Kong security law as US tensions rise
China's parliament has voted overwhelmingly to impose a national security law on Hong Kong in a move that has unnerved markets and threatens to increase tensions between Beijing and the US.
EU set to propose 750bn euro reconstruction fund
Brussels will propose a €750bn reconstruction fund on Wednesday evening financed through jointly-issued debt, the majority of which will be disbursed as grants.
Hong Kong leader claims new security law will not hurt freedoms
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday that Beijing’s proposed national security law for the city will not hurt citizens' freedoms.
UK govt unveils full list of shops allowed to re-open in Covid easing
The British government on Tuesday revealed the full list of retailers that can reopen under new coronavirus lockdown easing guidelines, with fashion and betting shops set to open doors on June 15.
Germany wants to lift tourist travel warning — report
The German government intends to lift a travel warning for tourist visits to 31 European countries from mid-June if the Covid-19 situation allows, according to reports.
Durham police to investigate Dominic Cummings
Durham police have been asked to start an investigation into Downing Street adviser Dominic Cummings by the county's police and crime commissioner.
EU plans first face-to-face summit in months as lockdown eases across Europe
EU leaders may meet for a face-to-face summit in the coming weeks to discuss the next joint budget and the planned coronavirus recovery fund.
China likely to face US sanctions over Hong Kong national security bill
The US government is likely to sanction China if Beijing goes ahead with the signing of the national security law that will give it stricter control of Hong Kong.
China announces national security law for Hong Kong
The Hong Kong stock market fell sharply after China said it would impose a national security law that threatens the "one country, two systems" arrangement between the city and Beijing.
UK inequality grows as top 1% of earners get 17% of nation's income
UK inequality grew as the highest paid 1% of British earners received nearly 17% of all national income before the Covid-19 crisis.
UK govt expands Covid-19 loan scheme to £200m
The UK Treasury on Tuesday extended the size of loans available to larger businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
China's Xi pledges $2bn to coronavirus fight
Chinese President Xi Jinping said Monday that his country will provide $2bn over two years to help other countries respond to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Employers cut entry-level jobs by almost 25%
Employers in the UK are cutting entry-level roles by 23% due to the Covid-19 crisis and its economic impact said the Institute of Student Employers in their latest survey.
Federal Reserve chairman reiterates that more government support may be needed
Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell doubled down on a previous call for further government economic support.
Rail union demands compulsory Covid safety measures as services increase
Train companies increased services on Monday to cope with the easing of coronavirus travel restrictions in England as unions called for compulsory safety measures.
Pound drops after chief UK trade negotiator says Brexit deal may not be reached
The UK and the European Union may not be able to reach an agreement on Brexit if Brussels insists on new and unbalanced approach based on requiring "a level playing field", the country's top negotiator said.