Reuters UK Domestic

By William Schomberg LONDON (Reuters) -Britain’s unemployment rate unexpectedly rose and vacancies fell for a fifth report in a row as employers worried about the outlook for the economy, official data showed on Tuesday, ahead of a tough government budget plan later this week. But pay growth stayed strong, with the increase in basic pay …

Jobless rate rises as UK prepares to tighten belts again Read More »

By James Davey LONDON (Reuters) – More Britons began their Christmas shopping early this year as they navigate a worsening cost-of-living squeeze by budgeting their spending, market research group NielsenIQ said. In a survey released on Tuesday, which chimes with recent comments from Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Primark, NielsenIQ said 30% of British consumers …

Christmas shopping comes early for Britons in grip of cost crunch Read More »

By Amanda Cooper, Samuel Indyk and Harry Robertson LONDON (Reuters) – The moment of truth is almost here for Britain’s new prime minister Rishi Sunak and finance minister Jeremy Hunt. British markets have regained some poise after the carnage triggered by September’s fiscal statement, but as the UK slips into recession, the outlook is far …

Sterling, Big Oil and homebuilders: the winners and losers from upcoming UK budget Read More »

MELBOURNE (Reuters) – England are hoping Ben Stokes might reconsider his retirement from one-day internationals and help the team defend their 50-over World Cup title next year. The talismanic all-rounder, who batted England to victory in the T20 World Cup final against Pakistan on Sunday, retired from one-day cricket in July, citing the “unsustainable” rigour …

Cricket-England hoping to ‘unretire’ Stokes in time for 50-over World Cup Read More »

(Reuters) -British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday extended his support for Ukraine at the G20 summit while confirming a long-planned order for warships from BAE Systems. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime would hear the chorus of global opposition to its actions, Sunak said “Russia’s actions put all of us at risk,” he said at …

UK’s Sunak extends support to Ukraine, awards $4.9 billion contract to BAE Systems Read More »

CAIRO (Reuters) – The sister of Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah said on Monday the family had received a letter from prison that served as “proof of life” from the hunger striker, who said he had resumed drinking water. Abd el-Fattah, who has been on hunger strike against his detention and prison conditions for more …

Egyptian-British hunger striker’s family receive ‘proof of life’ letter Read More »

LONDON (Reuters) – King Charles asked the British parliament on Monday to amend the law to allow two more of his siblings to act on his behalf in his absence, adding them to a group which currently includes his disgraced brother Prince Andrew. In a statement read out on his behalf in the House of …

King Charles asks UK parliament to allow brother and sister to act in his place Read More »

By Muvija M LONDON (Reuters) – More than a third of British pubs and restaurants have shortened their trading hours over the last three months to keep a lid on soaring energy costs, the country’s statistics office said. Some 6% of pubs, cafes and restaurants had decided to close an extra two days a week, …

Over a third of UK pubs and restaurants cut hours to save on energy bills Read More »

LONDON (Reuters) – Britain’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said on Monday a new round of sanctions on Iranian officials was focussed on those responsible for “heinous human rights violations”. “Together with our partners, we have sent a clear message to the Iranian regime – the violent crackdown on protests must stop and freedom of expression …

UK: Iran sanctions target those responsible for human rights violations Read More »