Shoppers will be able to spend unlimited amounts using contactless card payments from March, after the Financial Conduct Authority announced plans to remove the current £100 cap. The City regulator said the change would improve convenience and allow banks and credit card providers to set their own spending limits. However, consumer experts have warned that […]
£100 Contactless Limit to Be Scrapped Despite Fraud Warnings Read More »
Families facing a steadily rising tax burden are increasingly taking steps to protect their wealth. Yet financial advisers warn that some of the most popular moves designed to reduce tax exposure can end up doing more harm than good. Frozen income tax thresholds, first introduced in 2021 and now extended to 2031, are pulling millions
The Tax Traps Catching Families Who Rush to Protect Their Wealth Read More »
When fierce winds and driving rain battered the coasts and hills of southwest England in November, the public response was familiar. Travel warnings were issued, complaints about gloomy weather resurfaced and Britain’s reputation for poor conditions was reinforced. Behind the scenes, however, something far more consequential was taking place. Britain’s electricity system was quietly breaking
Britain’s Storms Are Rewriting the Power Map as Wind and Solar Surge Read More »
Wes Streeting has publicly challenged Sir Keir Starmer’s Brexit stance by arguing that Britain should pursue membership of a customs union with the European Union, a position strongly backed by Labour voters, according to new polling. The intervention by the health secretary marks the clearest breach yet of Starmer’s stated refusal to revisit customs union
Wes Streeting Defies Starmer as Labour Voters Push for EU Customs Union Read More »
The UK’s largest proposed datacentre has been accused of significantly understating its environmental impact, after new analysis suggested its operations could indirectly consume hundreds of millions of litres of water each year. Northumberland county council has approved the first phase of a hyperscale datacentre campus at Cambois, being developed by the US firm QTS. The
UK’s Largest Proposed Datacentre Accused of Understating Water, Pollution Impact Read More »
Christmas traditions are under threat for six in ten parents as rising living costs continue to squeeze household budgets, according to new research from Nationwide. The building society’s survey of more than 1,000 parents, conducted in partnership with Action for Children, highlights the widening gap in Christmas spending between low- and high-income households. Parents are
Cost-of-Living Crisis Puts Christmas Traditions at Risk for Millions of Families Read More »
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) suffered a cyber-attack in October, the trade minister Chris Bryant has confirmed, though the government has played down the risk to individuals and cautioned against speculation over who was responsible. Speaking to Sky News, Bryant said officials became aware of the breach several months ago and acted
Foreign Office Confirms Cyber Hack Amid Claims of Chinese Involvement Read More »
Britain’s transport network is braced for intense pressure as millions begin their Christmas journeys, with Friday expected to be the busiest and most congested travel day of the festive period. Motoring organisations have warned of exceptionally heavy traffic as commuters, shoppers and early holidaymakers converge on the roads. While the largest number of leisure getaways
Traffic Gridlock and Packed Planes Expected as Christmas Getaways Begin Read More »
Parts of the UK could see snowfall shortly after Christmas, with weather models suggesting flurries may arrive on New Year’s Day as colder air moves in from the east. Forecast charts from WX Charts, based on Met Desk data and projected using the GFS weather model, indicate snowfall developing across England from around 6pm on
UK Braced for Post-Christmas Snow, Wintry Start to the New Year Read More »
Police have been accused of condoning the “scourge of antisemitism” after a number of forces declined to commit to arresting protesters who chant “globalise the intifada,” despite a tougher stance announced by senior policing leaders. The controversy follows a joint statement issued on Wednesday by Sir Mark Rowley, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, and Sir
Police Accused of Condoning Antisemitism Amid Dispute Over Protest Arrests Read More »
