UK and EU to finalise plans for defence pact

Factories in China are experiencing production slowdowns and worker furloughs due to the U.S.-China trade war, which has led to tariffs of at least 145% on most Chinese goods. With approximately 15% of Chinese exports going to the U.S., many factory owners report canceled or suspended orders, prompting them to halt production for weeks. The Shenzhen Cross-Border E-Commerce Association indicates that anxiety among merchants is rising, with factories cutting overtime and considering layoffs as they...

This article discusses the complexities European leaders face in supporting Ukraine amid U.S. pressure, highlighted by President Trump's criticism of Ukraine's stance on Crimea. Ursula von der Leyen's visit to London aims to address energy security and finalize a post-Brexit strategic alliance with UK Premier Keir Starmer, amid ongoing challenges in energy trading post-Brexit. Additionally, Portugal has requested the European Commission to activate a clause for increased defense spending, responding to NATO's targets, with neighboring...

No 10 aims to "Make Brussels Boring Again" by avoiding terms like ‘single market’ and ‘freedom of movement.’ Labour MPs are urging Starmer to support a youth mobility scheme amid a reset in EU trade relations. The mention of complex trade topics such as veterinary agreements and “Canada-plus” has become uninteresting to many, reflecting a shift in focus that No 10 hopes will continue, moving away from the intense scrutiny of past debates. Full Article

Over 60 new Labour MPs have urged leader Keir Starmer to implement time-limited visas for 18- to 30-year-olds, allowing young Europeans to live and work in the UK, which could facilitate a more ambitious trade relationship with Brussels. Chancellor Rachel Reeves indicated that discussions regarding this potential scheme are "ongoing," suggesting the government is considering a deal. Starmer's strategic alignment with Europe is expected to be subtle yet significant in response to this pressure from...

China is set to lift sanctions on several European lawmakers, aiming to revive an investment deal with the EU after losing significant access to the US market due to tariffs imposed during Donald Trump's presidency. The sanctions were originally implemented in 2021 following EU actions against China over human rights violations in Xinjiang, which halted ratification of the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI). Despite hopes for improved trade ties, EU officials express skepticism about a...

SummaryChancellor Rachel Reeves has indicated a potential reduction in tariffs on US car imports to the UK as part of trade negotiations, emphasizing that this will not compromise Britain’s food and car safety standards. While discussing the challenges of securing a deal with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Reeves affirmed that tariffs must be mutually beneficial, and the UK will not rush negotiations to ensure they align with national interests. The UK government remains firm...