April 2025 payment dates for benefits and pensions as bills go up for millions

SummaryBritain is moving towards establishing a post-Brexit youth visa scheme with the EU, amidst political sensitivities ahead of a key summit on May 19. EU officials emphasize the importance of a "youth experience scheme," allowing under-30s to live and work temporarily in each other's territories, while UK ministers aim to address domestic migration concerns prior to discussions. As negotiations progress, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to agree on a communique with EU...

The UK is facing conflicting international pressures in its pursuit of economic growth, with diplomats humorously noting that Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves appear to be attempting to balance three competing interests. At the recent International Monetary Fund summit in Washington, Reeves aimed to position the UK as a champion of free trade, advocating for business relations with the EU, US, and China. This complex diplomatic balancing act underscores the challenges the UK encounters in...

This article discusses the UK defence industry and its evolving relationship with Europe, highlighting the boost in military orders due to the war in Ukraine and increased government spending. A new defence pact between the UK and the EU is anticipated to be announced on May 19, which could allow British firms access to EU procurement funds, significantly benefiting the UK’s £9.5bn defence export market. The article emphasizes the necessity of collaboration post-Brexit to enhance...

The message emphasizes a pragmatic approach to strengthening partnerships with EU allies, aiming to enhance safety, security, and prosperity for British citizens through reduced trade barriers and economic growth. The UK government, under the leadership of Nick Thomas-Symonds, is confident in its political stability and capacity to attract global investment, as evidenced by Universal's recent multi-billion-pound investment that will create 28,000 jobs. The focus is on moving beyond past debates to ensure long-term stability and...

SummaryAn English-speaking country once failed economically due to protectionist policies, leading Ireland to embrace foreign investment with low corporate taxes from the 1960s, resulting in a trade surplus with the US. Donald Trump's tariffs threaten Ireland's economy, which relies heavily on US pharmaceutical companies, accounting for a significant portion of its exports and tax revenues. While Ireland's low corporate tax rate remains, its recent fiscal success is unsustainable, and Trump's potential tariff actions could jeopardize...

Germany has revised its growth forecast for 2025 to zero, down from a previous prediction of 0.3 percent, largely due to the impact of US President Donald Trump's trade wars on its export-driven manufacturing sector. The country is experiencing its longest economic slump since World War II, with GDP contracting by 0.2 percent last year and 0.3 percent in 2023. Incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to stimulate the economy through increased debt-funded spending and tax...