Report details bleak human rights situation in Ukraine nearly three years into Russian invasion

The UK government plans to ease regulations for private equity and hedge funds by raising the size threshold for oversight to £5bn, aiming to attract more investment and bolster the country's position in Europe. The move, subject to consultation with the industry, is expected to reduce costs and enhance competitiveness, though it may face criticism from some Labour MPs. The Treasury and FCA are also exploring tailored regulatory regimes and streamlining rules to support growth...

The latest round of tariffs by the Trump administration creates confusion for traders and countries, with Asian nations facing high rates and limited exemptions, while the EU receives a flat 20% rate affecting individual member states differently. Surprisingly, countries with which the US has trade surpluses are hit by the tariffs, based on 2024 trade data, which may not reflect long-term trends, resulting in unexpected outcomes like Namibia's high tariff rate. Full Article

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen claims to be a victim of a political witch-hunt after being convicted of embezzling public funds, vowing to fight any attempt to bar her from the next presidential election. Supporters of Le Pen's National Rally (RN) gathered in Paris while a rival rally accused her of posing an "existential threat" to the rule of law. The case has sparked controversy and divided opinions among political movements in France. Full Article

The US has implemented a 10% import levy on all imports from various countries, including the UK, causing disruption. The tariff is being collected at seaports, airports, and customs warehouses, with higher tariffs on goods from 57 trading partners, such as a 20% rate for the EU, set to begin next week. Full Article

Analysts are warning of possible recessions in the UK, US, and EU as the risk of escalation in trade tensions cannot be overlooked. Stock indices plummeted by nearly $5tn last week, with markets in the UK and US experiencing significant losses. World leaders are considering retaliatory action as fears of a global recession loom large. Full Article

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) will halt shipments of UK-made cars to the US for a month to assess how to address the impact of the 25% tariff imposed by Donald Trump. The tariff on imported cars and light trucks began on 3 April, prompting the carmaker to take a pause to determine potential mitigation strategies. JLR's decision reflects the significant financial implications of the tariff and the need to carefully consider the best course of...