UK politics live: Starmer says ‘moral case’ behind cuts to disability benefits, not dire finances

The European Commission is taking precautionary measures by issuing burner phones and basic laptops to US-bound staff to mitigate espionage risks, traditionally reserved for trips to China. This decision reflects deteriorating relations due to Donald Trump's accusations against the EU and his administration's actions, such as tariffs and overtures to Russia. Officials are advised to turn off devices at the border and ensure their visas are in diplomatic documents, given the potential for US border...

The article discusses the potential impact of Donald Trump's proposed 20% tariffs on EU goods, particularly concerning Italian food exports to the US. Italian agribusiness lobby Coldiretti warns that these tariffs could lead American consumers to substitute authentic Italian products with inferior, locally made alternatives, which they label as "counterfeit." Despite concerns from Italian exporters, the article suggests that many American consumers, particularly Trump's base, may not recognize the difference between genuine Italian products and...

SummaryBritish lenders are responding to concerns from the Bank of England (BoE) regarding liquidity risks in the growing market for synthetic risk transfers (SRTs), where investors assume credit risk from banks for regular payments. The BoE has expressed worries about banks misclassifying financing tied to credit-linked notes, leading to potential undercapitalization of risks. With a June 11 deadline for responses, the BoE's intervention may affect financing costs and capital requirements for all banks involved in...

The global turmoil stemming from the Trump administration is strengthening the EU's commitment to sign a defence and security pact with the UK, enabling British arms companies to engage in joint procurement. This agreement, set to be finalized at a summit hosted by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, aims to enhance European defence capabilities amidst rising tensions and re-armament discussions following Trump's NATO threats and Russian overtures. While addressing broader geopolitical issues, the pact's...

This article discusses the EU's upcoming foreign ministers' meeting addressing Ukraine, the Middle East, and relations with African states and the Western Balkans, followed by the first EU-Palestine high-level dialogue. The EU plans to unveil a €1.6bn financial support package for Palestine, though concerns exist about how much will reach Palestinians amid ongoing conflicts, with conditions set for fiscal reforms. Additionally, the European services workers union urges the EU to implement a digital services tax...

SummaryArctic sea ice has reached record lows for the fourth consecutive month, with the lowest maximum extent recorded at 14.4 million square kilometers on March 20, 2025, according to Copernicus. The Arctic is warming at a rate up to four times that of the rest of the planet, prompting increased military and commercial vessel activity, particularly from Russia, as some regions may become ice-free by the summer within a decade. This decline in sea ice...