Cold, rainy weather not over for Britons in the lead-up to spring

Rachel Reeves' hopes to regain business confidence suffered a blow as AstraZeneca cancelled a £450 million investment in a vaccine plant in Merseyside, amid concerns over promised subsidies. This setback came after failed attempts to attract major investments and job losses at companies like Lloyds Bank and Tesco, with criticism focused on national insurance hikes and new employment rights. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith criticized Labour's handling of the situation, highlighting the impact of tax...

A new YouGov poll shows that fewer than half of Brexit voters can point to any positive outcome of the decision, with just 8% stating it has had a positive effect on them. The survey, conducted on the five-year anniversary of Brexit, revealed that while 31% believe leaving the EU has benefited the UK's control over its own laws, 67% feel it has been detrimental to the cost of living. Additionally, 65% think Brexit has...

Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán expressed opposition to EU sanctions against Russia, citing economic losses and threatening to veto their extension due to Ukraine's actions. Despite past threats, Orbán has not followed through, but now warns that Hungary could unilaterally lift sanctions if the European Commission fails to meet energy security guarantees. Orbán stated that Hungary could take drastic measures, such as ending sanctions abruptly, but believes it should only be a last resort. Full Article

Spanish labour inspectors have upset farmers by attempting to fine them for lacking portable toilets in their olive groves, a move farmers criticize as "nonsense" since using the outdoors as a restroom is considered "organic fertiliser." This clampdown on outdoor bathroom practices has sparked controversy and debate within the agricultural community in Spain. Full Article

Your support for The Independent enables in-depth coverage of stories ranging from reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, with a commitment to factual reporting and accessibility. The UK government's proposed land use framework aims to balance agricultural needs with environmental concerns, potentially impacting farmers facing inheritance tax reforms. Environment Secretary Steve Reed emphasizes the framework's goal of protecting food production while addressing climate goals, despite farmer protests and concerns about land use restrictions....

The Isle of Man is scrapping its version of the triple lock on pensions due to affordability concerns, affecting residents who reached state pension age after April 5, 2019. The change introduces a watered down version of the UK's state pension triple lock, with treasury minister Dr Alex Allinson emphasizing that increased contributions should not burden workers and businesses. In contrast, UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch suggested means-testing the UK's triple lock, sparking criticism from...