Economy

UK to allow foreign states 15% stake in newspapers
May 18, 2025
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UK to allow foreign states 15% stake in newspapers

New legislation permits sovereign wealth funds, public pension schemes and other state-owned investors to acquire up to 15% of shares or voting rights in British newspapers and news magazines. The move replaces last year’s blanket ban, aiming to balance media plurality concerns with publishers’ need for fresh capital.

Number of Entrepreneurs Closing UK Businesses Hits Highest Level Since Pandemic
May 11, 2025
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Number of Entrepreneurs Closing UK Businesses Hits Highest Level Since Pandemic

Voluntary liquidations of solvent UK companies surged to 12,602 in the 2024–25 tax year the second highest on record prompted in part by upcoming rises in business asset disposal relief rates. Overall liquidations, including insolvencies, reached a record 36,807 as advisers report clients “cashing in their chips” ahead of further tax increases and amid broader economic uncertainty.

London and Switzerland Clear Path for Direct Rail Service
May 11, 2025
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London and Switzerland Clear Path for Direct Rail Service

The UK and Swiss governments have signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate nonstop train operations between London and major Swiss cities. By addressing cross-border infrastructure and rolling-stock requirements, the agreement aims to shrink the London–Geneva journey to around five hours and tap surging demand for eco-friendly long-distance rail travel.

EU and Moldova Agree €1.9bn Growth Plan
May 11, 2025
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EU and Moldova Agree €1.9bn Growth Plan

The European Union and Moldova have formalized a Growth Plan worth €1.9 billion under the Reform and Growth Facility. The package comprising €400 million in grants and €1.5 billion in low-interest loans will finance institutional reforms and targeted investments to spur roughly 5 percent economic growth by 2028.

UK Interest Rates Cut to 4.25% by Bank of England
May 9, 2025
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UK Interest Rates Cut to 4.25% by Bank of England

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee reduced its base rate by 25 basis points to 4.25%, citing rising economic uncertainty particularly the fallout from global trade tensions for the fourth cut since last August. Despite weaker growth forecasts, policymakers signaled a cautious, gradual approach to further reductions, with markets pricing in two more cuts this year.

US and UK Agree Deal Slashing Trump Tariffs on Cars and Metals
May 9, 2025
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US and UK Agree Deal Slashing Trump Tariffs on Cars and Metals

The United States and United Kingdom reached an agreement to reduce tariffs imposed by President Trump: UK car imports will face a 10% duty (down from 25%) on up to 100,000 vehicles annually, and steel and aluminium tariffs will be lifted. The deal also includes quotas for beef and ethanol exports. While hailed as a relief for key UK industries, critics say it merely restores pre-tariff terms without broader trade liberalization.

Europe launches €500mn “super grant” drive to attract US researchers
May 6, 2025
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Europe launches €500mn “super grant” drive to attract US researchers

The European Commission will allocate €500 million from 2025–27 to the European Research Council to create a “super grant” programme aimed at luring top scientists and researchers—particularly those affected by recent U.S. funding cuts to diversity and inclusion initiatives—by offering longer‑term grants, streamlined visa rules, and a planned legal guarantee of academic freedom.

UK and India strike trade deal after three years of talks
May 6, 2025
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UK and India strike trade deal after three years of talks

Britain and India have agreed a trade deal that exempts Indian firms in the UK from employer and employee national insurance on staff secondments of up to three years, in return for India halving whisky and gin duties and cutting car tariffs to 10% over time. The pact, accelerated by global tariff uncertainty, is projected to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion and add 0.1% to UK GDP by 2040.

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