Bill Gates pulls out of India's AI summit over Epstein files controversy

The Gates Foundation said the decision was made to "ensure the focus remains on the summit's key priorities".

New Year's sport supplement buying adds to January retail sales surge

Continuing strong sales from online jewellers after a recent spike in gold prices also helped drive the increase.

The two farms in Senegal that supply many of the UK's vegetables

During winter in Britain fresh produce is sent by cargo ship from the West African nation every week.

Reeves fixated on 'dysfunctional' borrowing rules, says IFS

The think tank suggests the chancellor's fiscal rules need to shift the focus from one key figure.

'Check your payslip' warns nurse who overpaid nearly £3k in tax

Gemma Belby says she only found she was paying "double tax" after chatting with her colleagues.

Defence giant BAE hails record sales as workers remain on strike

Defence company BAE has increased payouts to investors after its sales increased but staff in Lancashire have walked out over stalled pay talks

Dual nationals face scramble for UK passports as new rules come into force

Entry requirements to the UK for dual nationals are being overhauled as part of sweeping changes to the immigration system.

Why youth unemployment is rising

Unemployment in the UK rose to its highest rate in nearly five years at the end of 2025

Trump eyes Venezuela visit – but obstacles to his oil plan remain

The US president wants American energy firms to start extracting the crude but they are reluctant.

Could Manchester be a model for the UK to kickstart growth?

With an annual growth rate of 3.1%, Manchester's economy has performed twice as well as that of the UK as a whole.

Amazon's Ring ends deal with surveillance firm after backlash

A Super Bowl advert had sparked new scrutiny of the smart doorbell company's privacy practices.

The £10 tricks I used to make my rented room into a home

Talented tenants share decor hacks that won't cost you a fortune - or your deposit.

Andrew's time as trade envoy should be investigated, says Vince Cable

The former prince's alleged actions were "totally unacceptable", the ex-business secretary says.

Andrew facing claim he shared Treasury document with banking contact

Reports suggest the former prince shared a Treasury document when he was serving as trade envoy.

Last chance for pensioners to get free air fryers

The council has handed out 15,000 free air fryers help people with the cost of living.

The Bottom Line

Why do private landlords attract so much criticism – and how fair is it?

The US economy is growing - so where are all the jobs?

As hiring rates and job openings drop, some worry a tough job market could be here to stay.

Andrew facing claim he shared Treasury document with banking contact

Reports suggest the former prince shared a Treasury document when he was serving as trade envoy.

Taylor Swift asks US government to block 'Swift Home' trademark

Her team argued that a bedding firm's designs showed similarities to her trademarked signature.

Alton Towers U-turns on plan to restrict disability pass

"We are sorry," says operator after plan to restrict queuing access for people with autism, ADHD and anxiety sparked criticism.

Why food fraud persists, even with improving tech

Even with sophisticated technology it is still difficult to detect fake foods.

More than 180 survivors engaged in Harrods abuse redress scheme

The late Mohamed Al Fayed has been accused of sexual harassment during his time as owner.

Apple and Google agree to change app stores after 'effective duopoly' claim

The UK's markets regulator says the proposed commitments "will boost the UK's app economy".

More solar farms on the way after record renewables auction

The results have been welcomed by climate and clean energy groups but could face opposition from local communities.

The shadowy world of abandoned oil tankers

A growing number of tankers and other commercial vessels are being ditched by their owners.

Voluntary student loan repayments rise in England

Campaigners have criticised the terms of loans that were issued in England and still exist in Wales.

YouTube's $60bn revenue revealed amid paid subscriber push

YouTube's total revenue last year surpassed that of rival streamer Netflix as it seeks to dominate TVs.

Can robots ever be graceful?

Firms are working to make the motors that drive robots more efficient and cheaper.

Epstein emails: So-called 'shady financier' was Andrew's 'trusted money man'

Andrew seemed keen for Epstein to do business with David Rowland, but Epstein was wary, emails suggest.

City volunteers seek drivers for meal deliveries

Friends of Di's Kitchen provides hundreds of meals each week in Wolverhampton.

Amazon shares fall as it joins Big Tech AI spending spree

Major firms collectively announce $650bn worth of investment in AI this week, rattling investors.

Uber ordered to pay $8.5m over claim driver raped passenger

The verdict is expected to influence the outcome of thousands of other cases against the ride hailing firm.

Why Target is under fire over Minnesota ICE raids

Workers are writing letters, staging strikes and in some cases resigning over how bosses are handling the immigration crackdown.

Funeral firm executives face fraud charges in court

Safe Hands collapsed in 2022, leaving 46,000 customers without the funeral plans they had paid for.

Walmart becomes first retailer to hit $1tn market value

The milestone reflects the US retail giant's booming e-commerce business and investors' embrace of its AI investments.

The Chinese planemaker taking on Boeing and Airbus

Comac's passenger jet is attracting customers in South East Asia where demand for affordable aircraft is growing.

EU has 'open mind' on UK customs union debate, says commissioner

Valdis Dombrovskis says the EU is willing to engage with Britain amid mounting global uncertainty.

X offices raided in France as UK opens fresh investigation into Grok

Elon Musk's X and Grok platforms are facing increased scrutiny from authorities on both sides of the channel.

Captain guilty of North Sea tanker crash death

Vladimir Motin is convicted of gross negligence manslaughter after a crew member died in the crash.

Asda has lost its mojo and has a big fight to get it back

The industry data suggests that despite Asda embarking on a turnaround, it has been losing ground to rivals.

Plan ahead and dress wisely: How to minimise add-on costs when you fly

Don't get swept into paying for extras you don't need.

School pantries mean 'food on table' for families

Food pantries are run by schools in North Yorkshire in a bid to help parents, and tackle food waste.

US Commerce Secretary Lutnick planned Epstein island visit, emails show

The emails show Lutnick and his family planned a trip to Little Saint James, a private island Epstein purchased in 1998.

Harry Styles and Anthony Joshua among UK's top tax payers

The former One Direction member-turned-solo artist appears on the Sunday Times list for the first time.

Rare earths and data centres: India pushes local industry as global tensions rise

India's budget focuses on infrastructure and defence spending and tax breaks for data-centre investments.

'We hope it's not the end': Firm behind Prince George's baby shoes warns it may close

The Leicester-based family firm of 73 years said it has been hit by "prices going up, but demand going down".

Trump says 'very dangerous' for UK to do business with China as Starmer lands in Shanghai

The US president's comments come as Sir Keir Starmer arrives in Shanghai on the third day of his visit to China.

Millions to get £150 off energy bills for further five years

The government has confirmed the discount for six million low-income households will continue for the rest of the decade.

Driverless taxis set to launch in UK as soon as September

Waymo has laid out plans for a robotaxi service in London with a pilot scheme due to begin in April.

AI boom will produce victors and carnage, tech boss warns

Cisco chief executive Chuck Robbins compares AI to the dotcom bubble of the early 2000s.

Vulnerable missing out on benefits due to online tool

Benefits calculators can leave some people confused and in a dire financial state, say campaigners.

Watch: Why Trump is hitting the road to rally Americans

The BBC's White House correspondent Bernd Debusmann explains why the president is refocusing his attention on the US economy.

NI to become first in the UK to introduce graduated driving licences

The new rules will be introduced in October and are described as the most significant reform of driver licensing for 70 years.

Over 700,000 graduates out of work and claiming benefits, analysis suggests

The government says it has commissioned a review into "what's holding the younger generation back".

US government invests $1.6bn for stake in rare earths firm

The deal is the Trump administration's latest attempt to reduce its reliance on China.

Food project to 'sneak' kidney beans into diets

It is an addition to Hearth Earth's surplus curry offer, which it serves in five locations across Oxford.

What does a new US TikTok deal mean for users?

While TikTok's future in the US has been secured, questions remain about exactly what changes US users will see.

Retired civil servants left in pension limbo

Civil service pension scheme failed to pay some pensions and lump sums after transferring to a new administrator.

'Incredible' response for kids clothes swap shop

Since launching, the scheme in Eynsham has supported 240 families in Oxfordshire.

Are things going to get better for your finances?

As Sir Keir Starmer makes the cost of living a government priority, we unpack the impact on family finances.

The rollercoaster years that led to the US-TikTok deal

It is a challenge for TikTok's parent company ByteDance as well as global ambitions for other Chinese tech companies.

How Slovakia became the world's number one carmaker

The European country is the biggest autos manufacturer relative to the size of its population.

Driving test cheating soars as candidates turn to Bluetooth headsets and impersonators

Experts blamed persistently long waits for practical tests while the DVSA blamed better detection.

Are 'tech dense' farms the future of farming?

A host of technology is on offer to farmers, promising to raise farming yields and lower food prices.

UK consulting on bringing in social media ban for under 16s

The government said it expected schools to be "phone-free by default" as a result of the announcement.

'Credit-score company encouraged me to borrow again when I was nearly debt-free'

A woman who had nearly paid off a £10,000 debt was sent emails suggesting she could apply for new credit cards.

Trump's proposed credit card cap spotlights Americans' debt. Would it help?

President Trump's proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10% - an idea with bipartisan support - received swift backlash from bank executives.

'Europe won't be blackmailed,' Danish PM says in wake of Trump Greenland threats

The US president threatens to impose tariffs on countries that oppose his plans to take over the territory.

The Bottom Line

Lessons learned from a dotcom entrepreneur on the boom and bust of his company, boo.com.

Will tech trump tradition at bakers and biscuit makers?

Introducing robots and automation to the food industry involves extra hurdles.

Cafe offers free breakfasts for vulnerable people

Hummingbird Cafe wants to support people who may not be able to afford a hot meal.

'We're in survival mode': The milk price crisis draining dairy farms

Adam and Lucy Johnstone have seen the money they receive for their milk tumble over the last three months.

Boeing knew of flaw in part linked to UPS plane crash, US safety board report says

An aircraft that crashed in November had a structural flaw that had been identified by Boeing 15 years ago, investigators say.

Government to give cash payouts to people in financial crisis

The replacement to the Household Support Fund aims to help people facing sudden difficulties.

'We don't need a sticking plaster', say pub owners

More than 40 hospitality firms have come together to campaign against tax increases.

Reeves vows rail plan will go ahead, despite cynicism

The scheme will be delivered in phases, starting with upgrades to lines between Leeds, York, Bradford and Sheffield.

China announces record $1tn trade surplus despite Trump tariffs

Beijing reported the largest-ever trade surplus at $1.19tn as China diversified its trade.

Trump briefed on military and covert options for Iran, sources say

The US president also imposes a 25% tariff on countries that "do business" with Tehran, while Iran's foreign minister says his country is "ready for war".

Businesses call to be included in any pub rates backtrack

Shops, pharmacies and music venues want any climbdown on business rates for pubs to apply to them too.

Heineken boss steps down as beer sales slow

The move to low and no-alcohol has led to falling sales at the brewing giant.

Trump plan to cap credit card costs hits bank shares

The US president has called for interest rates on credit cards to be capped at 10% for one year.

The Inquiry

Can Kenya’s plan for digital outsourcing solve its jobs crisis?

Why luxury carmakers are now building glitzy skyscrapers

Bugatti is the latest auto firm to construct an opulent apartment building for the super rich.

Excel: The software that's hard to quit

Companies are trying to wean staff off Excel spreadsheets to centralise control of their data.

The FTSE 100 has hit a record high. Is now the time to start investing?

As the FTSE hits the 10,000 mark, the chancellor is encouraging more of us to become investors - but is it the right time?

The real impact of roadworks on the country - and why they're set to get worse

There is a fine balance between the benefits of improved infrastructure, versus the cost of disruption. Does the country have it right?

Weight loss jabs affecting Greggs, boss says

The Greggs boss says there is "no doubt" weight loss jabs have led it to having a healthier menu.

Ofcom urged to use 'banning' powers over X AI deepfakes

It follows an ongoing backlash against the use of X's AI Grok to digitally remove clothing from images.

How tariff disruption will continue reshaping the global economy in 2026

Trump's import levies are still changing the patterns of international trade.

Warner Bros urges shareholders to reject 'inferior' Paramount offer

The Warner Bros board said it remained unanimous in recommending the deal with Netflix instead.

Trump backs ban on institutional investor home purchases

Wall Street investors have bought thousands of homes to rent out, a practice that has sparked concerns about affordability.

How the new road safety measures could affect you

The government is proposing lowering alcohol limits for drivers and regular eye tests for older motorists.

Drivers over 70 to face eye tests every three years

The move is part of the government's new road safety strategy, which plans to reform driving laws in Britain.

Electric car discounts are unsustainable, says industry group

The SMMT warned of a growing gap between consumer demand and the government's ambitions for EVs.

The French university where spies go for training

Sciences Po Saint-Germain near Paris trains current French secret agents and potential new recruits.

Dreading going back to work? How to ease the post-Christmas return

Career coaches and leaders share practical advice for managing anxiety and overload after the break.

The Inquiry

How did live music evolve into a billion-dollar business for global stars?

The Inquiry

How did live music evolve into a billion-dollar business for global stars?

China's BYD overtakes Tesla as world's top EV seller

It marks the first time the Chinese firm has outpaced its American rival for annual sales.

The Inquiry

How did live music evolve into a billion-dollar business for global stars?

Third of Londoners suffer 'hygiene poverty'

"No-one should miss out on opportunities because they can't afford soap or period products," says charity In Kind Direct.

Will we see signs of economic growth in 2026?

Foodbank use and the fortunes of the hospitality trade will show if things are getting better or worse.

How the defence sector is battling a skills crisis

Attracting younger workers into the defence industry can be challenging.

Energy prices rise slightly for millions of households as temperatures fall

Millions of households in England, Wales and Scotland are seeing a slight rise in energy bills in the new year.

Gold and silver see rollercoaster end to blockbuster year

The price of gold soared by more than 60% this year to hit a record high of more than $4,549.

US stock market ends 2025 on a high note after volatile year

It's been a roller coaster year for the stock market, but the S&P 500 is set to end 2025 up about 17%, the third straight year of double-digit gains.