Last month, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that military spending would rise to 2.5 percent of gross domestic product by 2027, which would be paid for by cutting overseas aid. On Wednesday, Ms. Reeves reiterated recently announced reductions to the benefits system, alongside a few other changes, that would save about £5 billion by 2030. The changes come as President Trump’s economic policies have disrupted the global economy, putting more demands on the British government’s already stretched budget. Like many other European countries, Britain has pledged to spend more on defense to support Ukraine in its war with Russia. At the same time, the threat of a global trade war is lurking and interest rates have increased, pushing up government borrowing costs.

St Mary’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise and Chief Financial Officer Richard Solomon and Benilde Vice-Chancellor for Academics Angelo Marco Lacson. Founded in 1850, St Mary's is known for its student-centered, career-focused approach, and a diverse community of more than 5,500 learners. Solomon, accompanied by Project Manager for Partnership Development Joey Oliva, underscored the cohesive moral standards and educational principles of St Mary's and Benilde. Benilde Vice-Chancellor for Academics Angelo Marco Lacson said, "This isn't just a formality. Benilde and St Mary's will embark on a journey of academic collaboration that transcends borders.

Lauren Goodger sparked rumours of a reunion with her ex Charles Drury on TikTok on Tuesday - three years after their assault drama. The former couple, who share four-year-old daughter Larose, both joined a TikTok Live along with TOWIE co-stars Junaid Ahmed and Joe Blackman as they all chatted away. Last year Lauren opened up about the struggles she's faced co-parenting with Charles. Charles was then charged with assault and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards Lauren, which he has denied. 'I've got Larose and obviously thank god I've got her, she's my little best friend but I also need someone to lean on.

CHENNAI: Ashok Leyland subsidiary Switch Mobility UK is considering ceasing production at its Sherburn UK facility due to sluggish sales. Instead, Switch will “double down on India” where it is doing very well.It will also focus more on production from India and the UAE to cater to the UK and European markets in the future. This seems to be the right time to cut down losses in the UK market.”On the other hand, the EV bus market in India is doing exceptionally well. The current cash flow requirements of Switch UK will be borne out of the 45 million pound equity infusion already approved by the board of Ashok Leyland in February this year.”Switch India “is doing much better than expected and should not require significant equity infusion in near future. On an overall basis the value accretion from Switch EV business is expected to be much more than the investments made in these entities,” he explained.

Ceasefire Agreement ReachedIn a significant development, Russia and Ukraine have agreed to halt military operations in the Black Sea, aiming to ensure safe navigation and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes. ConclusionWhile the Black Sea ceasefire represents a step toward de-escalation, its success hinges on the fulfillment of conditions and the genuine commitment of both Russia and Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine agree to ‘eliminate the use of force’ in Black Sea. Black Sea ceasefire agreed but Russia’s price is lifting of some sanctions. Russia, Ukraine agree to sea, energy truce; Washington seeks easing of sanctions.

The 2025 Major League Baseball season is upon us as the marathon to make the World Series starts. Why are MLB season openers at odd times? Not a single one of the MLB season-opening games is set to start either on the hour, half past, quarter past or quarter to the hour. After claiming victory in the 2024 World Series, the Dodgers have been invited to the White House by Donald Trump. "To my understanding, every World Series champion gets that honour, so it’s a great honour for all of us.”

Write to letters@thetimes.co.ukSir, The crude banding of children according to family income and the means testing for eligibility for free school meals is scandalous (“Free school meals for all younger pupils face the chop”, Mar 24; letter, Mar 25). It pays no heed to the huge number of families in the middle category whose incomes sit fractionally above the poverty line and way below the ability to pay for a school lunch. Parents of these families, by and large modestly paid and hard-working, will now be compelled to suffer an additional strain on their weekly bills by having to pay for a school lunch, often their children’s only hot meal of the day, or provide a packed lunch, inevitably resorting to

It’s important to note that these waiting times are estimates and predicting exact waiting times can be difficult as they can fluctuate due to a range of factors, including: the number of people needing services from CFHD; the number of available staff and growing demand for services.

Live Events(You can now subscribe to our(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channelEssar Energy Transition's EET Fuels - the trading name of Essar Oil (UK) Ltd - has signed agreements to supply jet fuel to two additional major UK airports , the firm said Wednesday. Essar Energy Transition (EET) is the entity leading Essar group's USD 3.6 billion low carbon projects in the UK and India. The group operates Stanlow oil refinery in the UK. "This expansion is in line with EET Fuels' strategy to integrate across the value chain by placing refined jet molecules produced at its Stanlow refinery directly into the demand centres where these are consumed. It also aligns with EET's broader ambitions to lead the UK's energy transition," the statement said.Essar Energy Transition is investing USD 2.4 billion in the Stanlow site, with plans to become the leading low carbon process refinery, and to develop the site into an energy transition hub, including industrial carbon capture, low carbon hydrogen production and Europe's first hydrogen-fuelled combined heat and power plant.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to make further cuts to welfare benefits and government departments in her Spring Statement on Wednesday. The government announced big welfare spending reductions last week but the chancellor is set to expand the cuts after being told reforms to the system would save less than planned. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has assessed that changes to benefits will save £3.4bn in 2029/30 rather than the £5bn claimed by ministers. The chancellor faces pressure over the performance of the economy, with growth remaining sluggish. But Reeves will argue the UK has to "move quickly in a changing world" and will confirm a £2.2bn increase in defence spending.

Former Manchester United star Paul Parker has launched a scathing attack on winger Alejandro Garnacho. Manchester United have confirmed matches will be placed into four categories next season as part of a change fans groups have slammed as 'dynamic pricing'. Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has personally lost £100,000 after a trendy restaurant he backed went bust. Manchester United turned down the chance to move into a new 80,000-seater stadium for free, according to an MP. DAILY MIRRORAlejandro Garnacho and Manuel Ugarte face a ludicrous travel schedule this summer with Manchester United organising money-spinning friendlies after the Premier League season.

A diary belonging to acclaimed Scottish artist Duncan Grant has sold for 17 times its auction estimate. It sold for £13,750 against an estimate of £500-800, auctioneers at Gorringe’s said on Tuesday. The diary was discovered by Poppy Woodeson, daughter of art historian and biographer John Woodeson, who interviewed Grant during the course of his literary career. It contains Grant’s notes and updates on ongoing artworks, such as his 1912 painting titled Dancers, and features a pencil sketch of a standing nude figure. A photograph of the novelist EM Forster, which was taken by Ms Bell at Charleston farmhouse in Sussex in 1923, is also contained within the diary.

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As the Times reported:Rachel Reeves will announce further welfare cuts after the budget watchdog told ministers their benefits reforms will save £1.6 billion less than planned. Cruelty from KendallAs the Canary previously reported, Kendall announced that the rate of DWP Universal Credit standard allowance for new and existing claims would increase by a whole seven pounds in 2026. What are the new DWP cuts? There will also be a small reduction in the basic rate of universal credit in 2029, after Kendall increased it by £7 a week. Moreover, there was already weeks of cruel and distressing uncertainty surrounding the DWP cuts.

"My humble suggestion to my UK airlines friend, please give us just one flight," she said. "The CM said many UK-based companies were already operating in Bengal.The CM, during the session, said many UK-based companies were now operating in the state. Heald said Bengal was increasingly becoming a core "to-do business" for UK companies, which already employed 30,000 people in the state. "Thanks to digitisation and simplification of bureaucracy and reforms, Bengal is now a top destination for UK companies," he said.Business leaders from Bengal who accompanied Banerjee to London spoke about their experience of doing business in the state. Luxmi Group managing director Rudra Chatterjee suggested UK businesses join hands with Bengal industry.