Day: February 24, 2025

UK News: The UK leader has been advised to choose his words carefully at this week’s crucial White House meeting

• Keir Starmer lays down Ukraine peace demand ahead of Trump talks

When Keir Starmer is advised on how to handle his crucial meeting with Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, he will be told by advisers from Downing Street and the Foreign Office to be very clear on his main points and, above all, to be brief.

“Trump gets bored very easily,” said one well-placed Whitehall source with knowledge of the president’s attention span. “When he loses interest and thinks someone is being boring, he just tunes out. He doesn’t like [the French president, Emmanuel] Macron partly because Macron talks too much and tries to lecture him.” Continue reading…
http://dlvr.it/TJ8NgD

Two-thirds of businesses surveyed by trade bodies say jobs will go as they urge government to delay changes

More than two-thirds of hospitality businesses will reduce staffing as a result of tax changes taking effect in April, according to research by industry bodiescalling on the government to delay the changes.

The survey of pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels found that 70% expected to cut back on employment levels because of the higher costs and reduction in rates relief announced in last autumn’s budget. Continue reading…
http://dlvr.it/TJ8NXD

Company says energy sector survey findings are at odds with satisfaction data from other bodies

British Gas has again emerged as Britain’s worst energy supplier for customer service after a slide in satisfaction over the last six months, figures from a leading consumer group reveal.

A Which? report shared with the Guardian found that the service offered by British Gas has worsened across all its satisfaction measures since its last analysis of the energy sector last year. Continue reading…
http://dlvr.it/TJ8NWh

Without decisive action, Germany risks stagnation. But with the right reforms, the country can repair and rev up its stuttering economic engine, Alex Roth writes.
http://dlvr.it/TJ8LMR