UNITED KINGDOM

Despite the decision to hold at 4.5%, businesses and households can take a confident view of the UK’s prospectsBank of England says companies freezing hiring plans as it keeps interest rates on holdBusiness live – latest updatesBank of England policymakers might be on a “go-slow” as they look forward to interest rate cuts this year, but the direction of travel is almost certain.After a meeting on Thursday when interest rates were kept on hold at 4.5%, City investors bet there would be more reductions in the cost of borrowing this year, most likely two cuts reducing the rate to 4%.

Israeli military says it is conducting ground activities in northern Gaza strip as Gaza’s health ministry reports 85 people killed by Israeli attacks overnightThe resumption of airstrikes has sent Palestinian residents again fleeing for their lives from homes they had begun to reinhabit among the ruins of the devastated territory.Some Palestinians who tried to use the Salahuddin road said they saw cars come under fire from Israeli troops advancing towards Netzarim, reports Reuters. The fate of the passengers in the vehicles was unknown. Continue reading... Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/mar/20/israel-gaza-war-latest-middle-east-news-ceasefire-hostages-netanyahu-hamas-trump Author : Amy Sedghi (now); Tom Ambrose and Hamish Mackay (earlier)

European leaders are gathering in Brussels this morning to discuss Ukraine, defence and the Middle EastSwedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson said he was “cautiously optimistic” about the progress made on Ukraine, but was growing frustrated with Russia’s “ifs and buts” on ceasefire, adding it was up to Moscow to “prove it” that it is serious about ending the conflict.He also pointed to later talks in the UK with army chiefs and planners as an important part of discussions on how Europe can support any future peace agreement. Continue reading... Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/mar/20/europe-live-russia-ukraine-war-eu-zelenskyy-putin-trump-starmer-military-leaders-london-news Author : Jakub Krupa Publish date :

Nigel Huddleston says local elections ‘will be difficult’ for Conservatives after the ‘high-water mark’ of 2021Disabled people’s access to transport has been called a “national embarrassment” by MPs on a parliamentary committee, who said a new enforcement regime was needed to uphold their right to travel. Gwyn Topham has the story.Jesse Norman, the shadow leader of the Commons, paid tribute to his father, Sir Torquil Norman, who has just died, during business questions in the chamber this morning. Torquil Norman’s toy company created the Polly Pocket brand.Almost exactly 24 hours ago, my father Torquil Norman died at the age of