Political News
UK manufacturing falters as Covid-19 hits demand
Manufacturing output fell in early March, as the coronavirus outbreak started to take its toll on the sector, a widely-watched survey revealed on Tuesday.
Covid-19: UK announces nationwide lockdown
The UK government imposed a lockdown on Monday, banning gatherings of more than two people and closing non-essential shops in its latest bid to fight the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Covid 19: UK govt urges Britons travelling abroad to return home
The UK government advised all Britons travelling abroad to return home immediately, an hour before Prime Minister was due to address the nation on the coronavirus crisis.
UK govt under pressure to extend bailout terms to self-employed
The UK government was under increasing pressure to extend its wage guarantee to cover the self-employed hit by the Covid-19 crisis as a former central bank governor called for intervention and a union representing gig economy workers said it was taking legal action.
Covid-19: UK govt suspends rail franchises to stop firms collapsing
The UK government effectively renationalised the railways on a temporary basis as it suspended all franchise agreements to help train companies avoid collapse due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Covid-19: UK to guarantee wages for up to 3 months
The British government unveiled an income guarantee for workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic covering up to 80% of salaries in a socialist gamble unthinkable a week ago.
Covid-19: UK orders pubs, restaurants, cinemas, gyms to shut from tonight
The UK government ordered all cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants to close from Friday night to stop people congregating and increasing the risks of spreading the coronavirus.
Social distancing could be needed for most of 2020
Social distancing would need to be maintained during at least half of the year to stop intensive care units and the NHS from being overwhelmed by coronavirus cases, said government advisers.
Sunak faces pressure to support workers' pay
The government faced mounting pressure on Thursday to pay people unable to work because of the coronavirus crisis.
US jobless claims leap as Covid-19 slams hospitality and transportation
First time unemployment claims in the US leaped last week as the Covid-19 coronavirus disrupted activity across the accommodation, food and transportation sectors.
Mnuchin keen to seen $1,000 paid to each American adult
The prospect of direct payments to Americans was made clearer on Thursday, with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin saying he was in support of payments of $1,000 per adult and $500 per child in the next three weeks, if Congress backed it.
Downing Street denies London lockdown plans
Downing Street has sought to quash expectations of a severe lockdown on London after reports suggested restrictions could be placed on civil liberties in the city from Friday.
EU Brexit negotiator Barnier tests positive for Covid-19
The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said he had tested positive for Covid-19, further throwing into doubt the timetable for trade talks with the UK.
Coronavirus: UK schools shut until further notice from Friday
Schools in the UK will shut from Friday until further notice to combat the coronavirus pandemic, the government said on Wednesday.
UK facing economic 'emergency' - BoE Governor
Andrew Bailey, the new governor of the Bank of England, has called for calm during the growing coronavirus crisis, insisting that firms should think twice before laying off staff.
Covid-19 testing increasing to 25,000 per day, PM says
Testing for Covid-19 coronavirus will be increased to 25,000 per day in the UK, with frontline NHS staff being a top priority, the Prime Minister said on Wednesday.
Oil prices in fresh falls as lockdown fears weigh heavily
Oil prices have taken a fresh pounding, as the growing global lockdown and souring of relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia weigh heavily.
EU considers deploying emergency fund to aid in coronavirus crisis
The European Union is considering deploying the European Stability Mechanism to help combat the coronavirus crisis.
Coronavirus: UK govt offers £330bn in guaranteed loans
The British government would offer £330bn in loans to help businesses cope with the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, said Finance Minister Rishi Sunak.
Sunak under pressure to spend big for business
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is under pressure to shred the Conservatives' fiscal straightjacket and spend as if the UK is at war to prevent the economy imploding under the weight of the coronavirus crisis.