‘Chance of 2026 recession’ despite interest rate cut – follow live December 18, 2025 Welcome back to the Morning Wire liveblog. The Bank of England has handed Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the Labour government a highly-desired Christmas present today. The central bank confirmed a chop to interest rates falling to 3.75 per cent – the lowest in nearly three years. It comes after inflation undershot expectations on Wednesday providing [...]
Business rates overhaul to hit Square Mile hotels as row continues December 18, 2025 Hotels in the Square Mile are set to be among the hardest-hit by the property revaluations which have sparked a clash between the hospitality sector and the government. The business rates overhaul, introduced in the November Budget, will see the property values that determine this tax more than double across leading hotels in the City [...]
For Starmer, things can only get worse December 18, 2025 It’s been a bad year for Starmer, characterised by scandals, economic woes and plummeting poll ratings – and it looks 2026 is going to be no better, says Tom Harwood As we all enjoy late December’s time honoured if questionable traditions of frantic Christmas shopping, parties and hangovers – please spare a thought for one [...]
Arrogant Labour has played fast and loose with the jobs market December 17, 2025 As the first full calendar year of life under this Labour government comes to a close, it’s an appropriate time to reflect on how they’ve done and how their promises to renew Britain marry up with reality. How can I put this delicately? Ministers should slope off to their constituencies this Christmas with their heads [...]
‘If we’re serious about growth this is the lever to pull’, says Treasury adviser December 17, 2025 UK founders are launching businesses faster than ever, yet many still feel undervalued, underfunded, and overlooked. The 2025 UK StartUp Report showed that only 29 per cent of founders believe entrepreneurship is seen as a desirable career while just 27 per cent feel successful founders are celebrated. And, perhaps worst of all, only around a [...]
Paypal becomes latest fintech to capitalise on Trump’s deregulation December 16, 2025 Paypal has its sights set on acquiring a banking licence in the US as it becomes the latest fintech aiming to jump on President Donald Trump’s deregulatory agenda. The payments giant on Monday said it had submitted applications to the Utah Department of Financial Institutions and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to form Paypal Bank. [...]
Monzo boss was ‘pushed out’ over IPO dispute December 16, 2025 The boss of digital bank Monzo is said to have been pushed out from the top role following a dispute with the company’s board over a potential stock market listing. TS Anil, Monzo’s chief executive of the last five years, is said to have been at odds with the fintech’s board ahead of his surprise [...]
UK investors spooked by tax hikes on dividends and savings December 16, 2025 Rachel Reeves’ Budget decisions have raised alarm bells among DIY investors after they were hit with tax hikes and cuts to incentives, despite the Chancellor’s aim to push more funds into public markets. Over 70 per cent of investors said they were concerned about the increased basic and higher rates of taxes on dividends, property [...]
Public sector jobs and pay increase while private sector struggles December 16, 2025 Public sector employment jumped in September while the number of workers in the private sector fell, official statistics have shown. Employment in the public sector increased by 7,000 in the three months to September 2025 as total employment reached 6.2m. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said employment in central government hit a record high [...]
US puts UK tech deal on ice after Budget digital tax move December 16, 2025 Washington has paused the flagship US-UK tech pact just weeks after Rachel Reeves doubled down on Britain’s digital services tax in her Autumn Budget, sharpening fears that the levy has become a pressure point in wider trade talks with Trump’s administration. The so-called Tech Prosperity Deal, unveiled during Trump’s state visit back in September and [...]