UK fintech Starling to axe 130 roles in AI-powered simplification drive July 3, 2026 Starling is gearing up to cut some 130 roles in a bid to streamline its operations following a fall in profit over the last year. The London-based fintech told staff this week it would restructure its banking and tech operations as it leveraged AI across operations ahead of an influx of new projects. It said [...]
As it happened: Stocks rise as oil lower; Iran threatens ‘forceful response’ over Strait of Hormuz July 3, 2026 Welcome back to the Morning Wire liveblog. The rate of traffic flowing through the Strait of Hormuz is gradually picking back up in a major boost to the oil market. Brent crude – the international benchmark for oil prices – held steady at near $72 per barrel on Friday morning. It marked a similar level [...]
Tale of two cities: London leaps ahead in global finance but domestic growth stalls July 3, 2026 Canada has cemented its dominance in international finance ten years on from the Brexit vote but faced sobering domestic growth that failed to match the momentum. The capital sees more international activity conducted than the next eight largest financial centres in Europe combined, according to a new report by New Financial. The [...]
Britain should look to Japan to manage its ageing population July 3, 2026 England's fertility rate has fallen to a rate Japan confronted 30 years ago. Here's the lessons we should take, writes Megan McDonald
Would a Burnham premiership deepen the North-South housing divide? July 2, 2026 The UK housing market remained subdued in June, as fallout from the Iran war and long-running cost and regulatory issues continued to plague the sector, but as we enter what promises to be a sizzling summer all eyes are on a possible recovery. Specifically, Manchester – from where the King in the North has emerged [...]
The Capitalist: Colonel Carns hosts delulu dinner for leadership bid July 2, 2026 Al Carns thinks he's still in with a shot, the Chancellor practices her times tables and Morning Wire get sporty; catch up on the latest gossip.
‘Good growth in every postcode’? Not in Greater Manchester July 2, 2026 Greater Manchester’s relative growth success story has not translated into a boom in earnings or income for people in outer boroughs, according to a new report. Oxford Economics research has suggested that “exceptional economic growth” has not translated into higher earnings or income growth around the region. Economists said high levels of inactivity and the [...]
Devolution is the shakeup Britain needs July 2, 2026 In France, Germany and Italy, productivity levels in second cities are 20 to 30 per cent higher than in the UK. Devolution could help.
Formula 1 worth £12bn to UK economy as Silverstone rakes in £100m July 2, 2026 Formula 1 boosts the UK economy by £12bn every year, according to new figures revealed ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The wider impact in the UK of the elite motor racing series – 10 of whose 11 teams are headquartered in the country or have operational bases on these shores – [...]
Square Mile Irish pub to be converted into youth hostel July 2, 2026 A Square Mile Irish pub is set to be converted into a youth hostel in the latest sign of the City’s gradual transformation from a work district to a visitor destination. Feeney’s pub, near Fenchuch Street station, as well as the offices above the pub, will be replaced by a “contemporary tourist hotel and hostel [...]