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Economics at bbc.co.uk

Today News

02

Impact of Iran war expected to bring hold in interest rates

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Before the conflict began, analysts had expected a cut in the Bank rate at this meeting.

UK sets target to boost steel making and cut imports

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Up to half of steel used in Britain should be made there, the government says, as it announces its steel strategy.

01

The Iran war is causing a global energy crisis - can China withstand it?

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With oil supply disrupted, Beijing's oil reserves and renewable energy push are being put to the test.

Wednesday, Mar 18

00

Government increases BBC World Service funding by £33m over three years

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The funding increase is about 8% up on the previous financial year, the government will announce on Thursday.

22

US holds interest rates as Iran war triggers inflation fears

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The US central bank is moving cautiously, despite pressure from the president to cut interest rates.

20

Watch: Gabbard faces scrutiny over Iran nuclear intelligence claims

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The US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, was questioned over what Democrats perceive as a discrepancy between White House and intelligence community claims.

Championship faces financial 'catastrophe' warns Portsmouth owner Eisner

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Portsmouth chairman Michael Eisner warns of looming financial catastrophe in the Championship after Pompey became the latest club to post a loss.

16

Scottish group sue Johnson & Johnson over talcum powder cancer claims

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Women claim the pharmaceutical company knew about the dangers of contaminated talc for decades - which the company has denied in the past.

Average age of first time buyer in England climbs to 34

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A new report looks at how conditions have changed for first time buyers since the 1990s.

15

Government backtracks on AI and copyright after outcry from major artists

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However, the government's position is now unclear, saying it "no longer has a preferred option" for what to do next.

13

US judge orders Trump administration to reopen Voice of America

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Some 85% of VOA staff were laid off by Trump who accused the international broadcaster of bias.

08

New community food store helps lower food bills

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The community grocery store in Crewe aims to bridge the gap between food banks and supermarkets.

03

Higgs boson breakthrough was UK triumph, but British physics faces 'catastrophic' cuts

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Britain is preparing to cancel its contribution to one of the Large Hadron Collider's next major upgrades.

02

Trump says Nato making 'foolish mistake' over Iran

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The US president expresses frustration that US allies are not helping secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Tuesday, Mar 17

20

US Attorney General Bondi formally summoned to Congress in Epstein case

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It comes weeks after a Republican lawmaker accused the justice department of a "cover-up" in releasing the Epstein files.

Mayors to gain more spending power under Reeves tax plans

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The chancellor sets out the government's plan for economic growth, which also includes closer ties to the EU.

18

Judge blocks RFK Jr's changes to US childhood vaccine schedule

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Kennedy had slashed the number of recommended vaccines from 17 to 11, sparking a backlash from health experts.

Dates confirmed for new driving test booking rules

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Only learners will be able to book a car driving test under new rules to make the system fairer.

Ministers still wrangling over delayed defence investment plan

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MPs ask defence bosses why a vital investment plan promised before Christmas is still on hold.

16

Top US counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war, urging Trump to 'reverse course'

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National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent says Trump "started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby".

13

Electricity costs set to rise in Alderney

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Electricity costs will rise in Alderney to help ensure the long-term stability of the energy supply.

09

Trump seeks to delay meeting with Xi in China

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The escalating war in Iran has overshadowed many of the US' foreign policy objectives

08

Rural areas 'let down' by lack of oil regulation

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Joe Morris believes heating oil should have had a price cap introduced like energy and electricity.

Reform pledges to scrap VAT and green levies on energy bills

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There are fears the war in Iran could lead to a surge in household energy bills.

05

Trump says presidents 'should not have learning disabilities' as he mocks Newsom's dyslexia

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The National Center for Learning Disabilities said it was "disturbed" by the president's remarks.

03

Chris Mason: Why Starmer thinks he's called it right on war despite Trump barbs

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The BBC's Political Editor Chris Mason considers the US president's recent jabs at the UK prime minister.

02

Surge in US gas prices deepens political peril for Trump over Iran

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The odds of a quick resolution to the war appear to be dwindling by the day, and the political stakes for the president are only growing.

AI firm Anthropic seeks weapons expert to stop users from 'misuse'

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The artificial intelligence firm says it wants to prevent "catastrophic misuse" of its systems.

Is it possible to build a plastic-free home?

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Using plastic in construction is cheap and easy, but some are trying to radically cut back its use.

Monday, Mar 16

23

Teens sue Musk's xAI over Grok's pornographic images of them

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Musk's AI chatbot has created millions of fake sexualised images, experts say.