Just one day after relaxing some restrictions against leftist-led Cuba, President Joe Biden 's administration has announced an easing of certain sanctions against oil-rich Venezuela. The back-to-back moves signal a new focus on the Western Hemisphere, at a time when the United States has largely been engaged on issues in Europe and Asia. A senior Biden administration official told reporters Tuesday that California-based Chevron Corporation would be permitted to negotiate its license with Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PDVSA, with the potential for conducting future activities, without yet reversing restrictions that would allow it to do business in the country. The official said that "fundamentally," the two sides are "just allowed to talk." According to the official, the move came at the behest of Venezuela's U.S.-backed opposition led by Unity Platform head Juan Guaidó, whom the U.S. and a number of its partners recognize as the country's interim president, as it … [Read more...] about After Cuba, Biden Moves to Ease Some Trump Sanctions on Oil-Rich Venezuela
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Cost of living: Rishi Sunak refuses to rule out windfall tax on oil giants as Labour looks to force Commons vote
Rishi Sunak has refused to rule out introducing a one-off windfall tax on oil and gas producers in an attempt to cut household energy bills as Labour looks to force a Commons vote on the matter. Sir Keir Starmer's party are seeking to force a vote on an amendment which expresses regret that the policy was not included in the Queen's Speech amid the cost of living crisis . Debating the amendment in the Commons, shadow climate change and net zero secretary Ed Miliband said it was "shameful" that the government has not yet introduced a windfall tax and told Mr Sunak to "swallow your pride and get on with it". He called on Conservative MPs to join Labour in supporting the "fair and principled measure" which he said has support from business, trade unions and the "overwhelming majority of the public". Politics Hub: Truss says 'practical problems' with the protocol are clear Advertisement The chancellor said he does not believe that … [Read more...] about Cost of living: Rishi Sunak refuses to rule out windfall tax on oil giants as Labour looks to force Commons vote
Extinction Rebellion activists glue themselves to each other in Tory ban loophole
Extinction Rebellion protest at energy summit in Mayfair Sign up for our news briefing, including a daily special Russia-Ukraine edition SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info The eco-protestors, disguised in hi-vis jackets, disrupted the Africa Energies Summit, using ladders to climb to the top of the entrance to the £350-a-night May Fair Hotel before unfurling a banner with 'End Oil Colonialism'. Video shared online shows a group lying down inside the building and shouting that same phrase, while others hold banners outside with the words 'Justice for Africa'. Related articles Coveney issues warning to Truss over international law on hated deal Sturgeon's independence and NATO plans destroyed in TWO words … [Read more...] about Extinction Rebellion activists glue themselves to each other in Tory ban loophole
Tories vote down windfall tax that could save you £600
Tory MPs have been accused of siding with ‘profiteering oil and gas companies’ after voting down a windfall tax that Labour says could save struggling families £600 this year. The opposition party tabled an amendment to the Queen’s Speech backing a one-off levy on North Sea firms to help people who have been plunged into poverty amid the cost of living crisis. But MPs rejected the move by 310 votes to 248. Following the vote, Shaddow climate change minister Ed Miliband said: ‘Every Conservative MP who voted against the windfall tax tonight has condemned millions of families to misery and anxiety as they struggle to pay their energy bills. ‘Tonight a message has been sent by the government that they will do everything they can to protect the oil and gas companies, and refuse to act to protect families; it says everything you need to know about where the Tories stand. ‘This is a government that will never put working people first, will never stand up to the vested … [Read more...] about Tories vote down windfall tax that could save you £600
Tories vote down gas giants windfall tax that could hand your family £600
Tory MPs have voted down a bid to impose a windfall tax on oil and gas giants that could save families £600. Despite Brits facing a cost of living crisis, Conservatives rejected a Labour amendment to the Queen's Speech backing a one-off levy on North Sea firms to help struggling Brits. MPs rejected the move by 310 votes to 248, and not one Tory MP backed it. It comes as households are set to be clobbered by soaring food and energy bills and towering inflation which is predicted to top 10% this year. Chancellor Rishi Sunak hinted the government could perform a U-turn in future, however, as he said “no option is off the table” when it came to the levy. Shadow Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband tore into the Chancellor over his failure to act earlier during a heated debate in the Commons. Shadow Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband ( Image: PRU/AFP via Getty Images) “The Chancellor wants us to believe that his measures in response are the best we can do. But … [Read more...] about Tories vote down gas giants windfall tax that could hand your family £600
Amazon slashes up to 30% off in ‘baby and kids week’ sale that ends this Sunday
If you're soon to become a parent, or maybe you've got a baby shower and need to find the perfect gift for the parents-to-be, you'll want to head over to Amazon's 'baby and kids week' sale now. The online retailer launched the week-long sale yesterday (May 16) which includes products for babies and kids up to 7-years-old. Shoppers hoping to bag items in the sale whilst they're discounted only have a few days to get items through checkout as the sale ends this Sunday (May 22). The sale not only includes products for the kids but also mum too. Mums and mums-to-be can get their hands on Bio Oil products and also omega 3 & 6 capsules - both help skin and joint recovery during and post pregnancy . Amazon Baby and Kids Week Sale - Top Picks Infacol & Sudocrem New Born Bundle This one's for new parents and includes 1x 125g Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing cream and 1x 85ml Infacol Colic Relief Drops. The two items are a must have for all parents, so if you're … [Read more...] about Amazon slashes up to 30% off in ‘baby and kids week’ sale that ends this Sunday
Soaring petrol costs drive UK inflation to 30-year high
By Becky Morton Published 13 April comments Comments Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Prices are rising at their fastest rate for 30 years, driven by a sharp increase in petrol and diesel costs. The UK inflation rate rose to 7% in the year to March, the highest rate since 1992 and up from 6.2% in February. Prices are rising faster than wages and there is pressure on the government to do more to help those struggling. The cost of living is expected to rise even further after the energy price cap was increased, driving up gas and electricity bills for millions. Inflation is the rate at which prices rise. If a bottle of milk costs £1 and that rises by 5p, then milk inflation is 5%. Why are prices rising so quickly? 'My pay isn't keeping up with rising prices' Tesco vows to rein in prices as profits treble Student loan interest rate … [Read more...] about Soaring petrol costs drive UK inflation to 30-year high
Ukraine forces in Kharkiv push through to Russian border — as it happened
Zelenskyy planning to address parliaments in Africa and Asia Ukrainian foreign minister in Brussels for talks with EU counterparts Ukraine restarts gas distribution stations, supplies in Kharkiv Ukrainian troops in Kharkiv reach Russian border These live updates are now closed. Read Tuesday's developments in the conflict by clicking here 19 civilians killed in Donbas in Russian attacks — Ukrainian authorities Luhansk regional governor Serhiy Haidai said that "at least 10 civilians" had been killed in Russian shelling in the city of Sievierodonetsk. Previously, Donetsk governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said that nine civilians were killed and six injured in Russian attacks. The Donetsk and Luhansk administrative divisions make up Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, which has been contested by Kyiv and pro-Russian separatists since 2014 . Watch video 02:19 Ukraine mounts counterattack in Kharkiv region Evacuated Azovstal fighters arrive in … [Read more...] about Ukraine forces in Kharkiv push through to Russian border — as it happened
‘Immoral!’: Diesel drivers being ‘fleeced’ at the pumps amid calls for action over prices
BBC Breakfast compare petrol and diesel prices This article contains affiliate links, we may receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Sign up for FREE for car tips every driver needs to know SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Currently, the RAC Foundation shows average petrol prices to stand at 166.65p per litre, compared to diesel which will cost drivers far more on average at 180.29p. This comes as eight in 10 drivers are worried about higher petrol and diesel prices at the pumps. Related articles Car appears in the middle of the sea in Grimsby Mum handed £100 parking fine for overstaying nine minutes Almost one third of motorists think they will need to take on … [Read more...] about ‘Immoral!’: Diesel drivers being ‘fleeced’ at the pumps amid calls for action over prices
Cost of living: Chancellor Rishi Sunak hints again at windfall tax u-turn
Published 2 hours ago Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Chancellor Rishi Sunak has hinted again at introducing a windfall tax on oil and gas firms. Ministers had repeatedly ruled out the measure - championed by opposition parties - that would see a one-off tax on firms' record profits to fund support for the hardest hit households. But both Mr Sunak and the PM appear to have moved towards the idea. Speaking in the Commons, the chancellor said "no option was off the table" if energy firms did not invest in the UK. A windfall tax was raised as part of the ongoing Queen's Speech debate in Parliament, with Labour forcing MPs to vote on the policy. Labour's motion in support of the tax was defeated by 310 votes to 248. A total of 59 Tory MPs abstained on the vote - meaning they did not vote either way. But it is not yet clear whether they were rebelling against the … [Read more...] about Cost of living: Chancellor Rishi Sunak hints again at windfall tax u-turn