News / UK and world by Press Association April 6, 2018, 12:17 pm FacebookTwitterLinkedInWhatsAppEmail Sign up to our Daily newsletter Productivity growth in the UK has exceeded its pre-downturn average for the second quarter in a row, new figures show. Output per hour grew by 0.7% in October-December 2017, after 1% growth in July-September. It is the first time two consecutive quarters have been above 0.5% since 2005 – the average rate of growth before the economic crash of 2008. Shortly before his Spring Statement of this year, Chancellor Philip Hammond said the country had seen “the first signs that productivity growth — the key to higher wages — may be increasing”, adding that he was “confident there is light at the end of the tunnel”. But the good news is expected to be short-lived. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the rise was largely driven by a fall in average hours, with the Office for Budget … [Read more...] about UK productivity growth exceeds pre-downturn average for second quarter
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A&A: The UK introduced a new tax on sugary drinks today. Here’s what it all means
A new tax on sugary soft drinks is now in force across the UK.While the tax was to be introduced here as well today, its introduction in Ireland has been pushed back to May 1 to ensure the levy does not infringe EU state aid law.So with the debate very much a live issuein Ireland here are the answers to some key questions about the levy and what it means for manufacturers and consumers.- What is the sugar tax?From April 6, soft drinks companies will be required to pay a levy on drinks with added sugar.- Why are the British Government introducing the tax?The move aims to help tackle childhood obesity. Sugar-sweetened soft drinks are now the single biggest source of dietary sugar for children and teenagers.It is hoped the tax will encourage drinks companies to cut down on the amount of sugar in drinks, and consumers to choose lower sugar alternatives.- How much is the tax?Companies will have to pay 18p per litre of drink if the product contains more than 5g of sugar per 100 millilitres … [Read more...] about A&A: The UK introduced a new tax on sugary drinks today. Here’s what it all means
Russian envoy references ‘Midsomer Murders’ as he compares UK spy claims to Goebbels propaganda
Russia's UN envoy referenced "Midsomer Murders", "Alice in Wonderland" and "Crime and Punishment" on Thursday as he attacked Britain at the UN Security Council for Goebbels-style propaganda over the poisoning of a former spy. It was the second showdown between Russia and Britain at the world body since the March 4 nerve agent attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in an English town. Russia has denied any involvement in the attempted assassination, which has had major diplomatic ramifications, with mass expulsions of Russian and Western diplomats. Earlier on Thursday, Alexander Yakovenko, Russia's ambassador to London, laid out Moscow's position on the Salisbury attack, the latest in series of claim and counter claim surrounding the poisoning. The 15-member Security Council first met over the issue on March 14, when Russia's Ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, compared the British government to Inspector LeStrade, a "hapless" investigator from Sir … [Read more...] about Russian envoy references ‘Midsomer Murders’ as he compares UK spy claims to Goebbels propaganda
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to attend UK team trials for Invictus Games
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will attend the UK team trials for the Invictus Games. Harry and his fiancee will join Invictus Games hopefuls on Friday as they try out on the athletics track, before meeting those taking part in the indoor sitting volleyball trials. The trials are being held at the University of Bath Sports Training Village but the Games will be staged in Sydney this October. Harry founded the Invictus Games, an international Paralympic-style sporting event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans. The Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding for all those who serve their country. Sydney is the fourth city to host the Invictus Games, after London in 2014, Orlando in 2016, and Toronto last year which was attended by Ms Markle.. It is likely Ms Markle and the prince, who is patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, which oversees the delivery of the … [Read more...] about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to attend UK team trials for Invictus Games
Scrap two-child limit on benefits could help thousands of UK’s poorest families, religious leaders say
MORE THAN 640,000 families will be unable to claim benefits for more than two children by 2021, UK faith leaders say. Christian, Muslim and Jewish groups have all called for the end of a two-child limit on benefits that they say will "tip an estimated extra 200,000 children into poverty." In a letter to The Times signed by 60 Church of England Bishops, faith leaders said that the two-child limit will lead to a rise in poverty and abortions. “There are likely to be mothers who will face an invidious choice between poverty and terminating an unplanned pregnancy.” "Children are a private joy and a public good. They are all surely equally deserving of subsistence support." The two-child cap on benefits has been divisive since it was introduced one year ago today on April 6 2017, with some groups saying that the limit on benefits for a third child punishes children for the order of their birth. Children's charity Child Action Poverty Group estimated that the cap on child … [Read more...] about Scrap two-child limit on benefits could help thousands of UK’s poorest families, religious leaders say