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Work from home and drive more slowly to save energy, global body urges

People should change how they travel, work and cook to tackle the energy price crisis, the International Energy Agency says.

UK borrowing costs hit highest level since 2008 financial crisis

The interest rate on government debt is climbing over fears about inflation, interest rates, and public spending, experts have said.

Typical energy bill forecast to rise by £332 a year in July

Cornwall Insight says the recent surge in energy prices due to the Iran war is set to push up household bills.

Trump-backed television merger moves forward

Critics fear the consolidation will add to strains facing local news and degrade coverage.

Hargreaves Lansdown says IT issues which affected thousands are over

The finance firm has apologised for the disruption to its website and app, which has angered many customers.

Colombia's budding tech scene needs a cash boost

Colombia has become a tech hub for Latin America, but attracting investors is a challenge.

Russia, China and the US – the global winners and losers of the Iran war

As the conflict triggers economic disruption some risk being hit hard, while others stand to benefit.

Faisal Islam: Iran war is having a dramatic effect on the UK economy

The knock-on effects of the war in the Gulf go beyond a hold on interest rates and are set to reverberate for months.

Stock markets rattled and energy prices soar after strikes on Qatar gas hub

Oil and gas prices have risen again after fresh strikes hit key infrastructure in the Middle East.

Bank ready to raise interest rates if Iran war price 'shock' persists

Policymakers vote unanimously to hold rates at 3.75% after the Iran war prompts a reversal in the debate over borrowing costs.

US considers lifting sanctions on some Iranian oil

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent broached waiving sanctions on oil already at sea, which would be a stunning reversal of longstanding American policy.

Trio charged over alleged plot to smuggle Nvidia chips from US to China

They allegedly used fake papers and dummy gear as part of a plan to sell billions in tech to China.

Why are gas prices soaring and how could it affect you?

Analysts fear the disruption to supply could continue for longer than initially thought.

How the Iran war may affect your money and bills

The conflict in the Middle East has increased pressure on the cost of petrol, household energy bills and even food.

Nearly 400 firms fined over failure to pay minimum wage

The official minimum rates of pay will rise for 2.7 million workers in April 2026.

Pay grows at slowest rate in more than five years

Annual earnings grew at an annual rate of 3.8% in the November to January period, the Office for National Statistics says.

UK sets target to boost steel making and cut imports

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

Labubu film is official with Paddington director at the helm

The film will combine live action and computer-generated animation and is in "early development".

US holds interest rates as Iran war triggers inflation fears

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

How high could UK petrol and diesel prices go?

For every $10 rise in oil prices, motorists face paying roughly 7p per litre more in the UK.

Computer says no. Are AI interviews making it harder to get a job?

Bhuvana Chilukuri has sent more than 100 job applications and is convinced very few have been seen by a human.

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

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

Average age of first time buyer climbs to 34

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

Bentley workers 'shocked and angry' at job cuts

A union says the announcement came as a blow to employees with up to 275 positions at risk.

Ad for AI editing app which said it could 'remove anything' banned

The UK regulator said the ad condoned "digitally altering and exposing women's bodies without their consent."

Mayors to gain more spending power under Reeves tax plans

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

Typical new mortgage costs soar £788 a year in two weeks

Lenders have hiked rates on new deals and withdrawn products as war creates uncertainty in the markets.

How Finnish supermarkets are central to the country's defence

The chains all have detailed plans to follow in the event of the nation going to war.

Is it possible to build a plastic-free home?

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

Ukraine's urgent fight on the financial frontline

The war-torn country is battling to secure crucial funding from the IMF and EU, as well as putting up taxes.

Can plastic-eating fungi help clean up nappy waste?

Cost and convenience have made disposable nappies dominant - can start-ups compete?

Why has Trump eased sanctions on Russian oil - and will it help Putin?

The US said easing sanctions on Russian oil would provide only a limited financial boost to Putin.

Dharshini David: Economy on shaky ground even before Iran war

The government's hopes that 2026 would be the year when growth picks up are at risk of being scuppered.

A small US grocer is calling out the lower prices at big chains

It is 'impossible for us to compete', says the boss of a New York grocery store.

Can Ukraine's war-torn wheatfields be cleansed?

Researchers take 8,000 soil samples from battlefields to see if it is safe to grow crops.

The Aldi-style disruptors who could be about to shake up the vets market

As pet owners complain of rising prices, independent practices want to take on the big chains.

GPS jamming: The invisible battle in the Middle East

GPS jamming has made navigation hazardous in the Gulf, spurring efforts to develop alternatives.

Spain's migrants welcome amnesty: 'It will help us in every way'

Madrid cites humanitarian and economic reasons to give undocumented workers legal status.

Can snacks help you sleep?

Chocolates, bars, gummies and drinks promise to help you sleep, but is the science behind them sound?

We have more privacy controls yet less privacy than ever

Has online privacy become "a luxury not a right" for us all in 2026?

Typical energy bill forecast to rise by £332 a year in July

Cornwall Insight says the recent surge in energy prices due to the Iran war is set to push up household bills.

Did you know you could transfer your ISA?

Martin Lewis explains how you can make the most of your ISA.

How the Iran war may affect your money and bills

The conflict in the Middle East has increased pressure on the cost of petrol, household energy bills and even food.

NI households set for £30 electricity reduction in July

The scheme, which will cost £81m, follows on from an announcement made at the UK budget in November 2025.

School uniform reuse scheme launches in London

The School Uniform Reuse Network aims to help schools and families reduce waste and save money.

Sir John Curtice: Why Labour's Brexit focus has shifted from Leavers to Remainers

Will the pursuit of a closer relationship with the EU risk courting electoral disaster by alienating Brexit-backing voters?

The real impact of roadworks on the country - and why they're set to get worse

There is a fine balance between the benefits of improved infrastructure, versus the cost of disruption. Does the country have it right?

Why the railways often seem to be in such chaos over Christmas

Parts of Britain’s rail network will close for engineering work over the festive period - but is that the right time to do it?

Budget 2025: What's the best and worst that could happen for Labour?

Three days in, after a tax U-turn and partial climbdown on workers' rights, Laura Kuenssberg looks at what impact Budget week might have.

Has Britain's budget watchdog become too all-powerful?

Ahead of this week's Budget, some have accused the Office for Budget Responsibility of being a "straitjacket on growth"

Did you know you could transfer your ISA?

Martin Lewis explains how you can make the most of your ISA.

Why the average age of a first-time buyer has risen

The average age of a first-time buyer in England has risen from 29 to 34.

Selling Sheffield Wednesday

BBC Sport looks at one of England’s most famous football clubs’ fight for survival.

Witness History

On 2 March 2006, India and the United States finalised a controversial nuclear deal

Source: BBC News

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