Bank of England holds rates at 3.75% as energy shock divides policymakers
The Bank of England held rates at 3.75% in a divided 6–3 vote, highlighting disagreement over whether higher energy costs could create lasting wage and price pressures.
United Kingdom
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UK and EU target Sudan gold networks financing the war
Britain sanctioned 11 people and companies while the EU restricted Sudan-origin gold and mining inputs in a broader effort to cut war financing.
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U.K. Product-Safety Database Report Set for August 27, Office Says
The U.K. Office for Product Safety and Standards will publish high-level findings from its 2025–26 Product Safety Database on August 27, offering the next official account of safety and non-compliance notifications.
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UK fibre-network deal enters deeper competition inquiry
The CMA is examining nexfibre’s proposed acquisition of Substantial over wholesale access, local network overlap, investment claims and consumer choice.
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U.K. Regulator Keeps Broadband Businesses Separate During Merger Review
The CMA has accepted interim safeguards keeping Substantial’s broadband businesses separate from nexfibre as it reviews the proposed acquisition.
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UK watchdog seeks views on Sky’s proposed ITV acquisition
The CMA is collecting market views by August 6 on Sky’s proposed £1.6 billion purchase of ITV’s media assets; a formal phase 1 probe has not begun.
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Europe’s hot, dry summer deepens fires, drought and water stress
Fires and evacuations in Greece and France are unfolding alongside record heat, low river flows, falling reservoirs and drought measures in parts of Europe.
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ASEAN-UK Plan Sets Five-Year Maritime and Security Framework
ASEAN and Britain adopted a 2027-2031 plan covering maritime safety, cables, crime, supply chains, energy and ASEAN-led regional forums.
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UK and Nigeria Expand Security Partnership With New Cyber and Counterterrorism Plans
A July communiqué outlines planned UK-Nigeria cooperation on cyber threats, terrorism, maritime security, fraud, illicit finance and civilian protection.
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UK Names Ed Miliband as Its World Bank Governor
Britain will put Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband in its World Bank governor role, elevating development and climate finance in foreign-policy decisions.
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UK-EU Gibraltar Treaty Begins Provisional Border Rules
A UK-EU treaty signed July 14 began provisional application July 15, easing routine Gibraltar-Spain crossings while keeping immigration and customs controls.
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UK Clarifies Narrow Restriction on U.S. Porcine Offal
Great Britain clarified that certain U.S. porcine offal products remain barred after Iowa’s disease case, while non-offal pork remains eligible.
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UK shop-price inflation slows as supermarket promotions spread
British shop-price inflation slowed to 0.9% in July, but prices remained higher than a year earlier as food and seasonal promotions restrained increases.
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EU Approves UK Participation in €90 Billion Ukraine Loan
EU countries approved UK participation in the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan, expanding Ukraine’s pool of eligible defense suppliers while formal adoption remains pending.