Once a global ideal, Germany's economy struggles with an energy shock that's exposing longtime flaws
Germany racked up one economic success after another for most of this century
2023-09-19 14:47
The Versailles Palace celebrates its 400th anniversary and hosts King Charles III for state dinner
France is rolling out the red carpet for King Charles III’s state visit at one of its most magnificent and emblematic monuments: The Palace of Versailles, which is celebrating its 400th anniversary
2023-09-19 14:46
Another country has called Xi a 'dictator' and China is not happy with that description
China has lashed out at Germany after its foreign minister called Xi Jinping a "dictator" and summoned Berlin's ambassador for a dressing down, in the latest flaring of tensions with a western democratic power over how the Chinese leader is described overseas.
2023-09-19 14:29
Stock market today: Asian shares weaker ahead of Federal Reserve interest rate decision
Asian shares are mostly weaker in cautious trading ahead of the Federal Reserve’s looming decision on interest rates
2023-09-19 14:15
Exclusive-Coal from Russian-annexed Ukraine sold in NATO member Turkey - data, sources
By Filipp Lebedev and Gleb Stolyarov At least $14.3 million worth of coal produced in areas of Ukraine
2023-09-19 13:48
Justin Trudeau: India rejects role in Sikh leader's death in Canada
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has accused India of involvement in Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing.
2023-09-19 13:27
Crews are working to recover the debris of an F-35 fighter jet as they investigate the 'mishap' that forced its pilot to eject over South Carolina
Crews are working to recover the debris of an F-35 fighter jet that went missing in South Carolina over the weekend as an investigation is underway into the "mishap" that forced its pilot to eject, according to the Marine Corps and a defense official with knowledge of the search.
2023-09-19 13:25
Starmer to meet Macron as experts say his Brexit deal bid looks ‘challenging’
Sir Keir Starmer will meet French president Emmanuel Macron as experts say he risks “demanding more than the EU is willing to give” with his insistence on seeking closer ties with Brussels. The Labour leader will hold talks in Paris on Tuesday, during which post-Brexit relations are expected to feature prominently, against a backdrop of debate over what any renegotiations with the bloc might involve. It comes as the UK in a Changing Europe (UKICE) research group publishes a new report that finds using the existing Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) to reduce trade barriers will be “very challenging”. Sir Keir indicated in an interview with the Financial Times that he would seek to use a reassessment of the agreement in two years time to try to get “a much better deal” for the UK. The trade deal signed by Boris Johnson faces its first five-yearly review in 2025, though the extent of the talks are uncertain. UKICE says the onus will be on Britain to give the EU an incentive to shift its position, given the bloc is “relatively happy” with the existing partnership. Closer alignment on veterinary standards in order to ease trade, which Labour has cited as a priority, is highlighted in its report as one of the potential changes which would benefit the UK. But it adds that any new negotiations would potentially be lengthy and complex, and that time-consuming domestic issues like the economy and the NHS are likely to leave “limited bandwidth” for a major reassessment. Experts also warn that a review could even “inflame tensions” over implementation issues and that the EU is likely to prefer a lighter, technical re-evaluation. Anand Menon, director of UKICE, said: “Keir Starmer’s desire to secure a ‘much better’ Brexit deal for the UK is all well and good. “However, he failed to explain how tinkering with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement will make a meaningful economic difference. Moreover, he runs the risk of demanding more than the European Union is willing to give. “The UK is not a priority for the EU, which remains relatively happy with the TCA. The key for a Labour government will be figuring out a way to provide the EU with an incentive to restart negotiations over Brexit.” In its report, UKICE says Labour would need to set out a “much more detailed plan to demonstrate it is a serious negotiating partner with a realistic grasp of the issues at hand” and refine its “long list of ideas” into a more coherent set of goals. Sir Keir’s visit to Paris is the latest in a flurry of international engagements undertaken by Labour as the party seeks to raise its profile on the global stage ahead of a likely general election next year. Coinciding with his trip will be an appearance from shadow defence secretary John Healey in Washington DC, where he will make a speech calling on the US and UK to “work together” to defend democracy. Speaking at the American Enterprise Institute alongside Democratic Congressman Dean Phillips, Mr Healey will propose the countries jointly establish and lead a new “democratic resilience centre” to protect shared values and collectively monitor threats. The centre would be open to other Nato allies to join and could be a forerunner for a fully-fledged Nato body, he will say. Mr Healey and shadow foreign secretary David Lammy will meet officials from the White House, the US Department of Defence and the US Department of State during their visit. He will say: “For Labour, the US is the UK’s most essential ally, especially on defence and security. “Our countries should be on high alert ahead of the UK general election and US presidential election in 2024. This is the time to launch democratic resilience work together to better protect our democratic values and systems. “Democracy and freedom is hardwired into Nato’s founding treaties, alongside collective defence. Our deep conviction in democracy means we must also act to defend our democracies when under attack.” It comes amid a series of overseas engagements before party conference season, with Sir Keir having spent last week meeting fellow centre-left leaders in Montreal, Canada, including the country’s prime minister Justin Trudeau. That visit followed a trip to The Hague to hold talks with Europol officials on the shared challenge of people-smuggling gangs profiting from small boat crossings in the Channel. Read More UK Labour leader Keir Starmer says he'll seek closer ties with the EU if he wins the next election Sir Keir Starmer says he speaks to Barack Obama ‘frequently’ Starmer: Tory claims that Labour will join EU migrant quota scheme are ‘garbage’ Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-09-19 12:57
Japan: One in 10 people aged 80 or older for first time
The world's oldest country has long struggled with how to provide for its ageing and declining population.
2023-09-19 12:51
Search continues for former NFL player Sergio Brown as police investigate his mother's homicide. Here's what we know
The search continues for former NFL player Sergio Brown after his mother was found dead with assault injuries near a creek behind her suburban Chicago home, according to the Maywood Police Department.
2023-09-19 12:49
US firms in China say vague rules, tensions with Washington, hurting business, survey shows
An American Chamber of Commerce survey shows American companies operating in China view tensions with Washington over technology, trade and other issues as a major competitive obstacle for their businesses there
2023-09-19 12:30
Control of the Pennsylvania House will again hinge on result of a special election
Voters are deciding which party will control Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives after a Pittsburgh lawmaker's resignation created a 101-101 partisan divide
2023-09-19 12:26
