UK economy showed surprise 0.5% growth before Iran war 16. April 2026 (08:05) ONS figure for February suggests Britain was gaining momentum before conflict dashed hopes of recoveryBusiness live – latest updatesUK GDP expanded by a stronger than expected 0.5% in February, official figures show, suggesting the economy was gaining momentum before the onset of war in the Middle East dashed hopes of recovery.The jump, reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), was significantly bigger than the 0.1% forecast by economists. January’s flatlining figure was also revised up, to 0.1% growth. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
CEO of bitcoin firm championed by Nigel Farage leaves company 16. April 2026 (08:00) Resignation announced of Jai Patel, whose liquidated crypto firm was relaunched as Stack BTC this yearThe chief executive of a bitcoin company promoted by Nigel Farage has left his role as the venture attempts to convince investors that it is going to deliver “long-term value” for shareholders.Stack BTC was launched to much fanfare in March this year, with Farage and former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng becoming some of its first shareholders. The company says its founder is Paul Withers, a friend of the Reform UK leader who owns a gold bullion company that Farage has also promoted, Direct Bullion. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ammonia pollution hotspots found in areas of UK with most pig and poultry factory farms 16. April 2026 (08:00) Map reveals most severe concentrations of ammonia emissions, which are dangerous to health and environmentAmmonia pollution hotspots have been identified in areas with some of the greatest numbers of intensive pig and poultry farms in Britain, research has revealed.A new map for the first time reveals the most severe concentrations of ammonia emissions are clustered in Lincolnshire, Herefordshire and Norfolk. These regions all have a high density of intensive poultry and pig units that drive dangerous levels of ammonia, according to researchers from Compassion in World Farming (CiWF) and Sustain. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Covid inquiry to publish report on vaccines and treatments 16. April 2026 (07:38) The UK deployed a Vaccine Task Force to find the most promising vaccines and pre-order them for speedy deployment once approved by regulators.(London News)
Controversial anti-protest laws introduced in the wake of the Bondi massacre are STRUCK DOWN
Trump announces leaders of Israel and Lebanon will meet for the first time in 33 YEARS... with huge ramifications for war in Iran