Author: britishbulletin.com

Experts are urging motorists to make a decision ahead of the Christmas period, or they could be met with long delays and issues when travelling.Millions of Britons will already be planning their journey home for the Christmas and New Year’s break, most likely by driving or getting the train.Motorists are being advised to consider driving home for Christmas, rather than getting a train, to avoid major delays across the network.National Rail has already announced a “considerable number” of engineering projects taking place in and around Christmas, with more set to be announced soon.No trains will run to or from London…

Simon Jack,Business editorandRachel Clun,Business reporterAFP via Getty ImagesThe UK and the US have agreed a deal to keep tariffs on UK pharmaceutical shipments into America at zero.Under the agreement the UK will pay more for medicines through the NHS in return for a guarantee that US import taxes on pharmaceuticals made in the UK will remain at zero for three years.This is the first time the amount that the NHS pays for medicines is due to increase in more than 20 years.The deal comes after US President Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs to as high as 100% on branded…

Reigning world champion Zhao Xintong made a superb start to his UK Championship campaign with a dominant first-round victory over compatriot Long Zehuang.Zhao, 28, made snooker history in May when he became the first Chinese player to win the World Championship, beating Mark Williams 18-12 in the final at the Crucible in Sheffield.On day three at the York Barbican, Zhao impressed throughout his 6-1 triumph over 28-year-old UK debutant Long, making breaks of 107, 68, 51, 59, 52 and 72.Long, 54th in the world rankings, had to battle through three qualifying rounds to get to York and avoided a 6-0…

Richard Hughes has resigned as chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility after the financial watchdog accidentally leaked Rachel Reeves’s Budget 45 minutes before the Chancellor unveiled her fiscal measures in the House of Commons. Mr Hughes, who this morning refused to rule out quitting from his post, tendered his resignation in a 330-word letter to Ms Reeves and Treasury Select Committee chairwoman Dame Meg Hillier. After updating the Chancellor and Labour MP about the OBR’s urgent inquiry into last week’s Budget leak, the top mandarin said: “By implementing the recommendations in this report, I am certain the OBR can…

Prince William addressed business leaders and innovators at the Wales Investment Summit today, positioning the nation as a pioneering force in renewable energy and semiconductor technology.Speaking to more than 300 delegates from 25 countries, Prince William outlined Wales’s emergence as a major European renewable resources centre and home to groundbreaking technological innovation.The prince emphasised his commitment to continuing the King’s decades-long support for Welsh enterprise, referencing how his father encouraged Sony’s co-founder to establish the company’s first European factory in Wales over fifty years ago.William told the summit audience said: “His leadership in championing Welsh business and innovation is something…

British families face average costs of £249,000 to raise a child, new research shows. Moneyfarm’s latest analysis indicates this total has increased by £26,000 in only two years.The findings reflect a wider surge in day-to-day costs for households raising children.The average lifetime cost of raising a child has risen by £46,000 since 2022, taking the annual amount to £13,830 for each child. The analysis draws on more than 150 separate child-related expenses.Total costs do vary significantly depending on a family’s financial circumstances. mParents at the lower end of the spending scale could see outgoings of £161,000, while those at the…

Television presenter Joel Dommett has found himself at the centre of controversy following an ill-judged remark during the ITV2 programme I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Unpacked on Tuesday evening.The 40-year-old comedian, who co-presents the spin-off programme alongside Kemi Rodgers, made a shocking comment about “shanking” whilst discussing confectionery with his fellow hosts. The incident unfolded as the panel debated campmate Ruby Wax’s decision to keep a packet of Liquorice Allsorts for herself rather than sharing with fellow contestants.Mr Dommett’s remark, “If someone stole my Haribo, I’d shank them”, immediately drew criticism from Declan Donnelly, who was appearing…

A major supermarket chain will cover the cost of the Christmas food shop as part of a “festive giveaway” if loyal customers complete one specific task.Shoppers could receive their Christmas groceries for free through Aldi’s Advent Giveaway, which is returning in 2025.The supermarket is giving away vouchers worth up to £100 every day from now until Christmas Eve to households looking to keep their Christmas costs down.Under this initiative, customers could win back the cost of their entire festive food shop but only certain individuals will be able to take advantage of this deal.Customers who buy festive food at Aldi…

Nicholas BourneandLeigh Boobyer, WalesThe Afon Glaslyn has risen close to the top of the wall surrounding this house in Beddgelert, Gwynedd Heavy rain could cause “disruption and probable flooding” on Monday with an amber weather warning in place for south Wales.The Met Office said heavy rain was expected over south Wales from late Sunday and throughout Monday, with 20-40mm (0.78-1.58in) expected across the wider region and 100-120mm (3.9-4.7in) in a few places on higher ground. A yellow warning of rain is also in place for mid and north Wales on Monday, with the Afon Glaslyn in Beddgelert, Gwynedd, nearly broaching…

New Zealand centre Rieko Ioane might make his Leinster debut in Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup opener against Harlequins (17:30 GMT).Ioane is contracted to the Blues in New Zealand until 2027 but has taken a “sabbatical” to join Leinster on a seven-month contract until the end of the season.The 28-year-old, who can also play on the wing, made his Test debut in 2016 and has scored 38 tries in 88 caps for the All Blacks.Ioane linked up with his new Leinster team-mates on Wednesday and is now available for selection.Ioane, who had an infamous spat with Leinster and Ireland legend Johnny…