HSBC and Coventry raise rates on fixed mortgages in response to crisis in the Middle East 05. March 2026 (14:34) Experts say the Iran war could cause an energy price shock that pushes up UK inflation, in turn forcing up interest ratesHSBC and Coventry building society are the first big lenders in the UK to announce they are increasing rates on their fixed mortgage deals after the Middle East crisis, with brokers predicting others are likely to follow.Experts have said the war could trigger an energy price shock that pushes up UK inflation, which may in turn force the Bank of England to increase interest rates. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Alleged rapist carried out extensive online searches into Malkinson case, court told 05. March 2026 (14:27) Paul Quinn researched case despite having little interest in news websites, jury hears at Manchester crown courtAn alleged rapist who is suspected to have evaded justice for nearly 20 years carried out an “exponential” rise in online searches about the case when it emerged police were investigating a new suspect, a court has heard.Paul Quinn, 51, is accused of raping and violently beating a woman in 2003 in an attack that led to the wrongful conviction of Andrew Malkinson, who spent 17 years in prison in what jurors were told was one of the worst miscarriages of justice in Britain. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump administration is failing to address spread of measles, experts say 05. March 2026 (14:00) As number of cases climbs past 1,000, experts say CDC is not taking obvious steps amid funding cutsExperts say that the Trump administration has failed to take obvious steps to contain the spread of measles, which is continuing to accelerate in the United States as the number of cases has climbed past 1,000.The administration has revealed a relaxed attitude toward the highly contagious virus both in terms of messaging and funding allocation, experts said. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘It’s discrimination’: US Small Business Administration cuts off loans to immigrant entrepreneurs 05. March 2026 (14:00) Green card holders are now ineligible for loans through the SBA as agency carries out Trump’s ‘America First’ agendaThe US federal agency in charge of helping small businesses has cut off an essential line of funding for immigrant entrepreneurs for the first time in the agency’s history.Legal residents, or green card holders, are now ineligible for loans backed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The change was first announced in February and comes as the agency carries out an “America First” agenda under SBA administrator Kelly Loeffler, a billionaire and staunch Donald Trump loyalist who was appointed last February. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ministers discuss ways to offset energy price surges caused by Iran war 05. March 2026 (13:54) Government’s claim to have lowered bills in jeopardy as households face £160 rise caused by soaring oil and gas pricesMinisters are discussing the possibility of intervening to protect the public against soaring household energy bills if the Middle East conflict drags on.Oil and gas prices have surged since Donald Trump started his bombing campaign against Iran, which has responded by closing off a crucial shipping route through the strait of Hormuz and by attacking regional energy infrastructure. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK’s private dentistry market faces review after price jumps of up to 23% 05. March 2026 (13:43) CMA says it wants to ensure market ‘working well for consumers’ as more Britons forced to seek private careThe UK’s competition watchdog has launched a review into the £8bn private dentistry market after the price of a consultation increased by nearly 25% over a two-year period.One in five people in Great Britain sought private dental care in 2024 in part because they could not access NHS treatment. Announcing its investigation, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it wanted to make sure the market was “working well for UK consumers”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
More than pasties and beaches: Cornwall celebrates St Piran’s Day amid cultural revival 05. March 2026 (13:40) In Launceston, revellers are celebrating ‘Cornishness becoming cool’ as well as the region’s patron saintA crisp morning in Launceston, an ancient capital of Cornwall, and the town was humming as St Piran’s Day celebrations got into full swing.Children paraded and danced, songs were sung, speeches made and the odd tear was shed as people gathered to celebrate all things Cornish. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Azerbaijan accuses Iran of drone attack on airport that injured two people 05. March 2026 (13:39) Tehran denies responsibility but strike raises prospect of US-Israel war on Iran spreading beyond Middle EastMiddle East crisis – live updatesAzerbaijan has accused Iran of a drone attack that struck the region of Nakhchivan, hitting an airport and injuring two civilians.The strike would be the first Iranian attack on a Caucasus state since the start of the US-Israel war on the country, and raises the prospect of the conflict spreading beyond the Middle East. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Moderate Democrats plot path to victory by winning the middle 05. March 2026 (13:00) At the Third Way conference in Charleston, centrists debated ways to win – and were sure electoral success lies with themJoe Walsh half jumped out of his seat when discussion at the Third Way conference in Charleston turned to how Democrats sound to voters.“Tone! My God!” the former Republican congressman shouted. “The Democrats come across as, like, professors, academics, elites. I mean, my God, rip off your freaking sport coat and talk to me! Listen to me like a regular human being.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
The Paramount-Warner Bros mega-merger still has a few hurdles to get over 05. March 2026 (13:00) The $110bn deal will require approval from regulatory authorities in the US, the EU and the UKChampagne reportedly flowed at Paramount Skydance headquarters late last week after the media conglomerate edged out Netflix to acquire the entirety of Warner Bros Discovery for a cool $110bn.And on a call with analysts and investors on Monday morning, David Ellison, Paramount Skydance’s chief executive, said the company was “absolutely confident” that the merger will expeditiously pass regulatory muster both in the US and abroad. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
