The US made a "mistake" by ending diplomatic negotiations with Iran and entering into military conflict, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said, voicing sweeping criticism of the war. "The best economic policy now, not just for the UK, but globally, is to de-escalate," the chancellor told CNBC's Invest in America forum. …

Online shoppers chasing a bargain are at risk of buying fakes, with disturbing cases including perfume contaminated with horse urine. The illegal trade in counterfeits is funding organised crime. Meanwhile, some products have been endorsed by influencers to attract younger buyers. Consumer groups say that, as well as fakes, some …

More businesses have been promised help with their energy bills from April next year, after the government announced it was expanding a support scheme first outlined in 2025. Around 10,000 energy-intensive manufacturers in sectors such as steel and pharmaceuticals could see their bills cut by up to 25%. The scheme …

The quickest strike in this season's Champions League, seven goals, two red cards and the competition's 15-time winners exiting in anger - once again the knockout stages of European club football's elite contest has delivered drama in spades. "If the start of this game is anything to go by then …

Nine universities have begun legal action against the government in a row over students being asked to repay loans as soon as possible. About 22,000 students in England are caught up in the dispute, after being sent letters saying they were given maintenance loans and childcare grants in error and …

Russia launched a wave of drone and missile attacks across Ukraine on Wednesday night, killing at least 15 people and injuring at least 90, Ukrainian officials said. A 12-year-old boy was among four victims in the capital, and three people were killed in Dnipro in the southeast. Across the border, …

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have taken a journey through First Nations Australians' history in Melbourne on day three of their visit to the country. Prince Harry and Meghan joined an Aboriginal walking tour on Thursday called the Scar Tree Walk, an important cultural heritage site experience in the …

Social media bosses are being summoned to Downing Street on Thursday to discuss children's safety online with the prime minister. Top executives from Meta, Snap, YouTube, TikTok and X are expected to be questioned by Sir Keir Starmer and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall on what they are doing to protect …

Move over wind farms: why some argue cutting costs is the best way to cut carbon "I'm an early adopter of new technology," says Gavin Tait, a 69-year-old from Glasgow, with a hint of pride. So when he received a lump sum on retirement a decade or so ago, he …

On the plains of northwestern Iran, edged by snow-ribboned ridges, spring nudges almond trees into frothy bloom and a fragile ceasefire brings more traffic onto highways, and more Iranians back to their homeland. "I stayed with my son in Turkey for a month," a grey-haired banker says as we stand …