Displaying items by tag: confusion

Only two days after Donald Trump, announcing Japanese-backed investments tied to a major trade pact, posted ‘America is WINNING again’, the Supreme Court ruled much of his tariff regime unlawful, angering Trump and creating huge uncertainty across global markets. Almost immediately, he announced new tariffs, which means that most countries - including those that had negotiated preferential agreements - now face a 15% tariff on exports to the USA. Some nations which made concessions, such as the UK and Japan, may gain little advantage, while others, including China and India, have seen tariff reductions without comparable compromises. The new tariffs will be valid for only 150 days, with confusion about what might happen thereafter. Data suggests much of the economic burden of tariffs has fallen on US businesses and consumers. Meanwhile, Trump has drawn widespread incredulity and criticism for using his position to advertise expensive watches bearing his name: see

Rachel Reeves has announced that more pensioners will qualify for winter fuel payments this year, following the backlash over Labour’s 2024 decision to cut the benefit for most retirees. While she confirmed the means-test threshold will rise, she did not specify by how much, and at Prime Minister’s Questions, Keir Starmer also failed to clarify how many of the ten million affected pensioners will regain eligibility. Labour’s original decision to means-test the payment reduced eligibility from 11.4 million to just 1.5 million, limiting it to pensioners receiving benefits like Pension Credit. The move, intended to save £1.5 billion annually, was part of an effort to address what Labour calls a £22 billion fiscal gap left by the previous government. Critics, including Kemi Badenoch, accused Labour of lacking preparation and transparency. Reeves insisted the government remains committed to easing winter costs for vulnerable seniors but acknowledged that specifics are still being finalised.