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Reeves plots Budget tax raid on dividends

Reeves plots Budget tax raid on dividends

Telegraph9 hours ago

Rachel Reeves is drawing up plans for a tax raid on dividends in her autumn Budget in a hunt to find tens of billions in revenue.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer's officials are understood to have drawn up a menu of tax increases, including a raid on dividends suggested by Angela Rayner in a leaked memo.
Officials are considering abolishing the £500 tax-free allowance for dividend payments, or increasing the rate of tax from its current level of 39 per cent.
Removing the allowance could raise the Treasury more than £300 million and may allow the Chancellor to claim she has not increased taxes on 'working people', a Labour pledge before last year's general election.
But the Conservatives said the rise would amount to Ms Reeves 'putting her hands in the pockets of British taxpayers and businesses'.
The so-called 'dossier' of tax changes, first reported by The Sunday Times, was not denied by senior government officials last night.
It included an increase on the levy on bank profits, which is charged on top of the normal corporation tax rate of 25 per cent.

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Bijou private jets — compact without compromise
Bijou private jets — compact without compromise

Times

time30 minutes ago

  • Times

Bijou private jets — compact without compromise

Eighteen minutes. That's the average time it takes between arriving at a private air terminal and taking off in a business jet. Let's reframe that: by the time it takes to decant your personal effects into a plastic tray and shuffle along the security queue in your socks (as you watch your Manolo Blahniks being conveyor-belted into x-ray purgatory) you could already be ceremoniously swirling a glass of Opus One in the serene seclusion of your very own winged chariot at 31,000 feet. While the larger, snazzier VIP jets are the preserve of royalty and billionaire tech moguls, there are more humble options in the £2.5 million to £15 million bracket, aka 'small-light-jets'. Sure, planes in this class don't have room for a Jacuzzi — or a gym — but sometimes less is more. These 6 to 12-seater jets are nimble enough to nip into private airstrips and smaller regional airports (something their supersized siblings can't always do) — avoiding the major hubs and getting you more directly to your destination. • Read more luxury reviews, advice and insights from our experts And that's really the raison d'être of private aviation — enabling you to maximise your precious time, while travelling in style. It's also a luxury underpinned by compelling business savvy: analysis carried out by the European Business Aviation Association (this is the bit you show your accountant) found that by skipping the undignified chaos of commercial flights, private jet travellers gain an average of 127 minutes per trip. Moreover, in Europe, private aviation connects over 100,000 airport pairs, versus 30,000 for scheduled carriers — therefore bizjet users don't have to worry about long ground transfers. This, in turn, means time and expense can be trimmed as overnight stays become an option, not an inevitability. The bottom line is, it's less about showing off and more about showing up — on time, unflustered, and possibly already two contracts ahead of the competition. Plus, when it's not exactly a business trip, with a compact bizjet you can touch down in Gstaad without stressing over whether your skis have been mangled by the baggage handlers. If you need a shortlist of the most talked about jets in this league, here's one I prepared earlier. If Indiana Jones ever became a corporate exec, he'd probably fly the Swiss-designed Pilatus PC-24 — a business jet so versatile it should come with hiking boots and a tuxedo. Its party trick is that it can take off and land on all types of surfaces, not just paved runways, thanks to its uniquely engineered wing, robust undercarriage and 'flaps'. These are hinged panels on the wings that can be extended to generate extra lift for shorter takeoffs. They can also be positioned to deliberately create extra drag, to slow the plane down for landing — just what you need when touching down on shorter runways, such as Nantucket Memorial Airport's 4,500ft-long 'Runway 15/33'. Grass, gravel, sand? No problem. You could say the PC-24 is the Land Rover Defender of private jets, capable of navigating rocky terrain while you sit in penthouse suite comfort. (Pilatus says the PC-24 can land on a 2,410ft paved runway, and needs just 3,090ft for takeoff. It is also, says the manufacturer, 'the only business jet able to land at Goodwood's grass airstrip'.) The PC-24 seats up to ten passengers and is fitted with cabin windows large enough to actually see the Matterhorn without craning your neck. The cabin can be configured in a multitude of layouts and there's even a special 'medevac' (medical evacuation) version operated by the Royal Flying Doctor Service that can carry three stretchered patients and two full medical teams. Powered by two Williams FJ44 engines, the PC-24 cruises at 440 knots (a bit over 505mph) and has a range of 2,040 nautical miles — enough to get you from Geneva to the Greek islands with plenty of time to spare. The cockpit is equipped with advanced touchscreen avionics and 'synthetic vision'. This is a type of augmented reality tech for pilots, but instead of Pokémon, it shows pilots the mountains, runways and obstacles — a nifty trick facilitated by GPS, terrain databases and onboard sensors. It's invaluable when flying through thick fog, darkness or heavy rain. Regardless of whether you're taking off from the tumbleweed-strewn outback or heading to a remote mountain retreat in the Alps, the PC-24's off-piste capabilities guarantee you'll make a stylish entrance. Price guide: approximately £10.4 million to £11.2 million depending on options* Think Honda and you might picture a zippy Civic or a screaming Formula 1 engine. Now imagine that same clever engineering and quiet confidence at high altitude. Enter the HondaJet Elite II — sleek, speedy and capable of flying at 'Flight Level 430', which means 43,000ft (approximately 13,100m above sea level). That puts it well above commercial airline traffic and most weather systems, so passengers can enjoy a smoother, faster and more efficient ride. The HondaJet is also one of the fastest (at 420 knots — roughly 483mph) and furthest flyers in its class (with a range of 1,547 nautical miles). What sets the HondaJet apart from other business jets, visually, is that the engines are mounted on top of the wing. This crafty setup unlocks a hat-trick of benefits. First, it frees up precious fuselage real estate. Without engine support structures eating into the cabin, there's up to 20 per cent more space (compared with similarly sized jets) for passengers and bags. Second, with the engines perched out of earshot, the cabin is whisper-quiet. Third, OTWEM (Over the Wing Engine Mount) improves aerodynamics. By strategically blending the airflow over the wing and engines, HondaJet reduces drag at high speeds, allowing it to cruise faster, higher and more efficiently than its rivals. The latest incarnation of the plane (due out in 2026 following flight testing and certification at HondaJet's headquarters in North Carolina) is the HondaJet Echelon. With seating for up to 11 people, a high-speed cruise near 450 knots (520-ish mph), and a 2,625 nautical mile range, the Echelon will become the first jet in its category capable of single-pilot transcontinental flight across the United States (single-pilot means lower operational costs for coast-to-coast private jet travel). All of this is part of a strategy whereby Honda aims to develop a full mobility ecosystem, which includes vehicles on the land, sea and air. Price guide: The HondaJet Elite II costs in the neighbourhood of £5.5 million to £5.8 million, depending on options*. No official price has been released yet for the forthcoming HondaJet Echelon, but industry estimates are in the ballpark of £8 million to £9.5 million*. If the Embraer Phenom 300E were a car, it would probably be a Porsche — curvaceous, understated and blisteringly fast, with a top speed of 464 knots (roughly 533mph). With a range of 2,010 nautical miles, this aircraft (which is designed, manufactured and assembled at sites across Brazil and Florida) is made for execs who crave getting to their destination in record time. Inside, Embraer offers a 'bossa nova' interior. Think luxury SUV meets minimalist lounge, with a Latin touch. The cabin comes with six seats arranged in a configuration that maximises both comfort and space. The hand-stitched leather seats can adjust, swivel and recline. And since we all know business never stops, the Phenom 300E is packed with connectivity features. USB ports, a state-of-the-art entertainment system and adjustable lighting make it a flying office — or a mood-lit lounge. The cockpit is where the magic happens, with its Garmin G3000 avionics suite. Touchscreens, synthetic vision and 'autothrottle' make flying a breeze. (Autothrottle is the private jet's answer to cruise control — only with more altitude and less road rage. It's like having a silent co-pilot constantly tweaking the engine power automatically, keeping the jet smooth and efficient.) In short, the Phenom 300E is for those who believe in getting the job done — and doing it fast. You'll arrive at your next meeting feeling as if you've just raced there — and with more than enough time for a quick power nap before you head into the boardroom. Price guide: About £8.7 million to £9.3 million depending on options* If the superhero Tony Stark designed a business jet, it might look something like the Cirrus Vision Jet G2+, an aerodynamic, Jetsons cartoon-esque aircraft that defies convention. It's the only certified single-engine personal business jet in production — and single-engine potentially means less fuel-burn and less engine maintenance. Having one engine might raise an eyebrow — until you realise the Vision Jet comes with the 'Cirrus Airframe Parachute System'. In a worst-case scenario, the pilot can pull a handle, an enormous parachute deploys and the entire aircraft descends gently to the ground. (Makes you wonder why more aircraft don't have this handy feature.) Then there's a second layer of safety that is absolutely mind-boggling. In the unlikely event that the pilot becomes incapacitated, the Vision Jet's 'Safe Return Emergency Autoland System' enables a passenger to land the aircraft with the press of a single button. Once activated, the jet transforms into an autonomous vehicle, reconfiguring the complex cockpit displays into passenger-friendly screens. The system then calculates a safe route by factoring in terrain, weather, fuel levels and wind conditions. It selects the most suitable airport and runway, while also notifying emergency services. Throughout the descent, the system manages speed, gear, flaps and throttle using the Vision Jet's autothrottle and radar altimeter (height indicator) to ensure a precise, stabilised approach. It lands and brakes the aircraft to a complete stop — leaving passengers safely on the ground, ready to disembark. Beyond these remarkable safety features the G2+ cabin can accommodate seven people (including the pilot), and passengers can enjoy an almost 360-degree view thanks to the open-plan layout (there's no partition between the cockpit and passenger cabin). Plus the plane is fitted with enormous panoramic windows. Performance-wise, the Vision Jet G2+ has impressive specs. It can take off with 2,036ft, climb at 1,609ft per second, cruise at 311 knots (about 358mph — not bad for one engine) and reach a maximum altitude of 31,000ft. Its range is 1,275 nautical miles. Need even more tech? Cirrus planes come with an iPhone app, Cirrus IQ, which enables you to prepare for your flight before you get to the airport with the ability to check your fuel and oxygen quantity remotely. The app also collates data for troubleshooting and maintenance schedules — it's a kind of futuristic log book. In short, the Cirrus Vision Jet G2+ is for those who want to feel as if they're flying into the future, but with all the amenities of a luxury SUV. It's quick, clever and, yes, probably safer than your average ride to the office. Price guide: About £2.5 million to £2.8 million depending on options* Unveiled by Textron Aviation ahead of the 2023 European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE), the Cessna Citation Ascend is aimed at executives who value time, space and a well-placed USB port. With deliveries scheduled for later this year, this mid-size jet is positioning itself as the sensible suit in a room full of flashy dinner jackets. Inside, the Ascend offers a flat-floor cabin with seating for up to nine people who presumably all have devices — because there are 19 USB ports and three power outlets scattered thoughtfully throughout. Think of it as a boardroom at 33,000ft, except the coffee is probably better and nobody can escape to another meeting. Performance-wise, it flies at about 441 knots (about 508mph) and has a range of 2,100 nautical miles — enough to get from La Môle-Saint-Tropez to Prague without breaking a sweat (or stopping to refuel). Two Pratt & Whitney PW545D engines deliver an efficient ride, and the autothrottle makes flying silky smooth for pilots and passengers alike. The Ascend features Garmin's latest G5000 avionics with synthetic vision, obstacle detection and even a 3D view of the airport while taxiing. It's possibly more aware of its surroundings than most humans before their first coffee. Fractional ownership giant NetJets signed a deal in 2023 with Textron Aviation that includes options to buy up to 1,500 jets across the Citation range — and the Ascend is a big part of that plan. Price guide: The Cessna Citation Ascend will set you back about £13.2 million* — a small price to pay for not having to queue at security in your socks. *NB: Prices for all aircraft are approximate and can fluctuate based on factors such as customisation options, cabin configurations, cockpit technology choices, exchange rates and market demand. Similarly, specifications and performance vary depending on options chosen, which can affect the aircraft weight and speed. For accurate and up-to-date pricing, contact the manufacturers or authorised dealers directly.

Trump news at a glance: President says of Israel-Iran conflict ‘sometimes they have to fight it out' as G7 leaders gather
Trump news at a glance: President says of Israel-Iran conflict ‘sometimes they have to fight it out' as G7 leaders gather

The Guardian

timean hour ago

  • The Guardian

Trump news at a glance: President says of Israel-Iran conflict ‘sometimes they have to fight it out' as G7 leaders gather

As heavy exchanges of missile fire continue and the death toll mounts on both sides, European leaders want to pin down Donald Trump on his Iran strategy – including getting a definitive response on whether he will use his influence over Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to have the warring parties call a ceasefire or instead let them continue fighting. Predicting 'peace soon' between Israel and Iran, Trump appeared to have learned little from his 2024 election boast that he could stop the Russia-Ukraine war in '24 hours'. If Israel and Iran can be convinced to call a ceasefire, it might allow the rescheduling of US talks with Iran on its civil nuclear programme that had been set for Sunday but were cancelled after Israel launched its assault on Thursday night. Before leaving for the G7 summit in Canada on Sunday, Trump was asked what he was doing to de-escalate the situation. 'I hope there's going to be a deal. I think it's time for a deal,' he told reporters, adding 'sometimes they have to fight it out.' European leaders gathering for a G7 summit with Donald Trump in the Canadian Rockies plan to spend the opening day asking him to justify his confidence and largely unsubstantiated remarks that Israel and Iran will make a deal that will mean 'peace soon'. The president has boasted that 'we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict'. Read the full story Donald Trump vetoed an Israeli plan in recent days to kill Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, two anonymous US officials told Reuters on Sunday. Read the full story Emmanuel Macron criticised Donald Trump's threats to take over Greenland as he became the first foreign head of state to visit the vast, mineral-rich Arctic territory since the US president began making explicit threats to annex it. 'I don't think that's what allies do,' Macron said as he arrived in the Danish autonomous territory for a highly symbolic visit aimed at conveying 'France's and the EU's solidarity' with Greenland on his way to the G7 in Canada. Read the full story A demonstrator died after being shot on Saturday during Salt Lake City's 'No Kings' protest, Utah police said. Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, 39, was apparently shot by a man who was part of the event's peacekeeping team. Brian Redd, the Salt Lake City police chief, called the victim 'an innocent bystander participating in the demonstration.' Read the full story The man suspected of opening fire on two Minnesota legislators and their spouses on 14 June, killing one legislator and her husband, was apprehended late on Sunday night, officials told the Associated Press and New York Times. Vance Boelter, 57, stands accused of fatally shooting the Democratic state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, at their residence. Boelter is also suspected of shooting the state senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home, seriously injuring them. Read the full story Donald Trump's army parade was neither the totalitarian North Korean spectacle that critics had grimly predicted, nor the triumph of Maga nationalism fans craved, J Oliver Conroy writes. Trump has absorbed the accusations of authoritarianism for usurping the powers of California's government by deploying the national guard and marines in Los Angeles – but Stephen Miller – the modestly titled White House deputy chief of staff – may have been the true catalyst for those volatile scenes. The administration's cuts to scientific research and attacks on higher education have soured the US as an academic sowing ground – and as a direct consequence the best and brightest minds are leaving to carve out a career overseas. Catching up? Here's what happened on 14 June.

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