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EU and UK reach accord on cross-border trade and travel in Gibraltar

EU and UK reach accord on cross-border trade and travel in Gibraltar

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union and the U.K. have reached an agreement to ease cross-border trade and travel in Gibraltar after years of post-Brexit wrangling over the contested territory, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said Wednesday.
In a post on social media, Šefčovič praised the deal as 'a truly historic milestone: an EU-UK political agreement on the future relationship concerning Gibraltar. This benefits everyone and reinforces a new chapter in the relationship.'

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Asda spends £10m on supermarket feature abandoned by its competitors
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Asda spends £10m on supermarket feature abandoned by its competitors

Asda is set to give its cafes a fresh lease of life with a £10 million refurbishment plan, bucking the trend as other supermarket chains continue to scale down their in-store hot food options for shoppers. This substantial investment will revamp 180 Asda cafes and introduce an expanded menu selection. Led by Compass, the catering company overseeing the cafes, the revamp kicks off this month with an aim to wrap up by the end of October. Asda has announced that the refresh will bring a "new look and feel" to its cafes, including digital ordering screens, table service, and the option of a manned till. The enhanced menu will feature more modern food options such as smashed avocado on toast, katsu chicken curry, topped salad bowls, wraps, and a sharing range with items like nachos and loaded fries. READ MORE: 'I paid on my credit card to keep my unhealthy secret from my wife' READ MORE: BBC Antiques Roadshow expert makes rare plea over 'incredibly unusual' item with mystery Additionally, pizzas, currently available at fresh counters within the stores, will be incorporated into the cafe offerings. Asda's move to upgrade its cafes comes at a time when competitors are reducing their in-store dining options. Sainsbury's has permanently closed its in-store cafes following the announcement of 61 closures earlier this year. The UK's second-largest supermarket chain cited a lack of regular use by customers for the closures, noting a rise in popularity for in-store food stalls and concessions instead. Morrisons is also shutting down 52 of its cafes along with several meat, fish, and hot food counters, stating these changes are part of efforts to "renew and reinvigorate" the brand and focus on areas "customers really value". It added that operating the services was now more expensive than the revenue generated from customer purchases. Asda's 205 cafes will remain unaffected, with no planned closures on the horizon. Under the renewed leadership of Allan Leighton, Asda recently pledged to implement its biggest price cuts in 25 years in an attempt to revitalise the struggling chain. Ian McEvans, Asda's vice president of commercial food, stated that the company had "continued to demonstrate our commitment to our cafes over the years" with initiatives like the "kids eat for £1" meal deal. He added that cafes were "an important part of the shopping experience for any of our customers".

Shared ownership: 'It's a con and we felt trapped'
Shared ownership: 'It's a con and we felt trapped'

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timean hour ago

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Shared ownership: 'It's a con and we felt trapped'

Touted as a stepping stone to getting on the property ladder, shared ownership was designed to be one answer to a tough housing market. But behind the hope lies a growing wave of discontent, as complaints to the housing watchdog - over repairs, costs and selling - have soared. "We had none of the rights of homeowners, and all the obligations of renters," said Diana, who together with her husband Chris, bought a shared ownership property in east London in February 2020. Shared ownership schemes involve purchasing a share of a property and paying rent on the rest. But the couple decided to sell in 2021 after finding it "traumatic". They said they had to try to sell through what is known as a nomination period during which the housing association or landlord has the exclusive right to find a buyer for the shared ownership home. Two years later and £10,000 worse off, after the property was re-evaluated at less than what they paid, they eventually sold. 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