Dear Rachel, if you want to wear the trouser suit, do. I love mine
You go, Rachel. If you want to wear the trousers, do. You're the chancellor. There is a reason so many female politicians wear pantsuits: they don't want to detract from their policies. They're saying: 'Look at what I'm wearing. I mean business. I don't have time to get up in the morning and think about tights.'
Now the chancellor has been blamed for killing off the trouser suit, as Rishi Sunak once did for Adidas Sambas. Sales of tailored work suits are evidently floundering due to 'the Rachel Reeves effect'. She has them in many hues.
But it was Hillary Clinton who killed the trouser suit first — and not in a good way. She wore every colour of the rainbow to show dresses
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Business News Wales
22 minutes ago
- Business News Wales
Mixed Reaction to UK Government Spending Review
Business leaders have given a mixed reaction to the UK Government Spending Review, which included Welsh rail investment worth at least £445 million . The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said it was 'not the business-focused day' small businesses had hoped for, whilst calling on the Welsh Government to use local growth funding announced in the Spending Review to boost the business support system. The CBI described the Spending Review as a 'downpayment on hardwiring the growth mission into government priorities', adding that the 'litmus test now will be following through on delivery in partnership with industry at pace'. The UK Government said the rail investment announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves would invest in both North and South Wales, adding that it would fix level crossings, build new stations, and upgrade existing lines. It said the rail upgrades would specifically link centres of advanced manufacturing excellence in North Wales and improve connections between Cardiff and Bristol. Monmouthshire County Council said it was 'delighted' with the rail announcement, adding that its communities 'have continued to live with the impacts of congestion on the M4 with no viable public transport alternatives'. It said the upgrades to the South Wales Mainline will increase train service frequency and the provision of five new railway stations – including Magor Walkway, which it said was a testament to the tireless work of the MAGOR group (Magor Action Group on Rail). Mary Ann Brocklesby, leader of Monmouthshire County Council, said: 'This is a hugely welcome investment that recognises the urgent need to upgrade our transport network here in Wales. Magor Walkway Station is a project with strong community backing from local councillors, residents, and campaign groups. I'll continue working with all partners to make sure Monmouthshire sees the benefit of this long-overdue rail project.' The Welsh Government will receive the largest settlement in real terms since devolution in 1999, the UK Government said, with an average settlement of £22.4 billion per year. Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: 'This UK Government is investing in Wales' future and driving economic growth across the country. 'We promised we would deal with the historical under-investment in Wales' rail network and the funding announced today in this Spending Review shows we are delivering on that pledge. 'Along with a record financial settlement for Welsh Government to improve public services, £118 million more to help keep coal tips safe and investment in growing industries like aerospace, we are backing Wales' potential and delivering for working people.' The Chancellor also announced that the British Business Bank's total financial capacity will be increased to £25.6 billion, which will enable a two-thirds increase in investments to around £2.5 billion each year. The British Business Bank said this investment is expected to crowd in tens of billions of pounds of private capital. Louis Taylor, CEO, British Business Bank, said: 'We welcome today's announcement by the Government, which is a strong endorsement of the British Business Bank's 10-year track record, market access and capabilities, including our position as the largest investor in UK venture and venture growth capital funds and the most active late-stage investor in UK life sciences and deeptech. 'To deliver the Government's growth mission it is critical that our most promising entrepreneurs can access the finance they need to grow their businesses, no matter what their background or where they are located.' Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair of the FSB, said: 'Small businesses will be wondering when they will feel the benefits of today's Spending Review. It was not the business-focused day they had hoped for. 'As spending allocations were announced, decisions over how that money would support small businesses were not included. Increased Statutory Sick Pay came without help for small businesses to afford it; extra money for housing and defence came without a commitment to include small firms in the supply chain; new energy efficiency funding for households came without equivalent help for small business premises. 'The one major bright spot for small firms today was the significant increase in resources to the British Business Bank, which FSB campaigned for in advance of today's statement and which we welcome. This should see far more finance flowing to local businesses up and down the country. 'With headline departmental funding allocated, the challenge now passes to each and every government department to be strategic with their spending over the next three years – using every taxpayer pound to get the most value, stimulate the economy, and spread jobs and growth. SMEs should get a far greater share of public contracts, and big businesses which treat their smaller suppliers poorly should be banned from winning them. 'Small business confidence is already languishing at levels comparable to the energy bills crisis, while job numbers in small businesses are falling fast, so bold, concerted action is needed. You can't grow the economy and tax revenues without growing small businesses. 'Small firms were not the focus today, but the second half of 2025 now becomes a crunch period for SME-focused growth reforms. Ministers must buckle down on this over the summer and through to the autumn, putting small businesses at the heart of the Industrial, Trade and Small Business Strategies. This includes addressing business rates, Employment Allowance expansion and Statutory Sick Pay in the autumn Budget, and proper legislative reform in the King's Speech. 'The benefits will only come if the Government takes these challenges seriously through to the autumn.' John Hurst, FSB Wales Chair, said: 'Small businesses in Wales continue to face relentless pressure from rising employment costs, ongoing changes to employment legislation, and sustained high energy bills. 'The Welsh Government must now actively back our small businesses by using the local growth funding announced in the Spending Review to boost our business support system, fostering a dynamic ecosystem that encourages entrepreneurship and empowers Welsh business owners to innovate, invest, and grow.' Russell Greenslade, Director, CBI, Wales, said: 'Today's Spending Review signals a downpayment on hardwiring the growth mission into government priorities. Against a challenging backdrop, the choice to prioritise investment in clean energy, R&D, as well as delivering a much-needed boost to transport in Wales, and infrastructure, is the smart play that will raise the long-term ceiling of the economy. The litmus test now will be following through on delivery in partnership with industry at pace. That must be underpinned by a comprehensive strategy for driving investment in adult skills and addressing high energy costs, which were missing from today's announcement. 'The Chancellor's announcement made clear that Wales has the industries of tomorrow. From solar power to battery technology, net zero and renewables to semiconductors helping to power AI. The additional budget increase was modest, but this is understandable given the difficult economic context. 'R&D investments by the government will hopefully see projects from our key sectors make the impossible possible. We would have liked to have seen a more adaptive growth and skills fund geared to minimise apprentices leaving early due to high living costs. Overall, there were positive announcements in the Spending Review. It is now up to local firms and government to enter the bidding processes they are so good at and win that funding for Wales. 'CBI Wales looks forward to working closely with the Welsh Government on the welcomed allocation of additional funding from the UK Government. Our goal is to help reduce the high burden of costs currently facing our businesses in Wales. By doing so, we aim to unlock growth and create more jobs across the country – ensuring the Welsh economy remains resilient and competitive for the future.' Ann Watson, CEO of Skills Charity Enginuity, which promotes skills in the engineering and manufacturing sectors, broadly welcomed the Spending Review. She said: 'Today's Spending Review sends a welcome signal of government support for the UK's priority industrial sectors, with significant investment announced for clean energy, defence and transport. This increase in capital investment will help create demand across the UK's industrial supply chains, providing SMEs with a confidence boost to realise the Government's ambitious economic and decarbonisation goals. With fiscal parameters now in place, the crucial next step is a comprehensive Industrial Strategy that provides clarity, detail and meaningful policies to set a concrete vision for the future of UK industry. 'Enginuity is also pleased to see the Chancellor acknowledge that achieving growth requires investment in skills, with an injection of £1.2 billion of additional investment per year by 2028-29 into the skills system. Its impact will depend on allocation and execution and will no doubt hinge on further details due to be announced in the forthcoming post-16 strategy.' The Tidal Range Alliance (TRA) warned of a 'glaring blindspot' in the UK Government's high-level energy ambitions. It said that while the focus on future energy investment was welcome, it believes there is a 'major lack of risk evaluation, mitigation, and no credible contingency planning'. Robin Peters, Tidal Range Development Lead for the TRA, said: 'The strategy is bold but is dangerously exposed. The focus and future investment in low carbon technologies is to be applauded, but hydrogen fired generation, carbon capture and new nuclear are all high-risk in terms of technology readiness, supply chains, and delivery timelines. 'That risk is being pushed into the market, without the Government retaining control or providing a credible Plan B. 'Tidal Range technology is the Plan B and should be in the mix now. It is a civil infrastructure technology with predictable output, low-risk delivery, and decades of successful generation from existing schemes in France and South Korea. 'Why it has been omitted from the Government's strategic investment plans is not only baffling but a major energy cause for concern.'
Daily Mail
25 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE How I found the perfect outfit for Royal Ascot - with help from Kate Middleton's favourite designers
Before my first-ever Royal Ascot last summer, I made a beeline for milliner Jess Collett in search of the perfect hat. As someone who doesn't usually wear hats, I've never felt entirely comfortable in them - they rarely suit me, and I often feel self-conscious. But I knew Jess was the one to see. After all, she's the creative force behind the exquisite headpieces worn by the Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte at King Charles III's coronation. I was in expert hands. Jess didn't just help me find the right design - she gave me a mini masterclass in styling, helping me understand which shapes and colours actually work for me. So, ahead of this year's Ascot, returning to her Notting Hill studio was a no-brainer. Jess recommends starting with your outfit, and I had already chosen the Liliana dress from Samantha Cameron's brand, Cefinn - a label also favoured by Catherine. It has a demure silhouette with a flattering V-neckline, skimming fit and delicate ruffle details. However, it was the pale pink and red palm print - my most-loved colour combination - that really won me over. Jess has teamed up with Cefinn on a capsule collection of hats designed to pair effortlessly with the clothing range. The beauty of the collaboration is that the styling is already done for you - just choose your pieces and you're good to go. We all know how daunting it can be to pull together a polished look for a high-profile event, particularly one with a strict dress code. That's part of what drew me to this collection - it's made for women who want to feel confident and stylish without spending hours hunting for the right ensemble. Jess' studio was just as magical as I remembered. A bright, welcoming space brimming with dreamy headpieces - from embellished headbands and chic pillboxes to dramatic feathered creations. A real treasure trove. Her calm, easygoing nature instantly put me at ease, and she quickly pulled several styles she knew would complement my dress. The standout? A piece she designed specifically for the Liliana: Rita. A scarlet polybraid straw boater with a red flower and burgundy trim. I was smitten. It sits comfortably on a discreet hairband and is so lightweight, I barely noticed it. We also tried on the Carmen, a wide-brimmed straw fedora adorned with a red flower that echoes the colours in the dress. Jess highlighted how the shape framed my face. Other contenders included the Ingrid, a romantic veiled headband featuring floral details, and the Scarlet, a straw pillbox finished with a delicate veil and velvet blooms. Jess shared a helpful tip: take photos and review them before making a final decision, which is exactly what we did. While we both liked the Carmen, it didn't quite pop against the dress in images. There was a clear winner - and it had to be Rita. Accessorised with a red pair of Steve Madden shoes, the entire outfit felt cohesive. For this collection, Jess was keen to create hats with simple, wearable shapes that offer maximum versatility. As she put it, her designs are intended to work across multiple outfits. For example, an emerald green lace boater pairs perfectly with a matching Cefinn dress, but would also add a striking contrast to my pink one. It's all about giving women options. Jess and Samantha both understand their clientele - women who want elegance, ease and a little something special. Styling, Jess says, is personal. Two women in the same dress may need completely different hats based on their face shape, complexion, hair or simply their personality. That instinct is something she's honed - and this collection makes it easier than ever to find your match. Outside of this collaboration, Jess' wider summer edit includes floppy sun hats and standout straw Baker boy caps - ideal for off-duty dressing or chic holiday lounging. Whether you're heading to Royal Ascot or just in the mood to treat yourself, a visit to Jess' studio is as fun as it is fashionable. Samantha Cameron's styling tips for Royal Ascot Inspiration behind Cefinn's spring/summer 2025 collection For Samantha Cameron, Founder and Creative Designer of Cefinn, every collection starts with one central figure in mind: the customer. 'I consider how she wants to look and feel and the stress points of her seasonal dressing,' Samantha explains. 'Summer can be so busy with weddings and parties as well as school, sporting or corporate events to navigate.' This season, Cefinn responds with a versatile capsule of occasionwear - elevated, thoughtfully designed pieces that are easy to wear and style for a wide range of events. The SS25 collection takes creative cues from the 1930s, a period Samantha describes as 'a gorgeous design era that embraced feminine fabrics, romantic silhouettes and vintage touches like a puffed sleeve or delicate frill detail.' Expect flattering hemlines, bias cuts that drape beautifully over the body, and timeless prints that nod to old-world glamour with a modern edge. Samantha's outfit formula for Royal Ascot When dressing for high-profile, dress-coded events like Royal Ascot, Samantha relies on instinct and switches between two go-to outfit formulas: A structured dress or co-ord in a luxe texture like lace or bold colour blocking. A soft, feminine silhouette in a pretty floral or graphic print. 'To alleviate any 'do I look ok?' type anxiety, you must feel like yourself in your outfit,' she advises. 'And kitten heels are essential to be comfortable all day.' Standout pieces from the collection One of this season's bestsellers is the Rosie dress, offered in a vibrant hot pink and crimson colourway. 'The epitome of understated modern dressing,' says Samantha. 'It would work effortlessly for summer weddings or a corporate event.' Made from Cefinn's signature drapey, machine-washable techni voile, it's crease-resistant and promises to look as polished at the end of the day as at the start. Another hero look is the Jacquie blouse and skirt in corded lace, available in classic navy or emerald green. 'The boxy cut blouse with sheer elbow-length sleeves creates an easy but elegant silhouette when paired with the matching pencil midi skirt,' she notes. 'The beauty of a co-ord is that the pieces can be worn again separately for lots of other occasions!' Then there's the Vivienne dress in green palm floral, crafted in floaty georgette with a cape sleeve and delicate ruffle details. 'An unashamedly feminine dress that ticks all the boxes,' Samantha says. How to approach colour and print choices When it comes to dressing for seasonal celebrations, Samantha says mood and setting should guide your choices - with a healthy dose of British weather realism. 'My own approach will be governed by my mood, but also with consideration to looking appropriate - and of course you need to think about the unpredictability of the British weather.' Samantha's top tips for accessorising an outfit Match accessories to fabric 'Consider the fabric of the dress when choosing accessories - a lighter fabric will pair better with daintier jewellery, while more graphic pieces can take bolder accessories.' Keep footwear practical and polished 'I like to wear a heel for an evening event, but for all day it's definitely a pretty flat or a kitten heel.' Let the print lead your palette 'Our prints usually have a white or black base to make them really easy to style with a co-ordinating bag or shoe that's already in your wardrobe.'
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The Independent
27 minutes ago
- The Independent
‘It feels good to say I'm Irish': How second passports grant readers post-Brexit travel freedom
As Brits grapple with the post-Brexit reality of restricted EU access, many Independent readers have been sharing why they've pursued second citizenship – and how it's reshaped their identity, freedom, and sense of belonging. Jessica Furseth's article struck a chord with those determined to reclaim their right to freedom of movement through ancestral ties, even if it meant wrestling with red tape. Her piece captured the reality of a growing trend: UK-born citizens pursuing second passports not for novelty, but necessity, reestablishing the rights they feel were stripped away by Brexit. Our readers described frantic searches through family records, cross-border paperwork marathons, and bittersweet awakenings to long-dormant heritage. Irish citizenship was the most popular route, but many also explored their Polish, German and Italian heritage. While a few wrestled with feelings of imposter syndrome, most said the outcome was worth it – not just for smoother holidays or easier work permits, but to feel connected to Europe again. The overarching view was that Brexit took something personal – and that this wave of passport reclamation isn't just administrative – it's emotional: about agency, identity, and quietly defying the walls that went up. Here's what you had to say: Jus sanguinis Husband asserted his right to Italian citizenship on the basis of jus sanguinis, or bloodline, unbroken through his mother's family. Took about two weeks after getting a codicil on his birth certificate, as a result of which my daughter has done the same (found herself frozen out of jobs otherwise) and my son should have got around to it, having studied in Italy for six years. I will be applying on the grounds of marriage, only slightly more complicated. All of this became an issue solely because of Brexit, and I'm so annoyed that the doors have been slammed in the faces of Britons who valued EU membership. Wonderful to still have my European citizenship As someone who, years after his hair became grey, became truly interested in his Irish heritage, I can only say it's wonderful to still have my European citizenship. I can see my daughter in Holland as I please – no 90 days nonsense. I can cross any Schengen border as a true European citizen. This, as we go, for example, as a family to the Christmas fair in Oldenburg (Germany). But as we pass Mr Farage and his German-speaking family doing their Christmas shopping in Germany too, it's good to know that more people have found this loophole! Brad It feels good to say I'm Irish I can relate to Tom Harrison. My father told me many years ago that I could claim Irish citizenship because his father was Irish, but I never saw the need. But post-Brexit, I wanted to remain an EU citizen, so I went for it, and it's a much simpler task now with the advent of the internet. Despite visiting family and friends and having many holidays in Ireland over the years, I do feel a bit of a fraud. That said, I am immensely grateful to the Irish government for allowing it. I sometimes feel a little uncomfortable telling people that I'm British, but it feels good to be able to say that I'm Irish. Bionicpants Travel is what the EU is about These people are pro-EU for the right reasons: the freedom to travel, work and live all over Europe. That is what the EU is about, the Ever Closer Union. You may notice, they don't mention the nice side effects, like frictionless trade, no additional roaming, or certain subsidies. They embrace the Euro and the Schengen area. Should the UK want to join, they have to embrace the principles of the Ever Closer Union as well. It helps if you focus on what that means, instead of repeating the economic benefits. As said, those are just nice side effects. Orval Can we please have Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Grealish back? As an Irish person, it's very satisfying to hear these stories of people with Irish heritage benefiting from getting an Irish passport. Can we please have Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Grealish back as a sign of appreciation? All very pleasant chaps too from what I can see. AnonyMousse Fast lane My mother is an immigrant from an EU country, and I got an EU passport about three years ago, as a result. Interestingly, I went to Spain recently, and when spotted with my EU passport getting off a flight from Britain, they ushered me and my friend (with her British passport) through EU passport control. She went via the EU fast lane because she was with me. Prenst Switch nationality mid-flight After having lived in the UK for 18 years, Brexit made it necessary for me to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen. When I now travel to my native Germany, I have to leave the UK on my British passport and arrive in Frankfurt on my German passport. As per German law, I have to use my German ID to enter/leave Germany. I could, of course, enter any other EU country on my British passport, but this would mean queuing and getting an entry stamp and then an exit stamp. When returning to the UK, I then 'switch' nationality again in mid-flight from being a German in the EU to being a Brit in the UK. On one occasion, I flew from Tenerife to London... as a German from Tenerife to Madrid and as Brit from Madrid to London. Baldrick's Plan Legal technicalities My mother is a French citizen, as is all her side of the family, with French government certificates back to the 14th century, but I am refused citizenship (despite also living and paying taxes in France for eight years). Reason: a legal technicality called desuetude. You may want to do some research before handing over a few grand to the lawyers! Frankx33 You can't complain about being considered a foreigner Britain's approach to the EU always was a "what can I get in return" one... called it cakeism. What matters is being in the slow lane, no longer being able to live and work, etc. Britain would have loved to retain all EU perks without committing. You can't complain about being considered as a foreigner while being one and expecting the same rights as EU citizens.... Europeancitizen I don't know what I would have done with just a UK passport Got my precious Irish passport a couple of years ago, thanks to my grandfather, who was born in Ireland. This has allowed me to move from Italy back to France following retirement without any issues. I don't know what I would have done with just a UK passport, as there is no mechanism for UK passport holders to move from one EU place of residence to another. Farage, Johnson, Gove, etc, should be imprisoned for the lies they told. I cannot believe that Farage is still so popular, says a lot for the intelligence of a good percentage of the UK population. Very sad. YaketyYak Keep the family in one piece with my Irish passport My father was born in Ireland in 1916. I was born in England in 1944. He was an RAF pilot. I ended up marrying a German and lived happily in Solingen (which my father's squadron bombed!) until that swine Farage stirred up his sleazy chauvinism. Thanks to my father, I was able to keep the family in one piece with my Irish passport. I am immensely grateful. And to the Germans, too, who have made me very welcome Kenhubert Heartening It is heartening to read the stories of the people who have been able to reclaim the EU citizenship stripped from them by the disgusting and mendacious Brexiteers, who have yet to apologise to the rest of us for stripping us of our rights. Sturluson Not just the young It's not just young people. Us older folk are also going for dual passports after Brexit cut off our travel freedom. My Irish grandfather has now continued to be very useful after his death! JustMeHere Want to share your views? Simply register your details below. Once registered, you can comment on the day's top stories for a chance to be featured. Alternatively, click 'log in' or 'register' in the top right corner to sign in or sign up.
