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Starmer's EU reset to drive up cruise prices
Starmer's EU reset to drive up cruise prices

Telegraph

time6 days ago

  • Business
  • Telegraph

Starmer's EU reset to drive up cruise prices

Holidaymakers face paying more for cruises and ferry trips to the Continent under Sir Keir Starmer 's reset deal with the European Union. Passenger services are set to increase ticket prices in response to the UK adopting Brussels' rules on emissions costs. Industry insiders warned price rises were likely to mirror those in Europe, where costs on some routes have gone up by more than 10 per cent. This could add as much as £200 to the cost of a seven-day cruise, where a cabin can cost as much as £2,000 at the higher end. Some of the changes will come into force just before the height of next summer, when millions of Britons head to the Continent. Ministers announced last week that they would press ahead with expanding onerous net zero commitments to the maritime industry. From next July all shipping firms, including ferry operators and cruise liners, will be subject to the UK's emissions trading scheme (ETS). The move comes after Sir Keir agreed to link the UK and EU schemes as part of his Brexit reset deal, which was signed in May. It means ministers will set an overall cap on emissions for the maritime industry, with individual companies handed permits setting out how much greenhouse gas they can emit per year. If a business wants to go over its allowance, because demand for services is high, it will have to buy unused permits from another company. Over time the Government will lower the overall carbon cap in an effort to force shipping companies to reduce their emissions. Initially the UK ETS will only cover emissions from sea journeys made between British ports. But ministers have said they then intend to expand it to include international journeys, matching the approach taken by the EU. Companies are poised to pass on the cost to passengers of complying with the policy, including the need to adopt more expensive green technology. The EU Commission has admitted that its ETS scheme, which was expanded to cover shipping a year ago, has resulted in passenger lines putting up ticket prices. In a report assessing impacts of the first year of the scheme, EU officials wrote: 'There is evidence of specific ETS surcharges being applied on short sea shipping routes. 'An analysis of various ferry routes suggests that the impact of ETS costs on ticket prices largely varies across routes selected, with a price increasing ranging from 3 per cent to 11 per cent.' The same report also said that the scheme had introduced freight costs by between one per cent and five per cent and overall shipping costs across the industry by an average of 3.7 per cent. If replicated in Britain those figures would come as a concern at a time when the Government is struggling to keep a lid on inflation. Shipping industry figures said that UK holidaymakers were likely to experience a 'similar impact' on passenger ticket prices to that seen in the EU. One said that they had 'no doubt' that ferry operators would have to increase surcharges on Britons to recoup the extra costs. Another added: 'Inevitably there will be a cost increase to the cruise lines, therefore that money will have to come from somewhere.' Some businesses are concerned that the UK has rushed out its proposals to please the EU rather than waiting for a new international agreement on maritime emissions later this year. They fear that if the standards set by the International Maritime Organisation are less stringent, British firms will be left shouldering higher costs than international competitors. Andy Harmer, the managing director of the Cruise Lines International Association in the UK and Ireland, said: 'The cruise industry contributes £5.8bn to the UK economy, with over a third of the global cruise fleet visiting UK ports each year. 'To maintain and sustainably grow the more than 60,000 UK jobs that depend on the cruise industry, the UK's ETS system must be aligned with international counterparts and not risk the UK's competitiveness in the international cruise market.' There are also concerns that the Government's plans could wreak havoc on 'lifeline' island ferry services which are used by 2.4 million Britons every year. Such routes are vital to island dwellers, such as on the Isle of Wight and the Scilly Isles, who rely on them for access to the mainland for healthcare, education and essential goods. The UK Chamber of Shipping is urging ministers to exempt such services from the scheme amid warnings it could push up their fuel costs by almost a third, making many unviable. The Net Zero Department said that linking with the EU's emissions scheme would help British businesses avoid being hit with a new carbon border tax Brussels is introducing next year. A spokesman said of the EU Commission analysis: 'These figures do not apply to the UK and do not reflect that any costs come down as emissions are cut. 'By linking with the EU scheme, we will also cut red tape at the border, protect consumers from higher costs and make it easier for businesses to trade, boosting economic growth at home.'

The Witcher Season 4: Latest updates on release date, cast and plot details
The Witcher Season 4: Latest updates on release date, cast and plot details

Business Upturn

time25-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Business Upturn

The Witcher Season 4: Latest updates on release date, cast and plot details

By Aman Shukla Published on July 25, 2025, 19:30 IST Last updated July 25, 2025, 12:38 IST If you've been missing the monster-hunting chaos and chaotic bard energy of The Witcher , you're not alone. Netflix's epic fantasy series is getting ready to return with Season 4, and there's a lot to talk about—new cast, major character shifts, and some pretty intense plotlines ahead. Whether you're here to mourn the exit of Henry Cavill or you're just excited to get back to the Continent, here's a full breakdown of what's happening in Season 4, when it might drop, and what kind of story chaos we're in for. Release Date: When Will The Witcher Season 4 Premiere? Netflix hasn't dropped a release date just yet, but here's what we know: filming started back in April 2024 and wrapped up around October. That gives the post-production team plenty of time to work their magic—literally. With all the VFX and editing this show demands, a 2025 release is the most likely bet. Word on the street points to a mid-to-late 2025 premiere—so think somewhere between July and November. Some whispers have even suggested a possible push to early 2026 if things run long, but Netflix's official fan site, Tudum , has confirmed that 2025 is still the target. The best part? Season 5 is already in the can, since they filmed both seasons back-to-back. So, once Season 4 hits, we hopefully won't have to wait forever for the big finale. Cast: A New Geralt and Exciting Additions Yes, it's happening: Henry Cavill has officially handed over the swords. Liam Hemsworth is stepping into the role of Geralt of Rivia, and while it's definitely a bold change, Liam seems genuinely pumped about it. He's called himself a long-time fan of the franchise, and Netflix even gave us a sneak peek at him in costume. And honestly? Not bad. The look is definitely working. Of course, Cavill left some massive boots to fill, but the show's team has done everything they can to smooth the transition—from makeup and costume design to how Geralt's arc will evolve going forward. If you're still skeptical, you're not alone, but let's give Liam a chance to prove himself. Alongside Hemsworth, the core trio is still standing strong: Freya Allan returns as Ciri, who's gone from princess to criminal-in-training (more on that later). Anya Chalotra is back as Yennefer, now the leader of Aretuza and still trying to protect the people she loves. Joey Batey is still Jaskier—because what's The Witcher without a snarky, heartbroken bard? We're also getting some new faces this time around: Laurence Fishburne joins as Regis , a mysterious barber-surgeon with a serious past. Sharlto Copley plays Leo Bonhart , a bounty hunter you definitely don't want to mess with. James Purefoy is stepping in as Skellen , an advisor with plenty of political games up his sleeve. Danny Woodburn will play Zoltan , a fan-favorite dwarf from the books and games. And Aggy K. Adams joins as Iskra, a brand-new character we don't know much about yet. A few characters won't be returning, though—Vesemir, Tissaia, Lydia, Rience, and others are out due to either story reasons or actor schedules. Their absence is definitely going to shift the emotional tone of this season, especially for characters like Francesca, who's lost nearly everything. Also, fun little update: Shani, the red-haired medic from the games, has been cast—though she might be saved for Season 5. Plot: What to Expect in Witcher Season 4 Okay, let's talk story. Season 3 ended on a pretty dark note—Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri were all torn apart after getting absolutely wrecked by Vilgefortz. Now, Season 4 picks up in the aftermath of that defeat, with each of them off on their own, trying to survive and hopefully reunite. Here's what's brewing: Geralt is teaming up with Jaskier and Milva, a skilled archer, to track down what he thinks is Ciri. Problem is… it's a decoy. The real Ciri is doing her own thing, and Geralt doesn't know it yet. Ciri has joined a group called The Rats—basically a gang of young criminals—and her arc's about to get a lot grittier. She's also still being hunted by Vilgefortz, who has plans to use the Monoliths to reshape the world. No pressure. Yennefer, meanwhile, is stepping into a leadership role at Aretuza, trying to rally what's left of the magic community and rebuild after Nilfgaard's attack. This season's pulling from some of the most emotional books in the series— Baptism of Fire , The Tower of the Swallow , and Lady of the Lake . So yeah, things are going to get messy, intense, and probably heartbreaking. There's also a war brewing between Nilfgaard and the Northern Kingdoms, and with new characters like Regis and Bonhart entering the mix, it's safe to say this season's going to be packed with tension, betrayal, and plenty of sword-swinging action. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at

TOP AFRICA NEWS Named Best Environment & Natural Resources News Platform 2025 by MEA Markets
TOP AFRICA NEWS Named Best Environment & Natural Resources News Platform 2025 by MEA Markets

Zawya

time16-07-2025

  • Business
  • Zawya

TOP AFRICA NEWS Named Best Environment & Natural Resources News Platform 2025 by MEA Markets

TOP AFRICA NEWS ( has been recognized as the Best Environment&Natural Resources News Platform 2025 by MEA Markets, highlighting its significant contribution to environmental journalism across Africa. This latest accolade caps a series of distinguished awards for the platform, including SME of the Year (2022), Best International Publication Service Provider (2023), and Best Marketing Service Provider (2024), demonstrating consistent excellence and leadership in the region's media landscape. Founder and Managing Director Mr. DUSABEMUNGU Ange de la Victoire expressed pride in the achievement, stating, 'Being named the best platform in this vital field underscores our dedication to covering critical environmental issues affecting Africa. It motivates us to continue delivering impactful, accurate, and insightful journalism that can influence policy and inspire sustainable change across the continent.' He emphasized the platform's mission, saying, 'At TOP AFRICA NEWS, our goal remains to amplify Africa's stories on issues like natural resources, conservation, and sustainable development—topics that are pivotal for the continent's future. This award reaffirms our role as a trusted voice for Africa's environment and natural resources sectors.' Available on the website provides comprehensive coverage of topics ranging from agriculture and tourism to youth engagement and peacebuilding, aiming to inform and empower communities across Africa. As climate and environmental challenges grow more urgent, TOP AFRICA NEWS pledges to sustain its focus on delivering high-quality news that drives awareness, action, and sustainable development across Africa. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TOP AFRICA NEWS. Additional link: Media contact: vickange@ About TOP AFRICA NEWS: TOP AFRICA NEWS is a Private shareholder Digital News Website managed by AFRICA NEWS DIGEST Ltd, a Domestic Company registered in Rwanda Development Board. Available on this website publishes stories from across Africa focusing on Environment, Natural resources, Livestock and Agriculture, Tourism and conservation, Youth, Sports and Culture, Peace Building, Health, Infrastructure and ICT, Security, Education, Business and Banking. The main objective of this website is to tell the World the real Africa's Story from the real and reliable sources. We Publish News Stories, Supplements stories, advertorials, Feature stories among many others. We are based in Kigali, Rwanda.

Santander's Botin Disagrees With Dimon as She Sees ‘Only Upside' for Europe
Santander's Botin Disagrees With Dimon as She Sees ‘Only Upside' for Europe

Bloomberg

time15-07-2025

  • Business
  • Bloomberg

Santander's Botin Disagrees With Dimon as She Sees ‘Only Upside' for Europe

By , Jorge Zuloaga, and Sonali Basak Save Banco Santander SA Executive Chair Ana Botin differs with JPMorgan Chase & Co. Chief Executive Officer Jamie Dimon's pessimistic outlook on Europe, saying she sees 'only upside' for the Continent. 'Europe has strong fundamentals, debt-to-GDP is better, strong institutions,' Botin said Tuesday in a Bloomberg Television interview, adding that she sees significant potential to invest there. 'You just need to choose your country, your sector and your company.'

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