Latest news with #UK-USA
STV News
15-05-2025
- Politics
- STV News
Swinney faces questions after assisted dying vote and immigration row
John Swinney will face FMQs on Thursday, days after the Scottish Parliament voted in favour of taking a landmark first step toward legalising assisted dying. The First Minister voted against the bill, which would give terminally ill patients the option of requesting help to end their own lives, on Tuesday evening. However, it was voted past the first stage 70 to 56, with one abstention. FMQs is also coming just days after Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that the UK risks becoming an 'island of strangers' while announcing an immigration crackdown. On Monday, the UK Labour Government outlined a suite of proposals to control and crack down on both legal and illegal immigration. Amongst the proposals, migrants would need to spend up to a decade in the UK before they can apply for citizenship. Starmer also wants to end the recruitment of care workers from abroad, cut the number of visas for lower-skilled workers by up to 50,000, and ramp up English language requirements across the board. Immediately after the announcement, Swinney branded the proposals as 'damaging' to the Scottish economy, NHS, social care, and universities. He said Starmer's proposals used the sort of 'divisive language' that 'only plays into Nigel Farage's hands'. The First Minister will also be asked about what steps the Scottish Government is taking to address NHS 24 performance, and what assessment the Government has made of the recently announced UK-USA trade deal for Scottish businesses. FMQs will be broadcast from the Scottish Parliament chamber at noon on Thursday. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
News18
14-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Gold Price Today: Yellow Metal Falls Despite Escalating Ind-Pak Tensions, Check Latest Rates
Last Updated: Gold Price Falls Today: Gold price on Friday experienced a fall of over Rs 1000 despite rising India-Pakistan tensions. Gold Price Today, May 09: Gold prices saw a weak demand on Friday, May 09, after multiple geopolitical events including the conclusion of UK-USA trade deal and China's optimism to secure a trade deal with the US. In Mumbai, gold price fell to Rs 90,150 per 10 gram for 22-carat with a drop of Rs 1,150 and stood Rs 98,350 per 10 gram for 24-carat. On MCX, gold futures with June 05 expiry was trading at Rs 96,325 per 10 gram with a gain of 0.16 per cent. Silver future with 04 July expiry, on the other hand, was down to 0.24 per cent to Rs 96,284 per kg. Recently, gold prices hit the Rs 1 lakh mark after increasing for the past few weeks amid global economic uncertainties and US recession fears. Known for its unmatched purity, 24-carat gold continues to attract buyers seeking premium quality. Meanwhile, 22-carat gold, prized for its durability and timeless charm, remains a favourite among jewellery enthusiasts and investors alike, striking a balance between elegance and practicality. First Published: May 09, 2025, 10:11 IST
Glasgow Times
30-04-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Starmer faces growing calls to give MPs ‘final say' on any UK-US trade deal
The Government would be required to publish a proposed negotiating mandate in draft and receive parliamentary approval before negotiations begin in respect of an international trade agreement under the terms of the proposal. The Parliamentary Scrutiny of Trade Agreements Bill is to be tabled in the House of Commons by Liberal Democrat MP Clive Jones on Wednesday. Richard Foord (UK Parliament/Maria Unger) His party colleague Richard Foord (Honiton and Sidmouth) also wants to introduce a separate Bill designed to guarantee parliamentary scrutiny of any UK-USA trade agreement. The UK and US have been holding discussions over a potential trade deal, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves saying the Government is working 'flat out' to secure an agreement that would mitigate the impact of tariffs imposed by US president Donald Trump earlier in April. Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions, Wokingham MP Mr Jones told the Commons: 'I'm introducing a Bill to guarantee Parliament has the final say on any trade deal, including any agreement with President Trump. 'This isn't new, it's exactly what Labour promised to do in an official policy paper put forward in 2001. I'm asking this Government to keep its promise. Currently, Members of Parliament have no vote, they have no voice on trade deals.' Prime Minister Sir Keir replied: 'The Government retains the right, obviously, to strike trade deals, delivering growth, jobs and opportunities for working people. We clearly set that out in our manifesto, that's exactly what we're doing. 'Parliament, as he knows, does have a well-established role in scrutinising and ratifying these deals, and he knows that was strengthened under the last Labour government.' Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey added: 'On behalf of my party, can I send my congratulations to Mark Carney and the Liberal Party of Canada on their historic victory. We wish them well as Canada continues to stand up strongly to President (Donald) Trump's tariffs and threats. 'Canada has learned what happens when you do a trade deal with President Trump. He can't be trusted to stick with it.' Sir Ed later asked: 'Will the Government give members of this House a vote on the floor of this House on any deal he agrees with President Trump, yes or no?' Sir Keir replied: 'We are in negotiations with the US in relation to a deal. We will act obviously in the national interest and make sure that if there is a deal, it's the right deal for our country. 'If it is secured, it will go through the known procedures for this House.' Sir Ed said told MPs in response: 'I'm very disappointed in that reply – there was no 'yes' or 'no' response. We do want a vote, and we will keep pressing him and his Government on that.'
The National
21-04-2025
- Politics
- The National
The UK is on a slippery slope towards being in Donald Trump's sights
READ MORE: Where does the UK media draw the line on platforming far-right voices? We are already on the slippery slope. He has the submarine base, and is at present negotiating a UK-USA trade deal which is unlikely to be in our favour. Add to that the BBC gaslighting and we see that the stage is set. We've had the Israeli 'version' of the attack on the ambulances and rescue teams, and add to that the IDF not taking responsibility for the deaths of 232 journalists. We are indeed caught up in the right-wing 'news circuit'. Time for Scotland to take the plunge and be independent. Paul Gillon Leven
The Independent
02-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
First Minister and deputy First Minister respond to tariffs
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have said they are focused on protecting Northern Ireland following the announcement of US tariffs. President Donald Trump implemented a 10% tariff on the UK, which he said was the baseline rate for all countries. The 10% rate is effective from April 5. He also announced a 20% tariff on the European Union as part of a slate of international measures on what he deemed 'liberation day'. In a statement, First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: 'Tonight the US president has announced tariffs for countries across the world. 'In every engagement, both at home and internationally, my priority has always been to protect the best interests of workers, families, and businesses on the island. 'We must ensure that our all-island economy, which has grown substantially in recent years, continues to thrive to create better opportunities for all our people. 'I will continue to speak with political and business leaders throughout this period of uncertainty, always prioritising the prosperity and future of everyone who calls our island home.' Ms O'Neill announced a boycott of engagements in Washington DC to mark St Patrick's Day last month. Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengally, who met Mr Trump at the US Capitol, said the focus shifts to UK-USA negotiations and efforts to ensure the EU response does not impact Northern Ireland. She said: 'My focus will continue to be on doing all I can to champion Northern Ireland. 'This means pushing for all possible action to protect Northern Ireland, especially against any retaliatory tariffs by the EU. 'I have been vociferously raising our NI issues to all involved and will continue to do so. 'Focus now moves to pushing forward the UK-USA arrangements, supporting UK Government to do so and ensuring Northern Ireland is central to these considerations. 'In addition, all efforts to ensure EU tariffs to USA and political decisions at EU level to US do not penalise Northern Ireland business or detrimentally impact on us. Much still to be done.'
