Henry Zeffman: Andy Burnham and his chancellor have a battle on their hands as the Budget approaches

BBC - Sep 16, 2026

The Budget is only six weeks away and the economy is undoubtedly the biggest challenge facing the prime minister.

MORE NEWS

Sep 16, 2026

Bessent and Warsh Take On the Bond Bears

The Treasury secretary and the Federal Reserve chairman face similar tests: calming investors’ growing worries about inflation and deficits.

Sep 16, 2026

Global Oil Prices Could Hit Highest Levels in Months After Saudi Pipeline Attacks

Prolonged restrictions on exports could push oil prices even higher.

Sep 16, 2026

Petrol and diesel price rises push UK inflation higher

Summer holidays and disruption to global oil supplies by the Middle East conflict stoked price growth.

Sep 16, 2026

Burnham rejects 'tax and spend socialist' comments

The prime minister insists he is prepared to take "difficult decisions" at next month's Budget.

Sep 16, 2026

What's happening to UK interest rates and what does it mean for mortgages?

The interest rate set by the Bank of England affects mortgage, loan and savings rates for millions.

Sep 16, 2026

Fed Meeting Is a Big Moment for the Bond Market

If the Fed opts against raising interest rates on Wednesday, investors will probably increase their forecasts for inflation, injecting new turmoil into the government bond market.

Sep 16, 2026

What's driving UK 'shoplifting crisis'?

The number of shoplifting offences recorded in England and Wales in 2025-26 is still above pre-pandemic levels.

Sep 16, 2026

Hong Kong's first five-year plan: Key economic and trade priorities

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has unveiled its first five-year plan for economic and social development (2026-2030) on Wednesday.

Sep 16, 2026

Graphics: What stood out in China's economy in August?

Sep 16, 2026

Witness the Pinglu Canal open to navigation!

The Pinglu Canal opens a faster gateway to the sea for China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and southwest China's cargo.

Sep 16, 2026

Chinese films seek a bigger stage in North America

Chinese films are gaining momentum in overseas markets, with North America emerging as an important testing ground for their global appeal.

Sep 16, 2026

Hong Kong's first five-year plan signals a new path for future growth

The release of Hong Kong's first five-year plan marks an important milestone in the city's development. By building on its existing strengths and creating new opportunities through planning and innovation, the city can strengthen its competitiveness in a changing global environment.

Sep 16, 2026

Nanning and Guilin take center stage at the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo

The 23rd China-ASEAN Expo is set to open in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Sep 16, 2026

OpenAI boss says world 'right to be afraid' but should trust AI firms

Sam Altman and other tech CEOs say there are incentives to limit advancements in AI, as fears grow over the threats it poses to humanity.

Sep 16, 2026

Chinese mainland welcomes Taiwan to Pinglu Canal opportunities

Sep 16, 2026

What is happening to UK prices?

UK inflation rose in August, pushed up by higher petrol and diesel prices.

Sep 16, 2026

Steve Bannon and Bernie Sanders Condemn Tech ‘Oligarchs’ and Demand A.I. Reforms

At an event in Washington, partisanship took a back seat as elected officials, religious leaders, parents and artists called for reining in artificial intelligence.

Sep 16, 2026

A ‘Shark’ of a Business Editor Steps Down

Ellen Pollock, who has spent nearly a decade in charge of the Business desk of The Times, is ready for a new challenge.

Sep 16, 2026

Security Guards Offer Protection, But Get Paid Little in Return

A recent high-profile shooting outside a mosque and rising threats to houses of worship have focused attention on security guards. Now, unions are pressing for better pay and training.

Sep 16, 2026

How to Use AI to Plan a Trip: Better Prompts for Travel Recommendations

Generic questions get generic answers, experts say, so to avoid mediocre recommendations, you’ll need to write smarter prompts. Follow these tips.

Sep 16, 2026

Reflecting on 175 Years of The New York Times

For dozens of editors and reporters, the anniversary of the first issue of The Times in 1851 has been a moment to look back.

Sep 16, 2026

We managed to get jobs after uni - here's how we're keeping them

Four recent job starters share their tips on what helped them have a smooth transition and survive their first few days.

Sep 16, 2026

Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis tests new path for urban growth

China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has never lacked ambition when it comes to urban development.

Sep 16, 2026

China's approach to AI governance offers path for global cooperation

AI governance should be a shared global responsibility and that developing countries should have opportunities to participate in and benefit from AI development.

Sep 16, 2026

Age Limits for Social Media Outlined by European Union

A proposed law would bar children under 13 from using social media across the 27-nation bloc.

Sep 16, 2026

Global South politicians call for AI utilization in global governance

Sep 16, 2026

China-ASEAN cooperation gains momentum through shared opportunities

China-ASEAN ties are deepening, with trade serving as a key driver of broader cooperation in investment, infrastructure, people-to-people exchanges and regional supply chains. The two sides have been each other's largest trading partners for several consecutive years, with bilateral trade surpassing $1 trillion for the first time in 2025.