There is a disconcerting sense of deja vu in the pre-Christmas air
Since the outbreak of the pandemic last year, the Government has been at pains to insist that officials advise and politicians decide. Yet at the same time,…
BMW 545e review: this plug-in hybrid 5-Series ticks all the right boxes – yet misses the mark
In this mode it’ll decide for itself whether you progress under petrol or electric power, or a mix of the two; as with most plug-in hybrids, you…
Tuesday evening UK news briefing: Do not cancel Christmas parties, says Boris Johnson in wake of omicron variant
It comes as GPs have said they do not have time to administer booster vaccines on top of routine health checks. Dr Farah Jameel, recently elected chairman…
The Left has caught millions in its poverty trap
In the past 40 years Britain has pretty much defeated mass unemployment, and improved living standards beyond our parents’ and grandparents’ wildest dreams. Yet in spite of…
The economy might need an omicron bailout – but it must be more targeted
Next, fewer soft loans. The Treasury doled out billions in bounceback loans, and even more in rates rebates, and even invested in start-ups directly through the Future…
As Covid curbs return, what better time for MPs to debate their favourite F-word?
The problem with masks, joked Sir Christopher Chope “is that very few people do wear [them] correctly. The World Health Organisation writes that as soon as you…
Masks aren’t a minor inconvenience. They’re dehumanising and controlling
I have succumbed. On the train to work yesterday I wore a mask for the first time since the prematurely designated “Freedom Day” back in July. Since…
New ‘handyman’ repair service will help elderly stay at home
A “handyman-style” service will be established to make repairs and adaptations to elderly people’s houses so that they can stay at home under social care plans due…
Omicron threat in Scotland may ‘diminish rather than increase’, says Nicola Sturgeon
Nicola Sturgeon has predicted the threat from the omicron variant may “diminish rather than increase” after disclosing all the cases discovered in Scotland are linked to one…
Migrant crisis key doorstep issue in by-election, says Reform UK candidate
The migrant crisis has become a key issue on the doorstep in the Old Bexley and Sidcup by-election campaign, the Reform UK candidate has said, as he…
The gaffer picks the team, says Lisa Nandy in swipe at Angela Rayner over Labour reshuffle
While allies of the Labour leader have insisted he notified his deputy of the impending reshuffle, her aides are said to have maintained that she had been…
End your ‘sausage war’ on British bangers, UK to tell EU
Northern Irish sausage makers can supply both the UK and EU markets thanks to the protocol, and many major supermarkets use domestic suppliers. But the prospect of…
New Covid restrictions to last until March next year
Government accused of ‘tunnel vision’ approach to restrictions Tory MPs vented their fury about the potential for a repeat “pingdemic” over the festive period. Steve Brine, a…
Just 200 trapped homeowners rescued by City watchdog’s flagship mortgage policy
Only one in 1,000 homeowners have been helped by new City watchdog rules intended to make it easier for borrowers to switch to a better deal. Tens…
Christmas crisis for homeowners as mortgages increase by thousands of pounds
Lenders began increasing rates in October ahead of an anticipated move by the Bank of England to raise its Base Rate the following month. The rise never…
The best shares to buy for 2022
Picking stocks based on what will happen in the next 12 months can be a humbling experience for investors, as the only true certainty is that something…
Questor: Britain’s energy market is in a mess, but this supplier is still smelling of roses
After nearly five years of holding Telecom Plus we have a paper capital gain of around 25pc, plus 268p in dividends per share that double our return,…
Want to buy your first home? These property hotspots offer the best value
Jordan Rogers, of Connells estate agents, said the share of first-time buyers has more than doubled from 15pc before the pandemic to 35pc to 40pc today. There…
‘My £188,000 Isa is missing – four months later and I’ve still heard nothing’
Sally says: Transferring an Isa from one provider to another is supposed to be straightforward. In your case, you had already sold the investments held in your…
Buy these stocks to protect yourself from omicron market falls
Move over inflation, the pandemic is once again top of investors’ worries. The omicron variant is now setting the investment agenda as governments meet to discuss what…
Cost of builders, hairdressers and personal trainers hits all-time high
The rise in freelancer rates was down to increased demand for contracted work, the Ipse report said. Customers have also been hit as contractors passed on the…
Petrol stations ‘must be investigated’ as drivers fund huge profits
Mr Williams said that before the drop in wholesale prices, retailers were making a 9p per litre margin, some 3p more than the long-term average. Unleaded is…
Top tips on how to pass your UK driving test as a learner in 2021
Heard the one about the learner driver who, in January 2021, passed his theory test at the 158th attempt? It’s actually true and the joke was on…
The best yule logs for Christmas 2021, tried and tested
This year’s offerings are largely based on the traditional, tried-and-tested formula of soft spiralled sponge, chocolate buttercream and a thick coating of rich ganache. Vegan options are…
The best Christmas cakes for 2021, tried and tested
Beneath an elegant, snow-white layer of fondant icing the marzipan is generous and well-flavoured. The soft, pale crumb is moist and filled with plump, juicy fruit, not…