Two years after EU exit, UK business feels Brexit blues

13 Sept 06:27 Key points summarised by AI

UK businesses are grappling with significant post-Brexit costs, primarily due to a mountain of new regulatory paperwork rather than customs duties, with some firms reporting a 25% increase in administrative expenses.
A substantial 56% of UK businesses find it difficult to adapt to new trading rules, leading to concerns that EU traders are shifting away from the UK and causing long-term economic damage.
Economists and government bodies link Brexit to higher inflation, a notable slowdown in UK trade, and a projected 4% reduction in the country's long-term economic output, compounded by the loss of EU workers in critical sectors.
The ongoing complexities threaten the sustainability of some UK companies, forcing them to consider reducing operations or losing European customers who find trading with the UK too difficult.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Today 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.