Healey should ‘stay the course’ and repair UK finances, says top IMF economist 13. October 2026 (08:49) Fund upgrades UK’s GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 1.3%, but says it is likely to ‘edge down’ next year IMF warns global economy ‘could soon test the limits of resilience’John Healey should “stay the course” and continue repairing the UK’s public finances, the International Monetary Fund’s top economist has said, after the fund lifted its growth forecast for Britain.Little more than a fortnight before Healey’s first budget, Silvana Tenreyro, the IMF’s economic counsellor, said the UK “stands out” among G7 countries in having a plan to narrow its deficit. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Coastal erosion in England has claimed at least 183 homes in past 16 years 13. October 2026 (08:00) Exclusive: Homes demolished along east coast after being deemed too vulnerable to live in, figures revealSeaside communities along the east coast of England have lost at least 183 homes to coastal erosion and landslides over the past 16 years, figures obtained by the Guardian reveal.After councils judged properties across the Yorkshire and East Anglian coasts too vulnerable to remain safely occupied, the homes were proactively demolished. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Same-sex couple sue over Slovakia’s refusal to register marriage 13. October 2026 (08:00) Case of couple who wed legally in Austria exposes clash between EU court ruling and national restrictionsA same-sex couple are suing authorities in Slovakia for refusing to register their Austrian marriage, testing whether a landmark EU court ruling can turn recognition abroad into legal security at home.Their fight exposes a clash between European obligations and national restrictions – and what that means for LGBTQ+ people living under Robert Fico’s populist-nationalist government. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Card surcharge ban used as ‘cover’ for larger price increases by Australian businesses, experts say 13. October 2026 (07:13) ‘Round-up’ pricing in items such as coffee suggests increases are exceeding the typical 1.5% surcharge feeFollow our Australia politics live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastBusinesses are using the recent ban on credit card surcharges as “cover” to pass along much larger price increases to customers, experts say, as cafes and restaurants struggle to cope with climbing costs and rising interest rates.Credit card surcharges, typically worth about 1.5% of the transaction, were banned from 1 October, as part of a Reserve Bank-led reform aimed at improving transparency for customers and, ultimately, lowering bank fees. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Where the US midterm elections will be won and lost 13. October 2026 (07:02) An in-depth look at the key polling, races and issues ahead of an election that will define Trump’s final two years as president. (BBC News)
