UK small businesses and charities say nuclear levy could add thousands to bills

UK small businesses and charities say nuclear levy could add thousands to bills

Charge from next month expected to have disproportionate impact after energy-intensive industries given exemption British charities and small businesses have warned that a new levy on energy bills, intended to support the government’s nuclear power ambitions, could raise their costs by thousands of pounds a year. The extra charge could mean a significant cost hike for charities and small businesses with high energy use, meaning community services may be cut and economic growth curtailed, according to trade groups. Continue reading...

In Venezuela’s ‘darkest hours’, will peace prize boost opposition or backfire?

In Venezuela’s ‘darkest hours’, will peace prize boost opposition or backfire?

María Corina Machado’s Nobel award puts focus on country but analysts doubt it will produce democratic change In March 2019 as a nationwide blackout plunged Venezuela into darkness, hundreds of citizens huddled on a basketball court in the city of Maracaibo to hear their leader promise to guide them out of the gloom. “We are, quite literally, living through our darkest hour. But these are also the brightest of times,” María Corina Machado told supporters as they used mobile phones to illuminate the night. Continue reading...

Straight to eight? - Biya casts vote in Yaounde as he seeks to extend his 43-year rule

Straight to eight? - Biya casts vote in Yaounde as he seeks to extend his 43-year rule

"Cameroon's long-time president, Paul Biya, cast his vote on Sunday as polls opened for the presidential elections in Yaounde. Footage shows tight security at the polling station as officials gathered to welcome the 92-year-old leader, who is seeking to extend his rule for another seven-year term. Biya, the world's oldest serving head of state, has been in power since 1982. This single-round vote is likely to see him secure an eighth term in office. He faces 11 challengers, including former government spokesman Issa Tchiroma Bakary, 79, who has gained momentum with a campaign promising an end to Biya's decades-long rule. Bakary, once a close ally of the president, resigned from government in June to join the opposition. According to Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), more than 8 million voters are registered to cast their ballots. The winner will be determined by simple majority, with no run-off required."

Gaza's future in focus - Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh gears up for peace summit co-chaired by Trump and El-Sisi

Gaza's future in focus - Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh gears up for peace summit co-chaired by Trump and El-Sisi

"The Egyptian city of Sharm el-Sheikh is preparing to host global leaders for the Gaza Peace Summit, which will be co-chaired by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and US President Donald Trump. Footage filmed on Sunday shows crews preparing roads, while several international flags can be seen waving outside the summit's venue. The high-stakes diplomatic gathering, scheduled for Monday, will focus on the future of Gaza and cementing the Israel-Hamas peace agreement, marking a decisive step toward ending the two-year war. The meeting will bring together leaders from more than 20 Arab and Western nations, in addition to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Hamas announced that it will not attend the official signing ceremony of the agreement, leaving the proceedings to mediators, along with US and Israeli officials. The first phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas came into force on Friday, covering a ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, as well as an Israeli withdrawal to the 'yellow line', a boundary limit within Gaza. The truce forms part of US President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza peace proposal, unveiled on September 29 alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu."