International

• Monday, December 23rd 2024 - 22:19 UTC

  Nissan and Honda sign MOU toward merger by 2026

  

  It was more than rumors that Japanese automotive giants Nissan and Honda were eyeing a merger by 2026 which would revolutionize the industry with the appearance of what in Reuters' view would be the third-largest auto group worldwide. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding whereby discussions about integration via a joint holding company would go on during 2025, it was announced. Earlier this month, Nissan's CEO Makoto Uchida admitted that the company's situation was “severe.”

• Monday, December 23rd 2024 - 10:45 UTC

  Venezuela steps up Essequibo deployment amid dispute with Guyana

  

  Venezuela's Bolivarian regime has built a bridge reaffirming its sovereignty claims over Guyana Essequiba. The provisional structure will allow the arrival of heavier machinery for the definitive bridge, it was explained. Last Thursday, a fixed bridge over the Cuyuní River on the island of Anacoco was inaugurated as part of the Venezuelan government's efforts to reaffirm its sovereignty over that disputed region. Attending the ceremony were Defense Minister Vladímir Padrino López and Transport Minister Ramón Velásquez Araguayán, among other high-ranking officials and military commanders.

• Monday, December 23rd 2024 - 08:57 UTC

  MMO celebrates £30 million in support provided to UK fishing and seafood industry in 2024

  

  The Marine Management Organization (MMO) is proud to celebrate its extensive support to the UK’s fishing and seafood industry in 2024 through various administered grant schemes.

• Monday, December 23rd 2024 - 07:59 UTC

  UK government backs Spanish shipbuilder Navitas deal to take over Harland and Wolff

  

  A UK Government-backed deal will see Spanish shipbuilding subsidiary Navantia UK buy out Harland and Wolff, securing the future of all four yards in the UK, including two in Scotland. The buy-out saves the jobs of 350 skilled workers at the company’s sites in Methil, Fife, and Arnish in the Western Isles.

• Monday, December 23rd 2024 - 07:47 UTC

  UK confirms appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as British ambassador in Washington

  

  UK Prime Minister confirmed the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson to be the next British Ambassador to the United States of America. His Majesty the King approved the appointment on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy. 

• Monday, December 23rd 2024 - 07:34 UTC

  Gibraltar Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, makes informal visit to La Linea and met Mayor Juan Franco.

  

  The opportunity was taken to take a walk around the center of the neighboring town, where Mr Picardo had the chance to greet several businessmen and citizens. The Mayor arranged for a lunch in a well-known bar/restaurant in the center of town, which enabled those invited to exchange views on the current situation with the Chief Minister.

• Monday, December 23rd 2024 - 07:24 UTC

  Ongoing UK/new Mauritius government talks to finalize Chagos archipelago deal

  

  The British Foreign Office has reported that “the Republic of Mauritius and the UK have held a series of productive, ongoing conversations and exchanges on finalizing a historic Treaty on the exercise of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.

• Sunday, December 22nd 2024 - 05:07 UTC

  Electronic Travel Authorizations for entry to UK needed as of next 8th January

  

  Residents of the Falkland Islands should be aware that from the 8th January 2025, Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) will be required for all visitors to the UK who do not currently need a Visa for short stays of up to six months, or those who do not already have UK immigration status.

• Friday, December 20th 2024 - 21:11 UTC

  Argentine Embassy in Kyiv hit by Russian shelling

  

  Argentina's Embassy was among the six diplomatic missions hit Friday when Russia bombed Kyiv. The others were those of Albania, North Macedonia, Palestine, Portugal, and Montenegro. Besides the “relatively light” material damage, all staffers of the South American legation were reported to be unharmed.

• Friday, December 20th 2024 - 10:17 UTC

  Bank of England leaves rate unchanged at 4.75%, but inflation is increasing with a no economic growth in 2024

  

  The Bank of England on Thursday left interest rates unchanged at 4.75%, despite an inflation rate that reached an eight-month high, pushed by services and wage increases. However three members of the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee voted for a rate reduction, while six insisted in keeping them on hold.