DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Defense giant BAE Systems linked to arms deals in countries accused of human rights abuses, report finds
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( Karen Gilchrist | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON — BAE Systems , the U.K.'s largest defense contractor, has established trading relationships with countries accused of human rights abuses, according to a new report that reveals the extensive reach of its lucrative arms business. Included in those are 13 countries on the U.K.'s human rights abuse watchlist, as well as 29 countries whose military actions have injured or killed civilians. It comes as BAE Systems sales have surged, hitting £194 billion ($242 billion) in the 10 years to 2022, with cumulative operating profits totalling £17 billion over the period, according to the report. The report said the booming trade highlighted how some defense companies were profiting from the lucrative arms trade amid rising global instability. "We know it's a bonanza right now for military sales," Overton said Tuesday, during a press briefing for the report's release.

Persons: Joseph Rowntree, Iain Overton, Overton Organizations: BAE Systems, Joseph, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, BAE, CNBC

in order to cast their ballot when polling stations open in local elections next week, sparking concern that some parts of the electorate will in effect be disenfranchised by the change. Large parts of England vote in local council elections on May 4, and a national election is expected next year. In Northern Ireland and many countries in Europe, the need to produce photo ID is established and not unusual. But rapid adoption of this new system in England leaves campaigners fearing that voters will be caught out by the change. "There's a lot of risk in doing what is essentially the biggest change to our elections for a generation," she said.

☆ Rishi Sunak is worth almost $850 million, making him Britain's richest prime minister. Here's why that could be a big problem.
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-30 | by ( Ryan Hogg | Beatrice Nolan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is worth about $850 million according to the Sunday Times Rich List. With wealth that rivals King Charles III, the former finance minister is the richest UK leader ever. The 42-year-old former chancellor (finance minister) has a net worth of £730 million ($847 million) according to the Sunday Times Rich List, and was ranked 222nd in May. Queen Elizabeth II was estimated to be worth about $440 million before her death, according to the Sunday Times. The ex-finance minister has a 19th century, Grade II-listed mansion in Yorkshire as well as a London home worth millions.

LONDON — If anyone thought Britain was due a period of calm after Boris Johnson’s tumultuous premiership, no one told his successor. But the proposed solution by new Prime Minister Liz Truss has quickly sent the economy spiraling into chaos, threatening consequences both immediate and long-lasting for many Britons. Prime Minister Liz Truss's government unveiled a financial plan last week that sparked market concern and public criticism. The nose-diving pound will also make everyday products in Britain more expensive as importers face spiraling costs. It wants to supercharge Britain’s sluggish economy by any means necessary — even if that means short-term shocks.

Search resuls for: "Joseph Rowntree Foundation"

4 mentions found