DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Jesse Darling wins the 2023 Turner Prize
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-05 | by ( Jacqui Palumbo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Artist Jesse Darling is the latest recipient of the Turner Prize, the UK’s top award for artists that grants £25,000 ($31,500) annually. His Turner Prize-winning exhibition is an installation that places viewers in a custom-built environment evoking chaotic city streets and industrial barriers. Angus MillDarling’s winning exhibition “convey(s) a familiar yet delirious world,” according to a press statement from the Turner Prize. The Turner Prize, named after the 19th-century painter JMW Turner, is awarded each year to an exemplary artist born or based in the UK, and based on a presentation of work exhibited in the past year. Darling was nominated for his solo exhibitions “No Medals, No Ribbons” at Modern Art Oxford and “Enclosures” at the Camden Art Centre.

Persons: Jesse Darling, Darling, ”, Turner, Angus Mill Darling’s, Angus Mill Darling, Ghislaine Leung, Rory Pilgrim, Barbara Walker, JMW Turner, Veronica Ryan, Damien Hirst, Gillian Wearing, Gilbert, George, Anish Kapoor, Wolfgang Tillmans, Steve McQueen Organizations: CNN, Towner, Modern Art Oxford, Camden Art Centre Locations: Eastbourne, England, Oxford, Berlin, Towner Eastbourne

☆ Fact Check: Palestinian official flag in 1939 did not show Star of David
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-30 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The image of the flag, which is half white and half blue with the Star of David in its centre, is spreading on Facebook (archived) with claims that it shows the official 1939 Palestinian flag. “The 1939 flag of Palestine shows that it was recognized as a Jewish entity even then,” one Facebook account wrote (archived). According to academics who spoke to Reuters, the flag seen in circulating images is not an official flag of historical Palestine. An example of a mandate-era official flag from 1946 can be seen on the British Imperial War Museums website. The official flag of mandate Palestine in 1939, during which Palestine was administered by Britain as a League of Nations Mandate, was a Union Jack.

Persons: David, Shay Hazkani, Joseph, Rebecca Meyerhoff, Jack, ”, Salim Tamari, Tamari, Sharif Hussein, Derek Penslar, William Lee Frost, “, Union Jack, Penlsar, Tamir Sorek, Read Organizations: Zionist, Palestinian, Jewish, Star, Larousse, Reuters, Center for Jewish Studies, University of Maryland, League of Nations, Institute of Palestine Studies, Birzeit University, British, Harvard University, Union, Penn State University, Society, International Affairs, Britain, League of Nations Mandate, Thomson Locations: Palestine, Larousse French, Israel, Ottoman Empire, Union

☆ Homesick Americans living in the UK should head to Costco for snacks
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-11 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Costco sells some American brands and products that aren't commonly available in the UK. Candy brands I saw at Costco included Red Vines licorice, Mike and Ike candy, and Welch's Fruit Snacks. A five-pack of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Dinner costs £11.19 (around $2.75 per box) on the UK website, whereas on its US website, Costco charges $18.99 for 18 boxes of around the same weight – or just over $1 per box. AdvertisementAdvertisementBrits can still get their tea fixThere were, however, plenty of British products on sale, showing how it had adapted its assortment to UK shoppers. Grace Dean/Insider; Will Martin/InsiderLike many supermarkets in the UK, Costco was keen to point out the local origins of some of its own-brand Kirkland Signature produce as consumers pay more attention to food miles and supporting domestic agriculture.

Persons: —, Jerry's, Kraft, Will Martin, Candy, Red Vines, Mike, Ike, I'd, Grace Dean, Tetley, Heinz, Heinz Beanz, Jacks Organizations: Costco, Kraft, &, Service, Kraft Mac, Tesco, Asda, YouTube, Red, pretzels, San Francisco Pretzel Company, Daily, San Francisco Bay Coffee, Kraft Macaroni, Yorkshire Tea, Kirkland, Aberdeen Angus Locations: London, Puerto Rico, Canada, American, San Francisco Bay, South Croydon, Japan

☆ Fact Check: London protester arrested for racist comments, not for holding Union Jack
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A video of London’s Metropolitan Police arresting a man holding a Union Jack has been falsely described online as showing him being arrested for unveiling the flag at a pro-Palestinian rally. The police force said he was arrested for making racially aggravated comments and was later charged. Cops drag away a man who unveiled his Union flag amidst the sea of Palestinian flags in central London. This was in no way the reason for his arrest and forms no part of the charges against him,” the spokesperson said. The man was arrested after shouting racial abuse and was later charged, according to the police.

Persons: Jack, ”, Read Organizations: London’s Metropolitan Police, Reuters, Twitter, Facebook, Metropolitan Police, Thomson Locations: London, Gaza, Whitehall, Westminster

☆ Exclusive: Britain, South Korea agree to extend tariff-free trade for two years
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A Union Jack flag flutters in front of the Houses of Parliament in London, Britain, November 5, 2019. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File photo Acquire Licensing RightsLONDON, Oct 16 (Reuters) - Britain and South Korea have agreed to extend a period of low or zero tariffs on bilateral trade by two years, ahead of talks to forge a new trade deal, the British government said on Monday, in a boost for the car industry. Annual trade between Britain and South Korea is worth 18 billion pounds ($21.9 billion), and the two sides will begin talks later this year on a new trade deal. Britain's minister for international trade, Nigel Huddleston, said extending the tariff-free period would provide welcome certainty for businesses. "This is fantastic news for UK businesses who can continue selling their fantastic goods with confidence to South Korea," Huddleston said.

Persons: Hannah McKay, Nigel Huddleston, " Huddleston, Mike Hawes, Hawes, Sachin Ravikumar, William James, Louise Heavens Organizations: REUTERS, European Union, EU, Society of Motor Manufacturers, Traders, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, South Korea, British, EVs

☆ King Charles arrives in France for state visit
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/3] French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne greets Britain's King Charles ( and Britain's Queen Camilla upon arrival at the Orly Airport on September 20, 2023, on the first day of a state visit to France. Here's the latest:* The plane carrying Charles and Camilla has landed at Paris' Orly airport, where they were greeted by French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. Charles and Camilla tweeted in English and French, along with a video of Charles getting on the plane. Your Majesty, welcome," Macron tweeted in English, alongside a video clip of Charles' past visits to France. Macron and Charles have in particular shared correspondence and insight on the restoration of the Notre-Dame cathedral, ravaged by fire in 2019.

Persons: Elisabeth Borne, Britain's King Charles, Queen Camilla, MIGUEL MEDINA, King Charles, Emmanuel Macron, Charles, Camilla, Borne, Mireille, Queen Elizabeth, Parisian Marie, Helene Aubree, Eric Frizzi, he's, Macron, À, Louis XIV, Hugh Grant, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Mick Jagger, Ken Follett, Emma Mackey, Bernard Arnault, Xavier Niel, Arsene Wenger, Didier Drogba, Michel Rose, Ingrid Melander, Bernadette Baum Organizations: French, Airport, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, France's, Parisian, European Union, Notre, Dame, of Mirrors, Thomson Locations: France, Paris, Bordeaux, Britain, of Versailles, British, French

☆ UK government says China attempting to headhunt Britons in sensitive positions
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A Union Jack flag flutters in front of the Houses of Parliament in London, Britain, November 5, 2019. "The government recognises that Chinese recruitment schemes have tried to headhunt British and allied nationals in key positions and with sensitive knowledge and experience," the government said. The arrest of the young researcher, who denied being a spy, has led to calls by British members of parliament for a tougher stance on China. Chinese spying efforts in Britain were once focused on the hacking and stealing of intellectual property, according to lawmakers. But there has been a growth in human intelligence, targeting officials in senior positions, the lawmakers said.

Persons: Hannah McKay, Sunak, Andrew MacAskill, Kylie MacLellan, Michael Holden Organizations: REUTERS, Conservative Party, Intelligence, Security Committee, ISC, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, China, Beijing

A Union Jack flag flutters in front of the Houses of Parliament in London, Britain, November 5, 2019. "Chinese recruitment schemes have tried to headhunt British and allied nationals in key positions and with sensitive knowledge and experience," the government said. The arrest of the young researcher, who denied being a spy, has led to calls by British members of parliament for a tougher stance. Sunak told parliament that he accepted the report and recognised that it identified areas where "we can do better". Last year, MI5 issued a rare security alert, warning members of parliament that a suspected Chinese spy was "involved in political interference activities" in Britain.

Persons: Hannah McKay, Sunak, Andrew MacAskill, Kylie MacLellan, Michael Holden, Christina Fincher Organizations: REUTERS, CAN, Intelligence, Security Committee, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, China, Beijing

☆ Fact Check-No evidence photo of man in military fatigues and a Union Jack patch is a ‘NATO mercenary’
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A photo of four men in military fatigues, including one who has a British Union Jack patch on his arm, has been falsely claimed online to be proof that NATO mercenaries are fighting in Ukraine. It’s captioned: “A group of NATO mercenaries in British uniforms were captured yesterday in Zaporozhye region, Russia. It’s also not unusual for Ukrainian soldiers to be seen in British military gear. Reuters also reported in 2022 that Ukrainian fighters were purchasing British military surplus here. The photo dates to May 2022 and shows Ukrainian prisoners of war.

Persons: British Union Jack, It’s, fatigues, Jens Stoltenberg, Read Organizations: NATO, Twitter, Facebook, Reuters, RIA, Donetsk People’s, UN Locations: British Union, Ukraine, Zaporozhye region, Russia, ”, Donetsk, Donetsk People’s Republic

Prince William honored his father with a few words during Sunday night's concert - the first ever to be staged at Windsor Castle, home to monarchs for almost 1,000 years. Royals dance the night awaySeveral members of the royal family got their groove on throughout the concert. Chris Jackson/Getty ImagesMesmerizing drone displayA fabulous drone display lit up the sky over the coronation concert, earning audible gasps from the crowd below. Crowds watch illuminated drones creating a light display above Windsor Castle. But when Miss Piggy, dressed in a cerise pink evening dress and glittering necklace, recognized “Downton Abbey” star Bonneville she had other things in mind, thinking he was a real lord.

☆ ‘I’m Not Excited For Him to Become King’: American Royal Watchers Draw the Line at King Charles Coronation
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Chavie Lieber | Patience Haggin | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

When Queen Elizabeth passed away last year, Sue Hurt threw a tea party with Fortnum & Mason Earl Grey tea, Union Jack bunting decorations and fresh-baked scones for her 8-year-old niece, who donned a tiara for the occasion. For the coming coronation of King Charles III , she’ll flip on the TV—and that is about it.

☆ Faced With 5 a.m. Coronation Wake-up, Royals Fans Swear Fealty—to Snooze
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Chavie Lieber | Patience Haggin | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

☆ Britain’s Economy Needs a Pick-Me-Up. Is the Coronation Enough?
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Eshe Nelson | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Dawn Anchor, who runs a pub in the village of Kings Worthy, about 60 miles southwest of London, has everything she needs: reams of red, white and blue bunting, mini Union Jack flags and a life-size cardboard cutout of King Charles III. This weekend’s coronation of Britain’s new monarch has been a gift for her establishment, one of just a handful of pubs in Britain aptly called The King Charles. And like many business people enduring Britain’s economic doldrums, Ms. Anchor hopes the coronation will bring some much-needed cheer (and sales). At The King Charles, the celebrations will begin on Friday with a 17-hour day, serving breakfast through dinner, with afternoon tea in between. Fuller’s Coronation King’s Ale, a special edition bitter, will be on tap and likely to contribute to the estimated 17 million extra pints that are expected to be poured around the country over the three-day weekend, according to the British Beer and Pub Association.

☆ What King Charles' coronation means for the UK economy
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Hanna Ziady | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

But the UK economy as a whole could suffer as workers take an extra day’s holiday. John Lewis' Coronation Lewis Bear. John Lewis & PartnersDepartment store John Lewis has had to limit in-store purchases of its Coronation Lewis Bear to two per household, and the teddy is out of stock online. For the coronation, UK luxury brands “have procured unique merchandise at all levels of the economy and we’re seeing people buying it, particularly Americans and EU customers,” she added. (The coronation holiday will be the third holiday Monday this month.)

☆ From caviar to cardboard cutouts, businesses hope for coronation boost
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( Marie-Louise Gumuchian | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/5] A view of souvenirs designed for the Coronation of Britain's King Charles in Windsor, Britain, April 29, 2023. Mugs, plates, tea towels, magnets, cushions and teddy bears are staple memorabilia for royal occasions and an array of these to mark King Charles' coronation on May 6 are already filling shop windows. Others are selling coronation varieties of the games pass the parcel, bingo and charades. John Lewis Partnership, the owner of the eponymous department stores and supermarket chain Waitrose, said last week searches for coronation products on its website had risen more than 262% on the previous week. “Our royal family selection of cardboard cut-outs have always been a favourite of our customers, with King Charles proving himself to be a top seller," an Argos spokesperson said.

☆ UK plans streamlined post-Brexit border checks
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Flags of the Union Jack and European Union are seen ahead of the meeting of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in Brussels, Belgium December 9, 2020. Olivier Hoslet/Pool via REUTERSLONDON, April 5 (Reuters) - Britain has set out plans to simplify and speed up post-Brexit border checks after repeated delays that the government previously blamed on the COVID-19 pandemic and then the war in Ukraine. "The Border Target Operating Model ... sets out a new model for importing goods into the UK from countries inside and outside the EU (the European Union)," the government said in the introduction to the draft proposals. Arrangements for goods moving into Northern Ireland from Great Britain will follow the deal Prime Minister Rishi Sunak struck with the EU in February on post-Brexit trade rules for the region, the government said. It plans to publish the final version by the end of the year after the six-week engagement period.

☆ Britain to join Indo-Pacific trade bloc in biggest trade deal since Brexit
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Justin Tallis | AFP | Getty ImagesBritain struck a historic trade deal to join a vast Indo-Pacific trade bloc after nearly two years of intense negotiations. The U.K. said this was the country's largest post-Brexit trade deal and makes it the first European nation to join the CPTPP, since it came into force in 2018. watch nowNatalie Black, the U.K.'s trade commissioner for Asia Pacific, called it a "progressive deal" for Britain. Deborah Elms, executive director of the Asian Trade Centre, said it's very hard to calculate these trade figures, especially based on existing trade flows. watch nowThe trade flows are always "under what you actually are likely to see in the reality as businesses recognize the benefits and start to use a trade agreement like the CPTPP," she added.

☆ Every year, ‘Invasion Day’ forces Australia to confront some painful truths
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( Hilary Whiteman | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

Victoria’s state government called time on Melbourne’s Australia Day parade after two years of Covid cancellations, and Kmart, a normal go-to for party supplies, announced it wouldn’t be stocking traditional Australia Day merchandise – clothing, plates, napkins and other memorabilia draped in the Australian flag. Cooper is among a growing band of Indigenous allies who now refer to Australia Day as Invasion Day or Survival Day, after learning more about the nation’s history from those who suffered. Every year, Australia Day – or Invasion Day – forces a difficult conversation about those left behind, and what role everyone can play in finding a way forward. And it really is for many.”The Australia Day Live 2023 concert at Sydney Opera House on January 26, 2023. In the far western Queensland town of Boulia, Beck Britton had been worried that her attempts to throw an Australia Day party could fall flat.

Persons: Fred Leone, ” Leone, ”, Leone, Hilary Whiteman, Union Jack, Kate Darian, Smith, “ It’s, Christine Cooper, she’s, “, Cooper, ” Cooper, Cooper’s, they’re, ” Darian, Karlie Brand, Don Arnold, WireImage, Tracey Hanshaw, Aunties, Beck Britton, Britton, there’s, Jan Norton, wasn’t, Anthony Albanese, ” Albanese, Lidia Thorpe, Alexi J . Rosenfeld, Darian, Justice Aunties, “ We’ve Organizations: Australia CNN, CNN, Union, University of Tasmania, Kmart, Facebook, University of Newcastle, It’s, Nations, Invasion, Australia, First Nations, National, Day Council, Sydney Opera House, ”, Torres Strait Islander, Australian, Aboriginal, Torres Strait, ” Greens, Voice, Commonwealth, Heart Locations: Brisbane, Australia, Musgrave Park, Sydney Cove, Sydney, Musgrave, Brisbane’s, Newcastle, New South Wales, Queensland, Boulia, Britton’s, Melbourne, “

☆ Brexit has cracked Britain’s economic foundations
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-24 | by ( Hanna Ziady | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Brexit has erected trade barriers for UK businesses and foreign companies that used Britain as a European base. While Brexit isn’t the cause of Britain’s cost-of-living crisis, it has made the problem more difficult to solve. The Brexit deal, known as the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, came into effect on January 1, 2021. The deal is “the world’s largest zero tariff, zero quota free trade deal,” the spokesperson added. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development expects the UK economy to shrink by 0.4%, ahead only of sanctioned Russia.

☆ Will Liz Truss outlast a lettuce? British PM faces jokes after ditching tax cut plans
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-18 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Patrick-Smith-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | Patrick Smith | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

President Joe Biden even joined the criticism with a rare comment on an ally’s economic policies in which he called the tax cut plan a “mistake.”Truss admitted fault Monday night. “I do want to accept responsibility and say sorry for the mistakes that have been made,” she told BBC News. “Anyone could have seen that this wasn’t going to fly — how could they have not seen that coming?” Ford said. As critics had predicted, markets tanked and the pound fell to its lowest level against the dollar in 30 years. “It wasn’t just a total disaster with the markets, it was a total disaster electorally,” Ford said of Truss’ economic plan.

☆ UK sanctions Russians linked to 'sham' referendums in Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERSLONDON, Sept 26 (Reuters) - Britain on Monday announced a new package of sanctions linked to what it described as Moscow's "sham" referendums on four regions of eastern Ukraine joining Russia. Citizens in four regions of Ukraine were voting for a fourth day on Monday in Moscow-organised referendums, a plan Kyiv and the West have branded a sham. "Today's sanctions will target those behind these sham votes, as well as the individuals that continue to prop up the Russian regime's war of aggression." Britain said those sanctioned included 55 board members and directors from organisations the government said "continue to bankroll the Russian war machine". Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Kylie MacLellan and William James; Editing by Nick MacfieOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Crowds are following the funeral service on large television screens or from a radio broadcast on loudspeakers. People have arrived in London from all over Britain and the world to witness the state funeral of the monarch, who died on Sept. 8 aged 96. CELEBRATION OF LIFEShelly Chugg and Anita Evans, colleagues at Cardiff Council, left Wales at 1:00 a.m. to travel to London. "I was going to wear black, but it's a celebration of the Queen's life too, isn't it? About 33,000 people had filed past the queen's coffin during the 24 hours it was at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.

☆ Factbox: Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth's home and now final resting place
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A Union Jack flag outside Windsor Castle is reflected on an image of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, following the death of the queen, in Windsor, Britain, September 17, 2022. Her parents were also laid to rest in St. George's Chapel. Elizabeth's funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey, before the coffin is driven to Windsor Castle, just west of London. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register* Windsor Castle is the resting place of more than a dozen English and British kings and queens. It has been the home of 40 monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth.

☆ The UK has a new prime minister — meet Liz Truss, the tax-cutting Brexit convert taking over from Boris Johnson
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-05 | by ( Bethany Dawson | Catherine Neilan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Liz Truss has been named the new prime minister of the UK in the wake of Boris Johnson quitting. The victory also makes her the new prime minister, due to take over Tuesday. An ally of Johnson, Truss has often been described as the continuity candidate — but who is she, and what can we expect from her premiership? While Truss has been named as the Conservative Party leader, she must wait another day before officially becoming prime minister. Truss is set to become prime minister Tuesday after traveling to meet the Queen at Balmoral in Scotland.

☆ London Tube staff plan strike next month, says union
▼ + stars: | 2022-07-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Union Jack flags and signs are seen outside Oxford Circus underground station on the first day of national rail strike, in London, Britain June 21, 2022. REUTERS/John SibleyLONDON, July 26 (Reuters) - London underground rail staff plan to strike on Aug. 19 over jobs and pensions, the RMT union said on Tuesday, in the latest industrial dispute that could disruptBritain's transport services. "Unless there can be assurances made about jobs, pensions and detrimental changes to working conditions, then our strike on August 19 will go ahead," RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said. The union said Transport for London (TfL) had failed to engage in talks about safeguarding jobs and pensions. Reporting by Sachin Ravikumar; editing by Michael HoldenOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Search resuls for: "Union Jack"

25 mentions found