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☆ Vodafone to cut 11,000 jobs, sees big drop in cash flow
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Paul Sandle | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

LONDON, May 16 (Reuters) - Vodafone's (VOD.L) new boss Margherita Della Valle said she would cut 11,000 jobs over three years to simplify the telecoms group, which she said "must change", as it forecast a 1.5 billion euro decline in free cash flow this year. "Our performance has not been good enough," said Della Valle, who was appointed permanently last month. Vodafone said it would generate about 3.3 billion euros of cash this financial year, compared with 4.8 billion euros in the year to end-March it reported on Tuesday, and around 3.6 billion euros expected by analysts. Growth in Africa and higher handset sales, however, enabled it to eek out a 0.3% rise in revenue to 45.7 billion euros. Vodafone has recently cut jobs in several of its big markets, shedding 1,000 in Italy earlier this year and a media report said it was looking to cut around 1,300 in Germany.

☆ Eurovision 2023: Seven to look out for in the Grand Final
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-13 | by ( Paul Sandle | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Teya & Salena from Austria perform during the second semi-final of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool, Britain, May 11, 2023. REUTERS/Phil NobleLIVERPOOL, England, May 13 (Reuters) - The Grand Final of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Liverpool, northern England, on Saturday, with acts representing 26 countries competing. The song's lyrics address originality in music, while the line "Zero dot zero zero three" refers to the royalty rate of $0.003 per stream which Spotify is said to pay. FRANCEFrance - one of the "Big Five" that has automatic entry to the Grand Final - has not won the contest since 1977. FINLANDKäärijä, a rapper and singer sporting bright green bolero-sleeves and a bare chest, was a huge hit in the arena in Tuesday's semi-final with "Cha Cha Cha", a celebration of cutting loose after a week of hard work.

☆ Eurovision 2023: Sweden wins
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

LIVERPOOL, England, May 14 (Reuters) - Sweden's Loreen won Eurovision 2023 with the song "Tattoo" in Liverpool, northern England on Saturday, beating Finland to triumph for a second time in the contest. Reporting by Paul Sandle, Editing by Sarah MillsOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

LIVERPOOL, England, May 13 (Reuters) - The grand final of Eurovision 2023 kicked off on Saturday with last year's winner Kalush Orchestra performing on video in Ukraine and live in Liverpool, the northern English city hosting on behalf of the country that is fighting Russia's invasion. The 26 acts that qualified for the grand final span musical styles from ballads to heavy rock to rap, starting with Austria's Teya & Salena performing "Who The Hell is Edgar? [1/6] Mimicat from Portugal performs during the grand final of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool, Britain, May 13, 2023. Pam Minto, a 37-year-old support worker from Liverpool, said she was proud of her city and hoped it was doing Ukraine proud. Ukrainian Anastasiia Iovova, a 31-year-old teacher who is currently living in Leeds, northern England, said Liverpool felt like home abroad.

They will be joined by Ukraine and the “Big Five” of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy in the final. “Loreen has won it before – she’s kind of Eurovision royalty. [1/4] Loreen from Sweden takes part in a dress rehearsal for the Eurovision Song Contest's grand final in Liverpool, Britain, May 12, 2023. REUTERS/Phil Noble 1 2 3 4Kaarija, the green bolero-sleeved singer from Finland whose track “Cha Cha Cha” has gone down a storm in the arena, has also been a very popular selection, Phelps said, and Ukraine “was up there in the betting”. Eurovision blogger William Lee Adams said capturing the zeitgeist had been key to winning in recent years.

[1/5] Ukrainian dancer Anton Tiplov takes part in a Eurovision themed dance off for fans near the arena as part of the Eurovision Song Contest festivities in Liverpool, Britain May 11. REUTERS/Phil NobleLIVERPOOL, England, May 11 (Reuters) - Liverpool has opened its heart to Ukraine for Eurovision 2023, flying blue and yellow flags, offering special tickets to its refugees and adopting its cuisine, in addition to putting the country centre stage in three live shows. But organisers have worked hard to showcase Ukraine to thousands of fans in the "City of Pop" and millions more watching around the world. "Eurovision is such a joy to have in Liverpool and we're very conscious that we only have it because of the terrible things that are happening in Ukraine," he said. "So as a chef, I wanted to give a nod to the two food cultures coming together."

☆ Factbox: Who qualified in the second Eurovision semi-final?
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

LIVERPOOL, England, May 11 (Reuters) - The second semi-final of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest was held in Liverpool, northern England, on Thursday. Ten of the 16 countries performing went through to Saturday's Grand Final. They join 10 qualifiers from Tuesday's first semi-final, 2022 winner Ukraine, and the "big five" - Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain - in the Grand Final. WHICH COUNTRIES QUALIFIED? Denmark, Romania, Iceland, Greece, Georgia and San MarinoReporting by Paul Sandle; Editing by Sandra MalerOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Pop duo Tvorchi to show Ukraine's 'Heart of Steel' at Eurovision
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( Sarah Mills | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LIVERPOOL, England, May 10 (Reuters) - Tvorchi, Ukraine's electro pop-duo entry in Eurovision 2023, said they hoped to shine a spotlight on their country's fight for freedom when they perform in the grand final in Liverpool on Saturday night. Formed in 2018 by Ukrainian producer Andrii Hutsuliak and Nigerian-born singer Jeffery Kenny, the pair wrote their song "Heart of Steel" last spring when Ukraine's soldiers were defending Mariupol. "We'll show how strong Ukrainians are," he told Reuters. Ukraine, as last year's winner, gains automatic entry to Saturday's grand final, along with the "big five," comprising Britain, Germany, France, Spain and Italy. Tuesday's first semi-final saw 10 acts qualify for the grand final, including early favourite, Sweden.

☆ Daily Mirror apologises to Prince Harry over unlawful information gathering
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

LONDON, May 10 (Reuters) - The publisher of Britain's Daily Mirror tabloid apologised to Prince Harry on Wednesday for ordering the unlawful gathering of information, court documents showed. In documents presented at court as part of a phone hacking trial, Mirror Group Newspapers, which is owned by Reach (RCH.L), admitted on one occasion a private investigator had been engaged to unlawfully gather evidence about King Charles's younger son at a nightclub. It said it "unreservedly apologises and accepts that (Harry) is entitled to appropriate compensation". Reporting by Sarah Young; editing by Paul SandleOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Factbox: When are the Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals and final?
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LIVERPOOL, England, May 9 (Reuters) - Eurovision 2023 has kicked off in Liverpool, northern England, where acts from 37 countries are competing to win the 67th edition of the song contest. There are 37 countries taking part with 31 competing in two semi-finals and 10 going through to the Grand Final. Ukraine, as the previous winner, automatically progresses to the Grand Final, along with the "big five", comprising the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy. Semi-final 1: viewers in the 15 countries taking part are eligible to vote, alongside France, Germany, and Italy. Semi-final 2: Viewers in the 16 countries taking part are eligible to vote, alongside Spain, Ukraine, and the UK.

☆ Factbox: Who qualified in the first Eurovision semi-final?
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

LIVERPOOL, England, May 9 (Reuters) - The first semi-final of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest was held in Liverpool, northern England, on Tuesday. Ten of the 15 countries performing went through to Saturday's Grand Final. They will join 10 qualifiers from Thursday's second semi-final, last year's winner Ukraine, and the "big five" - Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain - in the Grand Final. WHICH COUNTRIES QUALIFIED? Malta, Latvia, Ireland, Azerbaijan and the NetherlandsReporting by Paul Sandle, Editing by Rosalba O'BrienOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Eurovision 2023 opens with acts walking Liverpool's 'Turquoise Carpet'
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

LIVERPOOL, England, May 7 (Reuters) - Eurovision 2023 kicked off on Sunday when 37 contenders walked the "Turquoise Carpet" in Liverpool, the English city hosting the competition on behalf of Ukraine. The "Turquoise Carpet" is Eurovision's version of the red carpet. Ukraine was last year's winner but was unable to stage the event this year, as the winner usually does, because of Russia's invasion. The other 31 contenders will compete in semi-finals on Tuesday and Thursday for 20 places in the grand final. Reporting by Steve Hignett; Writing by Paul Sandle; Editing by Susan FentonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

[1/4] People wait to watch Britain's King Charles' procession to his coronation ceremony from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, at The Mall in London, Britain May 6, 2023. From the early hours, people dressed in red, white and blue and clutching union flags lined the streets to watch the crowning of King Charles, the first coronation in Britain for 70 years that will be marked by a vast display of pomp and pageantry. But polls show the public generally approves of Charles as king and a majority still support the monarchy, even if younger people are far less interested. By 7 a.m. (0600 GMT) crowds on the grand Mall boulevard leading up to Buckingham Palace were 20-deep in places, with many wearing paper crowns and waving flags. "I think regardless of his age the king will reach out to younger people, I think he'll be more connected to the youth than the queen," he said.

[1/4] People wait to watch Britain's King Charles' procession to his coronation ceremony from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, at The Mall in London, Britain May 6, 2023. REUTERS/Stephanie LecocqLONDON, May 6 (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of people of all ages, from Britain and across the globe, braved the rain for a glimpse of the newly crowned King Charles in the streets of London and on Buckingham Palace's famous balcony on Saturday. "It was amazing to see them all there in real life, just like you’d see on a postcard." Charles, 74, ascended to the throne in September after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth. But polls show the public generally approves of Charles as king and a majority still support the monarchy, even if younger people are far less interested.

During a historic and solemn two-hour service, which dates back to the time of King William the Conqueror in 1066, Charles' second wife Camilla was also crowned queen. Charles, 74, automatically succeeded his mother as king on her death last September. GREAT AND GOOD[1/20] Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla wave on the Buckingham Palace balcony following their coronation ceremony in London, Britain May 6, 2023. Much of the ceremony featured elements that Charles' forebears right back to King Edgar in 973 would recognise, officials said. Not everyone who came to watch was there to cheer Charles, with hundreds of republicans booing and waving banners reading "Not My King".

[1/5] Britain's King Charles speaks to guests during a reception for overseas guests attending his coronation at Buckingham Palace in London, Britain, May 5, 2023. It will be the largest show of its kind in Britain since the coronation of Charles' mother. Once at the abbey, much of the ceremony will feature elements that Charles' forebears right back to King Edgar in 973 would recognise, officials said. Handel’s coronation anthem "Zadok The Priest" will be sung as it has at every coronation since 1727. After returning to Buckingham Palace, the royals will make a traditional appearance on the balcony, with a fly-past by military aircraft.

☆ UK mobile users spending millions on smartphones they've already paid for, Virgin Media O2 says
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

But some customers fail to switch contracts after the handset has been paid off, despite being notified by their network. The operator said its survey showed 93% of customers were unaware they could be charged for handsets they'd paid off, with older and lower-income consumers most impacted. Rivals BT's EE, Vodafone and Three said they offered split contracts and provided clear information. "Like VMO2 we offer split contracts with EE Flexpay, while providing all customers with clear end-of-contract notifications, including the best offer for them based on their usage," a BT Consumer spokesperson said. A Three spokesperson said the company already offered split contracts where customers can take out a loan to pay for their device, which is separate to their monthly airtime payments.

☆ UK reviews AI models as rapid growth fuels safety concerns
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Paul Sandle | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Governments around the world are now trying to find a balance whereby they can assess and rein in some of the potential negative consequences of AI without stifling innovation. Britain in March opted to split regulatory responsibility for AI between those bodies that oversee human rights, health and safety, and competition, rather than creating a new body dedicated to the technology. CMA CEO Sarah Cardell said in a statement that AI had burst into the public consciousness and was developing at speed. The review in Britain echoes investigations taking place around the world, from Beijing to Brussels and Washington. Italy, a G7 member, took ChatGPT offline last month to investigate its potential breach of personal data rules.

☆ UK security in 'no way complacent' ahead of coronation - minister
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

LONDON, May 3 (Reuters) - British security forces are prepared for King Charles' coronation, security minister Tom Tugendhat said on Wednesday, hours after a man was arrested outside Buckingham Palace for throwing shotgun cartridges. "We're in no way complacent" Tugendhat told Sky News. [1/2] Police members and security forces guard at the gates of Buckingham Palace after British police arrested a man outside Buckingham Palace for throwing what they believe were shotgun cartridges, in London, Britain May 2, 2023. Tugendhat told Times Radio the event was "one of the most important security operations that the country has put into plan." "The police are, to put it mildly, all over it, and our intelligence and other security forces are extremely aware of the challenge that we face," he said.

☆ UK police well prepared for King Charles's coronation
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Muvija M | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LONDON, May 3 (Reuters) - More than 11,000 police officers will patrol London's streets for King Charles' coronation on Saturday, the biggest ceremonial event staged in the British capital for 70 years, and they are well prepared to handle any incident, officials said on Wednesday. However, demonstartions are also planned by anti-monarchists in Trafalgar Square and along the procession route. Security Minister Tom Tugendhat told Times Radio the event was one of the most important security operations the country has ever mounted. [1/4] A police officer keeps guard ahead of King Charles' coronation, in London, Britain, May 3, 2023. "Republic will not be deterred and we will be protesting on Trafalgar Square and along the route of the coronation procession on Saturday," Smith said in a statement.

☆ UK antitrust regulator refused permission to appeal Apple probe ruling
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

LONDON, May 3 (Reuters) - Britain's antitrust regulator was on Wednesday refused permission to appeal against a ruling that it had no power to open an investigation into Apple Inc's (AAPL.O) mobile browser and cloud gaming services. The Competition Appeal Tribunal quashed the decision to open the investigation and on Wednesday refused the CMA's application for permission to appeal against that ruling. The CMA can still take its bid for permission to appeal against the tribunal's ruling directly to the Court of Appeal. "We are carefully considering the tribunal's decision and are considering our next steps," a CMA spokesperson said. But, in its decision refusing permission to appeal, the tribunal said that the law on when the CMA can open a market investigation is clear.

☆ Explainer: What next for Microsoft's $69 billion Activision deal after UK ban?
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( Paul Sandle | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LONDON, April 28 (Reuters) - Britain's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on Wednesday blocked Microsoft's (MSFT.O) $69 billion acquisition of 'Call of Duty' maker Activision Blizzard (ATVI.O) over concerns it would hinder cloud gaming. The regulator's decision reflected a flawed understanding of the market, it said. Microsoft can appeal to Britain's Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT), an independent judicial body, which will only examine the CMA's decision-making process, not the merits of the merger. "The CAT aims to deal with 'straightforward' cases in under nine months – and Microsoft/Activision is anything but straightforward," Lane, said. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint to block the deal, which Microsoft has indicated it will fight.

☆ BBC's Sharp resigns after breaching rules over Boris Johnson loan
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( Sarah Young | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The investigation, initiated by the public appointments watchdog, examined the way in which Sharp was selected by the government to chair the corporation in 2021. Specifically, it looked at whether Sharp fully disclosed details of his role in facilitating an 800,000 pound ($1 million) loan for Johnson before he was named chairman. The report found that, while he had breached the government's code for public appointments, that breach did not necessarily invalidate his appointment. "I have decided that it is right to prioritise the interests of the BBC," Sharp said in a statement. The report mentions Johnson's Downing Street office as having recommended Sharp as "a strong candidate" for the role, which attracted 23 applications.

☆ Explainer: What next for Microsoft's $69 bln Activision deal after UK ban?
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( Paul Sandle | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The regulator's decision reflected a flawed understanding of the market, it said. Microsoft can appeal to Britain's Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT), an independent judicial body, which will only examine the CMA's decision-making process, not the merits of the merger. "The CAT aims to deal with 'straightforward' cases in under nine months – and Microsoft/Activision is anything but straightforward," Lane, said. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint to block the deal, which Microsoft has indicated it will fight. The regulator then "identified certain potential errors" in its investigation chaired by Martin Coleman, who also oversaw the Microsoft-Activision case.

☆ UK watchdog defends Microsoft block in face of onslaught from companies
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) blocked the deal on Wednesday, saying it could hit competition in the nascent cloud gaming market. Microsoft's president Brad Smith said the decision "had shaken confidence in the UK tech industry" and was "probably the darkest day in our four decades in Britain". "There's a clear message here - the European Union is a more attractive place to start a business than the United Kingdom," he added. "That's important for UK consumers and UK business and it's those UK consumers and UK businesses that the CMA is here to protect," she told BBC radio. She said Britain had not acted alone, noting that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission was also suing to block the deal.

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