A decade after Britain voted to leave the European Union, many business leaders who once stood on opposite sides of the Brexit debate say they are disappointed with the outcome. Simon Boyd, who runs a company producing prefabricated steel structures on England’s south coast, and Mike Hawes, head of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, both believe Brexit has brought more difficulties than expected. Supporters of Brexit had promised that leaving the EU would allow Britain to regain control over its laws, borders and economy, creating a stronger and more independent future. However, critics argue that the reality has been far different, with slower economic growth, higher taxes, pressure on public services and continued challenges with immigration.
Boyd, whose company REIDSteel exports products worldwide, still supports Brexit but says the benefits have not appeared because political leaders failed to properly deliver on the promises made during the campaign. He also points to global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and international conflicts as factors that affected Britain’s progress. Economists argue that leaving the EU’s single market created lasting economic problems. New trade rules increased costs and made business with European countries more complicated. Research suggests Brexit has negatively affected Britain’s economy, reducing GDP, investment and productivity compared with what might have happened if the country had remained in the EU.
The automotive sector has been among the industries most affected. British car manufacturers warned before Brexit that additional paperwork and trade barriers would hurt an industry deeply connected with European supply chains. Hawes said companies have adapted but face higher costs and increased pressure. Although Brexit allowed Britain to create its own trade agreements with countries around the world, the EU remains a major trading partner, accounting for a significant share of the country’s imports and exports.
The end of free movement of workers also created problems for some industries. Restaurant owners, especially those relying on overseas workers, say they struggled after many European employees left and new visa rules made hiring more difficult. Some business groups feel they were misled by promises that Brexit would make it easier to bring in skilled workers from countries such as India and Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has started discussions with the EU to improve relations and support economic recovery. Recent polling indicates that public dissatisfaction with Brexit has increased, with more people saying the outcome has been worse than they expected. Despite the criticism, Brexit supporters like Boyd continue to believe Britain can succeed outside the EU. They argue that the country has not fully benefited because the agreement negotiated after Brexit kept too many links with Europe and limited Britain’s ability to operate independently. They insist that returning to the EU is not the solution and that the country must move forward with its current path.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is expected to arrive in Tehran on Saturday for talks with senior Iranian officials regarding the recently signed Iran-US Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), according to Iran's ISNA news agency citing Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei.
Baghaei said Naqvi will hold meetings with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss various aspects of the agreement. According to diplomatic sources quoted by ISNA, the discussions will focus on issues including the removal of economic sanctions, mechanisms to verify both sides' commitments, and matters related to Iran's nuclear programme.
The Persian Gulf Strait Authority announced on Saturday that vessels can apply for passage through the Strait of Hormuz during the designated period, provided they comply with the required procedures. Tensions in the region remain high as renewed Israeli strikes in Lebanon reportedly killed five people, including two minors and a Lebanese soldier, according to Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA). The escalation threatens to undermine the fragile stability sought under the recently signed US-Iran MoU.
The 14-point agreement calls for an immediate and lasting halt to military operations, including those involving Lebanon, and commits both sides to finalizing a broader agreement within 60 days, with the possibility of an extension by mutual consent. Adding to the tensions, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sparked controversy on Friday with comments posted on X advocating stronger military action in Lebanon. His remarks drew widespread criticism after he wrote that Lebanon should face severe consequences in response to attacks on Israel, arguing that Israeli security must remain a top priority regardless of international pressure.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with Benoit Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Saint-Gobain, during his visit to Paris, France. The meeting was part of a packed schedule in the French capital following the Prime Minister's participation in the G7 Summit. Paris marks the second stop on PM Modi's three-nation diplomatic tour. During his stay, he is expected to engage in a series of bilateral interactions and take part in the VivaTech Summit 2026, one of Europe's most influential events focused on technology, startups, and innovation.
This year's VivaTech carries special significance for India, which has been designated as the event's official AI partner country. The summit brings together global policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders to discuss the future of innovation and emerging technologies.
At the event, PM Modi is expected to showcase India's growing role in the global technology ecosystem, highlighting achievements in digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and other advanced sectors. Demonstrating India's expanding presence in the innovation landscape, the country will also host the largest national pavilion at the exhibition.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to join French President Emmanuel Macron for several key sessions at the summit. Their participation will conclude with a joint keynote address focusing on innovation, technology-driven growth, and opportunities for deeper collaboration between India and Europe. PM Modi's visit includes interactions with the Indian community in France. A large diaspora gathering featuring cultural performances and presentations celebrating India's rich traditions is expected to be one of the highlights of the Paris programme.
The visit follows PM Modi's engagements at the G7 Summit, where he emphasized India's priorities on sustainable development, reforms in global governance, and strengthening international trade partnerships. Through a message shared on social media platform X, he called for closer cooperation with countries across the Global South to promote inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity.
During discussions at the G7 outreach sessions, the Prime Minister also advocated stronger collaboration between India, developing nations, and G7 members to improve trade links, connectivity, and economic resilience. He further drew attention to the impact of ongoing tensions in West Asia, noting that developing economies often bear the greatest economic consequences of regional conflicts.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Monday strongly supported the recently concluded India–EU Free Trade Agreement, describing it as one of the most ambitious trade deals ever reached, and assured Slovakia’s full backing for its rapid implementation. During the India–Slovakia exchange of MoUs and joint press statements with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bratislava, Fico said the agreement would open up major economic opportunities for both sides and deliver significant benefits to Slovakia’s export-driven industries.
He noted that Slovakia welcomed the agreement between the EU and India, adding that it was among the most ambitious FTAs ever signed. He also said Slovakia would take all necessary practical measures to ensure its quick implementation. Highlighting the importance of the automotive sector in Slovakia, Fico said reduced tariffs on cars—set at around 10%—would be particularly beneficial for the country’s economy.
He also invited Indian companies to invest in Slovakia, pointing to the country’s political stability, investor-friendly environment, and ability to support foreign businesses. Fico further expressed support for expanding cooperation through public-private partnership (PPP) projects, saying such initiatives would be welcomed by his government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in turn, thanked Slovakia for its support in finalising the India–EU FTA and said India would work toward its early implementation so that businesses, startups, and traders on both sides could benefit. PM Modi also highlighted the growing economic ties between India and Slovakia and said both sides had discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in areas such as automobiles, railways, advanced manufacturing, and green technology, emphasizing the strong potential for future collaboration.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from YouTube/MEA.
The US military is planning to set up a permanent, ready-to-use weapons stockpile for the Marine Corps in southeastern Australia, as part of efforts to boost its presence in the Indo-Pacific and counter China’s growing military strength. Around $30 million has reportedly been set aside to build warehouses and offices in Victoria. The site will support forward military logistics and is expected to become fully operational by 2028, starting in Melbourne before moving to the Bandiana base. The stockpile will include weapons and equipment maintained at high readiness, marking the first Marine Corps land-based prepositioned facility in the Asia-Pacific region.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Nick Ames, Lucy Ward, and Jacob Steinberg as England kick off their World Cup campaign in impressive fashion. The episode invites listeners to rate, review, and share on Apple Podcasts, and to join the discussion via email. Today’s focus is England’s 4–2 win over Croatia, with Thomas Tuchel’s side pressing aggressively and playing with real tempo and attacking intent, particularly in a strong second half. The panel debates how much significance should be attached to such a convincing opening performance. Elsewhere in the group, Ghana’s 1–0 win over Panama receives only brief attention before moving on to DR Congo, who earned a well-deserved draw against a disappointing Portugal side. This naturally leads to growing discussion about Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in the team going forward. The episode also previews the next set of fixtures, includes Nick Ames reporting from the GOP convention on his day off, revisits the ongoing “apples” segment, and wraps up with listener questions. Listeners are encouraged to support The Guardian and follow Football Weekly on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
On Saturday, Donald Trump stated that negotiations with Tehran were progressing positively and that a deal to end the conflict was largely in place. Just a day later, the United States carried out strikes in southern Iran. By Thursday, Trump had shared a draft peace proposal for the Iran conflict with allied nations. As the future of a US-Iran agreement remains uncertain, Jonathan Freedland speaks with Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group to explore why Trump has repeatedly shifted his approach to ending the war.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
An Ebola outbreak has been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, with around 400 confirmed cases and over 100 deaths. To understand its possible origin, containment measures, and why it is especially concerning, Ian Sample speaks with clinical epidemiologist Daniela Manno from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
On the eve of Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing, hosts Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy explore how the US president’s stance on relations with Xi Jinping has evolved since his first presidential campaign, and what both leaders are likely hoping to gain from the meeting. The discussion also highlights the group of technology CEOs accompanying Trump, including Elon Musk of Tesla and Apple chief Tim Cook, and explains why trade issues are expected to dominate the agenda. The segment examines how Trump’s ballroom project escalated to an estimated billion-dollar cost and questions who is ultimately expected to fund it.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
