The question is not simply how much we spend on defence, but what we understand defence and security to mean, says SIMON BRIGNELL
THE Bank of England’s raising of interest rates this week was a poor decision that will do little to nothing to restrain price rises, adds to the financial burdens on households and small businesses and increases the joint risks of recession and financial crisis.
But it’s not all bad news: new figures from Unite the Union show that the four largest banks’ profits are up £7bn since the start of the pandemic, as rising Bank of England interest rates have been turned into higher borrowing costs for households and businesses — while, naturally, savings rates have barely moved.
Sarcasm aside, the best that can be said for the rates rise, with two dissenting members of the rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee voting to keep rates the same, is that the bank is less likely to repeat this madness in future.
Burnham urged to raise taxes on banks after Barclays reveals 30% rise in pre-tax profits
Trade unions call for windfall tax hike to fund social energy tariff to public’s energy bills
Fertiliser chaos triggered by Gulf conflict could send prices soaring and leave millions facing devastating hunger, writes DYLAN MURPHY



