Rishi Sunak talks during a visit to St John's Wood Synagogue on Wednesday. AP
Rishi Sunak talks during a visit to St John's Wood Synagogue on Wednesday. AP
Rishi Sunak talks during a visit to St John's Wood Synagogue on Wednesday. AP
Rishi Sunak talks during a visit to St John's Wood Synagogue on Wednesday. AP

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Sunak says Truss tax-cut plans ‘are not moral’, in increasingly hostile leadership race

Candidates explain how they would support cash-strapped households during the crisis in the cost of living

Soraya Ebrahimi
Soraya Ebrahimi

August 10, 2022

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Conservative leadership candidate Rishi Sunak has suggested that Liz Truss’s tax-cutting proposals were not “moral” during an interview with the BBC broadcast on Wednesday night.

When asked about further support for the cost of living, the former chancellor said: “That’s what my plan is about and actually, alternative proposals that don’t focus on that I don’t think are right and I don’t think are, actually, quite frankly the moral thing to do.”

Mr Sunak said extra support he would give to vulnerable households could total a few billion pounds.

“Right, because that’s the scale, if you look at the scale of the problem we’re talking about, and then it depends exactly how we spread that around and provide most help to those who most need it,” he said.

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Mr Sunak said the government had a “moral responsibility” to help families through the crisis.

When he was chancellor in May he announced a £15.8 billion ($19.3bn) support package but on Wednesday he said that if he became prime minister he would go further.

“I do feel a moral responsibility as prime minister to go further and get extra help to people over the autumn and the winter, to help them cope with what is going to be a really difficult time,” Mr Sunak said.

“I think that is the right priority.”

Asked whether the extra payments would cost a “few billion” or more than £10 billion, he replied: “It’s much closer to the former than the latter.”

Mr Sunak also said he would “rather lose” the Conservative leadership contest while maintaining his values than promise “false things that I can’t deliver”.

He said he wanted to win back trust in politics after departing prime minister Boris Johnson’s turbulent leadership.

“I do think there has been a breakdown in trust because of the issues of the last several months and part of why I am sitting here is because I want to restore trust back into politics," Mr Sunak said.

“I want to put integrity and honesty at the heart of how I run government and how I want to be prime minister. And as you can see in this leadership contest, I have been doing that.

“I haven’t been saying the easy things and actually I am prepared to lose this contest if it means that I have been true to my values and I am fighting for the things that I think are right for this country.

“I would rather lose on those terms than win by promising false things that I can’t deliver.”

UK Conservatives on the leadership campaign trail — in pictures

Candidates Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss at the Conservative Party leadership election hustings at Wembley Arena, London. This was the final hustings attended by Tory Party members who will vote for the new leader and next prime minister. EPA
Candidates Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss at the Conservative Party leadership election hustings at Wembley Arena, London. This was the final hustings attended by Tory Party members who will vote for the new leader and next prime minister. EPA
Liz Truss addresses Conservative Party members at Wembley Arena. AP
Liz Truss addresses Conservative Party members at Wembley Arena. AP
Mr Sunak puts forward his case to be leader while speaking at Wembley Arena. Bloomberg
Mr Sunak puts forward his case to be leader while speaking at Wembley Arena. Bloomberg
Mr Sunak visits his family's old business, Bassett Pharmacy in Southampton, while on the campaign trail. Reuters
Mr Sunak visits his family's old business, Bassett Pharmacy in Southampton, while on the campaign trail. Reuters
Ms Truss speaks to staff at Condimentum Ltd at the Food Enterprise Park in Norwich. Getty Images
Ms Truss speaks to staff at Condimentum Ltd at the Food Enterprise Park in Norwich. Getty Images
A Rishi Sunak supporter at a hustings event in Norfolk. PA
A Rishi Sunak supporter at a hustings event in Norfolk. PA
Mr Sunak greets people at a leadership hustings in Manchester. Bloomberg
Mr Sunak greets people at a leadership hustings in Manchester. Bloomberg
Ms Truss poses for a selfie with a supporter as she arrives for the event in Manchester. Getty
Ms Truss poses for a selfie with a supporter as she arrives for the event in Manchester. Getty
Rishi Sunak looks through the sights of an anti-tank missile launcher, supplied to Ukraine, during a visit to the Thales Defence System plant in Belfast, Northern Ireland. AP
Rishi Sunak looks through the sights of an anti-tank missile launcher, supplied to Ukraine, during a visit to the Thales Defence System plant in Belfast, Northern Ireland. AP
Liz Truss at a Conservative Party leadership campaign event in Belfast. Getty
Liz Truss at a Conservative Party leadership campaign event in Belfast. Getty
Liz Truss meets supporters before a hustings in Perth, Scotland. Getty
Liz Truss meets supporters before a hustings in Perth, Scotland. Getty
Rishi Sunak speaks during a campaign visit to Cluny Castle in Inverurie, Scotland. Getty
Rishi Sunak speaks during a campaign visit to Cluny Castle in Inverurie, Scotland. Getty
Police hold back protesters outside Perth Concert Hall, Scotland, where Conservative leadership candidates Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak were speaking. PA
Police hold back protesters outside Perth Concert Hall, Scotland, where Conservative leadership candidates Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak were speaking. PA
A mural showing the two leadership contestants appears on a wall in Belfast, Northern Ireland. AP
A mural showing the two leadership contestants appears on a wall in Belfast, Northern Ireland. AP
Rishi Sunak during a visit to St John's Wood Synagogue, north London. PA
Rishi Sunak during a visit to St John's Wood Synagogue, north London. PA
Liz Truss at the Conservative Party leadership election hustings in Cheltenham. EPA
Liz Truss at the Conservative Party leadership election hustings in Cheltenham. EPA
Rishi Sunak during a hustings event in Cheltenham. Reuters
Rishi Sunak during a hustings event in Cheltenham. Reuters
Liz Truss speaks to scientists during a campaign visit to a life sciences laboratory at Alderley Park in Manchester. PA
Liz Truss speaks to scientists during a campaign visit to a life sciences laboratory at Alderley Park in Manchester. PA
Rishi Sunak during a campaign hustings in Darlington, England. Bloomberg
Rishi Sunak during a campaign hustings in Darlington, England. Bloomberg
Liz Truss meets party members before she speaks at the Darlington campaign hustings. Getty
Liz Truss meets party members before she speaks at the Darlington campaign hustings. Getty
Rishi Sunak arrives for the Darlington hustings. Getty
Rishi Sunak arrives for the Darlington hustings. Getty
Liz Truss plays pool during a visit to the Onside Future Youth Zone in London. Reuters
Liz Truss plays pool during a visit to the Onside Future Youth Zone in London. Reuters
Rishi Sunak looks at a book with Teddy Openshaw, 4, as his father, Henry, looks on after a Conservative leadership campaign event in Ribble Valley, Lancashire, England. Getty
Rishi Sunak looks at a book with Teddy Openshaw, 4, as his father, Henry, looks on after a Conservative leadership campaign event in Ribble Valley, Lancashire, England. Getty
Liz Truss plays table tennis with former Conservative party leader Iain Duncan Smith during a visit to the Onside Future Youth Zone in London. Reuters
Liz Truss plays table tennis with former Conservative party leader Iain Duncan Smith during a visit to the Onside Future Youth Zone in London. Reuters
Liz Truss with supporters at a campaign event in Solihull, England. Reuters
Liz Truss with supporters at a campaign event in Solihull, England. Reuters
Rishi Sunak attends a campaign event held by his party in Bexhill, England. Reuters
Rishi Sunak attends a campaign event held by his party in Bexhill, England. Reuters
A protester is removed as Ms Truss speaks during the Conservative Party leadership hustings in Eastbourne. Bloomberg
A protester is removed as Ms Truss speaks during the Conservative Party leadership hustings in Eastbourne. Bloomberg
Mr Sunak speaks at an event in Edinburgh. PA
Mr Sunak speaks at an event in Edinburgh. PA
Ms Truss leaves the hall in Exeter, south-west England, after her speech to a Conservative Party membership hustings. Getty
Ms Truss leaves the hall in Exeter, south-west England, after her speech to a Conservative Party membership hustings. Getty
Mr Sunak speaks at the University of Exeter in south-west England. AP
Mr Sunak speaks at the University of Exeter in south-west England. AP
A supporter of Ms Truss at a Conservative Party hustings in Exeter, south-west England. Getty
A supporter of Ms Truss at a Conservative Party hustings in Exeter, south-west England. Getty
Ms Truss at a hustings event at the Pavilion conference centre at Elland Road in Leeds. PA
Ms Truss at a hustings event at the Pavilion conference centre at Elland Road in Leeds. PA
Mr Sunak in Salisbury watching a screening of the Uefa Women's Euro 2022 final between England and Germany at Wembley stadium. England won 2-1 in extra time. PA
Mr Sunak in Salisbury watching a screening of the Uefa Women's Euro 2022 final between England and Germany at Wembley stadium. England won 2-1 in extra time. PA
Ms Truss before the Uefa Women's Euro 2022 final at Wembley stadium in London. AFP
Ms Truss before the Uefa Women's Euro 2022 final at Wembley stadium in London. AFP
Mr Sunak meets Tory members at Fontwell Park Racecourse. Reuters
Mr Sunak meets Tory members at Fontwell Park Racecourse. Reuters
Ms Truss at an event in Dereham, Norfolk. AFP
Ms Truss at an event in Dereham, Norfolk. AFP
Mr Sunak in Ropley, near Winchester, Hampshire. PA
Mr Sunak in Ropley, near Winchester, Hampshire. PA
Ms Truss speaks as Conservative Member of Parliament Tom Tugendhat looks on at a Conservative Party leadership campaign event at Biggin Hill Airport. Getty
Ms Truss speaks as Conservative Member of Parliament Tom Tugendhat looks on at a Conservative Party leadership campaign event at Biggin Hill Airport. Getty
Ms Truss on the campaign trail in Woodford Green, on the outskirts of London. Reuters
Ms Truss on the campaign trail in Woodford Green, on the outskirts of London. Reuters
Mr Sunak at a Conservative Party hustings event in Leeds. AFP
Mr Sunak at a Conservative Party hustings event in Leeds. AFP
Ms Truss speaks at the hustings event in Leeds. AFP
Ms Truss speaks at the hustings event in Leeds. AFP
Sunak and Truss-themed souvenirs at a stand during the Leeds hustings event. Reuters
Sunak and Truss-themed souvenirs at a stand during the Leeds hustings event. Reuters
Ms Truss, and her mother, Patricia, arrive for the hustings event. Getty
Ms Truss, and her mother, Patricia, arrive for the hustings event. Getty
Ms Truss poses with supporters in Morley, England. Getty
Ms Truss poses with supporters in Morley, England. Getty
Mr Sunak delivers a speech during a campaign event in Newmarket. AFP
Mr Sunak delivers a speech during a campaign event in Newmarket. AFP
Ms Truss and Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, during a visit to a broadband interchange company in Leeds. PA
Ms Truss and Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, during a visit to a broadband interchange company in Leeds. PA
Mr Sunak answers questions as he takes part in the hustings in Leeds. AFP
Mr Sunak answers questions as he takes part in the hustings in Leeds. AFP
Ms Truss speaks at an event at a private house with members of the Conservative Party in Woodford Green. PA
Ms Truss speaks at an event at a private house with members of the Conservative Party in Woodford Green. PA
Ms Truss and Mr Sunak pose for a picture before a BBC leadership debate at Victoria Hall in Hanley. Getty
Ms Truss and Mr Sunak pose for a picture before a BBC leadership debate at Victoria Hall in Hanley. Getty
Ms Truss addresses Mr Sunak during the televised debate. Getty
Ms Truss addresses Mr Sunak during the televised debate. Getty
Mr Sunak, with daughters Krishna and Anushka, and wife Akshata Murthy, during a visit to Vaculug tyre specialists at Gonerby Hill Foot, Grantham. PA
Mr Sunak, with daughters Krishna and Anushka, and wife Akshata Murthy, during a visit to Vaculug tyre specialists at Gonerby Hill Foot, Grantham. PA
Ms Truss speaks to people while campaigning in Marden. Getty
Ms Truss speaks to people while campaigning in Marden. Getty
Ms Truss celebrates after being named, along with Mr Sunak, one of the final two candidates in the race to become the UK's next prime minister. PA
Ms Truss celebrates after being named, along with Mr Sunak, one of the final two candidates in the race to become the UK's next prime minister. PA
Mr Sunak outside his campaign office in central London. EPA
Mr Sunak outside his campaign office in central London. EPA
Ms Truss outside Downing Street in London. Reuters
Ms Truss outside Downing Street in London. Reuters
Rishi Sunak meets Conservative Party members and activists, in Teesport, Redcar. Reuters
Rishi Sunak meets Conservative Party members and activists, in Teesport, Redcar. Reuters
Conservative leadership candidates Mr Sunak, Ms Truss, Kemi Badenoch, presenter Julie Etchingham, Tom Tugendhat and Penny Mordaunt during 'Britain's Next Prime Minister: The ITV Debate' in London. EPA
Conservative leadership candidates Mr Sunak, Ms Truss, Kemi Badenoch, presenter Julie Etchingham, Tom Tugendhat and Penny Mordaunt during 'Britain's Next Prime Minister: The ITV Debate' in London. EPA
Ms Badenoch arrives at Here East studios in Stratford, east London, before a live television debate. PA
Ms Badenoch arrives at Here East studios in Stratford, east London, before a live television debate. PA
Mr Sunak arrives at a London event to launch his campaign to be the next Conservative Party leader and UK prime minister. Reuters
Mr Sunak arrives at a London event to launch his campaign to be the next Conservative Party leader and UK prime minister. Reuters
Mr Tugendhat appears on the BBC One current affairs programme, 'Sunday Morning'. PA
Mr Tugendhat appears on the BBC One current affairs programme, 'Sunday Morning'. PA
Ms Badenoch, Ms Mordaunt, Mr Sunak, Ms Truss and Mr Tugendhat before the live television debate. PA
Ms Badenoch, Ms Mordaunt, Mr Sunak, Ms Truss and Mr Tugendhat before the live television debate. PA
Ms Mordaunt arrives for the launch of her Conservative leadership campaign at the Cinnamon Club in Westminster. PA
Ms Mordaunt arrives for the launch of her Conservative leadership campaign at the Cinnamon Club in Westminster. PA
Ms Truss speaks at the launch event for her campaign to become the next leader of the Tory Party and Britain's prime minister, in London. EPA
Ms Truss speaks at the launch event for her campaign to become the next leader of the Tory Party and Britain's prime minister, in London. EPA
Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi, one of the candidates who has been knocked out of the race, giving a speech at the Churchill War Rooms. PA
Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi, one of the candidates who has been knocked out of the race, giving a speech at the Churchill War Rooms. PA
Former leadership candidate Jeremy Hunt appearing on the BBC One current affairs programme, 'Sunday Morning'. PA
Former leadership candidate Jeremy Hunt appearing on the BBC One current affairs programme, 'Sunday Morning'. PA
Sajid Javid attending the launch of his campaign to be Conservative Party leader and prime minister, at the Cinnamon Club in London. He has since been knocked out of the contest. PA
Sajid Javid attending the launch of his campaign to be Conservative Party leader and prime minister, at the Cinnamon Club in London. He has since been knocked out of the contest. PA
Rehman Chishti is interviewed after announcing his bid to become the next prime minister. Mr Chishti is no longer in the race. Getty
Rehman Chishti is interviewed after announcing his bid to become the next prime minister. Mr Chishti is no longer in the race. Getty
Mr Tugendhat speaking at the launch of his campaign. PA
Mr Tugendhat speaking at the launch of his campaign. PA
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries and Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith arrive for the Truss campaign launch event. Getty
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries and Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith arrive for the Truss campaign launch event. Getty
Former leadership candidate Attorney General Suella Braverman at the Churchill War Rooms in central London. PA
Former leadership candidate Attorney General Suella Braverman at the Churchill War Rooms in central London. PA
Supporters of Mr Sunak wait for his arrival ahead of the campaign launch. Bloomberg
Supporters of Mr Sunak wait for his arrival ahead of the campaign launch. Bloomberg
Mr Tugendhat makes a speech at the launch of his campaign. PA
Mr Tugendhat makes a speech at the launch of his campaign. PA
Mr Javid mops his brow while launching his campaign. Getty
Mr Javid mops his brow while launching his campaign. Getty
Ms Truss leaves for work after her announcement that she would be running for the leadership of the Conservative Party. Getty
Ms Truss leaves for work after her announcement that she would be running for the leadership of the Conservative Party. Getty

But the Truss campaign accused Mr Sunak of “old fashioned, Gordon Brown-style politics of envy”.

“Liz believes in people keeping more of their own money, not Rishi’s socialist tax and spend, which will lead us to recession,” a campaign spokesman said.

Earlier, Treasury Chief Secretary Simon Clarke confirmed that officials were working on a new support package for the next prime minister to consider.

Mr Clarke said it was “absolutely right” for the new leader to consider “these options in the round” when they took the reins, and that they should steer clear of announcing “new, uncosted policies” during the election period.

Everything you need to know about Rishi Sunak - video

Meanwhile, Ms Truss — who had opposed further “handouts” — denied that she had ruled out more direct help for families struggling with soaring energy bills.

She said that if she became prime minister on September 5, she would instruct the chancellor to look at the issue “in the round” and to come up with a solution.

At the same time, Ms Truss said it was wrong to “whack up” taxes simply to pay out more in benefits, while her campaign team accused Mr Sunak of pursuing “socialist tax and spend” policies.

With analysts predicting average annual household energy bills could top £4,200 in January, the cost of living continued to dominate the exchanges in the battle to succeed Mr Johnson.

Ms Truss, who has said her priority is to reduce taxes, pledging to reverse a rise in national insurance, insisted she was committed to supporting working families through the winter.

“If the only answer to everything is to whack up taxes and give out more benefits, then the country is going to run into trouble," she said, taking questions on GB News from an audience in Leigh, Greater Manchester.

“We are predicted to have a recession. It is important we grow the economy.

“I will do everything I can to support working families who work hard and do the right thing.

“If I am elected as your prime minister, I will make sure the chancellor has an emergency budget and looks at this issue in the round and sorts this issue out.”

Everything you need to know about Liz Truss - video

Mr Sunak’s supporters said that she appeared to be backing away from her previous position.

“This is a major U-turn on the biggest issue currently facing the country,” a campaign spokesman said.

“Taking action means providing direct support, which Truss had previously dismissed as ‘handouts’.”

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EJuly%205%2C%201994%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Jeff%20Bezos%20founds%20Cadabra%20Inc%2C%20which%20would%20later%20be%20renamed%20to%20Amazon.com%2C%20because%20his%20lawyer%20misheard%20the%20name%20as%20'cadaver'.%20In%20its%20earliest%20days%2C%20the%20bookstore%20operated%20out%20of%20a%20rented%20garage%20in%20Bellevue%2C%20Washington%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EJuly%2016%2C%201995%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20formally%20opens%20as%20an%20online%20bookseller.%20%3Cem%3EFluid%20Concepts%20and%20Creative%20Analogies%3A%20Computer%20Models%20of%20the%20Fundamental%20Mechanisms%20of%20Thought%3C%2Fem%3E%20becomes%20the%20first%20item%20sold%20on%20Amazon%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E1997%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20goes%20public%20at%20%2418%20a%20share%2C%20which%20has%20grown%20about%201%2C000%20per%20cent%20at%20present.%20Its%20highest%20closing%20price%20was%20%24197.85%20on%20June%2027%2C%202024%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E1998%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20acquires%20IMDb%2C%20its%20first%20major%20acquisition.%20It%20also%20starts%20selling%20CDs%20and%20DVDs%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2000%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20Marketplace%20opens%2C%20allowing%20people%20to%20sell%20items%20on%20the%20website%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2002%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20forms%20what%20would%20become%20Amazon%20Web%20Services%2C%20opening%20the%20Amazon.com%20platform%20to%20all%20developers.%20The%20cloud%20unit%20would%20follow%20in%202006%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2003%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20turns%20in%20an%20annual%20profit%20of%20%2475%20million%2C%20the%20first%20time%20it%20ended%20a%20year%20in%20the%20black%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2005%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20Prime%20is%20introduced%2C%20its%20first-ever%20subscription%20service%20that%20offered%20US%20customers%20free%20two-day%20shipping%20for%20%2479%20a%20year%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2006%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20Unbox%20is%20unveiled%2C%20the%20company's%20video%20service%20that%20would%20later%20morph%20into%20Amazon%20Instant%20Video%20and%2C%20ultimately%2C%20Amazon%20Video%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2007%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon's%20first%20hardware%20product%2C%20the%20Kindle%20e-reader%2C%20is%20introduced%3B%20the%20Fire%20TV%20and%20Fire%20Phone%20would%20come%20in%202014.%20Grocery%20service%20Amazon%20Fresh%20is%20also%20started%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2009%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20introduces%20Amazon%20Basics%2C%20its%20in-house%20label%20for%20a%20variety%20of%20products%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2010%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20The%20foundations%20for%20Amazon%20Studios%20were%20laid.%20Its%20first%20original%20streaming%20content%20debuted%20in%202013%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2011%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20The%20Amazon%20Appstore%20for%20Google's%20Android%20is%20launched.%20It%20is%20still%20unavailable%20on%20Apple's%20iOS%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2014%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20The%20Amazon%20Echo%20is%20launched%2C%20a%20speaker%20that%20acts%20as%20a%20personal%20digital%20assistant%20powered%20by%20Alexa%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2017%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20acquires%20Whole%20Foods%20for%20%2413.7%20billion%2C%20its%20biggest%20acquisition%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2018%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon's%20market%20cap%20briefly%20crosses%20the%20%241%20trillion%20mark%2C%20making%20it%2C%20at%20the%20time%2C%20only%20the%20third%20company%20to%20achieve%20that%20milestone%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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Will the pound fall to parity with the dollar?

The idea of pound parity now seems less far-fetched as the risk grows that Britain may split away from the European Union without a deal.

Rupert Harrison, a fund manager at BlackRock, sees the risk of it falling to trade level with the dollar on a no-deal Brexit. The view echoes Morgan Stanley’s recent forecast that the currency can plunge toward $1 (Dh3.67) on such an outcome. That isn’t the majority view yet – a Bloomberg survey this month estimated the pound will slide to $1.10 should the UK exit the bloc without an agreement.

New Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly said that Britain will leave the EU on the October 31 deadline with or without an agreement, fuelling concern the nation is headed for a disorderly departure and fanning pessimism toward the pound. Sterling has fallen more than 7 per cent in the past three months, the worst performance among major developed-market currencies.

“The pound is at a much lower level now but I still think a no-deal exit would lead to significant volatility and we could be testing parity on a really bad outcome,” said Mr Harrison, who manages more than $10 billion in assets at BlackRock. “We will see this game of chicken continue through August and that’s likely negative for sterling,” he said about the deadlocked Brexit talks.

The pound fell 0.8 per cent to $1.2033 on Friday, its weakest closing level since the 1980s, after a report on the second quarter showed the UK economy shrank for the first time in six years. The data means it is likely the Bank of England will cut interest rates, according to Mizuho Bank.

The BOE said in November that the currency could fall even below $1 in an analysis on possible worst-case Brexit scenarios. Options-based calculations showed around a 6.4 per cent chance of pound-dollar parity in the next one year, markedly higher than 0.2 per cent in early March when prospects of a no-deal outcome were seemingly off the table.

Bloomberg

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Animal Welfare Abu Dhabi

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Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

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Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

The Transfiguration

Director: Michael O’Shea

Starring: Eric Ruffin, Chloe Levine

Three stars

On Women's Day
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups

Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.

Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.

Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.

Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.

Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.

Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.

Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.

The Settlers

Director: Louis Theroux

Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz

Rating: 5/5

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

While you're here
Gothia Cup 2025

4,872 matches 

1,942 teams

116 pitches

76 nations

26 UAE teams

15 Lebanese teams

2 Kuwaiti teams

Company profile

Company name: Suraasa

Started: 2018

Founders: Rishabh Khanna, Ankit Khanna and Sahil Makker

Based: India, UAE and the UK

Industry: EdTech

Initial investment: More than $200,000 in seed funding

Key products and UAE prices

iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229

iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649

iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179

Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.

While you're here
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While you're here
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi

  

 

 

 

Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.

 
Whiile you're here
TRAINING FOR TOKYO

A typical week's training for Sebastian, who is competing at the ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon on March 8-9:

  • Four swim sessions (14km)
  • Three bike sessions (200km)
  • Four run sessions (45km)
  • Two strength and conditioning session (two hours)
  • One session therapy session at DISC Dubai
  • Two-three hours of stretching and self-maintenance of the body

ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon

For more information go to www.abudhabi.triathlon.org.

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
The view from The National
While you're here
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
While you're here
More from this package
More on Quran memorisation:
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203S%20Money%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202018%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20London%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ivan%20Zhiznevsky%2C%20Eugene%20Dugaev%20and%20Andrei%20Dikouchine%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%245.6%20million%20raised%20in%20total%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tips for job-seekers
  • Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
  • Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.

David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East

WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

While you're here
How it works

Each player begins with one of the great empires of history, from Julius Caesar's Rome to Ramses of Egypt, spread over Europe and the Middle East.

Round by round, the player expands their empire. The more land they have, the more money they can take from their coffers for each go.

As unruled land and soldiers are acquired, players must feed them. When a player comes up against land held by another army, they can choose to battle for supremacy.

A dice-based battle system is used and players can get the edge on their enemy with by deploying a renowned hero on the battlefield.

Players that lose battles and land will find their coffers dwindle and troops go hungry. The end goal? Global domination of course.

More on this story:
While you're here
What are the influencer academy modules?
  1. Mastery of audio-visual content creation. 
  2. Cinematography, shots and movement.
  3. All aspects of post-production.
  4. Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
  5. Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
  6. Tourism industry knowledge.
  7. Professional ethics.
Updated: August 11, 2022, 7:01 AM`
Conservative leadership raceConservative PartyRishi SunakLiz Truss