Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak holds a huddle with journalists on route to a G7 summit in Japan. AFP
Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak holds a huddle with journalists on route to a G7 summit in Japan. AFP
Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak holds a huddle with journalists on route to a G7 summit in Japan. AFP
Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak holds a huddle with journalists on route to a G7 summit in Japan. AFP

World

UK

Sunak pledges to cut UK taxes when inflation cools

Prime Minister says he is confident he is delivering Brexit benefits from an economic perspective

Soraya Ebrahimi
Soraya Ebrahimi

May 17, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

The British Prime Minister has said he intends to bring down taxes when inflation cools and claimed the economy was defying expectations, after experts said one in five people would be paying a higher rate of tax under his policies.

Rishi Sunak dismissed Nigel Farage’s declaration that “Brexit has failed” and said the nation’s finances were receiving boosts from the departure from the EU.

Brexiteers are pressuring the Prime Minister to seize on the ability to deregulate the economy, slash taxes and scrub laws written in Brussels from the statute book.

But he majorly downgraded the promised legislative “bonfire” before the Institute for Fiscal Studies projected that 7.8 million people would be paying income tax at 40 per cent or above by 2027-28.

Speaking to journalists travelling with him to a G7 summit in Japan, Mr Sunak said: “Right now, we’re grappling with high inflation and elevated borrowing and it is responsible to deal with that first.

“Once we have reduced inflation and brought borrowing under control, I would very much like to be able to reduce the tax burden.”

As millions suffer under a cost-of-living crisis, the Prime Minister expressed optimism about the economy after the Bank of England stopped forecasting that the UK would enter a recession this year.

Rishi Sunak through the years – in pictures

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announces July 4 as the date for the 2024 general election at No 10 Downing Street. Here, The National looks back at his political career. Getty Images
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announces July 4 as the date for the 2024 general election at No 10 Downing Street. Here, The National looks back at his political career. Getty Images
Mr Sunak during local election campaigning in Teesside in May 2024. Getty Images
Mr Sunak during local election campaigning in Teesside in May 2024. Getty Images
Mr Sunak presents cupcakes to journalists on board a plane on the way to Warsaw in April 2024. Getty Images
Mr Sunak presents cupcakes to journalists on board a plane on the way to Warsaw in April 2024. Getty Images
Mr Sunak during a press conference in Downing Street in January after the Safety of Rwanda Bill passed its third reading in the House of Commons. Getty Images
Mr Sunak during a press conference in Downing Street in January after the Safety of Rwanda Bill passed its third reading in the House of Commons. Getty Images
Being applauded after his speech at the Conservative Party conference in October 2023. Getty Images
Being applauded after his speech at the Conservative Party conference in October 2023. Getty Images
Looking pensive alongside then-home secretary Suella Braverman at No 10 in October 2023. She didn't last much longer in the cabinet. Getty Images
Looking pensive alongside then-home secretary Suella Braverman at No 10 in October 2023. She didn't last much longer in the cabinet. Getty Images
Mr Sunak sits in an old Special Branch police vehicle which was used to transport former prime minister Margaret Thatcher, in July 2023. Getty Images
Mr Sunak sits in an old Special Branch police vehicle which was used to transport former prime minister Margaret Thatcher, in July 2023. Getty Images
On board Border Agency cutter HMC Seeker during a visit to Dover in June 2023. Getty Images
On board Border Agency cutter HMC Seeker during a visit to Dover in June 2023. Getty Images
Mr Sunak alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during the G7 Summit in May 2023. Getty Images
Mr Sunak alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during the G7 Summit in May 2023. Getty Images
Mr Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty arriving in Japan ahead of the G7 Summit in May 2023. Getty Images
Mr Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty arriving in Japan ahead of the G7 Summit in May 2023. Getty Images
Mr Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt sending a message at Accrington Market Hall in January 2023. Getty Images
Mr Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt sending a message at Accrington Market Hall in January 2023. Getty Images
Mr Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet in Ukraine's capital Kyiv in November 2022. Getty Images
Mr Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet in Ukraine's capital Kyiv in November 2022. Getty Images
King Charles III welcomes Mr Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government in October 2022. Getty Images
King Charles III welcomes Mr Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government in October 2022. Getty Images
Mr Sunak makes a statement outside No 10 in October 2022 after taking office. Getty Images
Mr Sunak makes a statement outside No 10 in October 2022 after taking office. Getty Images
Mr Sunak arrives inside Number 10 in October 2022. Photo: Simon Walker/ No 10 Downing Street
Mr Sunak arrives inside Number 10 in October 2022. Photo: Simon Walker/ No 10 Downing Street
Greeted by colleagues at Conservative Party HQ after having been announced winner of the leadership contest in October 2022. Getty Images
Greeted by colleagues at Conservative Party HQ after having been announced winner of the leadership contest in October 2022. Getty Images
Mr Sunak at Westminster Hall in London following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. PA
Mr Sunak at Westminster Hall in London following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. PA
Mr Sunak visits his family's old business, Bassett Pharmacy, on the campaign trail in August 2022. Getty Images
Mr Sunak visits his family's old business, Bassett Pharmacy, on the campaign trail in August 2022. Getty Images
Mr Sunak looks at an NLAW anti-tank launcher during a visit to the Thales Defence System plant in Belfast in August 2022. Getty Images
Mr Sunak looks at an NLAW anti-tank launcher during a visit to the Thales Defence System plant in Belfast in August 2022. Getty Images
At a hustings event in Exeter in August 2022. Getty Images
At a hustings event in Exeter in August 2022. Getty Images
Celebrates England's first goal as he watches the Women's Euro 2022 final in Salisbury in July 2022. Getty Images
Celebrates England's first goal as he watches the Women's Euro 2022 final in Salisbury in July 2022. Getty Images
Mr Sunak and Ms Truss take part in the BBC Leadership debate at Victoria Hall, Hanley, in July 2022. Getty Images
Mr Sunak and Ms Truss take part in the BBC Leadership debate at Victoria Hall, Hanley, in July 2022. Getty Images
With daughters Krisna and Anoushka and wife Akshata Murthy in July 2022. Getty Images
With daughters Krisna and Anoushka and wife Akshata Murthy in July 2022. Getty Images
Opening the Great Ayton Village Fete during the queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. Getty Images
Opening the Great Ayton Village Fete during the queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. Getty Images
Mr Sunak and Ms Murthy speak to then-Prince Charles at a British Asian Trust event in February 2022. Getty Images
Mr Sunak and Ms Murthy speak to then-Prince Charles at a British Asian Trust event in February 2022. Getty Images
Mr Sunak arrives at COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021 when he was chancellor. Getty Images
Mr Sunak arrives at COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021 when he was chancellor. Getty Images
Holding the budget box as he departs 11 Downing Street to deliver his Autumn Budget in October 2021. Getty Images
Holding the budget box as he departs 11 Downing Street to deliver his Autumn Budget in October 2021. Getty Images
At a press conference on the 2021 Budget in London in March 2021. Getty Images
At a press conference on the 2021 Budget in London in March 2021. Getty Images
With former prime minister Boris Johnson during a visit to PD Ports on the River Tees in March 2021. Getty Images
With former prime minister Boris Johnson during a visit to PD Ports on the River Tees in March 2021. Getty Images
Mr Sunak poses with the budget box at 11 Downing Street in March 2021. Getty Images
Mr Sunak poses with the budget box at 11 Downing Street in March 2021. Getty Images
Meeting staff back at work after being furloughed at Hamleys toy shop in London, December 2020. Photo: HM Treasury
Meeting staff back at work after being furloughed at Hamleys toy shop in London, December 2020. Photo: HM Treasury
Mr Sunak visits the Imperial Clinic Research Facility at Hammersmith Hospital, London, in November 2020. Getty Images
Mr Sunak visits the Imperial Clinic Research Facility at Hammersmith Hospital, London, in November 2020. Getty Images
Lighting a candle for Diwali on Downing Street, November 2020. Getty Images
Lighting a candle for Diwali on Downing Street, November 2020. Getty Images
Working on a speech in his flat above 11 Downing Street in November 2020. Photo: HM Treasury
Working on a speech in his flat above 11 Downing Street in November 2020. Photo: HM Treasury
Mr Johnson and Mr Sunak visit the headquarters of Octopus Energy in London in October 2020. Getty Images
Mr Johnson and Mr Sunak visit the headquarters of Octopus Energy in London in October 2020. Getty Images
With his 'Winter Economy Plan' outside 11 Downing Street in September 2020. AFP
With his 'Winter Economy Plan' outside 11 Downing Street in September 2020. AFP
Decorating a plate at Emma Bridgewater pottery in Stoke pottery in September 2020. Getty Images
Decorating a plate at Emma Bridgewater pottery in Stoke pottery in September 2020. Getty Images
Promoting 'eat out to help out' on the Isle of Bute, Scotland, in August 2020. Getty Images
Promoting 'eat out to help out' on the Isle of Bute, Scotland, in August 2020. Getty Images
A member of the public takes a selfie with Rishi Sunak during a visit to Scotland in August 2020. AFP
A member of the public takes a selfie with Rishi Sunak during a visit to Scotland in August 2020. AFP
Visiting a Wagamama restaurant in central London in July 2020. Photo: HM Treasury
Visiting a Wagamama restaurant in central London in July 2020. Photo: HM Treasury
Rishi Sunak visits a Pret A Manger in Westminster in July 2020. HM Treasury
Rishi Sunak visits a Pret A Manger in Westminster in July 2020. HM Treasury
With Mr Johnson at his first Cabinet meeting after a reshuffle at 10 Downing Street in February 2020. Getty Images
With Mr Johnson at his first Cabinet meeting after a reshuffle at 10 Downing Street in February 2020. Getty Images
Mr Sunak speaks during a general election debate in Cardiff in November 2019. Getty Images
Mr Sunak speaks during a general election debate in Cardiff in November 2019. Getty Images

“The IFS will make its own estimates. What I would say is, recently, we’ve seen massive upgrades in our growth forecasts from a range of different people, whether that’s the Bank of England and others including the IFS previously,” Mr Sunak said.

“You can see that in surveys from CFOs [chief financial officers] and other things – economic optimism is increasing, consumer confidence is increasing, growth estimates are being raised.”

He argued that the Office for National Statistics figures on disposable income are “hugely outperforming what people thought”.

“So I think there are lots of signs that things are moving in the right direction.”

UK Chancellor says 'best tax cut right now is a cut in inflation' – video

This week Mr Farage, the prominent Leave campaigner, said the country had “not actually benefited from Brexit economically”.

He blamed the Conservatives for mismanaging the economy, saying: “Brexit has failed.”

But Mr Sunak insisted he is “actually delivering the benefits of Brexit as opposed to just talking about it”.

The Prime Minister said he has commissioned freeports, cut VAT on sanitary products, reformed alcohol duties and was culling hundreds of EU-era laws.

“These are not small things and they come on top of all the other things. I feel pretty confident that we are delivering the benefits of Brexit from an economic perspective – the track record is very clear on that,” he said.

After a lengthy response, Mr Sunak said he was “glad to get that off my chest”.

NO OTHER LAND

Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal

Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham

Rating: 3.5/5

DMZ facts
  • The DMZ was created as a buffer after the 1950-53 Korean War.
  • It runs 248 kilometers across the Korean Peninsula and is 4km wide.
  • The zone is jointly overseen by the US-led United Nations Command and North Korea.
  • It is littered with an estimated 2 million mines, tank traps, razor wire fences and guard posts.
  • Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un met at a building in Panmunjom, where an armistice was signed to stop the Korean War.
  • Panmunjom is 52km north of the Korean capital Seoul and 147km south of Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital.
  • Former US president Bill Clinton visited Panmunjom in 1993, while Ronald Reagan visited the DMZ in 1983, George W. Bush in 2002 and Barack Obama visited a nearby military camp in 2012. 
  • Mr Trump planned to visit in November 2017, but heavy fog that prevented his helicopter from landing.
Yemen's Bahais and the charges they often face

The Baha'i faith was made known in Yemen in the 19th century, first introduced by an Iranian man named Ali Muhammad Al Shirazi, considered the Herald of the Baha'i faith in 1844.

The Baha'i faith has had a growing number of followers in recent years despite persecution in Yemen and Iran. 

Today, some 2,000 Baha'is reside in Yemen, according to Insaf. 

"The 24 defendants represented by the House of Justice, which has intelligence outfits from the uS and the UK working to carry out an espionage scheme in Yemen under the guise of religion.. aimed to impant and found the Bahai sect on Yemeni soil by bringing foreign Bahais from abroad and homing them in Yemen," the charge sheet said. 

Baha'Ullah, the founder of the Bahai faith, was exiled by the Ottoman Empire in 1868 from Iran to what is now Israel. Now, the Bahai faith's highest governing body, known as the Universal House of Justice, is based in the Israeli city of Haifa, which the Bahais turn towards during prayer. 

The Houthis cite this as collective "evidence" of Bahai "links" to Israel - which the Houthis consider their enemy. 

 

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Saturday (UAE kick-off times)

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Sunday

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Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)

Everton v Liverpool (10pm)

Monday

Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)

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  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
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Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

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EPL's youngest
  • Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
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  • Max Dowman (Arsenal)
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  • Jeremy Monga (Leicester)
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Pharaoh's curse

British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.

Results

Stage 7:

1. Caleb Ewan (AUS) Lotto Soudal - 3:18:29

2. Sam Bennett (IRL) Deceuninck-QuickStep - same time

3. Phil Bauhaus (GER) Bahrain Victorious

4. Michael Morkov (DEN) Deceuninck-QuickStep

5. Cees Bol (NED) Team DSM

General Classification:

1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates - 24:00:28

2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers - 0:00:35

3. Joao Almeida (POR) Deceuninck-QuickStep - 0:01:02

4. Chris Harper (AUS) Jumbo-Visma - 0:01:42

5. Neilson Powless (USA) EF Education-Nippo - 0:01:45

What is the FNC?

The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning. 
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval. 
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
 

War on waste
On Women's Day
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Castro (45'), Aspas (82')

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Red card: Sergi Roberto (Barcelona)

On Women's Day
The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

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Traits of Chinese zodiac animals

Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent   

While you're here
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?

The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.

A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.

Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.

The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.

When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.

Neighbourhood Watch
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
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What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

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Key figures in the life of the fort

Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.

Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae

Washmen Profile

Date Started: May 2015

Founders: Rami Shaar and Jad Halaoui

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Laundry

Employees: 170

Funding: about $8m

Funders: Addventure, B&Y Partners, Clara Ventures, Cedar Mundi Partners, Henkel Ventures

PSA DUBAI WORLD SERIES FINALS LINE-UP

Men’s:
Mohamed El Shorbagy (EGY)
Ali Farag (EGY)
Simon Rosner (GER)
Tarek Momen (EGY)
Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL)
Gregory Gaultier (FRA)
Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
Nick Matthew (ENG)

Women's:
Nour El Sherbini (EGY)
Raneem El Welily (EGY)
Nour El Tayeb (EGY)
Laura Massaro (ENG)
Joelle King (NZE)
Camille Serme (FRA)
Nouran Gohar (EGY)
Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)

While you're here
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Updated: May 17, 2023, 7:24 PM`
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