Nissan ponders building cars for Chinese rivals at Sunderland plant
Posted on Wednesday May 13, 2026

CEO admits talks with Chery as other European carmakers discuss plans with Chinese firms to share factory space

• Business live – latest updates

Nissan’s chief executive has confirmed he would consider building cars for other manufacturers at the UK’s largest car factory in Sunderland, amid talks with China’s Chery.

Ivan Espinosa said Nissan was “looking at options” for Sunderland and its 6,000 workers as the struggling Japanese carmaker on Wednesday reported steep losses for the year to March.

Read more...

Nigel Farage faces inquiry over £5m gift from crypto billionaire
Posted on Wednesday May 13, 2026

Watchdog to examine whether Reform UK leader should have declared sum he received before entering parliament

Nigel Farage is facing a formal investigation by the parliamentary standards watchdog over a £5m gift from the crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne.

The Reform UK leader received the money weeks before announcing he would stand as a candidate in the 2024 general election.

Read more...

‘I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation,’ says Trump amid Iran talks
Posted on Wednesday May 13, 2026

With US inflation at a three-year high, US president insisted he’s not focused on economic hardship sparked by the conflict

• Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email

Donald Trump has said the growing financial pressure inflicted on Americans by the war on Iran is “not even a little bit” motivating him to make a peace deal with Tehran.

With US inflation at a three-year high, and fuel costs still climbing after a sharp rise in oil prices, the US president said on Tuesday that he is not focused on the economic hardship sparked by the conflict.

Read more...

EU proposes end to ‘five tabs, three apps and a prayer’ for cross-border train bookings
Posted on Wednesday May 13, 2026

New rules would enable single-ticket bookings across multiple rail operators throughout Europe

Cross-border train journeys through several European countries are the stuff of many a holidaymaker’s dreams.

But the reality of trying to buy the tickets, navigating multiple websites without knowing who can help if a connection is missed, can prove less than relaxing. As one MEP puts it, it can often require “five tabs, three apps and a prayer”.

Read more...

US-based internet suicide forum implicated in 160 UK deaths fined £950,000
Posted on Wednesday May 13, 2026

Ofcom attempts to block UK access to site cited in multiple coroners’ reports as it levies fine under Online Safety Act

A nihilistic internet suicide forum implicated in over 160 UK deaths has been fined £950,000 by the online regulator in its latest attempt to shut it down.

Ofcom said the US-based website remained accessible in the UK despite over a year of warnings. Online safety campaigners have accused the regulator of taking an “interminable” amount of time to act.

Read more...

Chelsea flower show garden designers clash over use of AI
Posted on Wednesday May 13, 2026

Horticulturalists express alarm after award-winning Matt Keightley launches app that can automate designs

With glasses of champagne sipped among the peonies, Chelsea flower show is generally a friendly and genteel occasion. But this year, the secateurs have been drawn as gardeners clash over the use of AI in designing the exhibits.

Matt Keightley, an award-winning designer who has created gardens for figures including Prince Harry, is using artificial intelligence to design his garden for the prestigious show, held at the Royal Hospital gardens in Chelsea, London, next week.

Read more...

Manchester United set for talks to make Michael Carrick permanent head coach
Posted on Wednesday May 13, 2026

• Carrick has accrued 33 points from 15 league matches

• United hierarchy not concerned by relative inexperience

Manchester United are to open formal discussions with Michael Carrick with a view to appointing him as permanent head coach.

The 44-year-old’s success since taking the role on an interim basis in early January has impressed Jason Wilcox, the director of football, and the chief executive, Omar Berrada. After replacing Ruben Amorim, who was sacked on 5 January, Carrick has returned 33 points from 15 Premier League matches, the most accrued during that span.

Read more...

Sarah Taylor named England men’s fielding coach while Gay, Rew and Baker receive call-ups
Posted on Wednesday May 13, 2026

• Uncapped trio in squad for first New Zealand Test

• Crawley dropped; Ahmed and Bashir named as spinners

On a day when England named three uncapped players in their Test squad, and announced a return for Ollie Robinson after two years in cold storage, perhaps the most significant news was the identity of their new fielding coach.

Sarah Taylor, the former England wicketkeeper, will be in charge of the fielding drills during the three-Test series against New Zealand that gets under way at Lord’s on 4 June – the first female coach to work in the men’s senior setup.

Read more...