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The Bank of England has maintained its base interest rate at 5%, with Governor Andrew Bailey indicating a gradual reduction in borrowing costs may be on the horizon. Bailey noted that while inflation has decreased significantly, the Bank will require more evidence of sustained low inflation before implementing further rate cuts.

Inflation remained at 2.2% last month, slightly above the Bank’s target. The decision to hold rates was widely anticipated, following a reduction from 5.25% in August—the first cut since the pandemic began in 2020. Bailey expressed optimism about future rate decreases but stressed the importance of caution to avoid cutting rates too quickly or excessively.

“The decision to keep rates steady was guided by the need to address persistent inflationary pressures,” Bailey said. He added that inflation must remain low to justify any further reductions. The base interest rate influences borrowing costs, affecting mortgages, credit cards, and savings returns. While higher rates have led to increased borrowing costs, they have also benefited savers.

The elevated rates have impacted many households, including James and Sofia, who recently moved to a smaller home due to rising rent. Their rent had increased by £100 a month to £1,650, prompting their move to a £1,400 rental property. Sofia, who had to return to work early from maternity leave due to financial strain, reported challenges such as relying on food banks and struggling with fuel costs.

Despite these issues, the Bank of England’s latest assessment suggests some positive economic developments. Mortgage approvals have risen to their highest level since September 2022, and there are reports of improving real incomes. However, the Bank anticipates inflation will climb to around 2.5% towards the end of the year, with the UK economy showing signs of gradual improvement.

Bailey noted that the economic impact of major global events, including the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war, has lessened. “We’ve managed to navigate past the severe effects of these global shocks,” he said, though he acknowledged that economic recovery has been slow. The Bank expects economic growth between July and September to be 0.3%, down from the 0.4% expansion previously anticipated.

The UK economy has experienced sluggish growth in recent years, prompting the new Labour government to pledge reforms aimed at revitalizing economic performance. The Bank of England’s cautious approach reflects ongoing concerns about inflation and economic stability as it looks to balance rate adjustments with broader economic conditions.

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Greta Thunberg Arrested in Brussels During Climate Protest Against EU Fossil Fuel Subsidies

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Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested by Belgian police on Saturday during a protest in Brussels aimed at demanding an end to fossil fuel subsidies by the European Union. The demonstration, organized by ‘United for Climate Justice’ and ‘Extinction Rebellion,’ saw activists block a key road just a few kilometres from the European Parliament and European Commission buildings.

Thunberg, along with dozens of other demonstrators, was surrounded by police during the protest. Several activists were detained, while onlookers chanted “you are not alone” in support of those being arrested. The protest is part of ongoing actions pressuring the EU to phase out subsidies for the oil and gas industry.

Last week, ‘United for Climate Justice’ sent an open letter to the European Union and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling for immediate action to halt fossil fuel subsidies. Although von der Leyen has previously called for phasing out these subsidies, reports show that the EU continues to spend more than €100 billion annually on the fossil fuel industry.

The letter outlined three key demands: setting a timeline to phase out subsidies by 2025, adopting comprehensive methodological guidance for EU member states, and creating a framework for transparency and accountability. Protesters argue that these measures are essential for addressing the growing climate crisis.

Angela Huston Gold, a spokesperson for ‘United for Climate Justice,’ explained the group’s motivation for protesting. “The climate crisis has reached catastrophic and deadly levels,” she said in a statement to Euronews. “The European Commission has committed to stop subsidising the fossil industries in the 8th Environmental Action Programme (EAP), yet continues to support oil and gas with hundreds of billions of euros in subsidies each year.”

Gold emphasized the need for multiple forms of activism, including marches, letters, lawsuits, and civil disobedience, to hold the EU accountable. “We know they [the European Commission] will not listen unless we disrupt and call attention to the issue,” she added.

The group plans to continue and escalate its efforts across Europe, with further protests and actions expected later in October. Stickers advertising upcoming demonstrations were distributed during the Brussels protest, signaling the movement’s determination to push for greater climate action.

Thunberg’s arrest comes as she continues to lead global efforts to challenge governments and institutions on their environmental policies, urging swift and meaningful action to combat the climate emergency.

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Study: Nearly Half of UK Toddlers’ Calories Come from Ultra-Processed Foods, Raising Long-Term Health Concerns

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A new analysis reveals that nearly half of the calories consumed by toddlers in the United Kingdom come from ultra-processed foods, which are linked to poor health outcomes later in life. According to the study conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL), 47% of the calories in the diets of two-year-olds come from ultra-processed foods, a figure that rises to 59% by the time children reach the age of seven.

Ultra-processed foods are industrially produced items typically high in fat, sugar, and salt. Common examples include ready-to-eat meals, breakfast cereals, yoghurts, biscuits, sausages, chips, and pre-sliced bread. These foods are associated with increased risks of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, mental health issues, and cancer in adulthood.

The study, which tracked the diets of nearly 2,600 children, was published in the European Journal of Nutrition. Parents were asked to document their children’s food intake over several days, which researchers then classified into categories ranging from unprocessed foods, such as milk or vegetables, to ultra-processed items containing multiple additives.

The study found that toddlers most commonly consumed ultra-processed items such as flavoured yoghurts, high-fibre cereals, and whole grain breads. By age seven, their intake shifted towards puddings, sweet cereals, and white bread.

While not all ultra-processed foods are inherently unhealthy, many products marketed as healthy options contain high levels of added sugars and salts, the researchers warned. Dr. Rana Conway, the study’s lead author and a nutritionist at UCL, highlighted the challenges parents face when trying to provide healthy diets for their children in today’s food environment.

“It’s not easy to feed children healthily in our current food environment,” Conway said. “Highly processed foods are often cheaper than the foods parents would like to give their children, such as fresh fruit and vegetables.”

The study divided toddlers into five groups based on their ultra-processed food consumption. At the lowest level, 28% of their calories came from these foods, while at the highest level, 69% of their calories were derived from ultra-processed products. Children across all groups consumed more added sugar than the 5% recommended by the UK government.

The researchers called for policy changes to address the issue, such as adding warning labels on food packaging and introducing subsidies for healthier food options to support parents.

The study also noted that white and higher-income individuals were overrepresented, limiting the generalizability of the findings across the UK population.

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Lebanese Hospitals Halt Operations Amid Israeli Strikes, Dozens of Health Workers Killed

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At least four hospitals in Lebanon have suspended operations amid ongoing Israeli strikes, while a Hezbollah-linked health organization reported that 11 paramedics were killed within the past 24 hours. The closures mark an escalating crisis as Israeli airstrikes continue to hit healthcare facilities across the country.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Israeli attacks over the past two weeks have forced at least 37 hospitals to shut down and killed dozens of medical workers. Late on Friday, the Israeli military accused Hezbollah of using medical vehicles for military purposes, warning that any suspected vehicle could be targeted.

In southern Lebanon, hospitals have borne the brunt of the attacks. Dr. Mounes Kalakish, director of Marjayoun Governmental Hospital, told the BBC that his hospital had to close after an airstrike hit two ambulances at the hospital’s entrance, killing seven paramedics. “The nurses and doctors were terrified. We tried to continue, but it was impossible,” he said.

The hospital had already been struggling with a skeleton crew of only 20 doctors, down from its usual 120 staff members. Dr. Shoshana Mazraani, the hospital’s emergency director, described hearing the cries of paramedics after the strike but was warned by colleagues to stay back, fearing further attacks. The closure of Marjayoun is seen as a “tragedy for the region,” said Dr. Mazraani, who emphasized the hospital’s vital role in serving surrounding villages and providing specialized services like dialysis.

Elsewhere, Saint Therese Hospital, located on the edge of Beirut, also suspended services after being heavily damaged in a strike. Other hospitals are continuing to operate under dire conditions, with Dr. Mohammed Hamadeh of Tebnine Hospital saying a nearby blast shook the building, forcing them to limit operations for safety reasons.

Late Friday, Salah Ghandour Hospital in Bint Jbeil announced its closure after being “violently shelled,” following orders from the Israeli army to evacuate. The Israeli military stated that its target was a nearby mosque allegedly used by Hezbollah fighters.

The strikes have not been confined to southern Lebanon. On Thursday, Israeli forces hit a medical center in central Beirut belonging to the Hezbollah-affiliated Islamic Health Organization, killing nine and injuring 14. The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted “terror assets.”

The Lebanese Red Cross also reported that four of its paramedics were wounded while evacuating patients, despite coordinating with the Israeli military. Gabriel Karlsson, country manager for the British Red Cross in Beirut, stressed that health workers must be protected, stating, “Teams from the Red Cross and Red Crescent are a lifeline – they must be protected.”

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern over the rising toll on healthcare workers, reporting that 28 health staff were killed in Lebanon in a single day. Many healthcare workers are now avoiding hospitals due to safety concerns.

Lebanon’s Health Minister Firass Abiad said on Thursday that 97 rescue workers have been killed since the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel escalated last October. More than 40 of these deaths occurred in the past week alone.

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