UK sugar tax to be extended to more soft drinks and milkshakes – business live

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to present a tax-heavy budget on November 26, 2025, which is expected to test the confidence of investors and the Labour Party. This budget follows consultations with bond-market investors and Labour backbenchers, highlighting the government's focus on fiscal responsibility amid economic challenges.

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is set to unveil her second budget on November 26, 2025, after a period of preparation that has included consultations with both bond-market investors and Labour Party backbenchers. This budget is anticipated to address pressing economic challenges, including a potential downgrade in growth forecasts for the next five years due to previous government policies.

Volkswagen has announced the completion of a new R&D centre in Hebei, eastern China, enabling the company to develop new cars entirely outside Germany for the first time in its history. This move aims to strengthen its position in the world's largest auto market.

The UK is set to see an increase in minimum wage rates, benefiting approximately three and a half million low-paid workers across the country. This adjustment reflects ongoing efforts to improve the financial conditions of the workforce and address living costs.

The UK government has faced criticism for conceding to the British Virgin Islands' request to restrict access to a company share ownership register, limiting it to individuals with a legitimate interest. This decision contradicts a 2008 UK law mandating broader access to the register. Discussions on this issue are set to take place between Foreign Office ministers and leaders of British overseas territories in London.

The UK government has announced an extension of the sugar tax to include bottled milkshakes and pre-packaged lattes, lowering the sugar threshold from 5g to 4.5g per 100ml. This initiative aims to address rising obesity rates among children and improve public health outcomes.

The UK government has announced an extension of the sugar tax to include pre-packaged milk-based drinks, such as bottled milkshakes and lattes, by lowering the sugar threshold from 5g to 4.5g per 100ml. This decision is part of ongoing efforts to address rising obesity rates in the country.

Marissa Adams, HSBC's Regional Head of Global Trade Solutions for Europe and Americas, expressed optimism regarding the growth of international trade among US companies during an interview with Bloomberg. She highlighted that US corporates are more positive about trade prospects compared to their global counterparts, indicating a potential shift in trade dynamics.