Rachel Reeves say GDP figures ‘are disappointing’ after UK economy shrinks for second month in a row – business live

A Chinese maritime expert warns that tensions in the South China Sea could escalate, predicting "more provocations" from the Philippines following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s strengthened political position after midterm elections. The analyst, Wu Shicun, also suggests Vietnam might become the next flashpoint due to its land reclamation efforts in the disputed Spratly Islands.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another routine territorial spat—it’s a sign that post-election confidence in Manila and Hanoi’s infrastructure moves could push Beijing to react more aggressively. With regional stability and global trade routes at stake, these tensions could ripple far beyond Asia, affecting everything from oil prices to U.S.-China relations. Keep an eye on how this plays out; it’s a slow-burning crisis with real consequences.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressed frustration as the UK economy shrank for the second consecutive month in May—a surprise downturn that puts her in a tough spot. The numbers suggest the recovery isn’t gaining momentum, and now she’s under even more scrutiny to turn things around.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another dry stats report—it’s a political headache. A shrinking economy means less confidence from businesses and households, and it piles pressure on Reeves to either defend her policies or change course. For everyday folks, it could signal tougher times ahead, from job security to prices at the till.

A teenage boy who was reported missing on Thursday evening has been found dead in a lake after an extensive search by authorities. Police have not yet released details about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance or death.

Editor’s Note: This tragic incident underscores the vulnerability of young people and the importance of community vigilance. It’s a heartbreaking reminder for parents and guardians to reinforce water safety, especially as warmer weather draws more kids to lakes and rivers. The story also highlights the critical role of emergency responders in these desperate situations.

The UK economy is showing signs of trouble, shrinking for the second month in a row—down 0.1% in May after a 0.3% drop in April. Rachel Reeves, likely a key political or economic figure, called the GDP figures "disappointing," hinting at broader concerns. The story also touches on external pressures like Trump-era trade policies, adding to the economic unease.

Editor’s Note: Back-to-back contractions in GDP are a red flag—it suggests the UK might be sliding into a recession, or at least facing a rough patch. With trade tensions and political scrutiny in the mix, this isn’t just a dry stats story. It’s about jobs, prices, and how much financial breathing room people have. If the trend continues, expect louder debates over how to fix it.

The EU is bracing for details on potential new US tariffs, as Donald Trump hinted that a letter outlining his proposal could arrive as soon as today or tomorrow. He specifically named the EU and Canada as targets, signaling a possible escalation in trade tensions.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just bureaucratic noise—it could mean higher costs for businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. Trump’s trade moves have a history of sparking retaliation, so Europe’s response (and how markets react) will be key to watch. If this plays out like past disputes, it could ripple through supply chains and inflation trends.