Like France, the UK has always been centralised – and imposing a new political structure brings huge risks

Bank’s wariness about inflationary pressures from the conflict lie behind decision to hold steady at 3.75%

Kremlin may attempt to test Nato cohesion as Russia comes under growing pressure from Ukraine, according to sources from two countries

A 2% levy on fortunes above £100m – with no exemptions – could begin to reverse decades of rising inequality

Bankers and billionaires are flocking to the city where income tax is zero but critics say it ignores money laundering – and pay disparities are huge

Rising unemployment and falling inflation made a strong case for a cut but Andrew Bailey opted to wait and see

Leaders and voters who formerly applauded US president’s aims have been growing increasingly uneasy

Expert panel says report on gap in global wealth between rich and poor highlights need for intervention by G20

A debate on how to achieve fairer, greener growth could point the way to a successor for neoliberal capitalism

Half of Tory members also want Kemi Badenoch to be replaced as Conservative leader

Manufacturers say new rules on passing on assets threaten investment and future survival of businesses

Ray Dalio says business leaders scared to criticise Donald Trump as he warns of debt-induced crisis for the economy

Local authorities could be forced to approve new developments or risk giving planning control to Whitehall

Autocratic regime is malign actor on world stage and its efforts to undermine others’ economic resources must be limited

‘Got’ was changed during the editing of an opinion piece, leading to correspondence lamenting a slide into American English. But language isn’t a fortress, says the Guardian’s global readers’ editor E...

Confiscating the funds would shock Putin, help Ukraine, and take advantage of disillusionment in the US economy

Annual rise in April follows upturn in national insurance contributions and higher household costs

America’s tariff war on the world. Plus: The big, unsellable art of Jeremy Deller

Mexican officials are scrambling to come up with a plan to increase the amount of water the country sends to the United States because of growing concern that President Donald Trump could drag a dispute over an 81-year-old water treaty into trade negotiations, according to three sources familiar with the matter.

As the invasion enters its fourth year, analysts are examining the health of Ukraine and Russia, and who will be the better prospect for investors once the conflict ends. The answers are not as predic...

The former Green MP on patriotism, protest and and why Labour is much less ambitious than its voters

New research suggests that spending on those with the most complex needs can release so much financial benefit that it should be regarded as an investment

Angela Rayner says government ‘under no illusions’ as cash-strapped authorities try to avoid bankruptcy

Experts say it is inevitable government will let English local authorities exceed 5% cap if they are likely to go bust

With a knack for backing losers, the former enthusiastic supporter of Liz Truss became shadow home secretary

Rosy is unable to move, breathe or eat unassisted. Yet NHS assessors think it’s fine to leave her alone for hours at a time, says Guardian columnist Frances Ryan

Analysts say costs hitting highest level since 1998 risks wiping out almost all of chancellor’s £10bn buffer

In a private property market where supply is restricted, increased family wealth can simply drive up the cost of suitable homes

Letters: Observer and Guardian staff and writers respond to an article by the chair of the Scott Trust

Letters: Observer and Guardian staff and writers respond to an article by the chair of the Scott Trust

First speech by UK chancellor to eurozone finance ministers since 2020 will promise ‘business-like’ approach to relations

Letters: Former Observer editor Paul Webster responds to an article by the chair of the Scott Trust

Industrial action at producer causes complaints about lack of Greek meze staple in supermarkets across country

Campaigners point out it is often cheaper to drive or even fly within the UK than take the train