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  • ✇The Guardian World news
  • Plan for healthier school meals in England will hit services, say caterers Lauren Almeida
    Trade body warns that changes are likely to drive up costs and push pupils to find somewhere to buy junk food Business live – latest updatesA government push to get schoolchildren eating more lentils, pulses and beans at lunch could have a “devastating effect”, making catering services unviable, school meal providers have warned.Proposals for healthier meals in English schools, which would limit the amount of desserts and reduce “grab-and-go” items such as pizzas and sausage rolls, would pile pr
     

Plan for healthier school meals in England will hit services, say caterers

23 April 2026 at 12:00

Trade body warns that changes are likely to drive up costs and push pupils to find somewhere to buy junk food

A government push to get schoolchildren eating more lentils, pulses and beans at lunch could have a “devastating effect”, making catering services unviable, school meal providers have warned.

Proposals for healthier meals in English schools, which would limit the amount of desserts and reduce “grab-and-go” items such as pizzas and sausage rolls, would pile pressure on an already struggling sector, caterers said.

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© Photograph: Ben Birchall/PA

© Photograph: Ben Birchall/PA

© Photograph: Ben Birchall/PA

Bibby Stockholm asylum barge contractor admits overcharging UK government £118m

23 April 2026 at 10:15

Australia’s Corporate Travel Management is ‘negotiating commercial arrangements’ to refund the money

The Australian company that ran the Bibby Stockholm asylum barge has admitted it overcharged the British government by £118m.

Corporate Travel Management (CTM) said its auditor had found evidence of “erroneous billing” of its UK clients, increasing its estimate of how much it owes the government by £40m.

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© Photograph: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images

© Photograph: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images

© Photograph: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images

  • ✇The Guardian World news
  • Number of billionaires globally could reach 4,000 in next five years Lauren Almeida
    There are now 3,110 billionaires but analysis shows ‘deep structural acceleration’ in wealth creation around worldThe number of billionaires in the world could reach nearly 4,000 by 2031, figures suggest, as the super-rich accumulate wealth at an accelerating rate.There are now 3,110 billionaires globally, according to analysis by the estate agent Knight Frank. This is forecast to rise by 25% over the next five years, taking the total to 3,915. Continue reading...
     

Number of billionaires globally could reach 4,000 in next five years

23 April 2026 at 04:00

There are now 3,110 billionaires but analysis shows ‘deep structural acceleration’ in wealth creation around world

The number of billionaires in the world could reach nearly 4,000 by 2031, figures suggest, as the super-rich accumulate wealth at an accelerating rate.

There are now 3,110 billionaires globally, according to analysis by the estate agent Knight Frank. This is forecast to rise by 25% over the next five years, taking the total to 3,915.

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© Photograph: Chris Harris/Alamy

© Photograph: Chris Harris/Alamy

© Photograph: Chris Harris/Alamy

Oil prices rise and markets fall after US seizure of ship hits Iran peace deal hopes

20 April 2026 at 10:18

FTSE 100 slides and UK gas prices up amid fears strait of Hormuz will be closed for extended period

Oil prices have risen sharply and European stock markets have fallen, after the US seizure of an Iranian vessel hit hopes for a peace deal.

Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil prices, rose by as much as 5% on Monday to $95.50 (£70.75) a barrel.

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© Photograph: Asghar Besharati/AP

© Photograph: Asghar Besharati/AP

© Photograph: Asghar Besharati/AP

More Britons opt to holiday in UK this summer amid uncertainty over flights

19 April 2026 at 08:00

Holiday park firms say such bookings are on the rise because of impact of Iran war on aviation

Holiday companies have predicted a surge in bookings for UK summer breaks after a jump in interest from Britons fearful of flight cancellations linked to the Iran war.

Summer bookings are expected to rise in the coming weeks amid warnings of possible jet fuel shortages and resulting cancellations by airlines across Europe.

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© Photograph: Aaron Chown/PA

© Photograph: Aaron Chown/PA

© Photograph: Aaron Chown/PA

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