Latest news with #post-Brexit
Scotsman
9 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Amazon's £40bn expansion brings 1000s of jobs: what it means
Amazon's investment will bring cutting-edge tech, better wages, and fresh career opportunities to the UK 🌍 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Amazon is investing £40 billion in the UK over the next three years, boosting regional growth New fulfilment centres in Hull and Northampton will create at least 4,000 jobs by 2026 Two more warehouses planned for the East Midlands in 2027 will add thousands more roles Investment also includes upgrades to data centres, tech like drones, and Amazon's London HQ The move supports the government's 'levelling up' agenda, spreading innovation outside London Amazon is making a bold bet on Britain's regions, announcing a landmark £40 billion investment aimed at creating jobs and fuelling economic growth far beyond the traditional powerhouses of London and the South East. At the heart of the expansion are four new fulfilment centres – including confirmed sites in Hull and Northampton – which will bring at least 4,000 new roles by 2026. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Two more large-scale warehouse facilities are planned for the East Midlands in 2027, likely adding thousands more jobs, though the exact locations remain under wraps. But this isn't just about warehouses. Amazon's investment, which spans the next three years, also includes billions in data infrastructure, cutting-edge technologies like drones and robotics, improvements to staff wages and benefits, and a major upgrade to its London headquarters in Shoreditch. (Photo:) | Getty Images The scale and spread of the spending signals a new chapter in Amazon's UK strategy – one that aligns with the government's 'levelling up' agenda and sends a strong message to global investors: Britain, post-Brexit and amid political change, is still a key destination for innovation and growth. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called it a 'massive vote of confidence in the UK,' while Chancellor Rachel Reeves described it as a 'powerful endorsement of Britain's economic strengths.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Amazon CEO Andy Jassy emphasised the company's commitment to reaching every corner of the UK. He said: 'When Amazon invests, it's not only in London and the South East – we're bringing innovation and job creation to communities throughout England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.' What does it mean for the UK economy? With more than 75,000 already on its payroll, Amazon is one of the UK's largest private sector employers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This new injection of funding not only strengthens its logistics network but also helps build long-term regional resilience by introducing high-tech jobs, skills training, and digital infrastructure in under-served areas. For Hull, Northampton, and the East Midlands, it means more than just jobs – it could mark the beginning of a deeper transformation, bringing global tech investment into areas historically overlooked. As the UK economy seeks stable ground and sustainable growth, this investment could provide a much-needed anchor. Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Leader Live
a day ago
- Business
- Leader Live
M&S boss criticises post-Brexit food labelling as ‘bureaucratic madness'
Stuart Machin described 'yet another layer of unnecessary costs and red tape for retailers', as he revealed that more than 1,000 M&S products destined for Northern Ireland will need to have a 'Not for EU' sticker affixed from next week. These labels have been phased in since 2023 when the post-Brexit trading deal was agreed. The Windsor Framework was negotiated by the UK and EU to address issues which had arisen in the operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol which effectively keeps Northern Ireland within the EU for trade. Next week sees the final phase of the Windsor Framework come into effect, adding yet another layer of unnecessary costs and red tape for food retailers like M&S. – 1000+ M&S products destined for Northern Ireland will need to have a 'Not For EU' label stuck on them. – Another… — Stuart Machin (@MachinStuart1) June 27, 2025 However, rules were needed to ensure goods for the UK did not enter the EU single market in the Republic of Ireland. Earlier this month the UK Government indicated it would hope for a smoother flow of trade when its new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal with the EU is finalised. Mr Machin indicated he was hopeful that the stickers may become unnecessary following the new deal. He took to social media on Friday to express his frustration. 'Next week sees the final phase of the Windsor Framework come into effect, adding yet another layer of unnecessary costs and red tape for food retailers like M&S. – 1000+ M&S products destined for Northern Ireland will need to have a 'Not For EU' label stuck on them,' he posted on the social media platform X. 'Another 400 will need to go through additional checks in the 'Red Lane'. 'Quite frankly it's bureaucratic madness, confusing for customers, and completely unnecessary given the UK has some of the highest food standards in the world. 'The Government's SPS deal with the EU will be game-changing, and it can't come soon enough!'
Powys County Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Former Mid and East Antrim chief faces prosecution over alleged deleted emails
The former head of Mid and East Antrim Council is facing prosecution in a probe into the alleged deletion of emails. Anne Donaghy has 'denied any wrongdoing during her time in office'. A solicitor of Ms Donaghy added she will 'vehemently contest these three technical offences'. Northern Ireland's Public Prosecution Service (PPS) on Friday confirmed that it has taken a decision to prosecute two people following a police probe into the alleged deletion of emails related to a freedom of information (FOI) request at the council in 2021. It comes after a BBC Spotlight programme reported police searches of the council offices in October 2021 and April 2022 were connected to an alleged attempt to delete correspondence around a decision to withdraw council staff involved in post-Brexit trade agreement checks at Larne Port. During a time of political tension over the introduction of an 'Irish Sea border', a number of staff were temporarily removed from the posts for their safety following alleged threats from loyalist paramilitaries. Department of Agriculture staff were also withdrawn from the port on February 1 2021 amid security concerns. However police later said they were not aware of any credible threats. A PPS spokesperson said one individual is being prosecuted for three offences under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, and a second individual is being prosecuted for one offence under the same Act. 'The charges relate to offences allegedly committed in April 2021 and June 2021,' they said. In total four individuals were reported on a police investigation file submitted to the PPS for consideration. The PPS said a senior prosecutor carefully considered all the available evidence and applied the test for prosecution before taking decisions in relation to the four reported individuals. 'It has been determined that the available evidence in relation to the other two reported individuals is insufficient in order to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction and therefore the test for prosecution is not met in relation to them,' they said. Solicitor Kevin Winters said Ms Donaghy has an outstanding High Court legal action against the council alleging discrimination. 'Today we received notification that she will be prosecuted on three counts of allegedly concealing records, aiding and abetting another person to erase or conceal a record and attempting to erase or conceal a record contrary to FOIA and other legislation,' he said. 'Our client denies any wrongdoing during her time in office and will vehemently contest these three technical offences. 'Central to her defence will be very strong allegations of investigative bias over the manner in which this inquiry has been conducted. 'Those same allegations have been the subject of a long-running complaint to PONI, the out workings of which will feature in any trial, if one is ever directed.' He added: 'Anne Donaghy has an impeccable record and service working for the council. 'She wants to put on record her sincere thanks for the all the support she has received from former colleagues in council and beyond in the wider community. 'Our client takes a lot of strength from this and knows it will serve her well going forward when confronting what are essentially contrived politically motivated allegations.'
North Wales Chronicle
a day ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
M&S boss criticises post-Brexit food labelling as ‘bureaucratic madness'
Stuart Machin described 'yet another layer of unnecessary costs and red tape for retailers', as he revealed that more than 1,000 M&S products destined for Northern Ireland will need to have a 'Not for EU' sticker affixed from next week. These labels have been phased in since 2023 when the post-Brexit trading deal was agreed. The Windsor Framework was negotiated by the UK and EU to address issues which had arisen in the operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol which effectively keeps Northern Ireland within the EU for trade. Next week sees the final phase of the Windsor Framework come into effect, adding yet another layer of unnecessary costs and red tape for food retailers like M&S. – 1000+ M&S products destined for Northern Ireland will need to have a 'Not For EU' label stuck on them. – Another… — Stuart Machin (@MachinStuart1) June 27, 2025 However, rules were needed to ensure goods for the UK did not enter the EU single market in the Republic of Ireland. Earlier this month the UK Government indicated it would hope for a smoother flow of trade when its new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal with the EU is finalised. Mr Machin indicated he was hopeful that the stickers may become unnecessary following the new deal. He took to social media on Friday to express his frustration. 'Next week sees the final phase of the Windsor Framework come into effect, adding yet another layer of unnecessary costs and red tape for food retailers like M&S. – 1000+ M&S products destined for Northern Ireland will need to have a 'Not For EU' label stuck on them,' he posted on the social media platform X. 'Another 400 will need to go through additional checks in the 'Red Lane'. 'Quite frankly it's bureaucratic madness, confusing for customers, and completely unnecessary given the UK has some of the highest food standards in the world. 'The Government's SPS deal with the EU will be game-changing, and it can't come soon enough!'
North Wales Chronicle
a day ago
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
Former Mid and East Antrim chief faces prosecution over alleged deleted emails
Anne Donaghy has 'denied any wrongdoing during her time in office'. A solicitor of Ms Donaghy added she will 'vehemently contest these three technical offences'. Northern Ireland's Public Prosecution Service (PPS) on Friday confirmed that it has taken a decision to prosecute two people following a police probe into the alleged deletion of emails related to a freedom of information (FOI) request at the council in 2021. It comes after a BBC Spotlight programme reported police searches of the council offices in October 2021 and April 2022 were connected to an alleged attempt to delete correspondence around a decision to withdraw council staff involved in post-Brexit trade agreement checks at Larne Port. During a time of political tension over the introduction of an 'Irish Sea border', a number of staff were temporarily removed from the posts for their safety following alleged threats from loyalist paramilitaries. Department of Agriculture staff were also withdrawn from the port on February 1 2021 amid security concerns. However police later said they were not aware of any credible threats. A PPS spokesperson said one individual is being prosecuted for three offences under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, and a second individual is being prosecuted for one offence under the same Act. 'The charges relate to offences allegedly committed in April 2021 and June 2021,' they said. In total four individuals were reported on a police investigation file submitted to the PPS for consideration. The PPS said a senior prosecutor carefully considered all the available evidence and applied the test for prosecution before taking decisions in relation to the four reported individuals. 'It has been determined that the available evidence in relation to the other two reported individuals is insufficient in order to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction and therefore the test for prosecution is not met in relation to them,' they said. Solicitor Kevin Winters said Ms Donaghy has an outstanding High Court legal action against the council alleging discrimination. 'Today we received notification that she will be prosecuted on three counts of allegedly concealing records, aiding and abetting another person to erase or conceal a record and attempting to erase or conceal a record contrary to FOIA and other legislation,' he said. 'Our client denies any wrongdoing during her time in office and will vehemently contest these three technical offences. 'Central to her defence will be very strong allegations of investigative bias over the manner in which this inquiry has been conducted. 'Those same allegations have been the subject of a long-running complaint to PONI, the out workings of which will feature in any trial, if one is ever directed.' He added: 'Anne Donaghy has an impeccable record and service working for the council. 'She wants to put on record her sincere thanks for the all the support she has received from former colleagues in council and beyond in the wider community. 'Our client takes a lot of strength from this and knows it will serve her well going forward when confronting what are essentially contrived politically motivated allegations.'
