UK factory output falls at fastest rate since February amid tax rise fears

Manufacturers in the UK have cut back output at the fastest rate in 11 months, compounding the gloomy picture for the British economy, according to a closely watched survey.The purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for manufacturing fell in December to 47, down from 48 in November – its weakest reading since February. Any reading below 50 signals a contraction.Sterling fell on foreign exchange markets after the news, underlining the challenge facing the Labour government, as it hopes for an economic upturn.The pound was down almost 1% against the dollar by mid-afternoon in London, at $1

Brompton profits plunge more than 99% amid bike industry turmoil

The boss of Brompton Bicycle has predicted that 2025 will be another year of turmoil for the bike industry after profits at the British folding bicycle maker dived by more than 99% amid a wave of discounting by rivals.Profits fell from £10.7m to £4,602 in the year to the end of March 2024 – less than the cost of Brompton’s top-of-the-range T Line Explore bike – as riders sought cheaper options during a cost of living squeeze.Sales at the company based in Greenford, Middlesex – whose cheapest model costs almost £1,000 – fell 5.3% to £122

Tesla shares fall as company reports first decline in annual deliveries

Tesla reported its first decline in annual deliveries on Thursday, as the automaker handed over fewer-than-expected electric vehicles in the fourth quarter and incentives failed to boost demand for its ageing lineup of models. The company failed to meet quarterly delivery targets multiple times in 2024.Deliveries for 2024 were 1.79m, 1.1% lower than a year ago, below estimates of 1

If smart AI is so scary, why even develop it? | Brief letters

Prof Geoffrey Hinton claims “we’re going to develop AIs that are smarter than people. And that’s a very scary thought” (‘Godfather of AI’ shortens odds of the technology wiping out humanity over next 30 years, 27 December). The obvious response to this is: if something is “very scary”, why do it?Máire DaviesLondon Geoffrey Hinton seems to think humans are, so far, the most intelligent beings. To willingly contrive to get ourselves into this predicament suggests otherwise.Neil BlackshawAlnwick, Northumberland Delighted that the King’s daughter has been honoured with an MBE – Dawn Astle, that is, daughter of Jeff Astle, the King of the Baggies, rewarded for her work campaigning for research into head injuries in football (Report, 30 December)

Luke Littler sets up world darts final against Michael van Gerwen – as it happened

Luke Littler is one win away from creating history as he booked his place in a second successive PDC World Darts Championship final.The 17-year-old beat Stephen Bunting 6-1 in a masterful semi-final performance at Alexandra Palace, remaining on course to become the youngest men’s world champion in the sport.Standing in the way of his destiny is the current record holder Michael van Gerwen, who was 24 when he won his first title, after the Dutchman saw off Chris Dobey 6-1 in his last-four match.Friday night’s final promises to be the hottest ticket in town as the two biggest names in the sport go head-to-head for the Sid Waddell Trophy.Littler is chasing the crown he threatened to win on debut 12 months ago as a 16-year-old, eventually losing to Luke Humphries in the final, while the Dutchman is one win away from a fourth title

Novak Djokovic extends Monfils misery with record 20th win over Frenchman

Novak Djokovic extended the most dominant head-to-head record in the history of tennis by defeating Gaël Monfils 6-3, 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International.The victory was Djokovic’s 20th over Monfils, the 38-year-old who is still searching for his first win against the Serbian after competing against him on the professional circuit for 20 years. Rafael Nadal’s 18-0 record against Richard Gasquet is the second most lopsided in the sport.“[Monfils’] game suits me well,” said Djokovic. “To some extent the more you win against someone, the ­happier you are to play him