UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to dismantle NHS England, shifting its operations back under direct government control.

The move aims to streamline the healthcare system, reduce administrative overheads, and prioritise patient care.

Starmer, speaking during a visit to East Yorkshire, said the restructuring would ensure the NHS is “at the heart of government where it belongs.”

The plan is expected to impact the management of healthcare services across the country, reshaping how funding and resources are allocated.

NHS England was established in 2013 under then-Health Secretary Andrew Lansley as an independent body tasked with overseeing the delivery of healthcare services.

It employs approximately 13,000 people and manages NHS funding, sets priorities, and ensures high standards of care.

The organisation operates at arm’s length from the government, handling strategic planning and regulatory oversight.

Under the proposed changes, NHS England’s responsibilities will be reintegrated within government operations, with ministers taking direct control over healthcare management.

The rationale behind this move is to cut bureaucracy and redirect funds to frontline healthcare workers, particularly nurses.

Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting argue that the current model has contributed to inefficiencies, longer waiting times, and increased administrative costs.

Impact on patients and staff

The government claims that dismantling NHS England will lead to improved healthcare delivery, faster treatment times, and better allocation of financial resources.

By eliminating a layer of management, more funding is expected to be directed toward hiring and retaining medical staff.

The restructuring also seeks to simplify decision-making processes, ensuring that resources are deployed where they are needed most.

However, concerns remain about how the transition will be managed and whether it will disrupt services. NHS England has played a critical role in coordinating care, responding to public health crises, and ensuring quality standards.

Any missteps in transferring its responsibilities back to government control could have significant consequences for patient care.

Reversing 2012 NHS reforms

Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the changes as marking the end of the controversial 2012 NHS reorganisation under the Health and Social Care Act.

The reforms, introduced under then-Prime Minister David Cameron, aimed to decentralise healthcare management by giving NHS England more autonomy.

However, critics argue that the shift led to fragmented decision-making, higher costs, and longer waiting lists.

With the latest overhaul, Starmer’s government is seeking to undo these structural changes, reasserting direct ministerial oversight of the NHS.

The announcement signals a major shift in how the UK’s healthcare system will be managed, with the government now taking a more hands-on approach to funding, staffing, and operational decisions.

The post Why is NHS England being scrapped? appeared first on Invezz

The US government is set to vacate nearly 800 federal office spaces across the country in a drastic cost-cutting effort led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Internal documents from the General Services Administration (GSA) reveal that hundreds of lease cancellations will take effect by mid-year, forcing agencies to either relocate, downsize, or negotiate new terms.

The move, aimed at reducing government spending, is projected to save approximately $500 million but has raised concerns over the disruption to essential public services.

The agencies affected range from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to lesser-known but crucial offices such as the Bureau of Reclamation and the Railroad Retirement Board.

The scale of the lease terminations has triggered concerns among lawmakers, landlords, and agency officials, who fear the rushed process may cause logistical challenges and impact critical services.

Some agencies are already pushing back against the decision, arguing that their operations cannot be easily relocated or downsized.

Massive lease terminations target IRS, SSA, and key federal agencies

The GSA has officially notified landlords of 793 lease terminations, prioritising offices where cancellations can be enforced within months without penalties.

This marks one of the most aggressive real estate reductions in US government history, affecting a wide array of agencies.

The IRS alone is set to lose dozens of taxpayer assistance centres, potentially impacting services for individuals needing help with tax filings and refunds.

The SSA, responsible for handling millions of disability and retirement claims, also faces significant office closures.

Other affected agencies include the Bureau of Reclamation, which manages water supplies across the drought-prone Western US, and the Railroad Retirement Board, which provides financial benefits to railroad workers and their families.

Some agencies will be forced to consolidate offices, while others may attempt to extend their leases or shift to remote operations.

Despite the potential savings, the rapid pace of cancellations has drawn criticism.

Internal government sources suggest that some lease terminations were announced in error and have been quietly rescinded.

However, the updated DOGE list still includes newly added lease cancellations, indicating the full extent of the office downsizing is still evolving.

Federal agencies scramble to mitigate disruptions as landlords push back

The sweeping cuts have blindsided many landlords who had counted on long-term government leases, a typically stable investment.

Some agency officials were unaware of the cancellations until notified by building managers, highlighting the disorganized nature of the process.

Industry experts predict that many agencies will struggle to vacate their premises on time, potentially leading to holdover rent payments that could undermine DOGE’s cost-saving goals.

Concerns have also been raised about how agencies will manage the transition. While some offices may relocate, others will be left with no alternative but to shut down.

For instance, an IRS taxpayer assistance centre in Arizona, which helps low-income individuals file taxes, is among the locations at risk of losing its lease.

The prospect of office closures without clear relocation plans has left some employees and the public uncertain about future access to government services.

The Building Owners and Managers Association, representing commercial landlords, has advised property owners to prepare legal action to recover losses if government agencies fail to vacate on time.

Several lawmakers have also urged DOGE to reconsider or delay certain closures, particularly those affecting rural areas with limited alternative service options.

Government cost-cutting plan raises questions over long-term savings

While the lease terminations are estimated to save $500 million over the next decade, critics argue that the broader economic impact remains uncertain.

Costs associated with relocating agencies, renegotiating leases, and potentially paying for holdover rent could offset the anticipated savings.

The move is part of a broader effort to reduce the federal government’s real estate footprint, an initiative that began before Musk’s involvement but has now been drastically accelerated.

Congress had already passed a law requiring federal agencies to assess office occupancy rates, with guidelines suggesting leases should be terminated if usage falls below 60%.

However, many of the offices facing closure provide in-person services that cannot be easily transferred online or consolidated.

At a recent congressional hearing, Government Accountability Office official David Marroni supported the idea of reducing excess government office space but warned that such efforts must be carefully planned.

While some agencies are exploring ways to minimise disruption, others remain in limbo as the lease termination process unfolds.

The true impact of these cuts will become clearer in the coming months as affected offices prepare to close, relocate, or push back against the decision.

The post US government to vacate 793 offices as Elon Musk’s DOGE cuts real estate costs appeared first on Invezz

The US-EU trade dispute has intensified, with US President Donald Trump threatening to impose a 200% tariff on European wine, cognac, and other alcohol imports.

This move comes in response to the European Union’s (EU) plan to raise tariffs on American whiskey and other products next month—a retaliatory measure against the US 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium that took effect on Wednesday.

Markets reacted swiftly to the escalating tensions, with the S&P 500 closing over 10% below its record high, confirming a correction in the benchmark US index. Investors fear that Trump’s move signals broader trade restrictions that could hurt global markets and further strain economic ties.

Meanwhile, Canada, a key US ally and top supplier of aluminium, has also announced countermeasures and has taken the dispute to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Alcohol at the centre of US-EU tariff dispute

The latest round of trade tensions highlights how alcohol imports have become a key battleground in the economic standoff.

The EU’s planned tariffs on American whiskey were in direct response to Trump’s recent metals tariffs, and now the White House is pushing back with a 200% tax on European alcohol imports.

The decision is expected to impact major European exporters, particularly France, Spain, and Italy, which dominate the US market for fine wines and spirits.

The European Commission has yet to issue a formal response to Trump’s latest tariff threat, but Brussels is likely to push back with further countermeasures, escalating tensions even further.

Meanwhile, some Canadian retailers have started removing American bourbon from their shelves, reflecting growing discontent over Trump’s “America First” trade policy.

US-Canada trade talks stall over metal tariffs

Canada, which supplies the largest share of aluminium to the US, has also entered the dispute, launching a formal complaint with the WTO over Trump’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium.

Canadian officials, including Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to discuss potential resolutions, but talks failed to produce a breakthrough.

Trump has remained firm on his protectionist stance, reiterating during an Oval Office meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte that reciprocal tariffs would be imposed on all US trading partners starting April 2.

He defended the measures as necessary to protect American businesses, stating,

We’ve been ripped off for years, and we’re not going to be ripped off.

Financial markets react as global trade tensions rise

The ongoing trade war has raised concerns about broader economic consequences, particularly for industries reliant on transatlantic commerce.

The S&P 500 closed in correction territory, reflecting market anxiety over new trade restrictions.

Analysts warn that if the US-EU dispute escalates further, it could disrupt global supply chains and slow economic growth.

As of now, European alcohol exporters face uncertainty over whether the 200% tariff will be enforced, while American whiskey producers remain vulnerable to retaliatory EU tariffs.

With negotiations showing little progress and additional trade penalties looming, businesses across both continents are bracing for further economic fallout.

The post Trump threatens 200% tariffs on European alcohol as US-EU trade war escalates appeared first on Invezz

On Friday morning, the financial landscape in Brazil experienced a notable shift as the dollar’s value declined against the Brazilian real.

According to local media outlet InfoMoney, this drop came from unexpected data demonstrating a reduction in Brazil’s gross public debt load, an event further clouded by the evolving trade tensions resulting from shifting US commercial strategies.

Forex reaction to the drop

By 10:03 AM (Brazilian time), brokers reported that the dollar was trading hands at R$5.775 for those willing to buy and R$5.756 for those looking to sell, down 0.78% from the previous night.

Analysts may be interpreting the movements of financial titans expressing a watchful optimism regarding the flux in economic indicators.

In light of this news, the dollar has continued to fluctuate strongly, and it’s expected that this trend will continue until the end of the day.

Unexpected decrease in Brazil’s public debt

Brazil’s Central Bank revealed figures today showing a significant drop in the country’s gross public debt, which was 75.3% of GDP in January.

This statistic reflects a decrease from December’s 76.1% and falls short of the estimates set by a Reuters poll, which predicted that the debt would remain at around 76.2%.

This reduction coincides with a reported primary surplus for Brazil’s consolidated public sector, which many analysts see as a good sign for the country’s fiscal health.

The surprise decline in public debt is viewed as a critical signal to markets, increasing investor confidence and potentially contributing to a more positive economic outlook for Brazil.

Reduced debt levels may promote both local and foreign investment by lessening the perceived risks connected with government financial obligations.

Trade tensions impact and their ramifications

In addition to the unexpected news regarding Brazil’s declining public debt load, investors are closely scrutinizing the newest progressions regarding the United States commerce strategy under President Donald Trump.

The administration’s late declarations regarding export tariffs have ignited worries about a possible escalation in business clashes that could negatively touch worldwide markets.

For a country like Brazil, which relies heavily on exports, any deterioration in US dollar rates might have far-reaching consequences.

Uncertainties about exchange taxes remain, and their possible impact on financial development is certainly something to keep an eye on.

Unexpected developments might jeopardize the fragile recovery or even reverse advances, emphasizing the need for continuing scrutiny of business strategies from Washington.

How can this affect investors?

The recent fluctuation in the dollar’s value against the Brazilian real highlights the complex interplay between domestic policy initiatives and global economic conditions.

Investors may be heartened by Brazil’s lowering debt levels, but they must remain watchful about geopolitical threats that might suddenly shift market dynamics.

While the reduction in public debt is beneficial, the unpredictability of foreign trade policies complicates the economic outlook.

Investors should stay knowledgeable about both domestic fiscal facts and international ties to make sound decisions.

The dollar’s depreciation versus the Brazilian real, propelled by an unanticipated drop in gross public debt, provides a cautiously positive picture of Brazil’s economic outlook.

As the country navigates fiscal issues in the face of external trade pressures, market investors will pay close attention to both domestic and international developments.

The interaction of Brazil’s economic reforms and the volatile political environment of global trade will be critical in determining investor mood in the near future.

The post Brazil’s gross public debt drops to 75.3% of GDP in January: what it means for forex traders appeared first on Invezz

Despite a volatile stock market and growing concerns about an economic slowdown in the United States, DocuSign (DOCU) is painting a picture of resilience.

CEO Allan Thygesen has expressed confidence in the company’s continued momentum, citing strong demand trends and positive indicators within the business.

On Yahoo Finance’s Morning Brief on Friday, Thygesen dismissed any concerns about a potential economic downturn impacting DocuSign’s performance, citing ongoing strength in key business metrics.

“As I looked at our February numbers, for example, our transaction volumes were pretty much on target with what we had expected — not seeing any major impact there,” Thygesen said.

“So at this point, we haven’t seen any impact of the recent volatility.”

AI-powered growth

DocuSign’s positive outlook is supported by strong fourth-quarter earnings, reported on Thursday evening.

The company exceeded expectations as more customers embraced its innovative AI agreement technology.

This adoption signals there may be positive things to come from this integration, and that there is consumer intrigue around the topic of AI.

This positive momentum appears to have staying power, as the company’s billings guidance also surprised Wall Street estimates to the upside.

The positive earnings report sent DocuSign shares soaring, with the stock rising more than 16% in Friday morning trading and becoming the No. 1 trending ticker on Yahoo Finance.

Wall Street analysts have largely responded positively to DocuSign’s recent performance.

“We maintain our positive view as we see potential for continued international expansion, IAM [intelligent agreements] optionality in FY26, and operating leverage in future years,” Citi analyst Tyler Radke wrote, highlighting the company’s promising growth prospects.

Radke reiterated a Buy rating on DocuSign’s stock, further solidifying the positive sentiment.

Adding to the bullish signals, DocuSign’s recent activity in the stock market speaks volumes about its financial confidence.

The company reported a strong $1.1 billion in cash and revealed that it had repurchased $683.5 million in stock during the quarter, a substantial increase compared to the $145.5 million repurchased in the same period last year.

These buybacks have signaled to the market that the company is stable and willing to invest.

This combination of strong earnings, positive guidance, and a strategic share repurchase program suggests that DocuSign is well-positioned to navigate the current economic landscape and continue its growth trajectory.

The post DocuSign CEO Allan Thygesen dismisses recession fears, says business is brisk appeared first on Invezz