Press Digest: British Business - October 26

Volkswagen AG

26/10/2026 07:02

Oct 26 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the business pages of British newspapers. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. 
     
The Times
- Britian Finance Minister John Healey is expected to announce a 3.9% rise to the full state pension while protecting those on lower incomes from income tax.
- Andy Burnham is facing a cabinet split over approving a second new oil and gas field after it emerged that the chancellor and the business secretary strongly support it.
     
The Guardian
     - Andy Burnham's call for the UK to consider a return to free movement with Europe has been backed by senior cabinet ministers but risked a rift with "red wall" Labour MPs, who say it could jeopardise Brexit-voting seats. 
- Audi has said it will spend $4 billion to build its first factory in the US, as its parent company, Volkswagen VOWG.DE, struggles with the impact of steep tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.
        
The Telegraph
- The Issa brothers' EG Group is weighing a roughly £6 billion takeover approach from Canadian convenience store giant Couche-Tard ATD.TO, at a sharply reduced valuation from 2022.
- Andy Burnham has reportedly stepped aside from decisions on UK electric vehicle sales targets amid conflict-of-interest concerns linked to his wife's advisory role in the EV charging industry.
     
Sky News
- Future FUTR.L rejected tentative takeover interest in The Week magazine after advisers reportedly acting for DMGT approached the struggling London-listed media group about a potential deal.
- Andy Burnham announced £285 million for local community projects as the government unveiled new funding ahead of next week's budget to boost local economies and growth across England.
     
     

 (Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom)
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