UK tax authority wins appeal in dispute with Bolt that could affect Uber
Bolt had argued in its £190 million dispute with HM Revenue and Customs that it was liable to charge value added tax of 20% on its margin, rather than on the entire fare charged to customers
International News via Reuters:
Britain’s tax authority on Friday won an appeal in a dispute with Estonian ride-hailing and food delivery company Bolt, a ruling that could affect rival Uber’s similar case worth over £1 billion ($1.3 billion).
Bolt had argued in its £190 million dispute with HM Revenue and Customs that it was liable to charge value added tax of 20% on its margin, rather than on the entire fare charged to customers.
But London’s Court of Appeal ruled in HMRC’s favour, overturning two lower tribunal decisions. The court said Bolt should not be allowed to use a tax scheme originally designed for tour operators or travel agents, called the Tour Operators Margin Scheme (TOMS).
Uber has a similar case pending, which has been on hold while Bolt’s case proceeded. A London tribunal said in a ruling last year that Uber had deposited disputed tax sums of £1.446 billion.
A Bolt spokesperson said the company was disappointed by the ruling and “will consider all options available to us”.
An HMRC spokesperson said: “We welcome the Court of Appeal’s judgment, which confirms our position on the VAT treatment of private hire vehicle operator services of passenger transport.”
($1 = 0.7457 pounds)
Reporting by Sam Tobin. Editing by William James and Mark Potter
Shell plans $1 billion wind farm sales in latest renewables exit, Bloomberg News reports
The company has tapped advisers from Rothschild & Co and PJT Partners Inc to lead the sale, likely to take place in 2027
International News via Reuters:
Shell is preparing to launch a sale of its offshore wind farms that could fetch more than $1 billion, in the oil giant’s latest move away from renewable energy, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The company has tapped advisers from Rothschild & Co and PJT Partners Inc to lead the sale, likely to take place in 2027, the report said.
Shell declined to comment on the report. Rothschild and PJT did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment. Reuters could not independently verify the report.
Under CEO Wael Sawan, Shell is aiming to curb the company’s low-carbon projects to focus on liquefied natural gas trading and upstream.
Shell had said in February it is reviewing strategic options for its India-based Sprng Energy renewable power unit.
Reporting by Unnamalai L in Bengaluru and Stephanie Kelly in London; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar
UN labour organisation sets first global gig work standards
Central to the agreement is ensuring that platforms can no longer classify workers as independent contractors and sidestep minimum wage requirements and obligations such as healthcare, sick leave and social security contributions
International News via Reuters:
The International Labour Organization agreed on Friday to adopt the first binding employment standards for gig workers in sectors such as ride-hailing and food delivery, potentially giving them rights on pay, safety and social benefits.
Central to the agreement is ensuring that platforms can no longer classify workers as independent contractors and sidestep minimum wage requirements and obligations such as healthcare, sick leave and social security contributions.
The standards, however, still need ratification by governments, and then enforcement. The U.S., for example, has frequently declined to ratify ILO conventions, whereas European countries have been more supportive.
A total of 406 members including the governments of China, Japan, Germany, France and South Africa voted in favour of the employment standards convention and eight, including the United States and New Zealand, voted against, while 36, including Britain and India, abstained. Members of the U.N. agency include governments, employers and workers.
U.S. representative Lorenzo Riboni told delegates the U.S. did not support a prescriptive binding convention in fast-evolving areas of the economy.
“This is especially true for the cross-cutting platform economy, where overly rigid rules hinder innovation and harm workers that they intend to help,” Riboni said.
‘LANDMARK’ FOR PLATFORM WORKERS
The World Bank estimates that the number of app-based gig workers globally ranges between 154 million and 435 million people.
Rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and trade unions, say that the widespread classification of workers as independent contractors allows companies to avoid paying the minimum wage and providing benefits.
A 2025 Human Rights Watch report found that U.S. platform workers surveyed earned a median of $5.12 per hour after expenses, with overall compensation falling about 30% below the federal minimum wage.
Amanda Brown, vice chair of the ILO’s Workers’ Group, said the deal was a landmark moment for platform workers worldwide and a response to years of documented abuse and exploitation.
“For the first time in the history of international law, the women and men who move our cities, who clean and care in our homes … will be named, recognised and protected by a binding international standard,” Brown told delegates.
The convention also states that platforms must disclose how automated systems affect workers.
Lena Simet, a senior advisor on economic justice at Human Rights Watch, said the convention was a breakthrough, though challenges remained.
“It is a floor, not a ceiling, and governments now need to ratify it, enforce correct classification, and close gaps for workers misclassified as self-employed,” she said.
MANAGEMENT BY ALGORITHM
The convention also sets, for the first time, international rules concerning algorithmic management, meaning that platforms must disclose how and when automated systems are being used to manage pay and access to work.
The ILO has no enforcement power, but ILO members can submit complaints that may lead to investigations and put pressure on governments.
If a country has ratified the convention and implemented it into national law, then individuals may be able to take a platform economy company to court.
Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin, Editing by Friederike Heine, Susan Fenton and Helen Popper
Europe’s top carmakers urge simple ‘Made in Europe’ rules
The EU has been weighing a “Made in Europe” framework as part of broader industrial policy during the shift to electrification
International News via Reuters:
Automakers Volkswagen, Stellantis and Renault, which account for about 60% of Europe’s car output, are urging the EU to adopt a simple “Made in Europe” rule and stronger incentives to boost local production.
In a joint letter sent to European Parliament members, seen by Reuters, the three groups called for 70% of vehicles sold in the European Union to source 70% of their value from within the 27-country bloc, covering the full value chain from engineering to manufacturing.
The EU has been weighing a “Made in Europe” framework as part of broader industrial policy during the shift to electrification.
While no final regime for vehicles is in place, policymakers are examining local content thresholds, state support and incentives linked to regional production to strengthen supply chains and reduce reliance on imports.
‘UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGE’
Volkswagen, Stellantis and Renault said they were committed to maintaining a strong manufacturing base in Europe, but this depended on a more realistic regulatory framework.
“European automakers face an unprecedented challenge to their competitiveness due to significant technology gaps in strategic areas, intense global competitive pressure and persistently high energy, manufacturing and regulatory costs,” they said in the letter, first reported by the Financial Times.
The initiative builds on an earlier call by Volkswagen and Stellantis for the EU to shield its auto industry through incentives and favourable treatment for locally made electric vehicles.
The companies said demand remained weak in Europe, with around 3 million fewer vehicles sold annually than in 2019, underscoring the need for policy support.
They called for measures to encourage European-based manufacturing, including targeted support for battery production and greater regulatory flexibility, especially for small cars, to make EVs more affordable and support local supply chains.
“We want to offer clean, affordable, technologically cutting-edge cars to Europe’s middle class,” they said.
The automakers pointed to the EU car market’s current 26% of imports as a reference point.
“Europe is not closing itself off. Europe only stops the trend of further outsourcing industrial production to third countries,” they said.
Reporting by Giulio Piovaccari. Editing by Mark Potter
Grateful Bread prepares for community give-away
“A small sacrifice that pays big dividends for others.”
That’s how one volunteer with The Grateful Bread describes his experience giving back through the community action group.
Now the team is preparing for another free give-away this weekend offering brand-new toiletries alongside a wide selection of gently used clothing, shoes, toys and household items.
Organizers expect hundreds of residents to attend through-out the day noting that the need remains strong. They say the initiative helps bridge gaps within the community while providing support to those in need.
The Grateful Bread welcomes donations year-round as well as volunteers, including students seeking community service hours.
More information can be found on their Facebook page.
The give-away takes place Saturday at Saint Andrew’s Church in Hamilton next to the People’s Pharmacy driveway exit from 1:00 pm until 4:30 pm.
Election Reform working group unveiled
The work of the group will focus on voter access and registration, Election Day processes, campaign financing, and oversight.
A working group has been set up to oversee electoral reform.
Diallo Rabain, Minister for the Cabinet Office, announced its establishment this week.
The work of the group will focus on voter access and registration, Election Day processes, campaign financing, and oversight…
Minister Rabain said absentee voting is one of the most frequently raised concerns.
Responding to media questions, the Minister said they will be examining how to conduct absentee balloting securely…
Fuel wholesalers not disadvantaged by price freeze, says Home Affairs Minister
The Government is diversifying its relationships with fuel suppliers and will continue to explore every responsible avenue to offset shocks to the local economy
The Government is taking measure to minimize disruption caused by America and Israel’s war with Iran.
Home Affairs Minister Alexa Lightbourne told parliamentarians today that back in April, a consumer protection directive prevented any changes to fuel prices, until mid-October.
The Ministry continues to closely monitor the impact of the Middle East conflict on global oil markets – and the potential consequences for Bermuda’s fuel costs.
Minister Lightbourne said that licensed wholesalers of fuel are not disadvantaged by the price freeze.
Multi-vehicle collision causes traffic delays in Paget
South Road closed near Bermuda College as police redirect eastbound and westbound traffic; motorists urged to follow officers’ instructions
There has been a multiple vehicle road traffic collision on South Road, Paget near the entrance to Bermuda College.
Westbound traffic is currently being diverted onto College Road at the junction with South Road.
Eastbound traffic traveling along South Road, is being diverted over Southcote Road to Ord Road and on to Middle Road.
Motorists are advised to please follow the instructions of officers at these diversion points to allow for the smooth flow of traffic.
UPDATE:
South Road has now been reopened to regular traffic flow. We wish to thank the public for their patience and cooperation while we worked to clear the collision scene.
Fire disrupts flights at New Zealand’s Wellington airport
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said crews responded alongside the airport’s own fire brigade after the blaze was first reported at about 7:15 p.m. (0715 GMT)
International News via Reuters:
A fire broke out at Wellington Airport in New Zealand on Friday, forcing evacuations from the main terminal and causing flight diversions before it was extinguished.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said crews responded alongside the airport’s own fire brigade after the blaze was first reported at about 7:15 p.m. (0715 GMT).
Wellington Airport said in a later update that the fire in the southwest terminal had been extinguished. The airport, which serves the capital, said no injuries had been reported and that authorities would investigate the cause of the fire.
“The airport will be open as usual tomorrow, however there may be some flow-on disruptions to flights so passengers are advised to check directly with their airlines,” it added.
Flights into Wellington were temporarily diverted after the fire broke out, while the southwest pier and main terminal building were evacuated.
Air New Zealand, the airport’s largest carrier, said its flights in and out of Wellington were being held back until further notice.
Reporting by Lucy Craymer in Wellington and Christine Chen in Sydney; Editing by Aidan Lewis and Helen Popper
Pope’s return home from Spain delayed as plane suffers technical issue
The plane carrying Pope Leo, Vatican staff and journalists was preparing to taxi to the runway when the captain announced that it had a maintenance problem
International News via Reuters:
Pope Leo had to delay his return to Rome at the end of a week-long tour of Spain after his plane experienced a technical issue on Friday.
The plane carrying Pope Leo, Vatican staff and journalists was preparing to taxi to the runway when the captain announced that it had a maintenance problem.
Leo, who had already boarded his flight operated by carrier Iberia after being waved off by King Felipe and other Spanish dignitaries, was then escorted off the plane by the king back to the airport.
Reporting by Joshua McElwee; writing by Charlie Devereux; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani
Spain opens new probe into ex-PM Zapatero over jewellery found in office
Zapatero, prime minister from 2004 to 2011, remains a leading figure in the main ruling Socialist Party and the graft allegations – which he has denied – have added to pressure on the government following a series of corruption scandals
International News via Reuters:
A Spanish High Court judge investigating former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero for suspected corruption has opened a separate probe over jewellery found during a search of his office, the court said on Friday.
Zapatero, prime minister from 2004 to 2011, remains a leading figure in the main ruling Socialist Party and the graft allegations – which he has denied – have added to pressure on the government following a series of corruption scandals.
Investigating judge Jose Luis Calama said the jewellery items seized during the May 19 search, provisionally valued at about €1.3 million ($1.5 million), currently lack documented proof of origin.
He said the possession of high-value assets without clear fiscal traceability could indicate possible tax evasion or smuggling offences, citing the absence of customs documents or evidence that import duties had been paid.
Zapatero’s lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Earlier on Friday, his spokesperson, Luis Arroyo, said in a post on X that Zapatero would address the jewellery matter before the judge.
Zapatero is due to testify on June 17 and June 18 in the corruption case, which centres on an influence-peddling and money-laundering network that he allegedly led.
The network is suspected of having profited from lobbying public authorities on behalf of third parties – mainly Spanish airline Plus Ultra, which received a state bailout in 2021.
($1 = 0.8639 euros)
Reporting by Emma Pinedo;Editing by Helen Popper
