Louise Haigh, the Transport Secretary, resigned following a conviction for fraud by misrepresentation related to a false claim about a stolen phone. The incident, initially reported as a mugging, led to an investigation by Aviva and subsequent police charges. Haigh's resignation was influenced by advice from Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, amid concerns over transparency and honesty. Her political position was already unstable due to previous clashes with DP World and internal government disputes. The article highlights the political implications and reactions within the Labour Party and government.

Louise Haigh, the Transport Secretary, resigned following a conviction for fraud by misrepresentation related to a false claim about a stolen phone. The incident, initially reported as a mugging, led to an investigation by Aviva and subsequent police charges. Despite pleading guilty, Haigh maintained it was a genuine mistake. Her resignation was influenced by pressure from Labour Party leadership, including Keir Starmer, amid concerns over transparency and previous political challenges. Haigh's position was already precarious due to her criticism of DP World and internal disputes over departmental spending and rail union negotiations.

Despite a significant drop in wholesale energy prices, the cost of using public electric vehicle chargers remains high, with prices for fast chargers largely unchanged from earlier in the year. The RAC's analysis highlights that while off-peak home charging is significantly cheaper, public rapid charging prices have not decreased due to increased costs faced by firms operating these chargers. This situation affects motorists, especially those without access to off-road parking, who rely on more expensive public charging options.

Passengers on a Swan Hellenic luxury cruise to Antarctica are protesting due to an engine failure that cut their trip short. The company offered a partial refund or future cruise credit, but some passengers, including a group of Russians, are dissatisfied and have started a hunger strike demanding full refunds. The cruise, which departed from Cape Town and was headed to Ushuaia, was meant to visit several Antarctic locations. The company's CEO, Andrea Zito, stated that the compensation offered exceeds legal requirements, but acknowledged the passengers' disappointment.

British Airways is introducing new first-class suites with features like a 32-inch 4K entertainment screen, adjustable mood lighting, and enhanced privacy. The suites will be retrofitted to BA's A380-800 jets and featured on the new Boeing 777X fleet. The move aims to elevate BA's brand amidst competition from Middle Eastern carriers like Emirates and Etihad, and to recover from past IT failures. The suites, costing £100,000 each to develop, are expected to be profitable, with ticket prices around £800 per hour. BA will be the only European carrier from the UK offering first-class across the Atlantic.

Storm Bert caused widespread devastation across the UK, with severe weather warnings issued by the Met Office. The storm led to power outages, flooding, and at least five fatalities. South Wales was particularly affected, with a major incident declared due to rising waters. The storm's impact was exacerbated by previous cold weather, leading to significant rainfall and flooding. Efforts to manage the aftermath included power restoration and rail service disruptions. Criticism arose over the timeliness of warnings, with calls for more resilient infrastructure solutions.

Travel to Tromso, Norway, is gaining popularity among Britons, driven by increased flight routes from EasyJet and British Airways, and the allure of unique experiences like the northern lights. Booking.com reports a significant rise in winter holiday searches for Tromso, while Ambassador Cruise Line notes a surge in bookings for Nordic cruises. The trend is attributed to the appeal of noctourism and the opportunity to witness natural wonders, with Norway's tourism industry thriving as a result.

Gatwick Airport's south terminal was evacuated due to a security alert, causing significant travel disruptions. The terminal was handed back by police in the afternoon, but the incident led to the cancellation of numerous flights, affecting around 5,000 passengers. Airlines like British Airways, Ryanair, and WizzAir cancelled flights to various destinations, while Easyjet offered free rebooking for missed flights. Passengers were not entitled to compensation but received food, drink, and accommodation if stranded. The airport and airlines communicated updates, and the railway station and shuttle services were temporarily closed. The runway remained open for inbound flights, and normal operations resumed by early evening.

Jaguar's rebranding strategy, aimed at targeting younger and wealthier customers, has sparked mixed reactions. The campaign, which includes a new logo and a shift towards luxury branding, was defended by Jaguar's Glover amidst criticism from figures like Nigel Farage and Sharron Davies. The promotional video, viewed over 160 million times, faced backlash for perceived 'woke' elements, though Glover emphasized the need to differentiate from traditional automotive stereotypes. The rebranding is part of a broader strategy to retain only 15% of existing customers and attract a new customer base, with the electric GT model set to debut at Miami Art Week.

US hotel groups like Hyatt and Marriott are expanding their all-inclusive resort offerings in Europe, driven by economic factors such as the cost of living crisis and currency fluctuations. The trend is gaining popularity among younger travelers, with a significant portion of British Gen Z considering all-inclusive stays. The all-inclusive model is evolving from budget-friendly options to more comprehensive packages, appealing to families seeking convenience. Industry experts note that major hotel brands see this as an opportunity for growth in Europe, where they currently have limited presence.