UK to Offer Visa-Free Travel to China, While Facing Rising Water Bills and Crypto Ad Bans
The United Kingdom is set to offer visa-free travel to China for stays of up to 30 days, a deal secured by Keir Starmer during his visit to Beijing, PA Media reported. This agreement, announced by Downing Street, aligns the UK with over 50 other countries, including France and Germany, and will apply to both business and tourist travelers. The start date for the unilateral visa-free entry for UK citizens is yet to be confirmed, but it marks a significant shift from the current requirement for British passport holders to obtain a visa for mainland China. "As one of the world's economic powerhouses, businesses have been crying out for ways to grow their business," Starmer said, according to The Guardian.
Meanwhile, back in the UK, households are bracing for another increase in water bills. The average monthly bill in England and Wales will rise by £2.70 from April, adding £33 to the average annual bill, bringing it to £639, BBC Business reported. This increase follows previous "hefty increases" and has prompted calls for a "stronger safety net" for those struggling to pay. Water UK, the industry trade body, stated that the bill increases are necessary to fund vital upgrades to the system and address spillages that have caused public outcry. Some water-only suppliers are raising prices by as much as 13%, according to BBC Business.
In other news, the UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned a series of Coinbase advertisements that implied cryptocurrency could alleviate cost of living concerns, BBC Technology reported. The ASA upheld complaints that the ads "trivialised the risks of cryptocurrency," which is largely unregulated in the UK. The Coinbase ads, which depicted the UK in various states of disrepair alongside a satirical slogan and the exchange's logo, were deemed misleading. Coinbase stated that it disagreed with the watchdog's decision, according to BBC Technology.
Looking ahead, Waymo, the US driverless car firm owned by Google-parent Alphabet, hopes to launch a robotaxi service in London as soon as September, BBC Technology reported. A pilot service is planned for April. While the UK government intends to change regulations in the second half of 2026 to enable driverless taxis, a specific date has not been set. Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said, "We're supporting Waymo and other operators through our passenger pilots, and pro-innovation regulations to make self-driving cars a reality on British roads."
Finally, self-service terminals are becoming increasingly prevalent in various sectors, from fast-food restaurants to libraries. Evoke Creative, a company based in Birkenhead, is a key player in manufacturing these kiosks, BBC Business reported. Studies have shown that customers tend to spend more when ordering from touchscreens, a phenomenon attributed to behavioral science. According to BBC Business, one reason for this increased spending is that customers "don't feel judged" when ordering from a self-service screen.
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