We start with brexit, because the uks brexit secretary, Stephen Barclay, is holding talks in brussels later with the eus chief negotiator, michel barnier, amid some renewed optimism a deal can be done. Late on thursday, the pound surged following comments from European Commission president Jean Claude Juncker that a new brexit deal is possible. Sterling hit its highest in two months against the us dollar when the comments were broadcast, around 6 00pm uk time. The uk government says it has shared confidential documents with the eu that reflect the ideas the uk has put forward on brexit. The eu says technical talks are now taking place. It is all about finding an alternative to the controversial backstop that would keep the uk tied to eu rules unless a solution to the irish border is found. Here is what mrjuncker told sky newss sophy ridge. Brexit is now less than six months away. Six weeks away. How do you rate the chances of britain leaving with a deal . I had a meeting with borisjohn
Millions are beginning tojoin a day of demonstrations around the world demanding action on Climate Change, ahead of next weeks un summit. Theyre expected to spread from the asia pacific, through europe and africa, to the americas. We can take you live now to sydney, in australia, where the protests are under way. We understand thousands of Australian School students walking out of classrooms across the country. They have particular problems with the current government, of course, and the governments environmental policies. All this three days before the un Climate Summit in new york and those strikes this year, 1. 5 million roughly took part worldwide. These strikes are expected to be bigger and there is likely to be a stronger presence from unions, workers and companies who signed up to strike in solidarity with the young activists. We will be speaking to our correspondent here in just a few moments. But we will come back to him injusta moments. But we will come back to him injust a m
And keeping a close eye on the markets. , here in europe, they are ending ona markets. , here in europe, they are ending on a downward trend. And well be looking back at the Economic News of the week as the us cuts Interest Rates and oil prices prices continue their rollercoaster ride after the attacks on saudi oilfacilities. And as comedians head to a british girls school to give classes in confidence to pupils to help them with Difficult Conversations like those over pay in later life. Today we want to know what are your top tips for boosting your confidence at work . Let us know just use the hashtag bbcbizlive hello and welcome to business live. Lots to pack in for you this morning we start with thomas cook its the Worlds Largest and oldest travel company but its future is looking increasingly uncertain. A planned rescue of the struggling firm by chinese conglomerate fosun is now under threat after its banks demanded it find £200 million in extra contingency funding. Without the de
Children, 100,000 children. And, as sadly so often is the case, children who are on free school meals, the poorest children, and children with special Educational Needs fare the worst in the situation. And excitment builds as the Rugby World Cup gets underway in japan. Good morning. Welcome to bbc newsroom live. Large numbers of british schoolchildren are joining millions of people in a worldwide protest against Climate Change. Around 5,000 demonstrations are planned across 150 countries. Many will involve young people staying away from school, university or work. Those involved are calling for more urgent action from governments to halt global warming. The demonstrations come ahead of a un summit on Climate Change in new york on monday. This was the scene outside westminster where thousands are expected to gather for one of the strikes getting under way shortly. The first protest began in the Pacific Island of vanuatu where rising sea levels threaten communities. In dehli, children an
Oversight of the department of Energy Research and development enterprise. Welcome, mr. Secretary. Were delighted youre here today. This committee has jurisdiction over the department of energys vitally important science and Energy Research and development activities. The laboratories and facilities so i hope we see you much more frequently from now on, and i look forward to working with you throughout this congress. With the budget season mostly behind us, id like to bring just a few minutes and a few items to your attention. Ill start with the good news which is that despite the administrations best effort to make draconian cuts across the board to deo research and Development Programs, most actually fared well in the house of representatives. Im particularly pleased to see the increases to the budget for arpae and the long Programs Office both of which have yielded truly transformative results for Energy Technologies of all types. Im also quite happy that the house supported a subst