Writing for The New Republic, Edith Olmstead reports that a former CIA Director “didn’t mince words” when describing an innovative method of war employed by Israel in Lebanon. “Even Leon Panetta Says Israel’s Pager Attack Is ‘Terrorism’” reads the title of her piece, followed by the subtitle: “Former CIA Director Leon Panetta didn’t mince words about Israel’s pager attacks.”
Many Israelis openly rejoiced at the audacity and efficiency of the two-day operation that left a toll of 39 dead and thousands injured. Jokes and memes circulated on social media not just about the damage done but even about the type of life-changing injuries it produced. Pennsylvanian Senator John Fetterman couldn’t suppress his glee, commenting, “I absolutely support that. In fact, if anything, I love it.”
Compare that with the assessment of Barack Obama’s former CIA Director: “When asked whether Israel’s attack constituted terrorism, Panetta was unequivocal. ‘I don’t think there’s any question that it’s a form of terrorism.’”
Is this truly a case of not mincing his words? He doesn’t say “terrorism,” but more cautiously calls it a “form of terrorism.” Are there degrees of mincing? How unminced was Panetta’s assessment?
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Today’s Weekly Devil’s Dictionary definition:
Form:
Following the Platonic tradition, the idea of something that exists beyond the empirical world of our senses.
When used with modern concepts the locution “a form of” serves as a rhetorical ploy to remove the object from the real world and turn it into an abstraction.
Contextual note
Panetta goes far beyond any other commentator from the political establishment. But his locution, “form of terrorism,” appears designed to avoid expressing the idea that Israel should be thought of as a pariah nation, an unthinkable initiative anywhere within the Beltway. If he truly thinks this is terrorism, it would certainly demand a strong response from Washington, such as sanctions or an embargo on arms shipments.
This unique assessment by a qualified observer stimulated my curiosity. Were there any other Beltway insiders, present or past, who shared this assessment? I interrogated ChatGPT, which offered the following response:
“As of now, no major figures from the Biden administration or other prominent officials in Washington have publicly supported Panetta’s characterization of the incident as terrorism. The U.S. government continues to maintain a strong alliance with Israel, focusing on diplomatic and security partnerships, while also emphasizing a desire to avoid further escalation in the region.”
Here is where the language used to describe international relations appears to break down completely. As head of the CIA, Panetta was specifically tasked with leading the high priority global combat against terrorism. If someone of his stature can now make a statement of this kind, one would normally expect such an accusation to call into question the value of an “alliance.” As a rule, we don’t cozy up to terrorist nations. And speaking of “diplomatic and security partnerships,” isn’t it true that any partner suspected of engaging in terrorism should immediately earn the label of “pariah state?” That would presumably mean cutting off all support or even imposing sanctions. Didn’t Biden do precisely that with Saudi Arabia because of its alleged assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi?
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The explanation becomes frankly comic when ChatGPT tells us that what guides the decision-making is the “desire to avoid further escalation.” It then adds this:
“This divide highlights the nuanced and often controversial nature of U.S. policy toward Israel, especially when military operations result in civilian harm.”
Let’s accept the description of the policy as “controversial” because clearly — and despite Washington’s valiant efforts at censoring all dissenting voices — US policy remains controversial among US residents, just as it did during the Vietnam War. Despite the docile media’s best efforts, there is no glorious national consensus of unconditional support for Israel, despite the quasi-unanimity among Congress, the White House or the State Department.
But calling the policy “nuanced” risks leaving an observer both laughing and crying. Crying, because of the unmitigated marathon of civilian deaths and casualties, along with starvation and the uncontained spreading of disease in a Gaza bombed to the point of being uninhabitable. And laughing, when considering the idea that the most powerful nation in the history of the world is rendered helpless because of a policy deemed too “nuanced.”
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Historical note
The concept of terrorism made its grand debut in European history when the leaders of the French Revolution, after overthrowing the monarchy, became pathologically paranoid after they realized that not everyone was ready to align with their newly defined hyper-rational order. There were a multitude of dissidents and contrarians out there whose necks were perfectly adapted to the efficient design of a guillotine, France’s most obvious contribution to the just emerging Industrial Revolution. This post-revolutionary period is known in English as the “Reign of Terror” but in French more simply as La Terreur. This was, of course, state-sponsored violence, the opposite of what terrorism would later come to mean.
It was only towards the end of the 19th century that the idea of terrorism as a political act became associated with non-state actors seeking to overthrow the established order. Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s 1872 novel, The Demons (Бесы) describes the link between the highly intellectualized theorization of political power by anarchists and nihilists, and the planning and execution of atrocities intended to destabilize the existing order.
This period culminated with a banal but fateful terrorist act: the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, on June 28, 1914. Instead of provoking a revolution, it set off a devastating World War.
The drama of World War I and the establishment of the revolutionary Soviet Union ultimately reduced the attraction of classic terrorism for many decades. In the late 20th century, suicide bombings, particularly in the context of the ongoing Israel–Palestine conflict but also relating to “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland, gave terrorism a modern twist, changing the perception of what it was all about. Both of those dramatic contexts pitched people of two religious identities against one another. They contributed to the meme of a “clash of civilizations” — religion against religion — popularized by Samuel Huntington.
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Ultimately, it was Osama bin Laden’s monumental September 11 operation that redefined our understanding of the term terrorism. Terrorism was no longer an intimate act of sabotage. It had become big, bold and very public. Moreover, it was now identified with a theological, civilizational mission. No longer a type of random, annoyingly political crime, it achieved the status of a massive act of formal warfare.
September 11 empowered US President George W. Bush to consolidate and put into active practice the neo-conservative ideology his circle of collaborators bathed in. Here was a noble cause with a universal application. Civilized people were united in the cause of defeating global terrorism. Its supposed hard-nosed rationality combined with its sense of a fanatical purpose reinforced a deep-seated belief in its historical mission. The only difference from the ideology of Dostoyevsky’s demons lay in the fact that, instead of seeking to overturn established power, it operated from the position of defending and reinforcing institutional power. It played on the combined emotions associated with political, economic and theological identity. What could have been perceived as an egregious criminal act to be brought before justice and punished turned into the illusory mission of destroying terror itself, as if terror was an identifiable enemy.
To destroy terror, the new crusaders came to embody a publicly funded and administratively managed terror of their own making, a process that is still developing. Since then, those in power, whether Republicans or Democrats, have sought to strengthen and refine their control of the instruments essential to a modern reign of terror. Censorship of their own population — now called the war on disinformation — is at the top of the list alongside varied forms of warfare and lawfare.
On the warfare side, technology has dominated. The emergence of drone warfare, privileged by the “peace president” Obama, played a major role as war came to imitate the logic of video games, with no risk to the attacker. Lawfare became a feature linked to mass surveillance mediated by the tech giants who earned money commercially and politically by amassing data on its own and other populations, in ways that Maximilien Robespierre would certainly have envied.
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We now have new “forms of warfare” and “forms of lawfare.” Panetta has revealed that there are also “forms of terrorism” that we are undoubtedly learning to classify as essential tools of modern government.
*[In the age of Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain, another American wit, the journalist Ambrose Bierce produced a series of satirical definitions of commonly used terms, throwing light on their hidden meanings in real discourse. Bierce eventually collected and published them as a book, The Devil’s Dictionary, in 1911. We have shamelessly appropriated his title in the interest of continuing his wholesome pedagogical effort to enlighten generations of readers of the news. Read more of Fair Observer Devil’s Dictionary.]
A MAJOR energy firm with more than five million customers is set to pay thousands of customers a £150 discount on their bills.
EDF Energy is giving eligible customers extra cash through the Warm Home Discount to help lower bills this winter.
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EDF Energy will begin paying the Warm Home Discount to thousands of customers within weeksCredit: AFP
The eligibility requirements for the Warm Home Discount are the same as last year.
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Between now and December, the government will issue letters to households that are eligible for the scheme.
EDF Energy has now said that it will aim to pay the discount by the end of February 28, 2025.
However, payments could begin being issued as early as next month.
To qualify for the Warm Home Discount, you need to claim either the guaranteed credit element of pension credit or a different qualifying benefit form the list below:
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If you weren’t claiming any of the above benefits on August 11, 2024, you won’t be eligible for the payment.
Where someone claims a qualifying benefit, the government will assess their energy costs based on the type, age and size of property.
This means that you may not be considered eligible for the Warm Home Discount if you live in a more energy-efficient property for instance, even if you receive a qualifying benefit.
However, this rule doesn’t apply to recipients of the guarantee credit portion of pension credit.
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Save money on your energy bills with these cold weather tips
So you’ll need to launch your claim by Friday, October 11 and then successfully get it backdated to cover the August 11 Warm Home Discount qualifying date.
But if you fail to apply before this date you’ll miss out.
What is pension credit and how do I apply?
PENSION credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you are single or to £332.95 if you have a partner.
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This is known as “guarantee credit”.
If your income is lower than this, you’re very likely to be eligible for the benefit.
However, if your income is slightly higher, you might still be eligible for pension credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.
You could get an extra £81.50 a week if you have a disability or claim any of the following:
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Attendance allowance
The middle or highest rate from the care component of disability living allowance (DLA)
The daily living component of personal independence payment (PIP)
Armed forces independence payment
The daily living component of adult disability payment (ADP) at the standard or enhanced rate.
ou could get the “savings credit” part of pension credit if both of the following apply:
You reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016
You saved some money for retirement, for example, a personal or workplace pension
This part of pension credit is worth £17.01 for single people or £19.04 for couples.
Pension credit opens the door to other support, including housing benefits, cost of living payments, council tax reductions, the winter fuel payment and the Warm Home Discount.
You can start your application up to four months before you reach state pension age.
We’ve explained everything you need to know about EDF Energy‘s scheme below.
Do I need to apply for the discount?
Households in England and Wales don’t have to apply to get the cash and receive it automatically.
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You should look out for a letter between October 2024 and early January 2025 telling you:
You’re eligible and you’ll get the discount automatically; or
You might be eligible, and you need to give more information.
The letter will tell you to call the helpline by 29 February 2024 to confirm your details.
If you don’t get the letter by early January 2024 and you think you’re eligible, you need to call the helpline on 0800 030 9322.
If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by 31 March 2025.
Some Scottish households do have to apply for the discount.
In Scotland there’s a “core group” that’ll receive an automatic payment and a “broader group” which has to apply for the scheme with their energy provider.
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You’ll need to check with your energy supplier directly to see the eligibility requirements and details on how to apply.
The scheme will have more applicants than places, so make sure you apply as soon as possible.
EDF Energy customers can apply by visiting edfenergy.com/help-support/whd-application-form.
How will I receive the discount from EDF Energy?
If you pay by direct debit or on receipt of your bill the £150 Warm Home Discount will be added to your electricity account as a credit.
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Once it has been applied, it will show on your next bill.
If you have a traditional prepayment meter, EDF Energy will send you a letter explaining how you’ll get your discount.
You’ll receive a Post Office voucher in the post and instructions on redeeming it.
If you have a smart prepayment meter, EDF Energy will automatically credit your meter with the discount.
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What energy bill help is available?
THERE’S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
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If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
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British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
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The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
WETHERSPOONS pubs are known for being inside some of the UK’s most beautiful buildings, from old cinemas to converted bingo halls.
And one of the most beautiful is in a trendy seaside town.
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I went to one of the UK’s most beautiful Wetherspoons in Folkestone
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The Samuel Peto is a former church, dating back to the 1800s
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Folkestone was named the Best Place to Live in the southeast in a 2024 study by the TimesCredit: Alamy
The Samuel Peto in Folkestone is in a former church with many of the features still in place.
The Samuel Peto is one of my local Wetherspoons, having moved to the seaside town last year.
Funded by Sir Samuel Morto Peto, who was also an MP, he was known for being one of the major Victorian railway designers, connecting more than 750 miles of track across the UK.
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As well as being part of the team behind Nelson’s Column, he also designed the Salem Chapel which opened in 1874.
Read more on Wetherspoons
It was Grade II listed in 1975 and has been serving booze as a Wetherspoons since 1998.
And if you want to see some of that history, a lot of it is intact inside the pub.
The painted cloud ceilings are a classy touch, with the huge organ still sitting at the back of the pub.
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Ornate chandeliers and wooden balustrades line the interiors, with huge stained glass windows letting in most of the light.
It’s certainly one of my favourites I’ve ever been to.
While it isn’t quite on the seaside – that accolade is reserved for the biggest ever Wetherspoons in Ramsgate – it is just a short walk from the beach.
Inside Wetherspoons huge new pub – it’s a hidden gem ‘off the beaten track’ and has a major pricing difference
But going inside is a cosy affair, with many of the booths being perfect to settle in for the night thanks to the wooden privacy screens between each of them.
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Expect a classic Wetherspoons walk to the toilets – if you’re at the top you have 94 steps to go.
The food is what you’d expect from a Wetherspoons. I often go for the pizza or chicken curry which are exactly what you’d expect for the pub grub – nothing special but certainly enough for an affordable dinner out.
And I’ll always return for the cheap booze – where else can I get a glass of wine for less than £2?
Sure, the bar is almost constantly sticky, and it’s definitely an older crowd that you will find in the day.
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The painted ceiling and organ remain in place
But local couple Holly and Pete say they love the crowd it brings.
They told Sun Online Travel: “We love the crowd that the Wetherspoons brings.
“There’s always a bunch of eclectic characters in there, so there’s never a dull moment.
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“And it’s beautiful when the sun comes in through the huge stain glass windows”.
And if you really want a different venue for the evening, you can head to the nearby Brewing Brothers on the harbour for some great beers, or Burrito Buoys for amazing frozen cocktails.
Why you should head to the seaside town of Folkestone
The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey has revealed why its a great seaside break, being a local herself.
“Folkestone was named the Best Place to Live in the southeast in a 2024 study by the Times.
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“And having made the move myself, I can see why.
“There is the Harbour Arm, with trendy bars and eateries ranging from Japanese to Mexican, or the multicoloured high street with local cafes and shops.
“There are amazing local vineyards and breweries, although I can hope on the Channel Tunnel and be in France within 35 minutes if I fancied a cheap booze run.
“It even has F51, the worlds first multi storey skate park with climbing wall too.
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“I can see why it is called the new Brighton too – not only is it less than an hour by train from London, but house prices are a fraction of the cost compared to the other seaside destination.”
Former Conservative Party chairwoman Baroness Warsi has resigned from the party in the House of Lords, claiming it has moved to the “far right”.
The peer, who was Britain’s first Muslim cabinet minister during David Cameron’s premiership, accused the party of “hypocrisy and double standards in its treatment of different communities”.
But the Conservatives say she was about to be investigated for allegedly using “divisive language”.
“Baroness Warsi was informed an investigation was about to begin earlier this week,” a party spokesperson said.
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“We have a responsibility to ensure that all complaints are investigated without prejudice.”
The BBC has been told the complaints were in relation to a post about Marieha Hussain.
Ms Hussain was found not guilty of a racially aggravated public order offence after holding a placard at a pro-Palestine protest depicting Conservative leader Rishi Sunak and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman as coconuts.
In one post on X, Baroness Warsi congratulated Ms Hussain on her acquittal.
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On Thursday, after announcing her resignation, Baroness Warsi wrote: “It was the right decision and I rightly congratulated Marieha on her acquittal.
“I was subsequently asked to delete my public support for Marieha – I refused to do so.
“That is the basis of the complaint. No other comments or language is the basis of the complaint.”
She said the case was “due to be conducted in private behind closed doors” and so she “felt it appropriate in the circumstances to resign my whip and look forward to dealing with these issues openly and transparently”.
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Her resignation comes on the eve of the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham.
Baroness Warsi has previously criticised Tory leadership contenders Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch.
She has also been a vocal critic of the party’s approach to allegations of Islamphobia and language used by Conservative politicians, including Ms Braverman.
She wrote on X: “It is with a heavy heart that I have today informed my whip and decided for now to no longer take the Conservative whip.
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“This is a sad day for me. I am a Conservative and remain so but sadly the current party are far removed from the party I joined and served in cabinet.”
She added: “My decision is a reflection of how far right my party has moved and the hypocrisy and double standards in its treatment of different communities.”
Baroness Warsi suggested she would raise some of these issues in her new book, Muslims Don’t Matter.
After the 2010 general election, Baroness Warsi made history by becoming the first Muslim woman in the cabinet as co-chair of the Conservative Party.
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A former solicitor with the Crown Prosecution Service, she then served as a minister in David Cameron’s government.
But she quit as the minister for faith and communities in 2014 over the government’s policy on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
Argentina’s poverty rate has surged to 52.9 per cent under its government’s austerity programme, in a warning sign for libertarian President Javier Milei as his popularity begins to falter.
The rate, published by the national statistics agency on Thursday, is the worst in two decades and 11.2 percentage points higher than in the second half of 2023, when it stood at 41.7 per cent, meaning 3.4mn Argentines have fallen into poverty this year.
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Milei, who took office in December, has slashed public spending in an effort to bring down annual inflation that peaked at close to 300 per cent in April. The price increases have eroded the purchasing power of workers and pensioners.
Economists say the root cause of the high inflation is the money printed to fund spending by previous left-leaning Peronist governments, but the removal of price controls and a devaluation of the peso under Milei have also contributed.
Milei’s spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, on Thursday claimed Argentina would have tipped into hyperinflation without the austerity programme. “They had left us on the cusp of becoming a country where practically all the residents are poor,” he said ahead of the data’s publication.
The government has struggled to pull the country out of a deep recession during a collapse in consumer spending, and a drop in industrial activity and construction because of inflation and austerity.
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Opposition politicians say the cost-cutting is making the economy worse. “The government’s relentless austerity is battering working families and the elderly, deepening the crisis instead of generating solutions,” Victoria Tolosa Paz, a lawmaker for the Peronist bloc in Congress, said on X after the data was published.
Polls in recent weeks have shown Milei’s popularity ratings, which have hovered reliably around 50 per cent since his victory in last November’s election, have dipped.
A closely watched index of confidence in the government compiled by Torcuato Di Tella university fell 14.7 per cent in September, by far the biggest fluctuation this year.
The share of Argentines with a positive view of Milei dropped 7 percentage points between August and September to 40 per cent, according to pollster Poliarquía, although overall approval of his government fell only two points, to 53 per cent.
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Cristian Buttié, director of pollster CB Consultora, said his numbers showed Milei’s support falling 4.2 per cent in September from August, to 46.4 per cent.
He said there was “a particularly sharp drop” among retirees, following Milei’s veto of an increase in pension spending approved by Congress in August.
At least 136,000 jobs have been wiped out since Milei took office, and experts say the losses may be greater in the country’s massive informal sector.
But official data published on Wednesday showed economic activity had grown 1.7 per cent month on month in July, compared with a 0.6 per cent increase projected by a Bloomberg analysts’ poll. Activity was down 1.3 per cent year on year, much less than analysts expected.
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But Buttié cautioned the news would “only help Milei if and when the improvement becomes palpable for the average citizen”.
“For now it seems we’ve entered a recession climate, a feeling that things are worse than before. [If it wants to succeed] the government has to regain the narrative that things are moving in the right direction,” he added.
BARCLAYS has become the latest major lender to make significant changes to its mortgages.
The high-street bank has shortened the amount of time customers have to lock in a new interest rate ahead of their current deal ending.
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Find out why major lenders are giving mortgage customers less timeCredit: Getty
So, if you are a mortgage holder nearing the end of your fixed term, the clock is ticking to negotiate a new offer.
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The length of time a borrower with Barclays has to secure a new fixed term deal has dropped from six months to three.
This is in line with similar moves by Halifax, Lloyds, Nationwide, and Santander in recent months.
The changes at Barclays will come in from September 25, and apply to customers who already hold a mortgage product with the bank and are looking to switch to another deal.
Choosing a new deal before your current ones ends means you can secure a good deal now in case interest rates rise later on.
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If at the end of your current deal you find a better rate, you can choose that instead as there’s no penalty for ditching the one you chose before the end of the term.
Barclays said the move was down to greater stability in the mortgage market, and that over 70% of Barclays customers applying for product transfers did so within the last three months of mortgage terms meaning the extended window was no longer necessary.
A Barclays spokesperson, says: “In a more stable mortgage market and with rates coming down, the majority of our customers are choosing to apply for transfers within 90 days before their mortgage matures.
“In response, we will be moving back to a product transfer window of 90 days, as we continue to deliver the best value and product range to our customers.”
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At the start of the month, Halifax and Lloyds reduced the time frame for those remortgaging from six to four months.
Major supermarket bank with over five million customers SOLD to Barclays
Other lenders, such as HSBC, NatWest and Virgin Money still offer customers six months to lock in their new deal.
An estimated 700,000 loans are up for renewal in the second half of 2024, says industry body UK Finance.
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A real concern for borrowers needing to remortgage is how much fixed rates have risen in the last few years.
The average two-year fixed rate deal has increased from 2.34% in December 2021, to 5.56% as of September 2024.
Meanwhile, the average five-year deal has risen from 2.64% to 5.20%, according to the latest data from Moneyfacts.
Different types of mortgages
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We break down all you need to know about mortgages and what categories they fall into.
A fixed rate mortgage provides an interest rate that remains the same for an agreed period such as two, five or even 10 years.
Your monthly repayments would remain the same for the whole deal period.
There are a few different types of variable mortgages and, as the name suggests, the rates can change.
A tracker mortgage sets your rate a certain percentage above or below an external benchmark.
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This is usually the Bank of England base rate or a bank may have its figure.
If the base rate rises, so will your mortgage but if it drops then your monthly repayments will be reduced.
A standard variable rate (SVR) is a default rate offered by banks. You usually revert to this at the end of a fixed deal term, unless you get a new one.
SVRs are generally higher than other types of mortgage, so if you’re on one then you’re likely to be paying more than you need to.
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Variable rate mortgages often don’t have exit fees while a fixed rate could do.
The second half of the year has also been marked with repossessions, highlighting the financial struggles many are under right now.
UK Finance says that 980 homeowner mortgaged properties were repossessed in the second quarter of 2024.
This is an 8% increase compared to the previous quarter, and a 31% uplift on the same quarter in 2023.
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But it’s not all doom and gloom. There is in fact a positive outlook on the housing market.
The Bank of England reduced the base rate for the first time since March 2020 in August, dropping the rate from 5.25% to 5%.
As a result, lenders have already started to follow suit and drop their fixed rates.
In fact, Nationwide is leading the way, currently offering a 3.74% home purchase plan deal.
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Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfacts Compare, said: “Each lender will have their own processes and timescales for getting applications through, so they can change the window of opportunity from time to time to cope with demand, but also as a reflection on changing interest rates.
“Interest rates have been falling, so condensing the window can help lenders avoid re-applications. The same window can extend, depending on the situation of the market.
“Borrowers would be wise to seek out independent advice from a broker to navigate the deals available, but ensure they allow a couple of months to refinance before their current deal ends.”
The move also comes as Barclays announced a reduction in rates by as much as 0.34% for new buyers and those remortgaging.
If you’re remortgaging and your loan-to-value ratio (LTV) has changed, you’ll get access to better rates than before.
Your LTV will go down if your outstanding mortgage is lower and/or your home’s value is higher.
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A change to your credit score or a better salary could also help you access better rates.
And if you’re nearing the end of a fixed deal soon it’s worth looking for new deals now.
You can lock in current deals sometimes up to six months before your current deal ends.
Leaving a fixed deal early will usually come with an early exit fee, so you want to avoid this extra cost.
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But depending on the cost and how much you could save by switching versus sticking, it could be worth paying to leave the deal – but compare the costs first.
Expert’s view on reducing time to lock in new rates
By David Hollingworth, associate director of communications at L&C Mortgages.
Many lenders extended the timeframe when existing customers could lock in a new rate because interest rates were climbing so quickly and market conditions were so volatile.
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The market is now much more stable and mortgage rates have been falling as the outlook improves and inflation has eased.
As a result, there’s less need for customers to rush to take a rate six months before their deal ends, so lenders have started to return the window for their borrowers to pick a new deal to where it was.
It’s still possible to lock a rate in sooner with a new lender if you want to, as mortgage offers are still typically valid for up to six months.
It makes sense to shop around the entire market anyway, but starting the process three or four months ahead should give you ample time to prepare for a smooth switch.
You can also go to a mortgage broker who can compare a much larger range of deals for you.
Some will charge an extra fee but there are plenty who give advice for free and get paid only on commission from the lender.
You’ll also need to factor in fees for the mortgage, though some have no fees at all.
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You can add the fee – sometimes more than £1,000 – to the cost of the mortgage, but be aware that means you’ll pay interest on it and so will cost more in the long term.
Remember you’ll have to pass the lender’s strict eligibility criteria too, which will include affordability checks and looking at your credit file.
You may also need to provide documents such as utility bills, proof of benefits, your last three month’s payslips, passports and bank statements.
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Once you have taken a look at all your different options, you will want to consider the most important aspects.
These include your current rate, the terms and length and any exit fees, as well as your loan-to-value (LTV).
When your fixed rate ends you will automatically roll on to your lender’s standard variable rate (SVR), and these often are considerably higher than a standard fixed rate.
These can be as high as nearly 8% so switching before the end of your current term is a high priority.
Sir Keir Starmer will meet the European Commission president in Brussels
Sir Keir Starmer will head to Brussels for the first time as prime minister next week to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The visit comes as the European Union appears to be willing to compromise with the UK over a new deal to allow more freedom for young people to travel around Europe.
The EU’s ambassador in the UK, Pedro Serrano, has suggested a scheme allowing young people to move freely during a gap year – rather than for longer.
However, Sir Keir has said that the government had “no plans for a youth mobility scheme.”
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Mr Serrano has told Times Radio: “If we have a mechanism that allows young British citizens to go out for a gap year, for example, to any – they have a choice of 27 states within the European Union – to do a bit of learning and pay there for their learning while they’re there. Why not?
“If people want then to stay later for work, it’s a totally different process. This would be limited in time.”
The idea is much more restrictive than some have suggested a youth mobility scheme could look like.
The European Union would like to give its young people the opportunity to travel freely to the UK, in return for young people from the UK being able to do the same in the EU’s 27 member states.
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The prime minister has frequently talked of what he calls a “reset” with the UK’s European neighbours since Labour won the general election.
He has visited Germany, France, Italy and Ireland since he came to power in July.
But, until now, he hasn’t visited Brussels.
EU officials frequently make clear, both publicly and privately, that any changes to the arrangements between the UK and the EU will have to be negotiated directly with Brussels, rather than with individual capitals.
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Brussels sources say they have welcomed Downing Street’s tone in recent months but that won’t on its own unlock any substantial changes in the post-Brexit deal between London and Brussels.
The government has ruled out rejoining the EU, or its individual big projects – the single market and the customs union.
Membership of the single market would oblige the UK to accept freedom of movement – where citizens of any members of it can move freely between member countries.
Many at Westminster conclude that unlimited immigration from the EU was a motivating factor for many to back leaving the EU in the referendum in 2016.
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The prime minister was a passionate supporter of Remain in the referendum and later campaigned for a second referendum.
Senior Labour figures are aware that some who backed Leave might be suspicious of the government’s true intentions – and so made their red lines on negotiations with the EU very clear in the election campaign.
The political difficulty of a youth mobility scheme is some would see it as at least a partial return of freedom of movement, for some people, for a fixed period of time.
It is also likely, given the EU’s size, that more young people from the continent would come to the UK than vice versa.
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EU figures insist it would be nothing of the sort.
Mr Serrano said: “There is the fear of migration. It’s a big topic not only in this country but in Europe as well. And we have to see how we’re going to be facing that working together more effectively. But it has nothing to do with the youth mobility scheme.”
“The government would like to negotiate a veterinary agreement to remove some border checks, help touring artists travel around Europe and get a deal where the UK and EU recognise the professional qualifications of each other’s people.”
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