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Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

UK chancellor Rachel Reeves is aiming to attend a meeting of EU finance ministers before the end of the year, as Labour seeks to widen co-operation with the bloc in a range of areas including economic policy. 

The arrangements are still under discussion, according to people familiar with the matter, but officials see the anticipated meeting as a sign of the UK’s improving relations with the EU, as the two sides attempt to reboot their relationship since Labour took office. 

A meeting of EU finance ministers covering the Eurozone is scheduled for December 9 in Brussels, providing a potential date for Reeves.

Dialogue with the Eurogroup is expected to focus on developments in the UK and broader European economy, and areas of common interest, including the G7 agenda and the EU’s financial support for Ukraine. 

But the meeting is not expected to focus on Labour’s attempted reboot of UK-EU trade relations, people familiar with the plans said.

Senior non-EU figures occasionally attend meetings of the Eurogroup, which typically take place once a month.

Last October, the Eurogroup met in an “inclusive format” including all 27 EU ministers, when US Treasury secretary Janet Yellen was present.

British chancellors used to participate in meetings of the pan-EU Ecofin group of finance ministers, rather than the narrower Eurogroup, until the UK left the bloc in 2020.

Reeves’s expected meeting with EU finance ministers comes as UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer prepares for talks on Wednesday with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which he hopes will “reset” relations with Brussels.

The EU-UK economic dialogue has suffered since Brexit, as discussions between the two sides became dominated by the complex and acrimonious debate about the implementation of the UK’s exit deal from the bloc. 

But the two sides have in recent years stepped up co-operation in security areas such as sanctions policy and aid for Ukraine.

Reeves had a meeting with the Irish president of the Eurogroup, Paschal Donohoe, in London at the beginning of September. 

Speaking at the City of London’s Guildhall later that day, Donohoe said he hoped the recent first steps taken to rebuild trust between the UK and EU turned into a “steady walk”. 

“It is really welcome that we have moved on to a new footing in our relationship which allows us to exchange views on these important topics for our citizens and businesses,” he said in his speech. 

Brussels and London established an EU-UK financial regulatory forum last year as a platform for a regular dialogue.

Starmer has had a number of meetings with EU counterparts including German chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni. 

Home secretary Yvette Cooper will have talks with the outgoing EU home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson on the sidelines of a G7 meeting in Italy on Thursday.

But Labour faces a struggle to show tangible benefits from its heightened engagement with the EU, given the formidable barriers that exist to a deeper economic relationship. 

Financial services are not covered by the post-Brexit free trade agreement and the UK has repeatedly ruled out joining the EU single market or customs union. 

A spokesperson for Donohoe said the Eurogroup was committed to building a “strong working relationship in the time ahead”, adding: “At this stage concrete ways to follow up on this are being considered.”

The Treasury said: “As part of the wider reset with the EU, we will continue to engage with EU countries and the commission to see an improved trade and investment relationship to support businesses, create jobs and help grow the UK economy.

“We do not give a running commentary on the chancellor’s diary.”

Additional reporting by Peter Foster in London

SHOPPERS are racing to Home Bargains to grab “amazing” slippers for kids selling for a dirt-cheap price.

A thrifty buyer shared her steal deal with a bargain-hunting Facebook group, claiming the identical clos are sold for £10 on the internet.

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Home Bargain is selling kids’ clog slippers with fur lining for just £3.

Savvy parents are clearing the shelves of the retailer to buy pairs of the footwar for their tods after spotting the bargain deal.

Posting a picture of the proud discovery on the popular Facebook page Extreme Couponing and Bargains, the savvy customer wrote: “Selling just for £3 at Home Bargains.

“Identical to the ones that sell for £10 online.”

The post wracked up hundreds of likes and comments with many group members tagging pals to talk about the superb deal.

One user said: “I need to get these amazing pairs as soon as possible.”

While another said: “How cute are these.”

A third wrote: “Going tomorrow first thing in the morning to grab these.”

Do bear in mind that when prices are reduced by this much it’s usually in order for stores to clear excess stock, so availability will vary from store to store.

It’s always best to phone ahead to your local shop to check what they have available to avoid disappointment.

You can find your nearest Home Bargains store using the locator tool on the website.

It always pays to compare prices so you know you’re getting the best deal.

Prices can also vary day to day and by what deals are on at the time, plus remember you might pay for delivery if you’re ordering online.

You can compare prices on platforms like Google Shopping.

How to save money at Home Bargains

Knowing when to pick up products is one way to save money at Home Bargains.

Visiting your local branch at the right time of day, week and year can help you pick up bargains from as little as 69p.

We spoke to Tom Church, a shopping expert who reveals the best times to visit the store to bag a bargain.

Also join any shopper bargain Facebook groups such as Extreme Couponing and Bargains, as people love to share the news when they have bagged a cheap deal.

Be sure to look out for seasonal stock too, like most retailers, Home Bargains shashes its prices after big public holidays such as Christmas and Easter.

AN Autumn break can be a good choice for holidaymakers looking to chase the sun, with many destinations offering warmer weather, fewer crowds, and cheaper prices. 

One city has been found to offer the best bargain holiday deal for this time of year, and that’s Marrakech. 

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The fourth largest city in Morrocco has become increasingly popular with tourists over the years. 

And it’s now been crowned Most Budget Friendly Autumn Getaway 2024 by DiscoverCars.com.

In the car rental company’s latest report cities were scored on a number of factors: 

• Average cost of a week-long hotel stay

• Average cost of car rental for a week

• Number of affordable restaurants

• Average rainfall in millimetres

• Average temperature in September, October and November

• Average daylight hours during these months. 

Marrakech scored best for average rainfall, with just 25mm during September, October and November. 

It also came up top for the longest daylight hours, with an average of nine hours during Autumn. 

While the average flight cost to Marrakech Airport is on the pricier side (£253), the average cost of a week-long hotel stay was just £168. 

Its average temperature was one of the highest at 19C. 

Here are some of the cheapest things you can get up to in the city. 

Visit Bahia Palace for its stunning Moroccan architecture 

Nestled in the heart of Marrakech is Bahia Palace – a 19th century building decorated with stunning paintings and mosaics. 

The palace was set up by Si Moussa, grand vizir of the sultan, for his personal use, and named after one of his wives. 

Its gardens are particularly popular, with orange and banana trees, cypress trees, hibiscus plants and jasmine shading the walkways. 

Entry to the palace is free. 

Grab a cheap bite to eat at Jemaa el-Fnaa

Jemaa el-Fnaa is the main square and market place in Marrakech’s medina quarter. 

There are plenty of restaurants dotted around the square serving local delicacies like tagine, brochettes (skewered kebabs), fried fish and couscous.  

Prices are very cheap – you can have a hearty meal for just £9-13.

Explore the iconic El Badi Palace 

El Badi Palace is a ruined palace commissioned by the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty a few months after his accession in 1578. 

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The palace features intricate mosaics, marble columns, gold-topped ceilings, and onyx, and its rooftop terrace offers views of the skyline, Atlas Mountains, and resident storks. 

Entry for adults is 100 MAD (£7.75), and for children 30 MAD (£3.02).

CRIMINAL prosecutions for failing to pay the BBC licence fee could be scrapped by Labour.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is understood to be “concerned” by the disproportionate number of women being punished.

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And there is agreement between Ms Nandy and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood that taxpayers should not have to fork out for the “administrative burden”.

Almost 1,000 Brits are prosecuted every week for ignoring the £169.50 annual fee.

Seventy per cent are women.

They are more likely to be poorly paid, coping with single families or taking charge of household bills — and also more likely to be at home when investigators call.

But last night an insider said prosecutions will continue until at least 2027, when the BBC’s Royal Charter is due for renewal.

Ministers will then meet Beeb bosses to “explore options” for new funding models.

These are set to include decriminalisation.

Last year half a million people stopped paying as they opted for US-based subscription services instead.

At the same time former Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer branded criminal prosecutions “morally indefensible in modern times”.

A TV Licensing spokesman said: “We have a duty to enforce the law.

“But we have made considerable efforts to help people get licensed and offer help and support.

“Our focus on collecting the licence fee fairly and efficiently.”

A MUNDANE ceramic mug left inside a loft for 20 years has been sold at an auction for a whopping £13,500 because of one unique detail.

The 87-year-old souvenir cup was designed by British artist Eric Ravilious for Wedgwood to mark the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1937.

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It is said to be a rare example because of its unique yellow and green detailing which had sat undisturbed in a box in the vendor’s loft since the late 1990s.

Adapted from a previous version intended to mark King Edward VIII taking the throne before his abdication, the design features celebratory fireworks and the royal coat of arms.

The mug was given an estimate of £800 when it went under the hammer at Gildings Auctioneers in Market Harborough, Leics earlier this week.

But it smashed its estimate and sold to a private buyer for £13,500 – more than 16 times its guide price.

Gildings director Will Gilding said: “We’re thrilled to achieve this astonishing result for this very special mug which although highly collectable, is still intrinsically just a mundane household item.

“We were unable to find any other examples of this particular colourway, which also has a slightly differently shaped rim to the other mugs in the sale, so this one may well be unique.

“As a result, we knew it had the potential to soar far beyond its guide price.

“But for the hammer to go down at £13,500 is truly remarkable and just goes to show the magic that can happen when two determined collectors identify a must-have treasure.”

The cup was from a collection of five of Ravilious’s 1937 Wedgwood coronation mugs – and was kept inside an attic for 20 years.

Three of the mugs in more commonly seen but still sought-after turquoise, blue and pink-based colourways sold for £270, £360 and £2,700 respectively.

Another blue version made for the planned coronation of Edward VIII fetched £480.

Born in 1903, Eric Ravilious was a highly regarded Sussex-based painter, designer, book illustrator and wood engraver.

He is best known for his modernist watercolour interpretations of English landscapes and World War II scenes, some of which are displayed in the Imperial War Museum in London.

In December 1939 Ravilious became an official World War Two war artist with the rank of Honorary Captain in the Royal Marines.

On September 2, 1942, he joined one of three aircraft dispatched on a search and rescue mission for a plane that had failed to return to RAF Kaldadarnes in Iceland.

The aircraft he boarded also failed to return, and he and the four-man crew were recorded as lost in action four days later, making him the first of three British war artists to die in active service during World War Two.

Will added: “This vanishingly rare example of a striking design by a renowned artist who suffered a tragic wartime death was sold in very good condition given its age and ceramic nature.

“Such is the power of its scarcity, and the demand for works by Ravilious, this high quality but relatively inexpensive souvenir has taken on a previously unimagined value several decades later.

“When I brought the gavel down, I think everyone in the room felt like we needed a cup of tea to calm us all down – not least the buyer – but in a slightly more affordable mug.”

THERE is a chill in the air and before you know it you will be reaching for a winter coat.

But instead of splurging at the shops for something new, take a look at these creative ideas to breathe new life into your trusty old jacket.

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STEAMY SOLUTION: One way to freshen up your coat at home is to use steam.

Hang your coat in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam should release any creases and revive the fabric, hopefully giving it that just-bought appearance.

If you have a handheld steamer, a quick pass over your coat can make it look polished.

BOBBLE BUSTER: Those pesky fabric bobbles can make even the nicest coat look worn out.

But instead of buying an expensive bobble remover, grab an old razor and gently shave the surface of your coat.

This trick works particularly well on wool and knit fabrics.

BUTTON UP: If your coat’s buttons are looking dirty, mix vinegar with water, then scrub them with an old toothbrush. If the buttons are beyond cleaning, replace them.

You can often find inexpensive buttons at charity shops or thrift stores.

PIT STOP: Worried about sweaty armpit stains on your coat? A simple mixture of lemon juice and baking soda can work wonders.

Test a little on a hidden area of fabric first and check it after five minutes.

If OK, then spray the mixture on the underarm areas of your coat, let it sit for a few minutes, and wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

The natural cleaning properties of lemon and baking soda should lift stubborn sweat stains.

SOCK SAVER: If your padded coat has lost some of its puff, there’s an easy fix. Restuff it with old socks to give it back some volume.

For an extra update, try adding a new belt to adjust the fit slightly. Small alterations can make a big difference to your coat.

• All prices correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

Deal of the day

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KEEP an eye on other drivers with the Road Angel Halo Go 1080p HD Discreet Dash Cam, previously £99.99, now £79.99 at Halfords.

SAVE: £20

Cheap treat

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FILL your home with a sweet scent when you pick up the Dunelm Boston Pumpkin Pie Multi-wick candle, it was £6, now £4.20.

Top swap

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TRY the delicious Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Pots Of Joy, £1.75 for 4x65g, at Co-op or run to Aldi where the new Dairyfine Pots Of Choc, 4x65g, are £1.35 – in stores only.

SAVE: 40p

Little helper

MUMS-TO-BE should check out the H&M sale section where you can pick items from the Mama maternity range starting at £5.

Shop & save

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SNUGGLE up in a cosy new throw from B&M. This Simply Everyday waffle throw (200 x 200cm) was £15, now £10.

SAVE: £5

Hot right now

TIME for a new coat of paint? Get 20 per cent off Lick paints and samples at B&Q now.

PLAY NOW TO WIN £200

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JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.

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Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.

The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!