Emmanuel Macron is stepping up efforts to support Lebanon as he seeks to demonstrate that France can be a relevant broker in the Middle East, and not just follow the lead of the US, the region’s most influential foreign power.

The French president on Thursday hosted about 70 senior foreign officials and Lebanese leaders at a conference to rally humanitarian aid for Lebanon and to try to inject momentum into efforts to end the war as Israel steps up its offensive against Hizbollah.

“There needs to be a ceasefire in Lebanon,” Macron said as he opened the event. “More damage, more victims, more strikes will not enable the end of terrorism or ensure security for everyone.”

Macron has been engaged in long-shot diplomacy to convince Israel and Hizbollah, which is backed by Iran, to step back from the brink and prevent a wider war in the region. He met US President Joe Biden and leaders of Germany and the UK in Berlin last week, and has spoken with Iranian officials, Arab leaders and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with whom relations are tense.

Macron and his predecessors have historically devoted diplomatic attention to Lebanon, France’s one-time protectorate, and the country of about 5mn people remains a priority, even as French influence has waned from Africa to the Middle East.

The Israel-Hizbollah war has created a fresh opening for Paris to try to reassert sway in Lebanon. Macron is looking to leverage France’s historical ties with Beirut and use his ability to speak to Hizbollah and its patron Iran — something the US does not do directly.

French officials admit the chances of making progress on securing a ceasefire in Lebanon at the conference are slim, and privately acknowledge the US is the only power with significant leverage over Israel.

But they consider it is worth trying to cajole European and Arab allies to support their efforts on the diplomatic and humanitarian fronts.

“It’s important that we bring concrete answers to these problems [in Lebanon],” said an Élysée official. “That is why we want to advance rapidly to a ceasefire and then a political solution that involves all parties.”

The US and France have at times taken divergent views on how to respond to the escalating crisis, triggered by Hamas’s October 7 2023 attack on Israel.

While France joined other nations in saying Israel had a right to defend itself after the assault by Palestinian militant group Hamas killed 1,200 people and took 250 hostage, Macron was the first leader of a major western power to call for an immediate ceasefire last November as the casualties in Gaza mounted.

In September, France joined the US in pushing for a 21-day ceasefire between Hizbollah and Israel, but that effort failed after Israel assassinated the Lebanese militant group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and expanded its campaign.

Washington then said it supported Israel’s goals to degrade Hizbollah, while frustrated French officials continued to call for a ceasefire.

Many Lebanese have since come to view France as a more honest broker than the US, which they believe has given Israel the nod to increase its offensive against Hizbollah.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati thanked France for its steadfastness, and said financial support would be needed for rebuilding and strengthening the cash-strapped army, which is not a party to the conflict but is deemed a critical, stabilising player in any resolution.

“The storm we are currently witnessing is unlike any other, because it carries the seeds of total destruction,” he said.

Since September, Israel’s offensive has killed more than 1,500 people in Lebanon and forced more than 1.2mn — about a quarter of the population — to flee their homes as Israeli bombing hit beyond Hizbollah strongholds.

Macron infuriated Netanyahu days before the October 7 anniversary with a call “to stop delivering weapons to carry out the fighting in Gaza”.

Because France exports only small quantities of arms components to Israel, the comments were interpreted by some as a message to the US, which supports Israel with billions of dollars in arms.

Netanyahu responded by saying: “What a disgrace.”

The Israeli-Hizbollah conflict erupted after the Iran-backed force began firing at northern Israel shortly after Hamas’s October 2023 attack, in what it said was solidarity, forcing 60,000 Israelis to flee.

Lebanon is an emotive issue in France because of the two countries’ shared history and a large Lebanese diaspora in France. The issue is politically sensitive for Macron because Paris is also a traditional Israeli ally, as well as being home to the largest Jewish population in Europe, and the largest Muslim one.

Thursday’s conference raised $800mn for humanitarian aid, roughly double the amount for which the UN had asked to avert the “humanitarian catastrophe” in Lebanon. A further $200mn will go to help strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces.

The US is expected to send a lower-level delegation to Paris. Secretary of state Antony Blinken is on a tour of the Middle East.

Before the war erupted, Lebanon was mired in a deep political and economic crisis, and conditions have grown more acute since the Israeli attacks began.

The country faces shortages of basic goods to feed and house the more than 250,000 displaced people in government shelters, Lebanese officials said.

This is not the first time Macron has thrown himself — mostly unsuccessfully — into the cause of helping Lebanon. He rushed to Beirut to a hero’s welcome in 2020 after a massive explosion at the city’s port, and promised aid for rebuilding while also calling out Lebanon’s dysfunctional political class.

Three aid conferences for Lebanon were convened. Emissaries were sent to canvas the various political factions on political solutions, but the effort yielded few results.

Rym Momtaz, an analyst at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said Macron deserved credit for trying. France and European countries “have leverage in Lebanon that they do not have in Gaza” because they supply a large contingent of soldiers to the UN peacekeeping mission in the buffer zone between Lebanon and Israel, she added.

Emile Hokayem at the International Institute for Strategic Studies said Macron “recognises that no other western country would be ready to expend the kind of needed political capital, military resources, economic support to stabilise the country if it collapses totally”.

“So if France doesn’t get involved now to set the parameters of a resolution, it may have to do so later in worse conditions on its own,” Hokayem said. “For Macron but also France, Lebanon is too close to home.”

FRUUGO is a company whose services make it easier to trade goods across borders, whether they are clothes, tools or other shopping items.

The company is based in Ulverston in Cumbria, England and is a rapidly expanding business which has even been featured on Deloitte’s Technology’s Fast 50.

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Finnish beginnings

Fruugo was formed in 2008 in Finland and received heavy investment to help the service grow.

However, the companies growth was turbo-charged by an acquisition by Dominic Allonby and Darren Naylor in 2012.

The company moved to Cumbria and was serving one million customers globally by 2019.

It doubled its customer base in 2020 and received the first ever King’s Award for Enterprise for National Trade in 2023.

Dominic Allbony, the company’s executive chairman, said the company was “extremely proud” to recieve the award.

He added: “Fruugo has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and to see our achievements recognised with such a prestigious award is a real honour.

“I would like to thank all of my colleagues for their commitment to the company and to our vision; this achievement is a credit to the team’s hard work and determination.”

International trading

Fruugo offers sellers, who partner with the platform, the opportunity to reach customers in over 40 countries and even translate their page for each one of those countries.

They convert currencies on the website, enabling international trade, and drive traffic to its retailers’ products.

It also calculates international sales TAX and VAT, while paying relevant government bodies on its retailers’ behalf.

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Safety concerns?

Fruugo is a legitimate website which has been operating in its current form for over a decade.

The slew of awards it has won gives it even more credibility and the brand has a Trustpilot score of 4.1 (as of October 2024).

The company’s app is also safe to use.

Photo by St. Regis Venice

In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and burnout are rampant, travelers are increasingly seeking escapes that prioritize rest and rejuvenation.  A new trend is emerging – sleep travel – where the focus is not just on sightseeing and adventure, but on deep relaxation and restorative slumber. Leading this movement are hotels like The St. Regis Venice, W Scottsdale, and Everline Resort & Spa, each offering unique experiences designed to enhance sleep quality and promote overall well-being.

These havens of tranquility go beyond providing comfortable beds and quiet rooms. They curate holistic experiences that tap into the restorative power of sleep, incorporating spa treatments, wellness programs, and mindful amenities to help guests disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with themselves.

Photo by St. Regis Venice

The St. Regis Venice: Where Luxury Meets Rejuvenation

Imagine waking up in a palatial room overlooking the Grand Canal, the gentle lapping of water against gondolas lulling you into a state of serenity. This is the magic of The St. Regis Venice, a hotel steeped in history and elegance.  Beyond its opulent décor and breathtaking views, the hotel offers a sanctuary for those seeking deep relaxation: the renowned Valmont Spa.

Photo by St. Regis Venice

Nestled within exquisite spa suites, the Valmont Spa is a haven of tranquility. Inspired by Swiss skincare traditions, it offers a range of treatments designed to rejuvenate and invigorate.  After a restful sleep in one of the hotel’s lavishly appointed rooms, guests can indulge in therapies that combat the effects of aging and boost energy levels.

A standout offering is the Energy Spa Ritual, a revitalizing treatment that combats fatigue and dullness by stimulating skin cell oxygenation. Perfect after a long journey or a day exploring Venice’s captivating streets, this ritual leaves guests feeling refreshed and ready to embrace the city’s beauty.

Photo by W Scottsdale

W Scottsdale:  Energizing Escape with a Focus on Wellness

For those seeking a vibrant yet relaxing retreat, W Scottsdale offers a unique blend of energy and tranquility. The hotel’s AWAY Spa provides a stylish sanctuary where guests can de-stress and recharge.  With its focus on personalized treatments and innovative therapies, AWAY Spa caters to individual needs, ensuring a truly revitalizing experience.

Photo by W Scottsdale

Complementing the spa is the WET Deck, a chic oasis with stunning views and a lively atmosphere. Here, guests can unwind by the pool, soak up the Arizona sunshine, and enjoy refreshing cocktails.  The WET Deck provides the perfect balance of social interaction and peaceful relaxation, catering to different moods and preferences.

W Scottsdale further enhances the sleep experience with thoughtful in-room amenities.  A Sleep and Recovery Kit, featuring calm sleep gummies and a hydrating electrolyte mix, promotes restful slumber. Luxurious bath products and the signature W bed, renowned for its comfort, further contribute to a truly restorative stay.

Photo by Everline Resort & Spa

Everline Resort & Spa: Nature’s Embrace in the Sierra Nevada

Nestled amidst the breathtaking scenery of Northern California’s Olympic Valley, Everline Resort & Spa is a multigenerational haven that embraces the healing power of nature. The resort’s spa offers a range of treatments inspired by the surrounding environment, designed to relax the mind, body, and soul.

Soul to Sole Massage: This targeted massage focuses on areas prone to tension after travel, including the head, neck, shoulders, and feet. Incorporating aromatherapy and acupressure, it promotes relaxation and prepares the body for a restful sleep.

Lavender Dream Body Experience: Immerse yourself in the calming scent of lavender with this full-body treatment. An invigorating exfoliation is followed by a soothing massage with warm stones and lavender oil, leaving you feeling balanced and rejuvenated.

Ginger Renewal Body Experience: Experience the warming and invigorating properties of ginger in this revitalizing treatment. A full-body exfoliation, followed by a massage with ginger oil and warm stones, leaves you feeling refreshed and energized.

Everline Wellness Massage: This signature massage is tailored to your specific needs, using a combination of techniques to create a truly personalized and serene experience.

Juniper Sensory Body Wrap: Awaken your senses with this uplifting treatment. A eucalyptus foot cleansing ritual and dry brushing are followed by a warm body wrap infused with the calming scent of neroli, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Everline Resort & Spa provides the perfect setting to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature.  With its focus on wellness and its tranquil surroundings, the resort allows guests to truly unwind and embrace the restorative power of sleep.

These hotels exemplify a growing trend in the travel industry: a shift towards prioritizing rest, rejuvenation, and overall well-being. By offering curated experiences that promote relaxation and enhance sleep quality, they cater to the needs of today’s travelers, who seek more than just sightseeing and adventure.

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Partners at big US law firms are taking home more money than ever, with average remuneration reaching $1.4mn, according to a leading survey.

Researchers at recruitment specialists Major, Lindsey & Africa, who surveyed top attorneys at the country’s leading 200 firms, found that partner pay had risen by 26 per cent over the past two years, outstripping the growth in basic pay for heads of S&P 500 companies.

The boom in pay comes amid the early signs of a revival in mergers and acquisitions activity — including several so-called megadeals — and a sharp increase in litigation, which has given law firms the opportunity to drastically raise their rates in the US, UK and Europe.

“Law firm partners are continuing to reap the rewards of persistent high demand and increases in billing rates,” said Karen Andersen, a partner at MLA and a co-author of the survey, which received replies from 1,700 people. “Moving into 2025, especially with the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates, we expect these trends to continue.”

Alongside the growth in partner pay, MLA’s survey found that top male lawyers still earned almost 30 per cent more than their female counterparts on average, at almost $1.7mn.

The gap, while still large, had narrowed significantly from the 47 per cent reported in MLA’s survey four years ago. The study said the remaining discrepancy was driven in part by the fact that men “significantly outpace women in originations”, meaning they bring more business to their respective firms, and a difference in billing rates.

The survey also found that partners in New York enjoyed the highest average annual remuneration, at about $2.3mn each. Partners at firms serving the private equity sector, such as Kirkland & Ellis and Paul Weiss, have been reported to earn as much as $20mn.

MLA also found that partners in Silicon Valley saw the largest percentage increases in pay, up by 49 per cent compared with 2022.

The findings come hot on the heels of a survey by PwC that found the top 10 UK law firms were charging clients almost 40 per cent more per hour than they were five years ago.

It found big firms charged an average of £449 per hour in 2024, compared with £321 in 2019, with double-digit growth in average rates across the whole of the top 100 UK firms.

In the US, the average hourly billing rate in MLA’s survey was $1,114 this year, up 36 per cent from 2022, and more than 80 per cent higher than a decade ago.

ALDI is selling cosy bedding that’ll keep you warm all night without having to turn the heating on.

Summer duvets are being swapped with thicker sets to snuggle under – and for cheap.

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Advertisement

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To start off your new bedding collection, the Teddy Fitted Sheet Double is the perfect place to start.

The soft fleece is perfect just in time for the winter months.

And you can choose from beige, green or grey – depending on what matches you room.

You can grab the bottom sheet for only £7.99 or grab the king sized version for an extra £1.

To match, you’ll want to get your hands on the Kirkton House Teddy Pillowcases that are only a shocking £3.99 each.

These pillowcases are so soft you may struggle to get out of bed in the morning.

You can also get your hands on the Kirkton House Teddy King Duvet Set, which includes the duvet cover as well as two pillow cases.

And, like the other collection, you can choose between beige, green or grey.

For this set, it will only set you back £16.99.

The supermarket giant are also selling a £1.99 gadget that can help to keep homes warm without putting the heating on.

Aldi is to stock a winter essential that could keep you from huddling by the radiator this season.

It’s safe to say summer has come to an end, with temperatures dropping down to single digits and Christmas food popping up in supermarket.

This year, millions of Brits may feel hesitant about turning on their heating due to high energy bills.

But with temperatures set to fall the closer we get to Christmas, now is the best time to prepare for those long winter nights.

Fortunately, there are is an Aldi product dropping soon that might help you steer away from a hefty heating bill.

The Workzone Adhesive Draught Excluder lines the gaps between your windows to prevent drauphts.

Heat often escapes through breaks in the window and can drastically change the temperature of a room.

The product description reads: “This accessory is great for keeping a room warm and keeping any chilling winds outside rather than in.”

By lining the window edges and blocking any temperature transfer, you’ll be less likely to whack those radiators on.

The soft-adhesive sticks to glass and window frames, fitting gaps from 2-5mm.

If you’re conscious of keeping your rooms stylish, as well as cosy, the draupht excluders come in three sets of colours to match your interior – white, brown and black.

For £1.99 you get two 5m lengths of adhesive which is long enough to cover most windows.

The draught excluder is available in stores from October 20.

How to save money when shopping

Sign up to the loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.

Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, as well as other perks.

Sales are when you can really bag a bargain.

Retailers often have promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.

Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know about special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.

When buying online, always search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use.

Vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.

Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. 

Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare the price of branded items when out shopping.

Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.

And always check if you can get cashback before paying.

This in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced big cuts to Canada’s immigration programme in response to growing public backlash over the impact of migration on the cost of living and housing affordability.

On Thursday, Trudeau said the government would slash the number of new permanent residents it would approve over the next three years as it rolled back what was considered one of the world’s most progressive immigration schemes.

“We are acting today because in the tumultuous times, as we emerged from the pandemic, between addressing labour needs and maintaining population growth, we didn’t get the balance quite right,” he said.

Last November, Canada’s target was 500,000 new permanent residents for 2025 and 2026. Immigration minister Marc Miller said the number of new permanent residents would be cut by 21 per cent to 395,000 next year and further reduced to 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027.

“These are difficult choices,” Miller said. “This is still an ambitious plan but it is a reasonable plan.”

Miller said it was “unfair” to blame migrants for Canada’s problems but acknowledged that infrastructure had been unable to keep up with the “aggressive” numbers.

An Abacus Data poll this month reported that 53 per cent of Canadians view immigration negatively.

However, the business community criticised the cuts, saying they would deter foreign investment.

“Immigration is a key driver of economic growth and our only source of workforce growth in the near future,” said Diana Palmerin-Velasco, a senior director at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “It is more imperative than ever in the context of the ageing of our population, low fertility rates and current wave of retirements.”

After nearly a decade of increased immigration since Trudeau’s Liberal government was first elected in 2015, Canada in September cut its temporary workers scheme, which had also been blamed for hitting housing affordability and rising youth unemployment.

“Far too many corporations have chosen to abuse our temporary measures employed in exploiting foreign workers while refusing to hire Canadians for a fair wage,” Trudeau said on Thursday.

But the prime minister’s press conference was dominated by questions about his leadership after his popularity plummeted in recent months. Trudeau trails opposition Conservative party leader Pierre Poilievre by 13 points, according to the latest Nanos Research poll.

Poilievre said on Thursday that Canada’s immigration system was “broken”.

“Immigration was never a controversial topic in Canada and now, after nine years of Trudeau, it is,” he told reporters.

Trudeau on Thursday insisted he would stay on as prime minister of his minority government and head of the Liberal party despite months of speculation over his leadership and an ultimatum this month from up to 40 Liberal MPs to step down.

“We continue to have great conversations about how we can be united to defeat Pierre Poilievre, but that will be with me as leader into the next election,” he said.

Pressure has grown on Trudeau to step down after the party lost two safe parliamentary seats in by-elections in June and September. In September, the New Democratic party also tore up a deal to support the Liberal minority government in confidence votes, raising the chance of a snap election well before the scheduled date of October 2025.