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Reforms can help Argentina break free of its history

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The writer is president of the Inter-American Development Bank

Argentina’s history has been marked by recurrent economic crises. Breaking free from this history requires a more efficient public sector and a dynamic private sector that generates opportunities and serves as the engine for growth. 

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Argentina’s current government, led by President Javier Milei, has been taking decisive steps in this direction. In just seven months, it has achieved remarkable progress in restoring much needed fiscal balance by turning a primary deficit of 2.9 per cent of GDP at the end of 2023 into a surplus of 1.5 per cent of GDP by the end of August this year. 

It hasn’t been straightforward. Argentina raised revenue and reduced spending by cutting subsidies, infrastructure spending, public sector wages and transfers to subnational governments, while increasing utility rates and levying special taxes. 

To stay on track, public spending must become more efficient and equitable. In 2018, our estimates at the Inter-American Development Bank indicated that up to 7 per cent of GDP could be reallocated, with inefficiencies in transfers and subsidies of 3.3 per cent of GDP. It remains paramount to continue improving spending efficiency and redirecting resources to better support the most vulnerable Argentines. With that goal in mind, the IDB is working closely with the government to improve spending efficiency and strengthen social protection.

But improving Argentina’s public accounts and enhancing macroeconomic stability is only one part of the story. The ultimate objective is to create job opportunities and deliver lasting inclusive growth. This is where a partnership between a committed public sector and a vibrant private sector can be a powerful force for change.

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Argentina must offer clear incentives for private sector innovation, job creation and productivity-enhancing financing. This requires a regulatory framework that promotes efficiency and attracts private investment. To this end, the Milei government has been actively streamlining a long list of regulations and controls. When the government ensures a favourable business climate, the private sector can leverage this foundation to invest and drive progress. Such an approach would enable Argentina to break free from boom-bust crisis cycles.

Argentina is uniquely positioned to benefit from the world’s growing need to address major shared challenges such as food security, among others. In fact, Argentina perfectly illustrates what Latin America and the Caribbean as a whole have to offer the world.  

Argentina plays a crucial role in global food security. It is the world’s largest exporter of soyabean oil and meal, the second-largest exporter of corn, and the third-largest exporter of soyabeans. The country is also home to the world’s third-largest lithium reserves, making it a key player in the global energy transition and a main actor in the critical minerals supply chain. These opportunities, along with the government’s reform programme, should give Argentina renewed investor appeal. 

Promoting sustained growth will also require tapping into new opportunities in other areas — for example, in telecommunications networks, in manufacturing and agriculture, and in the country’s potential for playing a greater role in global supply chains. Financial intermediaries such as the IDB can catalyse this momentum. 

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To underscore our commitment to Argentina’s progress in both the public and private sector, the IDB is supporting the country on two fronts. First, to enhance government operations in areas like spending efficiency, energy subsidies and social protection, in 2024 the IDB expects to provide Argentina more than $2.4bn in public sector loans — this includes both approved operations and forthcoming ones that we expect to submit to the IDB board for approval. The latter includes a policy-based loan currently under negotiation that aims to increase the efficiency of the tax system and improve the quality of public spending.

At the same time, the IDB’s private sector arm, IDB Invest, plans to take advantage of its new business model and capitalisation to invest in or finance more than 20 private sector projects worth $1.4bn in agribusiness, infrastructure, energy and mining over the next two years. For example, we have three lithium and copper operations across various provinces, especially in Salta.

A lasting transformation in Argentina will depend on a bold private sector that seizes these and other opportunities to create jobs and drive growth. An efficient public sector, streamlined regulations, strong social protection and a private sector that steps in and steps up, can create a virtuous cycle of stability and inclusive sustained growth. Past need not be prologue for Argentina.

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Sainsbury’s shoppers rave over Chilly’s dupe scanning at tills for £3.75

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Sainsbury's shoppers rave over Chilly's dupe scanning at tills for £3.75

SAINSBURY’S shoppers are raving over a Chilly’s dupe scanning at tills for just £3.75

Chilly’s bottles have been a craze for quite some time due to their infinite designs and double-wall insulation – keeping drinks looking and tasting pretty cool.

Usually, a Chilly's bottle like this costs around £24

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Usually, a Chilly’s bottle like this costs around £24
The receipt clearly showing the purchase of £3.75

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The receipt clearly showing the purchase of £3.75
The savvy saver shared a photo of the bright orange bottle

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The savvy saver shared a photo of the bright orange bottle

Typically, Chilly’s bottles tend to lean toward the pricier side – costing between around £24.

One savvy saver took to the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group to share details of their Chilly’s dupe spotting.

The saver shared a photo of the bright orange bottle along with the receipt clearly showing the purchase of £3.75.

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They wrote: “On the shelf it said £5 something. Scanned at the til for £3.75. Sainsbury’s North Cheam.”

The North Cheam store is based in Sutton on London Road.

Interestingly, a label on the bottle states: “Smash Double Wall Insulated Bottle”.

Like the Chilly’s bottles, the Smash bottles are also double walled.

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The bottle is also screw top, 500ml, vacuum insulated, and comes in a bunch of other styles.

It can be bought directly from Sainsbury’s website, or from Argos.

However, it’s showing up online as £7.50.

Sainsbury’s Christmas Range

One person left a raving review: “Perfect. Keeps my drink cold all day. Love the colour too.”

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While another said: “Great. I like the colour a lot and it serves the purpose.”

Meanwhile the same bottle but in burgundy is lapping up the five-star reviews.

One person said: “Useful bottle. Lovely colour and well made with a good seal in the top.

“Keeps drinks cold and holds enough for a day out. Functional and a reasonable price

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While a second said: “Nice. I love it, bought it for my kids.”

And a third said: “Would Recommend! Having gone through so many plastic water bottles I thought to get a stainless steel one and its so worth it!

“Easy to clean and great at keeping cold.”

On the Sainsbury’s website there are in fact 100 Smash items to choose from.

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But for this particular style of bottle the colours come in blue, beige, orange, burgundy, black and pink.

As always, we recommend shopping around to find the best deal.

Checking in-store availability is also recommended to avoid making a wasted trip.

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UN accuses Israel of tank raid on peacekeepers in Lebanon

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Benjamin Netanyahu

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The UN accused Israel of a “flagrant violation” of international law on Sunday after Israeli tanks broke into a position stationed by peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, hours before Benjamin Netanyahu told international forces to withdraw from combat areas.

The Israeli prime minister’s demand came as Israeli forces continued their fierce bombardment of the country and ramped up their offensive in the north of the Gaza Strip.

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Israel has faced widespread international criticism after several soldiers from Unifil, the UN-mandated force deployed along the de facto border between Israel and Lebanon, were injured by Israeli fire during the invasion of southern Lebanon last week. Israeli air strikes have also killed two Lebanese soldiers, according to the Lebanese military.

The UN peacekeepers said that IDF tanks, early on Sunday, “destroyed” the main gate of its position in Ramiya, where fighting between Israel and Hizbollah has been fierce. Unifil said Israeli troops “forcibly entered the position” and demanded “that the base turn out its lights”, leaving 45 minutes later.

Around two hours later, Unifil said that “several rounds” fired 100m away from the base let off smoke, which caused 15 peacekeepers to require treatment for “skin irritation and gastrointestinal reactions”. It also said IDF troops had stopped Unifil troops completing a logistical movement in a separate area on Saturday. The IDF did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Before the reports emerged on Sunday, Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni told Netanyahu that what she called Israeli attacks on Unifil were “unacceptable”. US secretary of defence Lloyd Austin also expressed “deep concern” in a call with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant on Saturday.

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However, in a video published on Sunday, Netanyahu hit back at the criticism and said Unifil should pull back from areas where fighting was taking place. “We regret the harm to Unifil soldiers and we are doing our utmost to prevent such harm. But the simplest and most obvious way to ensure this is simply to withdraw them from the danger zone,” he said.

Lebanon’s prime minister Najib Mikati rejected Netanyahu’s demand and said Lebanon was committed to the 2006 UN resolution that mandates Unifil’s presence. He called on the international community to “stop the Israeli aggression against Lebanon”. 

Benjamin Netanyahu
Benjamin Netanyahu hit back at criticisms in a video published on Sunday © @netanyahu/X

Unifil’s mandate is to keep the peace and help the Lebanese government and national army build its presence in border areas where Hizbollah has long held sway. But both Israel and Lebanon complain the mandate has never been properly implemented.

Fighting in southern Lebanon’s hilly terrain continued on Sunday, with Hizbollah reporting clashes with Israeli troops. The Lebanese group launched 115 rockets at Israel by mid-afternoon, according to the Israeli military, while Israeli jets and artillery pounded targets in southern Lebanon. 

Lebanese health authorities said 15 people had been killed by Israeli air raids on Saturday, including in areas considered to be outside of the Shia militant group’s traditional strongholds.

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Israeli bombing also damaged three hospitals in eastern Lebanon’s Bekaa region, Lebanese health authorities said. Meanwhile, the Lebanese Red Cross said four of its rescue volunteers were injured by a strike as they attended the scene of a bombing in south Lebanon.

On Saturday night, Israeli jets hit the southern Lebanon’s Nabatieh. Lebanese state media compared the attack to a “hurricane”, saying the Israeli military had appeared to target the commercial centre of one of southern Lebanon’s largest towns.

Fires blazed in the wreckage of Nabatieh’s old market district as rescue workers picked their way through the rubble, footage showed, caking surrounding streets in thick grey dust. Lebanese health authorities said eight people were hurt.

The Israeli military had warned people to leave the town about 10 days ago. On Sunday, it warned people to flee a further 18 southern Lebanese communities. The UN estimates such orders now cover an area equivalent to a quarter of Lebanon’s entire territory. 

Israeli forces also expanded their offensive in the north of Gaza, after encircling and bombarding the area of Jabalia, which before the war was home to a densely populated refugee camp.

The camp has been the scene of several pitched battles between Israeli forces and Hamas, as the militant group attempts to regroup in the area. In the last few days, the IDF has ordered thousands of civilians to leave the north of Gaza and move south to an overcrowded “humanitarian zone” in Al Mawasi. 

Health officials in Gaza said the Israeli offensive had killed 52 people in the past 24 hours. The IDF said it had killed “dozens” of Hamas fighters in the same period.

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Additional reporting by Amy Kazmin in Rome and Steff Chávez in Washington

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Less offshore secrecy is central to any boost from wealth taxes

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The writer is the founder of Tax Policy Associates, a think-tank

Offshore secrecy is a serious problem. Tax avoidance, tax evasion, sanctions evasion, drug cartels, corruption, questionable PPE contracts and untraceable political donations — all are enabled by offshore companies whose ownership and accounts are hidden from public view.

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We shouldn’t just focus on “tax havens”. The two countries in Europe with the lowest corporate transparency ratings from OpenCorporates are not Jersey and Guernsey, they’re Austria and Spain. Sadly, mainland UK has form too.

The current government, like its predecessors, has committed to ensuring that British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies adopt the highest standards of transparency: public beneficial ownership registers. But, since 2018, progress has been painfully slow — and slowed further by a decision from the Court of Justice of the EU that prompted some member countries to close access to their registers.

What’s urgently needed is a way to accelerate beneficial ownership registers — everywhere. And we shouldn’t stop there. If you’re incorporating a UK company, then the directors, beneficial owners and accounts are all public. Why accept lesser standards for foreign companies doing business here? It’s in the interests of most countries for corporate secrecy to end. The reason that progress has been so hard is paradoxical: the more countries end corporate secrecy, the more valuable secrecy becomes and the greater the incentive on other countries to maintain it. And that’s where the bad actors flock.

This kind of problem has been solved before. In 2010, the US passed its Fatca law, with a simple concept: banks all over the world could voluntarily report US account holders to the IRS. They weren’t required to but those that didn’t would be subject to a 30 per cent US withholding tax. Now almost every country in the world automatically reports bank accounts to account holders’ home tax authority, with over €12tn of accounts reported every year.

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A similar remedy could work today with our proposed “transparency levy”: 10 per cent applied by the UK to financial payments to “undisclosed companies” — those that don’t publish details of their directors, shareholders, beneficial owners and accounts. Undisclosed companies would be excluded from public procurement, too.

For many companies across the world, this would be irrelevant since they already publish this information in a home country corporate register. The critical element is that companies from countries without open registers could voluntarily publish their information at Companies House.

I doubt many would actually pay the levy. But the threat would end corporate secrecy for all companies doing business with the UK. This simple innovation could transform corporate transparency worldwide.

One obvious criticism is that the transparency levy could deter companies from transacting with the UK. This, however, is implausible. Legitimate businesses don’t need to hide their ownership. The cost of compliance would be extremely low (far less than Fatca). And I’m not aware of a single company that fled the UK when it introduced an open beneficial ownership register.

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The transparency levy could be initially adopted by the UK alone, or together with other countries. Others could follow when ready, either creating their own system or simply cross-referencing Companies House.

Once a critical mass of countries started applying the levy, corporate secrecy would be a thing of the past. Instead of a race to the bottom, we’d have a “race to the top”. Offshore financial centres — and everybody else — would open up corporate registers in their own interests, so that none of their companies were subject to the levy.

The new foreign secretary, David Lammy, says he wants to make the UK the “anti-corruption capital of the world”. This is one way to do it.

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New inflight habit that is the ‘worst etiquette’ according to experts

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A Tiktoker is pictured carrying out her controversial routine whilst on a flight

EXPERTS have revealed the new inflight habit that’s been deemed the “worst etiquette”.

The latest inflight trend is leaving travellers fuming, and experts have labelled it a serious breach of air travel etiquette.

A Tiktoker is pictured carrying out her controversial routine whilst on a flight

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A Tiktoker is pictured carrying out her controversial routine whilst on a flight
The video sparked debate on inflight etiquette as some experts are deeming this new trend as outright rude

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The video sparked debate on inflight etiquette as some experts are deeming this new trend as outright rude

Passengers are now being blasted for taking their skincare routines to new heights—literally.

Dermatologists and etiquette pros are weighing in on the rise of sheet masks at 30,000 feet.

The beauty hack that promises glowing skin while soaring through the air is now being slammed as one of the rudest inflight habits around.

Thanks to TikTok, more and more passengers are treating the cabin like their personal spa, whipping out hydrating sprays, moisturisers, and even LED light masks mid-flight.

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Read more on flight etiquette

It might keep your skin looking fresh, but that doesn’t mean it’s polite, especially when you’re crammed into economy.

Lisa Grotts, an etiquette expert, didn’t mince her words when asked about the trend.

She told Thrillist: “It’s giving me a headache”, making it clear that slapping on a face mask in a cramped plane seat is far from discreet.

Grotts insists passengers should leave their skincare routines for the hotel room, adding: “We’re in tight quarters—you have to be mindful of others.”

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The shift in post-pandemic travel has seen people acting a little more boldly in public spaces.

From mid-air meltdowns to bizarre behaviour, it seems common courtesy has taken a nosedive.

Watch moment two women are kicked off US flight for ‘wearing crop tops after male flight attendant demanded they cover-up’

But even seemingly harmless acts of “self-care” can come off as selfish when you’re sharing close quarters with dozens of other people.

Jamila Musayeva, another etiquette consultant, also called out the habit.

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She says applying a sheet mask or using an LED light mask during a flight can feel intrusive to those nearby.

And, if your skincare products are heavily scented, it’s an added nuisance, especially for passengers with allergies.

But while the etiquette brigade is up in arms, dermatologists say these mid-flight routines might actually help your skin.

Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist, explained that the low humidity on planes causes skin to lose moisture.

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Using hydrating products, particularly those containing humectants and emollients, can help keep your skin plump and moisturised.

And those LED masks are apparently not just a TikTok gimmick.

Dr. Jeffrey Fromowitz claims they’re actually good for your skin, reducing inflammation and providing a boost of hydration—ideal for long flights.

Still, despite the skincare benefits, etiquette experts agree that passengers should show some restraint.

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A little moisturiser or a quick spritz of hydrating mist is fine, but leave the full skincare routine for when you’re off the plane.

After all, no one wants to sit next to someone wearing a sheet mask while they’re trying to relax on a budget flight.

So, if you’re thinking of hopping on the trend—think again.

Keep it simple and save the spa day for after you land.

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Meanwhile, one passenger who’s particularly keen on inflight skin care is beauty blogger Erica Nicole.

The influencer took to Tiktok to share her skincare go-to when flying, after struggling with acne for several years.

Even flight attendants can be guilty of this, as one reveals her long-haul skin care tips that keeps her complexion looking pristine.

As pictured, the controversial trend may involve a multi-step beauty routine requiring passengers to apply facemasks, multiple products and sprays

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As pictured, the controversial trend may involve a multi-step beauty routine requiring passengers to apply facemasks, multiple products and sprays

Everything you need to know before boarding a plane

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Exact date in days McDonald’s Monopoly is ending – and deadline to claim prizes

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Exact date in days McDonald's Monopoly is ending - and deadline to claim prizes

MCDONALD’S Monopoly is ending in just days – but players have a bit longer to claim any prizes.

The fast food chain’s spin on the classic game lets customers build up property sets which can be redeemed for prizes.

McDonald's Monopoly is ending this week but players can still redeem prizes after

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McDonald’s Monopoly is ending this week but players can still redeem prizes afterCredit: Getty

Players can also bag Instant Win prizes which are lower in value, such as free food and drink items.

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McDonald’s usually launches the game for six weeks every year, with this year’s game ending at 11.59pm on October 16.

If you’ve won any prizes, you have slightly longer to claim them though – the deadline is October 29.

What are the McDonald’s Monopoly prizes?

When McDonald’s Monopoly first launched on September 4, there were dozens of prizes up for grabs.

These were the Collect to Win prizes on offer at the start of the game, which you can win with complete property sets:

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  • £100k cash
  • Mini electric car
  • £2k Jet2holiday
  • Merlin annual pass
  • JBL Audio Bundle
  • Hisense TV + Soundbar from Currys
  • £100 Virgin Experience Day
  • Medium Extra Value Meal
  • £200 train credit with TrainPal

There were also a number of Instant Win prizes on offer.

You get these from peeling off the sticker from your McDonald’s item to see if you’ve won anything:

  • £2k Jet2holiday
  • Merlin Annual Pass 
  • £1,000 Cash
  • JBL Audio Bundle
  • JYSK £500 Homeware Spend
  • JustPark £250 Parking Spend
  • Two Night Best Western Stay 
  • £200 for Passing GO!
  • JBL Gaming Headset
  • JBL Wireless Earbuds
  • £50 Cash
  • £50 Prezzee eGift Card
  • Moonpig Bouquet of Flowers
  • £25 Glow Hub eGift Card 
  • Pair of Cinema Tickets
  • Wrappz™ Personalised Phone Case 
  • JustPark £5 Parking Spend
  • McDonald’s Exclusive Merchandise
  • McDonald’s Socks
  • McDonald’s Bean Bag
  • McDonald’s Key Ring
  • £70 off Jet2holidays 
  • 25% off Merlin Annual Pass
  • Readly 3-Month Digital Magazine & Newspaper Subscription 
  • WithU Fitness App 3-Month Trial
  • 30% off JBL Audio
  • 20% off Best Western Hotels
  • Photobox Photo Calendar
  • £10 off Moonpig Flowers
  • £10 off Virgin Experiences
  • 25% off Glow Hub
  • £5 off a Personalised Phone Case at wrappz.com
  • 10% off Train Tickets with TrainPal Group

Lastly, there are Digital Peel Game prizes, which you get if you play online:

  • £5 Cash
  • £10 Cash
  • £20 Cash
  • £50 Cash
  • £100 Cash
  • £100,000 Cash
  • Mini Electric Car
  • £2K Jet2holidayje
  • Merlin Annual Pass
  • JBL Audio Bundle
  • £200 Train Credit with TrainPal
  • Hisense TV + Soundbar from Currys
  • £100 Virgin Experience Day
  • Medium Extra Value Meal
  • McDonald’s Gold Card
  • £50 Footasylum eGift Card
  • £10 CeX Voucher
  • MONOPOLY Deal Card Game
  • JustPark £5 Parking Spend
  • McDonald’s Exclusive Merchandise
  • McDonald’s Neon Light
  • McDonald’s Mobile Phone Wallet
  • McDonald’s Air Freshener
  • £70 off Jet2holidays
  • WithU Fitness App 3-Month Trial
  • Readly 3-Month Digital Magazine & Newspaper Subscription
  • 30% off JBL Audio
  • Photobox Canvas Print
  • Photobox Photo Calendar
  • 20% off Footasylum
  • 15% off Footasylum
  • 20% off Virgin Experiences
  • Moonpig Card
  • 10% off Train Tickets with TrainPal Group

It’s worth bearing in mind, some of these prizes may not be available any longer as the McDonald’s game has been running for around five weeks.

We have asked McDonald’s for the list of prizes left to be claimed and will update this story when we have heard back.

Other changes at McDonald’s in October

Maccie’s is launching mini hashbrowns for the first time on Wednesday.

Customers will be able to buy the twist on a classic menu item across more than 1,300 UK restaurants.

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Foodies can pick up a five-pack for £1.49 while a 15-piece sharebox will cost £2.99.

Remember though that prices do vary from restaurant to restaurant so you could pay more or less than these prices.

It is not yet clear whether the hashbrowns will become a permanent menu item, so if you want to give them a go, make sure you’re quick.

Six menu items will also be removed when McDonald’s Monopoly ends on Wednesday.

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These are the six items that customers will have to wave goodbye to:

  • Philly Cheese Stack
  • Chicken Big Mac
  • Mozzarella Dippers
  • Galaxy Chocolate McFlurry
  • Twix Caramel McFlurry
  • Twix Latte

McDonald’s is also adding two new hot drinks to its menus next week, just in time for Halloween.

How to save at McDonald’s

You could end up being charged more for a McDonald’s meal based solely on the McDonald’s restaurant you choose.

Research by The Sun found a Big Mac meal can be up to 30% cheaper at restaurants just two miles apart from each other.

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You can pick up a Big Mac and fries for just £2.99 at any time by filling in a feedback survey found on McDonald’s receipts.

The receipt should come with a 12-digit code which you can enter into the Food for Thought website alongside your submitted survey.

You’ll then receive a five-digit code which is your voucher for the £2.99 offer.

There are some deals and offers you can only get if you have the My McDonald’s app, so it’s worth signing up to get money off your meals.

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The MyMcDonald’s app can be downloaded on iPhone and Android phones and is quick to set up.

You can also bag freebies and discounts on your birthday if you’re a My McDonald’s app user.

The chain has recently sent out reminders to app users to fill out their birthday details – otherwise they could miss out on birthday treats.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

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Mulberry’s biggest shareholder has ‘no interest’ in selling to Frasers

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The majority shareholder in UK luxury handbag maker Mulberry has told Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group that it is not interested in selling the business, in a clear rejection of its two conditional offers to date.

After Frasers made a second proposal on Friday, valuing Mulberry at £111mn, Challice said in a statement on Sunday that it had “no interest in . . . selling its Mulberry shares to Frasers”.

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Challice has been the majority owner of Mulberry since 2002 and has a 56.4 per cent stake in the business. Challice is controlled by billionaire property tycoon Ong Beng Seng and his wife Christina.

The statement said that Challice was “very supportive” of Mulberry and its management team and that while it “appreciates that Frasers is a supportive minority Mulberry shareholder” it believes that it is “an inopportune time for Mulberry to be sold”.

“Challice hopes that by making its position clear, Frasers will be encouraged to announce that it does not intend to make an offer for Mulberry,” it added.

Mulberry shares closed at 112.50p on Friday before the latest Frasers bid of 150p. The stock is down more than 40 per cent in the past year.

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Frasers made its first conditional offer, which implied a valuation of £83mn, last month. It has owned shares in Mulberry since 2020 and has a stake of around 37 per cent.

Under UK takeover rules, it has until October 28 to either make a formal offer or walk away.

Mulberry sank to an annual pre-tax loss of £34mn in the year ended March 31, from a £13mn profit the previous year. Revenues fell 4 per cent to £153mn.

It appointed chief executive Andrea Baldo in July to lead a turnaround of a company that has suffered as wealthy customers have cut their luxury spending.

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Mulberry supplies the House of Fraser and Flannels department store chains that are both owned by Frasers.

Ashley stepped back from the FTSE 100 business in 2022, handing the reins to his son-in-law Michael Murray, who serves as its chief executive.

The company has a wide range of retail interests, ranging from its recent investment in UK ecommerce company THG to stakes in Hugo Boss, Asos, Boohoo, and white-goods seller AO World.

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But its main profit engine remains sportswear retailer Sports Direct, which was founded by Ashley in 1982.

Earlier this month, Singapore charged Ong with two offences of abetting a former Singapore transport minister to obtain gifts and obstruct justice. Ong did not enter a plea, local media reported.

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