Businesses welcome energy support but interest rates still set to soar

Meanwhile, business groups have welcomed the government’s plan to cut energy bills this winter, but warn the scheme will need to be extended next year.

Elsewhere, tensions are rising over the war in Ukraine, while Hong Kong may finally be about to end its hotel quarantine for inbound travellers.

Here are the national news headlines travel woke up to on Thursday (22 September).

Borrowers told to ‘buckle up’ for interest rate rise

The Bank of England could raise UK interest rates by as much as 0.75% on Thursday as it tries to control runaway inflation. This would be the largest single rise in rates for more than 30 years and is likely to have a major impact on the finances of households and businesses. (The Telegraph)

Businesses welcome energy support scheme

A six-month energy support scheme for businesses has been welcomed by leading industry groups as being vital to help keep companies afloat this winter, but they also warned that the scheme would need to be extended in 2023. (The Times)

Biden condemns Putin’s nuclear threat to the West

US president Joe Biden has attacked Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s thinly veiled threat to use nuclear weapons against Western countries. Biden made his comments in a speech at the UN in New York after Russia announced the mobilisation of more troops to fight in Ukraine. (Various)

Hong Kong expected to scrap hotel quarantine

Hopes are rising that Hong Kong will finally scrap hotel quarantine for inbound travellers in October as Covid cases in the Chinese region fall. IATA boss Willie Walsh has also warned that Hong Kong is in danger of losing its status as a major aviation hub due to its strict Covid rules. (Bloomberg)

British woman drowns on diving holiday in Albania

A 29-year-old woman from the UK has died while on a scuba diving holiday in Albania. Rebecca Gannonhad been on a break with her boyfriend when the accident happened off the Albanian coast. (Evening Standard)