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SAMANTHA Cameron’s luxury fashion brand Cefinn is set to shut its doors after eight years.

The wife of former PM Lord Cameron said the decision was “very hard”, but admitted industry pressures had made it impossible for the label to stay afloat.

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Cefinn’s next winter collection, launching later this month, will be its final offering.

The brand will continue to trade through its London stores and its website in the coming months, allowing customers to snap up the remaining pieces.

Lady Cameron, who worked in fashion before her move to No10, has had her label celebrated for its stylish yet practical designs for modern women.

It has been worn by both Princess Kate and Queen Camilla.

But retail firms have been hit hard by the Labour Government’s hikes to the minimum wage and employers’ National Insurance contributions in April, as well as the impact of rising business rates.

It comes as plus-size fashion brand Live Unlimited has filed a note of intent to appoint administrators this week.

Public filings reveal that the firm has enlisted advisers from Irwin Mitchell to manage the process.

A note of intent typically gives a retailer ten days before it officially goes bust, although this can be cut shorter if needed.

The label was launched in 2012 and has been stocked online and in-store by both Next and John Lewis.

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SPOONS SPICE

WETHERSPOONS is adding Irish takeaway dish The Spice Bag to its menus in England, Scotland and Wales later this month.

From September 17, punters can enjoy the salt and chilli chicken strips dish, including red onion, chillies and coriander, for £8.99 with a soft drink — or £10.52 with a pint.

Sarah Shaw of the pub chain said: “It has already proven extremely popular with customers in our Republic of Ireland pubs.”

FIREFIGHTERS are tackling a massive blaze involving 250 tonnes of manure with locals warned to shut windows and doors.

Emergency services scrambled to the scene in Brigstock, Northamptonshire, to try and douse the flames.

It is expected that the blaze will burn for several days, said firefighters.

Villagers and others living nearby were advised to stay away and keep their windows and doors shut.

A spokesman for Northants Fire and Rescue said: “We are currently at the scene of a large fire in Brigstock, involving 250 tonnes of farm manure. 

“People living in the village and surrounding areas are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.

“This fire is expected to continue burn through the night, and, over the coming days.”

DOZENS of residents have been evacuated from their homes in a popular seaside town while firefighters tackle a major blaze.

Emergency crews rushed to attend the building fire in Clacton, Essex, in the early hours this morning.

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Locals have been advised to keep their windows and doors shut as plumes of smoke rise from the building on West Avenue.

Teams from seven local fire stations, including Weeley, Colchester and Chelmsford, were scrambled to the scene at around 12.35am.

Essex Fire Brigade confirmed the building was still fully alight just before 5am.

Incident Commander Nick Singleton said: “Crews have worked hard to surround the fire.

“We will be remaining here for a significant time during the day to make sure the fire is fully extinguished.

“Jackson Road, Penfold Road and Agate Road will be shut and experience disruption while our crews remain at the incident. 

“Thank you to our emergency services colleagues who have helped us safety evacuate nearby residents.” 

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“But we’ve also made a choice that we select domestically if the players are of equal calibre, it’s important that we invest in our premier competition in Australia.”

The Wallabies, who compete for domestic talent with Aussie Rules and rugby league clubs, have struggled for depth and consistency in recent years – sliding to sixth in the world rankings.

The two-time world champions suffered a pool-stage exit at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Until 2015, Australia had a blanket ban on overseas-based players representing the Wallabies.

However, with the likes of playmaker Matt Giteau, wing Drew Mitchell and prop Sekope Kepu lured abroad by big contracts, ‘Giteau’s Law’ was introduced to allow a set number of overseas players – who had served time in Super Rugby and the national team – to still be picked.

The law has been further relaxed in recent years, with players with a commitment to return to Australian rugby excluded from the overseas quota.

Centre Len Ikitau and prop Angus Bell’s forthcoming season-long sabbatical stints at Exeter and Ulster are such moves.

However, Gleeson was reportedly excluded from a Wallabies training camp, external at the start of this year after news of his impending move to France became public.

This summer, the global economic stage is hosting two wildly contrasting blockbusters in trade policy, each promising a different future for international commerce. On one side, we have China, rolling out the red carpet for a grand gala of zero-tariff delights for a vast swathe of African nations. On the other, we see the specter of a protectionist act, with U.S. President Donald Trump announcing plans to send out 150-plus letters to countries worldwide, each containing a polite (or not-so-polite) invitation to pay a new 10% or 15% cover charge. It’s a tale of two philosophies: one building bridges with open arms, the other, perhaps installing a very large, very expensive global toll booth.

Let’s first RSVP to China’s “Open Arms” party. Beijing’s commitment to high-level opening-up is currently in full swing, underscored by its long-standing and now significantly expanded zero-tariff policy for African nations. This isn’t just a fleeting summer fling; it’s a deepening relationship. Starting December 1, 2024, China granted 100% zero-tariff treatment to products from 33 African Least Developed Countries (LDCs) that have diplomatic ties with Beijing, making it the first major developing economy to do so. In a bold move this June 2025, China announced its intention to extend this 100% zero-tariff treatment to 98% of taxable goods from all 53 African nations with diplomatic ties, a policy set to fully mature through new economic partnership agreements. Imagine: a vast market of 1.4 billion consumers, suddenly accessible without the usual customs hurdles for everything from Rwandan dried chilies to Malagasy lamb.

This isn’t merely about trade figures; it’s a strategic embrace. China frames this as fostering “shared prosperity” and helping African nations build their “blood-making” capabilities – a rather vivid metaphor for self-sustaining economic growth. It’s about supporting industrialization, enhancing local value chains, and providing a crucial diversified export market for African goods, especially as traditional markets face headwinds. In essence, China is inviting Africa to a grand buffet, where the food is free, and the kitchen is open for new recipes. The message is clear: “Come on in, bring your best, and let’s grow together.” While some analysts raise eyebrows, suggesting it benefits China more or could impact local industries, the sheer scale and intent of this open-door policy represent a significant commitment to multilateralism and South-South cooperation.

Now, let’s turn to the other side of the global stage, where the curtain might soon rise on a very different kind of show: the “Global Toll Booth” policy. Reports indicate that Trump, known for his unique approach to trade, is currently sending out letters to over 150 countries, informing them that they’ll soon be subject to a blanket 10% or 15% “reciprocal tariff.” Think of it as a universal cover charge for entering the American market, with a potential surcharge for those deemed to have “taken advantage” in the past.

This approach, rooted in an “America First” philosophy, aims to slash trade deficits, encourage “reshoring” (bringing production back home) and “de-risking” (reducing reliance on specific, often adversarial, supply chain nodes). It’s less about a shared feast and more about ensuring America gets the biggest slice of the pie, even if it means baking a smaller pie for everyone. The humor here lies in the sheer audacity and scale: imagine the postal service grappling with 150-plus individually tailored tariff notices, each potentially sparking a new round of trade negotiations or, more likely, retaliatory tariffs. The central economic joke, of course, is the argument that “they pay for it,” while most economists agree that tariffs are largely paid by domestic consumers and businesses through higher prices, potentially increasing the overall U.S. price level by over 2% and leading to a significant loss in real GDP.

The contrast between these two approaches couldn’t be starker. China’s strategy is akin to a seasoned architect, meticulously designing new, interconnected trade routes and inviting everyone to build along them, especially those who need a leg up. It’s about fostering a complex, interwoven tapestry of global supply chains where every thread, no matter how small, contributes to the strength of the whole. The goal is deep integration, shared growth, and a vision of resilience through interdependence.

Conversely, the U.S. strategy resembles a determined gardener, carefully pruning away what it perceives as unhealthy or risky branches from the global supply chain tree. While the stated aim is resilience, the method risks fragmentation, higher costs, and a more unpredictable global trade environment. One approach seeks to expand the pie for all; the other aims to secure a larger, more controlled slice of a potentially shrinking pie.

For global businesses and consumers, these divergent paths present a fascinating, if somewhat bewildering, future. China’s zero-tariff policy offers tangible incentives for market access and development, potentially creating new growth poles in Africa and beyond. It signals stability and a long-term commitment to global engagement. Trump’s tariffs, however, introduce a significant element of volatility. Businesses would face increased costs, disrupted supply chains, and the constant uncertainty of shifting trade policies, forcing them to re-evaluate sourcing, production, and market strategies on a global scale. The humor might be lost when the price of your morning coffee or favorite gadget suddenly jumps due to an unexpected “reciprocal tariff.”

In the grand theater of global economics, China is betting on an ensemble performance where everyone gets a chance to shine, especially the emerging stars. The U.S., under Trump presidency, seems poised for a solo act, where the star demands a hefty entrance fee from the audience, regardless of their role in the show. As this summer unfolds, the world will be watching to see which blockbuster strategy ultimately fosters genuine prosperity and stability, and which one merely leaves everyone paying more for the ticket.

The Mayan, a popular music venue and nightclub in downtown L.A., announced Monday morning that it will be closing under its current management after a 35-year run.

“It is with heavy yet grateful hearts that we announce The Mayan will be closing its doors at the end of September, after 35 unforgettable years,” read a statement from the venue’s Instagram page. “To our loyal patrons, community and friends: thank you for your unwavering support, your trust and the countless memories we’ve created together. You made every night truly special.”

The announcement also called on longtime and potentially new patrons to celebrate the club’s final months in fashion, with weekly Saturday dance nights through Sept. 13.

It is currently unknown what, if anything, the historic venue will be used for after the Mayan shutters.

The Mayan did not immediately respond to The Times’ request for information.

The Mayan Theater — located at 1038 S. Hill St., next door to the Belasco — first opened Aug. 15, 1927, with a performance of George Gershwin’s Broadway musical “Oh Kay.” As its name alludes to, the theater is one of the best known examples of the Mayan Revival architectural movement that took place in the U.S. during the 1920s and 1930s, which drew inspiration from pre-Columbian Mesoamerican structures.

As The Times reported in 1989, the giant bas-relief figures on the venue’s exterior are of the Maya god Huitzilopochtli seated on a symbolic earth monster. The three-tiered chandelier in the theater — rigged for red, blue and amber lights — is a replica of the Aztec calendar stone found near Mexico City. The design of tapered pillars was inspired by the Palace of the Governors at Uxmal, a Maya ruin on Yucatán Peninsula dating from AD 800.

Mexican anthropologist and sculptor Francisco Cornejo assisted the architects to craft a building that was based on authentic designs of pre-Columbian American societies.

During the Great Depression, the theater was rented out to the Works Projects Administration, which operated it as an Actors Workshop theater. In 1944, Black producer, director and entrepreneur Leon Norman Hefflin Sr., staged a production of the popular and well-reviewed musical “Sweet ‘N Hot,” which starred Black film and stage icon Dorothy Dandridge.

The Fouce family gained ownership of the theater in 1947 and shifted the venue’s programming toward Spanish-language film screenings and performers. By the early 1970s, Peruvian-born filmmaker and actor Carlos Tobalina gained ownership of the theater and changed the programming to focus on pornographic and X-rated films.

In 1990, the Mayan was brought under new management and inhabited its current form as a nightclub and music venue. The city has since declared the building as an official L.A. Historic-Cultural Monument.

The Mayan has been used as a shooting location for many film productions, including the 1992 box-office smash “The Bodyguard,” starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston; the 1998 skit-to-feature film “A Night at the Roxbury;” the 1979 Ramones-led musical comedy “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School;” and, most recently, the Netflix wrestling-themed series “GLOW.”

In recent years, the Mayan has played host to the cheeky lucha libre and burlesque show called Lucha VaVoom de La Liz and has held concerts by acts such as Jack White, M.I.A. and Prophets of Rage.

The Louvre, the world’s most-visited museum, has withstood war, terror, and pandemic – but on Monday, it was brought to a halt by its own striking staff, who say the institution is crumbling under the weight of mass tourism

The Louvre was thrust into shutdown by a staff walkout, with workers arguing it is buckling under the strain of excessive tourism.

In what seemed an unimaginable scene, the sanctuary housing da Vinci masterpieces and centuries of cultural marvels was brought to a halt on Monday. Countless tourists, clutching their entry passes, were left languishing in long queues underneath I. M. Pei’s famed glass pyramid.

Kevin Ward, 62, from Milwaukee, said: “Thousands of people waiting, no communication, no explanation. I guess even (the Mona Lisa) needs a day off.”

The busiest museum in the world was brought to a halt the day after anti-tourism demonstrations rippled through southern Europe. Protesters assembled in Mallorca, Venice, Lisbon and further afield, criticising an economic regimen they claim marginalises residents and undermines city life.

READ MORE: Spain warning for Brits as new holiday rule comes into force from July 1

The Louvre was hit by an unexpected strike during a routine meeting when gallery attendants, ticket agents and security staff refused to work, protesting against overwhelming crowds, insufficient staffing and what has been described by one union as “untenable” working conditions.

It’s a rarity for the Louvre to shut its doors unexpectedly. The museum has closed in times of war, during the pandemic, and on the occasion of a few strikes – including impromptu walkouts due to overcrowding in 2019 and safety concerns in 2013.

However, it is unusual for such closures to occur so abruptly, without prior notice, and in plain sight of waiting visitors.

Moreover, this disruption occurs mere months after President Emmanuel Macron announced an ambitious ten-year plan aimed at addressing the very issues now coming to a head – water damage, hazardous temperature fluctuations, antiquated infrastructure, and visitor numbers exceeding the museum’s capacity.

Yet, for the employees on the front line, the proposed improvements seem a long way off. “We can’t wait six years for help,” declared Sarah Sefian, a gallery attendant and visitor services agent. “Our teams are under pressure now. It’s not just about the art – it’s about the people protecting it.”

At the heart of the turmoil is the Mona Lisa – the iconic 16th-century painting that attracts contemporary throngs more reminiscent of a celebrity meet-and-greet than a traditional art viewing.

An estimated 20,000 visitors cram daily into the Salle des États, the Louvre’s most expansive chamber, all eager to capture a selfie with Leonardo da Vinci’s mysterious lady behind her protective glass. The atmosphere is often chaotic, bustling, and so crowded that numerous visitors overlook the surrounding masterpieces by Titian and Veronese, which remain underappreciated.

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“You don’t see a painting,” lamented Ji-Hyun Park, 28, who travelled from Seoul to Paris. “You see phones. You see elbows. You feel heat. And then, you’re pushed out.”

President Macron’s strategy for revolutionising the museum, labelled the “Louvre New Renaissance,”, aims to offer a solution. The Mona Lisa is set to be housed in a new, specially designated space, with timed-entry tickets to facilitate better viewing experiences.

Plans also include inaugurating a fresh entrance near the Seine River by 2031 to alleviate congestion at the current pyramid entry point. “Conditions of display, explanation and presentation will be up to what the Mona Lisa deserves,” Macron declared in January.

Nonetheless, Louvre staff have accused Macron of hypocrisy, arguing that the proposed 700 million to 800 million-euro renovation plan conceals an underlying issue. Despite Macron’s commitment to creating new access points and exhibition areas, the museum’s yearly governmental subsidies have plummeted over 20% in the past ten years, a period when visitor figures dramatically increased.

“We take it very badly that Monsieur Le President makes his speeches here in our museum,” Sefian remarked, expressing discontent over the state’s diminishing financial contributions year on year.

While many striking staff intend to stay off work for the entire day, Sefian mentioned that some may briefly return to open a limited “masterpiece route” for a few hours, granting visitors access to key attractions like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The full museum is expected to resume normal operations by Wednesday, and tourists with time-sensitive tickets from Monday might have the opportunity to use them then.

The Louvre saw 8.7 million visitors last year, which is more than twice what its facilities were designed for. Despite imposing a daily limit of 30,000 visitors, staff report that the experience has become an everyday challenge, citing insufficient rest areas, scarce bathrooms, and intensified summer heat due to the pyramid’s greenhouse effect.

A MUCH-LOVED jewellers is set to close its doors for good after more than 20 years on the high street.

The jewellery shop has launched an ‘everything must go’ sale, ahead of its closure.

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Whittakers Jewellers, which has been a staple of Yarm High Street for 21 years, has confirmed its final day of trading will be Saturday, May 31.

The long-running store first announced its closure back in November, sparking sadness among loyal locals.

Since then, big bold signs have filled the shop windows, shouting about the store’s closing down sale with jewellery fans flocking in for a final bargain.

But now, with the countdown officially on, fresh signs have gone up confirming its last day is just days away.

The store have slashed jewellery prices from as much as 70% off.

The store posted one hot deal to its Facebook, where a diamond ring was slashed from £7,350 to £2,190.

The deal meant shoppers would save a massive £5,000.

The family-run store has thanked customers for their loyalty over the years in a heartfelt Facebook message.

It said: “We are sad we are leaving but we have treasured the 21 years we’ve been here on the High Street.

“We think of our customers as family and friends… we will miss you all.”

Whittakers have built up a massively loyal customer base and is located between the Lucy Pittaway art store and The Keys pub.

Four members of the Evans family have run the business since March 2004.

Bosses of the jewellers told Teesside Live they had expanded over the years – and even opened the first Pandora shop in the country.

But they added they always looked to maintain a “genuine, homey feel”.

Fans of the jewellers say it will leave a huge hole in the town, with one heartbroken shopper writing: “It’ll be such a big loss to the high street and to me.

“I’ve had the pleasure of purchasing so many lovely items over the years”

Another added: “Big loss to Yarm High Street.”

While a third said: “Thank you for your beautiful jewellery and fabulous staff. You will all be greatly missed”

It’s not the only jewellery giant feeling the pinch.

G Hewitt & Son, a 154-year-old jewellers, and one of the UK’s first Rolex retailers, launched a once-in-a-lifetime closing down sale last month.

The shop told followers on Facebook: “Everything must go – don’t miss out on huge savings.”

Meanwhile, The Watches of Switzerland Group – based in Leicestershire – has confirmed it will close 16 showrooms across the country and that 40 people were expected to leave the business.

Similarly, Terence Lett Jewellers, located on the high street in Witney, Oxfordshire, has announced its decision to shut up shop.

And loyal customers of Jane Allen Jewellers in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales were left distraught to hear the update and have been mourning the imminent loss.

With more and more historic jewellers disappearing from high streets, Whittakers’ final goodbye will be bittersweet for shoppers in Yarm.

Locals now have just days left to bag a bargain and say farewell to one of the town’s best-loved shops.

RETAIL SECTOR STRUGGLES

Its not just jewellery stores that are suffering to stay open.

The retail industry has faced multiple closures this year, with ocncerns over the British high streets becoming ‘ghost towns’.

It’s worth bearing in mind, larger retail chains often open and close branches based on customer demand and sales.

Sometimes a single store might shut because a lease is ending and the chain has decided it is better to direct cash into other shops or opening new ones.

However, the retail sector more broadly has struggled since the 2008 financial crash.

The Centre for Retail Research has said the industry has been going through a “permacrisis” during this period.

There are a number of reasons the sector is struggling, one being the rise of online shopping.

This has seen footfall to high street stores fall seeing large swathes of branches close across the UK.

Challenging economic conditions in recent years, including soaring inflation, have dented shoppers’ wallets and purses too.

While some bigger retailers have struggled to stay afloat, including Wilko, in recent years independent shops have suffered the most.

The Centre for Retail Research said more than 13,000 high street shops closed in 2024, with over 11,000 of these independents.

BRUNO FERNANDES has opened up on how he “convinced” he was destined to join Tottenham.

Spurs take on Fernandes‘ Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao this evening.

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But in another reality, the 30-year-old could have been lining up for the north London club.

Six months before a January transfer window deal took Fernandes to Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon for £47million, Spurs were deep in discussions to sign the midfielder.

There had been five meetings between the two parties with Fernandes’ camp left impressed by their structure and Sporting all set to accept the bid.

Of the talks, a source involved in the talks told the BBC: “They were absolutely next level when it comes to detail.

Even the rooms at the training ground – each one was decorated just like the players’ bedrooms at home, the ones they share with their partners.

“The bed was exactly the same. Even the flowers in the garden gave off a scent that’s meant to be beneficial – it was mind-blowing.”

However, the deal fell through when the Sporting board decided to hold out for an offer twice the size which ultimately never arrived, before selling Raphinha to Rennes instead.

Indeed, Fernandes had been so convinced he would be leaving that when club president Frederico Varandas tried to explain the situation he told him to go away.

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In an interview in January 2020 before he joined Man Utd, Fernandes said: “It was the team that wanted me the most and was the only one I agreed to talk with, because there were other clubs that didn’t interest me or whose project was not up to my expectations.

“Tottenham fit into everything I wish I had at that moment. It is an appealing championship. Knowing that Tottenham would be willing to pay for me and make every possible effort to take me, leaves a player eager to take that step.”

But five years later, the “Portuguese magnifico” has become the heartbeat of the Red Devils.

In the last five years, no outfield player has made more appearances (288) or played more minutes (24,747) across Europe‘s top five leagues than Fernandes.

The all-action club captain has almost single-handedly kept the team afloat this season with 19 goals and 19 assists in all competitions.

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That includes 12 goal contributions in the Europa League, featuring a hat-trick in the last-16 against Real Sociedad, a penalty in the 5-4 win at Old Trafford over Lyon and a brace in Spain against Athletic Bilbao.

Earlier this month, he had said: “The manager and physio say that I need to relax and rest, but I say no. When I die, I will have a lot of time to lay down and rest.”

Fernandes is one of five players still at Man Utd who was in the matchday squad when the club fell to defeat on penalties against Villarreal in the final in 2021.

He, Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof all started the game under then boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, while Amad Diallo and Harry Maguire were unused subs with the latter missing the clash through injury.

Man Utd have lost to Spurs three times this season – twice in the Prem and once in the League Cup – but have the chance to salvage the club’s worst-ever Premier League finish with a European trophy and a spot in next season’s Champions League.

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Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash